By Colton Silva
10. Spirited (2022)
Directed by Sean Anders and starring the comedic talents of Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, Spirited follows a reimagining of the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. It is set in modern times and follows a musical narrative.
I believe this film is a must see for its whimsical charm, comedic moments, wonderful music, and the deeper themes the movie touches on.
9. The Polar Express (2004)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, The Polar Express is the film version of the book by the same name. The film follows a kid who has grown skeptical of Santa Claus. He is shocked to see a train stop outside his window on Christmas Eve, destined for the North Pole. When he accepts an invitation from the conductor to climb on board, he embarks on an off the rails crazy ride to Santa’s headquarters.
I recommend this film for a number of reasons. Other than its very impressive special effects with motion capture, the film is a great turn-your-brain-off movie with a lot of charm and the true feel of the Christmas season.
8. Elf (2003)
Directed by Jon Favreau and starring the humorous Will Ferrell, Elf centers around Ferrell’s character, named Buddy, as he discovers he is not an ordinary elf. He is a human who found his way to the North Pole as a child and was raised by the residents. When he finds out his real father is at the top of the naughty list, Buddy finds himself in New York trying to redeem his father of his flaws, while also trying to reunite his family, bring back the Christmas spirit, and discover what it’s like to be human.
I recommend this film because of its heart and its hilarious comedy. When Buddy reminds people why the holiday season is so special, it truly can remind ourselves too of what this time of year can mean to us.
7. Christmas Carol (Variety)
With the original book written by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol revolves around an old grump named Ebinezer Scrooge, who calls the whole Christmas season “Humbug.” On the night of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is met by his old co-partner, Jacob Marley, in ghostly form. Marley tells Scrooge he will be met by 3 spirits that night. The Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Future. Throughout the night, Scrooge is taken on an adventure through his life to be reminded why Christmas is so important and to be given perspectives on the ones he hurt.
This story truly is beautiful and has some of the most important themes and ideas anyone can follow by, especially around the holiday time. Basically any adaptation is a good recommendation in my opinion because all of them put their own unique spin on the material while keeping the same themes and motives from the original source. If I had to recommend any, I would suggest A Christmas Carol (2009), The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992), and Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983).
6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Directed by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life follows an angel sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
The film is loosely based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, but takes more unique spins on the original story. It sets it in the present, which was the 1940’s at the time. It deals with a lot more heavy subjects, and plays with themes and ideas the original story gave and adds onto them, ending with one of the most memorable moments in film. I recommend this film for its unique ideas and charm, along with a beautiful story and wonderful actors giving their all.
5. A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
Directed by Peter Harris and Eric Till, A Muppet Family Christmas revolves around the comedian Fozzie Bear as he decides to go surprise his mother for the holidays. He decides that they need some company, so he brings his ragtag famous rambunctious group of friends, The Muppets, as they try to make this the best Christmas ever. Throughout the special, the Muppets decide to put on performances, attempt winter traditions, and comfort each other during hard times while also being their chaotic selves and ending up in wacky scenarios while at it.
I really do recommend this film, despite its short runtime. This truly is a gem of a film. One reason is because it’s so rare. So far, this is not on streaming or home video, other than VHS. However, it is available on Youtube. What’s so great about it is the heartwarming moments because they just carry the whole special. It also is a big tribute to Jim Henson way before his passing. The special, of course, revolves around The Muppets, but there are guest appearances from the characters of Henson’s other popular shows, Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street. There is even a cameo from Henson himself.
4. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Directed by Chuck Jones, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is the classic story pulled from page to screen. The story revolves around a little town called “Whoville” where they go all out when celebrating Christmas. One member of the town, however, does not enjoy the holiday season: The Grinch. He conjures up a plan that on Christmas Eve night, he will sneak into peoples houses and steal everything. When he reaches his last house, he encounters a little girl named Cindy Lou Who, who may just bring the Christmas spirit into the Grinch’s heart.
With only less than a half an hour runtime, this special is so great because it jams so much in such little time. It uses its time well, doesn’t make it fast paced and zanny, and makes sure to focus on the important steps one at a time. It is also beautiful to look at, keeping the original author’s (Dr. Seuss) factor of “economy of line,” and using it to its full effect. It also has a beautiful ending and makes you grin ear to ear with joy.
3. Klaus (2019)
Directed by Sergio Pablos, Klaus tells the story of a postman. After proving himself to be the worst student at the academy, he is sent to a frozen town in the North where he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. The town is split up and always at war. The postman decides to make a plan so that people can be happy, and tries to figure out how he can leave the island and go back to his life of luxury. If the kids give him letters for Klaus, he will make toys for them. The rest of the story is about seeing people’s unique traits, and creates the origin for Santa Clause.
This film is a true marvel. Not only does it have outstanding animation, but it also is such a unique twist on the Santa story. The story is very interesting and there are so many heartwarming moments that pull at all of your heart strings. While there are some movie tropes, such as a “liar reveal” element, the film doesn’t make it the focus and shows it in a way that works well.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus, Home Alone follows a young kid named Kevin as he is left in a predicament when he is left Home Alone with no parents at all. When two bandits try to break into the house, Kevin decides to take things into his own hands and protect the house no matter the cost.
This family comedy is always a delight to watch. The great writing, meaningful message, and comedic timing hits every single time. This is a great film to watch with family because the message revolves around keeping family in your heart no matter what circumstances you may be in.
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Directed by Bill Melendez, A Charlie Brown Christmas follows the iconic and loveable Charlie Brown as he goes through many different cycles, trying to find the true meaning of Christmas.
This is my personal favorite form of media to watch during the holiday season because of its simple but beautiful story, wonderful music and illustrations, admiring characters, and meaningful messages. This has become a tradition of mine to watch this special every year on Christmas night. Even though it’s almost its 60 year anniversary, the characters and messages still hold up and are as relevant today as they were then. It really does bring people together and show the meaning of Christmas.
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