June’s Guide to Holiday Films
It’s the weekend after Thanksgiving, so for me that can only mean one thing: It’s officially time to put up Christmas decorations and watch my go-to holiday movies. I’m one of those “fun” people who strictly adheres to a very rigid decoration schedule. Pumpkins are up for October and November. There shall be no overlap with December/winter décor.
And then the Christmas tree can stay up until February… because I like the illumination. Don’t worry, I take down the ornaments and the rest of the décor. I’m not a maniac.
But once the bins come out and the lights go up, the holiday movie playlist begins. The best thing about holiday films is that there’s truly something for everyone. So here are the classic and recent films that are my go-to staples for this season.
Honorable Mention: The Best Thanksgiving Film
Before we get into Christmas territory, I have to give a shout-out to the best Thanksgiving movie of all time: Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987, dir. John Hughes). Starring John Candy and Steve Martin as mismatched travelers thrown together in a series of chaotic, heartfelt, and hilarious attempts to make it home for Thanksgiving. I grew up watching it with my dad, so this one is a family favorite. Expect big laughs, great music, and heartfelt scenes alike.
Now for the Christmas Recommendations…
The Best Family Flick: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992, dir. Brian Henson)
Without fail, this is the first movie I put on when I start unboxing ornaments and decorating the tree. Starring Michael Caine as the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge, this clever and cozy adaptation of Dickens’ classic hits the perfect emotional notes without ever getting too sappy. Plus, the soundtrack is absolutely fantastic.“Feels Like Christmas” is easily one of my most-played holiday songs.
Once again, this movie shows how the Muppets can elevate any story, classic or new. Wholesome, witty, and full of heart. Truly unbeatable.
The Best Romantic Comedy: While You Were Sleeping (1995, dir. Jon Turteltaub)
I know that Love Actually tends to dominate this category, but for me, While You Were Sleeping is the undisputed winner. The premise: a lonely woman saves the life of her dream guy and through a series of misunderstandings ends up posing as his fiancée while he’s in a coma. She eventually finds herself swept away by the warmth of his family and discovers what she’s really been yearning for all along is true connection.
Yes, the plot can be considered questionable by modern standards, but the heart of this film shines: the humor, the family dynamics, the tenderness, and the message about allowing yourself to pursue a life you never thought you could have. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman are perfect here, and the supporting cast elevates everything.
Don't sleep on this movie. (Pun extremely intended.)
The Best Action Movie That Doesn’t Feel Too Christmassy: Hook (1991, dir. Steven Spielberg)
Look, everyone knows Die Hard is the official “Christmas action movie,” but I’m taking a slightly different path and recommending Hook. It’s not technically a Christmas movie, but it is a wonderful wintery comfort film, and I’ve had very spirited debates with friends about whether it counts as a holiday watch. I stand firm.
Robin Williams stars as Peter Banning, a grown-up Peter Pan who brings his family to London to visit Granny Wendy (played by Maggie Smith). And Wendy’s house is decked out in Christmas decor. That’s all the justification I need. This is a wonderful film to put on that gives you holiday/winter vibes without feeling like the message of Christmas is always being thrown in your face.
Also starring Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, and Dante Basco, this adventure feels like childhood nostalgia wrapped in twinkle lights as we watch a grown-up Peter Pan return to Neverland and reclaim the sense of wonder he’s lost.
The Best Holiday Musical: Spirited (2022, dir. Sean Anders)
If you had asked me two years ago, I would’ve named The Muppet Christmas Carol the winner of this category too. But then Spirited came along and swept the category clean.
Starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer, this Apple TV+ musical reimagining of A Christmas Carol brings the energy of The Greatest Showman’s songwriting duo with full musical numbers. I was immediately hooked with the premise of Will Ferrell working for a magical afterlife corporation (the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future) to help redeem one modern day “Scrooge” each Christmas to help them have a change of heart. This year’s project: Ryan Reynolds.
For me, this film was full of heart, clever callbacks to the classic tale, and catchy songs (shout-out to my personal favorite, “Unredeemable”). Though be aware that this one might be more suitable for adults than the whole family.
The Best Holiday Short: Bob’s Burgers Christmas Episodes (TV series, 2011–, creators Loren Bouchard & Jim Dauterive)
Technically this falls into the television category rather than films, but for people who want something short and sweet, look no further than Bob’s Burgers. This animated series about a quirky family running a struggling burger joint blends humor and heart exceptionally well, and the Christmas episodes are some of the best.
If you're looking for easy, funny holiday viewing, I highly recommend:
“The Plight Before Christmas”
“Christmas in the Car”
“God Rest Ye Merry Gentle-Mannequins”
All charming and perfect for a quick seasonal mood boost.
The Best Holiday Classic: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964, dir. Larry Roemer)
This was the toughest category to pick because I grew up on all the classic claymation and animated specials, and honestly, most of the films I have already mentioned would probably be considered “modern classics.” But if I have to choose one quintessential holiday classic, it has to be Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
My family has a ton of inside jokes about this one, so it holds a lot of personal nostalgia for me. It’s endearing, it’s quotable, it has unforgettable songs, and Rudolph remains the ultimate underdog you root for year after year.
The Best Holiday Movie of All: Reader’s Choice
At the end of the day, this is a very biased list of my personal holiday must-watches. There are so many favorites that I left out because the beauty of these stories is that there is truly something for everyone. You can indulge in the animated classics, the cheesy Hallmark romances, the comedies, the horror picks (looking at you, Krampus), the endless Christmas Carol and Grinch adaptations… the list goes on.
Find what you love, curl up on the couch, and enjoy kicking off the holiday season your way.
This post includes commentary and criticism of films and television shows. Any images or clips referenced are used under fair use.
