In the heat of the holiday season, it is the perfect time for us to revisit our childhood favorites–what we laughed at with our cousins over Thanksgiving break, or what we watched during that one snow day before winter break back in elementary school. While the debate over which holiday movies are the most iconic remains unresolved, below are my top recommendations for you to enjoy over winter break, wrapped up in a warm blanket with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Elf
Jon Favreau’s Elf is easily one of the best Christmas movies of all time. By seamlessly blending humor with the heartfelt message of Christmas cheer in a world that needs joy, Elf earns its spot as a standout holiday movie. The film follows Buddy the Elf, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, who journeys to New York City to find his father so they can spend Christmas together. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy lights up the screen, transforming traditionally mundane moments, such as downing an entire bottle of syrup or discovering revolving doors, into pure cinema. Ferrell is 100% committed to playing his role as a naive but wonder-filled 30-year-old elf, who simply wants to connect with his family.
Ferrell isn’t the only standout. The entire supporting cast is filled with A-list actors, and if you’ve been following ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, a surprise appearance from Andy Richter. James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Peter Dinklage all make Buddy’s bubbly personality and over-the-top energy pop. Buddy’s newfound family all undergo major growth, and their once cynical selves come to believe in the magic of Christmas due to Buddy’s optimism.
Elf brings out the inner child in all of us, and the movie encourages people of all ages to travel back in time and embrace the spirit of the Christmas season.
Home Alone
Home Alone follows Kevin McCallister, played by young Macaulay Culkin, who was accidentally left behind by his family as they traveled to Paris for Christmas vacation. What was once Kevin’s dream of being free of his parents and their rules turns into a showdown between him and two clueless burglars, Harry and Marv. Home Alone is a family-friendly movie that is sure to get everyone smiling, thanks to the ridiculous traps created by an 8-year-old using household appliances.
Not only is Home Alone a comedy, but it is also a family film that emphasizes a sense of community. Kevin becomes close with his misunderstood neighbor, Old Man Marley, who ultimately saves him from Harry and Marv in one of the movie’s final scenes. Kevin encourages Old Man Marley to reach out to his son, whom he hadn’t spoken to in years since a heated argument, and the two reunite on Christmas Day. Additionally, Kevin’s newfound appreciation for his parents and siblings at the end of the movie encourages connection with others during the holiday season.
Home Alone’s secret sauce is that it entertains all ages. Kids love the pranks, adults appreciate the nostalgia. More than 30 years later, it still earns its place as a must-watch during winter break. Because, really, nothing screams Christmas like outsmarting two grown criminals with toy cars, paint cans, and a blowtorch.
Die Hard
Every holiday season, people wonder if Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Although it takes place on Christmas Eve, replete with decorations and a few festive jokes, the premise does not necessarily qualify as a holiday “feel-good.” It’s fundamentally an action thriller, not a traditional Christmas film.
The movie follows New York police officer John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, as he attempts to rescue hostages, including his wife, from terrorists who have taken over a Los Angeles skyscraper. Explosions, gunfights, and one-liners dominate the film as violence and tensions between McClane, the hostages, and the terrorists rise. Ultimately, McClane is able to save the hostages and his wife, but the prevailing emotions of the film are survival and bravery, rather than generosity or the Christmas spirit that typically defines holiday movies.
While Christmas is present within the plot, it’s simply a part of the backdrop. Unlike Elf or Home Alone, the story doesn’t have themes that are uniquely tied to the season. The very same movie could take place at a Fourth of July party or on Halloween and lose almost nothing. It would feel wrong to watch Elf or Home Alone during the summertime, but Die Hard is a film that can be enjoyed at any time of year.
Calling Die Hard a Christmas movie is fun, but only because people love the irony. However, if the definition of Christmas movies centers on holiday values or emotional warmth, then this film doesn’t fit the description. It’s an adrenaline-charged action classic that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, but not a story that reflects the meaning or spirit of the holiday season. So by all means, enjoy Die Hard this December. Just don’t let anyone convince you that explosions and machine-guns belong in the same category as Santa, snowflakes, and holiday magic.
