Holiday Movies Ranked
It’s that time of year again. A time of family, freshly baked cookies, warm fires, and of course holiday movies! You’ve seen them a hundred times, but it doesn’t matter. Nostalgia brings you right back. With so many to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick out which film to watch, especially when everyone in the family has a different opinion. But don’t worry, BORED has you covered! Below is a list of ten holiday movies ranked from worst to best.
10. Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012)
This film is the fifth installment of the Home Alone series. This movie makes it clear that there was absolutely no need to have so many sequels. Clocking in at a whopping 3.5/10 rating from IMDb, The Holiday Heist is a classic case of a successful series drawn out longer than ANYONE asked for.
9. The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday follows the story of two women who swap homes with each other for the holidays. Jack Black, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Cameron Diaz make for a star-studded cast, but the true appeal comes from witty humor and sweet romance between the stars. Whether you would like to live vicariously or celebrate your significant other, this film brings some comfort.
8. Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This 1964 essential holiday film tells the story of everybody’s favorite reindeer, Rudolph. This TV special is sure to bring the generations together as you watch Rudolph face the challenges of his individuality and my personal favorite character, Hermey the elf, strive towards his life-long goal of becoming a dentist.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas puts a spooky twist on the holiday film genre: ghosts, ghouls, and skeletons. Our protagonist, Jack Skellington, attempts to bring some holiday cheer to Halloween Town. Given Tim Burton’s recent success with his Netflix show, Wednesday, this movie is a great chance to see some of his earlier work.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Nothing screams nostalgia like Charlie Brown, except for maybe Christmas! Throw the two of them together and this is what you get. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a story of community and the true values of Christmas underneath all of the presents and gifts. Bundle up by the fire and toss this on the TV. You’re sure to get into the spirit of the season!
5. Elf (2003)
Watching Will Ferrell act ridiculously is among the most entertaining of things. Luckily, this film is filled to the brim with just that! This story follows Buddy the elf as he navigates the unfamiliar terrain of New York City in search of his father. The film will bring laughs to any room.
4. Love Actually (2003)
When it comes to the holiday genre, not many are able to top the praise that is allotted to the film, Love Actually. With eight different couples and intertwining plot lines, this film covers everything from romance to the value of family. From what I remember of this film, it’s without a doubt worth the watch.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 & 2000)
Whether you prefer the 1966 cartoon or the filmed version from the year 2000, The Grinch is a staple of the holiday season. Featuring one of my favorite performances by Jim Carrey and a slightly unsettling fantastical setting, the film delivers on all fronts. As you watch the Grinch warm up to the wonders of Christmas, your heart is sure to grow three sizes!
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
New Year’s Eve movies don’t get enough credit! Flying mostly under the radar, classics like When Harry Met Sally might let the theme go unnoticed. It is a film of old friends and new beginnings that highlights the hope of the New Year. You can’t go wrong with this romance flick.
1. Home Alone (1990)
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” Although this list started off with the failures of the 2012 sequel, it’ll end with the success of the first. One of the most famous of the holiday genre, Home Alone earns its reputation. Conveying the uncontained freedom of a child left unsupervised, this slapstick film reminds you what it’s like to be a kid again. This surefire classic is a go-to every year, rightfully earning it the number-one spot on the list.
