Although Christmas is still weeks away, November is a great time to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season.
As we start the countdown to Christmas, people are already watching Christmas movies for several reasons. Some people like to start celebrating the holidays early, and they find that these movies appeal to a feeling of comfort and nostalgia. Watching Christmas films in November can also be a great opportunity to spend time with loved ones or to take in these films’ joyous themes and hopeful messages. These 10 Christmas films will help you embrace the spirit of the season:
“Home Alone” (1990): Rated PG
This is one of the favorite movies over the holidays due to the outstanding acting of Macaulay Culkin, who plays Kevin McCallister. The film is a sentimental message about family wrapped in slapstick humor. “Home Alone” tells the story of 8-year-old Kevin, who, through a lot of miscommunication and confusion, is accidentally left behind by his family when they go on holiday. Left alone, Kevin must defend his house against two burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) who are quite silly by outsmarting them with clever traps.
Stream it on Disney+; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“Elf” (2003): Rated PG
If you think elves are so funny, you must watch “Elf.” The moral of the film is to share Christmas cheer all year long and cherish family. In the film, Buddy (played by Will Ferrell), a human who was raised as an elf at the North Pole, makes his way to New York City to find his biological father (James Caan), who has no idea that Buddy even exists. Along with Will Ferrell’s charming and hilarious role of Buddy “Elf” is a delightful and humorous Christmas film that perfectly captures the joy of the season.
Stream it on Max; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“The Polar Express” (2004): Rated G
In honor of its 20th anniversary, there’s one location that trains can’t take you to: the North Pole. But the only train that can take you there… is the Polar Express. “The Polar Express” was directed by Robert Zemeckis, and this motion capture film tells the tale of a young boy who boards a mysterious train called The Polar Express and sets out on a magical journey to the North Pole. Along the way, he discovers the value of friendship, faith, and the Christmas spirit. The boy and the other passengers learn the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of keeping the holiday joy in their hearts through a variety of challenges and experiences. The story of the film successfully came to life with its amazing animation. The themes of hope and friendship are touching, and the soundtrack is interesting. Fun fact: the conductor was voiced and motion captured by Tom Hanks.
Stream it on Max; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“A Christmas Story” (1983): Rated PG
Setting the holiday mood with what was considered one of the best Christmas movies of all time would have to be the 1983 film “A Christmas Story,” directed by Bob Clark. For those who have never viewed this film, “A Christmas Story” is a holiday classic filled with magic and nostalgia during Christmas. The story is about a young boy, Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley), who wants for Christmas a Red Ryder air rifle despite his parents warning him that he will surely “shoot his eye out.” This movie currently remains a timeless favorite because of its humor and touching moments.
Stream it on Max; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Rated PG
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is another classic Christmas film from the 1940s, considered one of the best Christmas movies ever. This film brings in the true meaning of the holiday seasons and narrates the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a man planning to take his life on Christmas Eve because he is in a financial disaster. But an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) is sent down to save George and let him understand what life would have been had he never been born. It’s a touching and inspiring tale wherein George Bailey takes a journey to restore happiness and purpose in life. The strong message that can be derived from this movie is how one man can alter other people’s lives by reminding all of us of compassionate values and society.
Stream it on Amazon Prime Video and Roku Channel; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“The Santa Clause” (1994): Rated PG
Ever ponder the question if you ever met Santa Claus but he fell off your roof and you were forced to wear his suit after he unexpectedly disappeared? This family-friendly Christmas film will answer your question. It tells the story of Scott Calvin (Tim Allen), a divorced parent who accidentally sends the previous Santa off his roof and ends up becoming Santa Claus. Scott learns and discovers valuable lessons about the value of family and the actual spirit of Christmas as he adjusts to his new role as Santa. The film is brimming with wonderful moments, humor, and an enchanting, joyful mood.
Stream it on Disney+; Rent/Buy on YouTube or Apple TV
“A Christmas Carol” (2009): Rated PG
This is a sweet and breathtaking adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic novel. Since Charles Dickens’ wrote the classic story, “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted several times. This film was done in motion capture and comes alive in a very unique and fascinating way through the animation and performances by celebrities like Jim Carrey. This movie focuses on Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey), an old miserly fellow, visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve that teach him about the wrongs of his ways and the effects of his selfishness on his life and those around him. Through common themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the mighty power of Christmas that can change even the coldest of hearts, this film works its magic.
Stream it on Disney+; Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000): Rated PG
If you don’t like this movie, it confirms that your heart is two sizes too small. This is a film for the ages, and you will find it heartwarming and entertaining as a holiday film capturing the spirit of Dr. Seuss’ classic story, with Jim Carrey’s comical and endearing performance as the Grinch. The movie is about a grouchy creature, the Grinch, who plots to ruin Christmas for Whoville’s merry residents. However, his heart starts to change when he encounters a young girl named Cindy Lou, who will teach him the real spirit of the feast. The themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love and community are seen in this movie.
Buy on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV or Sling TV
“Jingle All the Way” (1996): Rated PG
Even if it might not receive much praise from critics, it still has charm and gives those watching a sense of festivity. This film follows Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger), as he embarks on a desperate attempt to find his kid, a popular action figure known as Turbo Man on Christmas Eve. He runs into Myron Larabee (Sinbad), a competing father along the way, which sets up a string of bizarre and humorous events as they try to locate the wanted toy. The film reminds viewers of the value of family and the actual meaning of Christmas while exploring the busy and festive elements of the season. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s acting gives the movie a humorous edge, which makes it a fun, lighthearted, and nostalgic family movie.
Stream it on Disney+ and Hulu; Rent/Buy on Apple TV
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965): Rated G
If you haven’t seen this short, animated film, you must live under a rock. With the support of his friends, including Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang, Charlie Brown sets off to find the spirit of Christmas after becoming disillusioned with the commercialization of the season. In the face of commercialism, the short film’s themes of kindness, friendship, and the pursuit of purpose remain relevant today. People of all ages should watch it because of its charming animation, memorable soundtrack, and touching story.
Stream it on Apple TV; Buy it on DVD
