It truly doesn’t matter if you’ve seen them a million times, there’s just something about classic Christmas movies that makes them irresistible every year. From the traditional kid’s picks to the heartwarming tales of the true meaning of Christmas, curling up the couch with the whole family on a frosty winter night is a holiday tradition that we all treasure.
In these commercial-free days of Netflix and PVR, many people can admit to indulging in at least one binge-session of epic proportions. This December, if you find yourself snowed in or stuck at home wrapping a mountain of gifts, click on the Christmas channel and watch a couple (or three or four!) of these binge-worthy flicks:
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Clark, Ellen, Rusty and Audrey Griswold are a family many can relate to. This holiday classic is laugh out loud funny.
2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – This uplifting, multiple Oscar-winner tells the story of a lawyer and a little girl who have to prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real thing.
3. A Christmas Story (1983) – Who could forget the charming tale of the leg lamp and the Red Ryder BB gun? Lots of fun for the whole family.
4. Elf (2003) – Will Farrell stars as the lovable Buddy who was raised in the North Pole by elves. He comes to NYC to find his real Dad and wins the heart of everyone he meets.
5. Scrooged (1988) – The modern adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol sees a greedy businessman visited by a series of ghosts on Christmas Eve, making him rethink his way of living. A good date night movie!
6. Home Alone (1990) – It’s hard to believe it’s been more than 25 years since Kevin McCallister was left behind by his family just days before Christmas! Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern help make this one entertaining for all ages.
7. Christmas with the Cranks (2004) – A conservative couple who normally goes all out for the holidays decides to skip Christmas one year and head to the sunny south, much to the chagrin of their neighbours.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – If it’s been decades since you first watched Rudolph become the hero of Christmas, give this stop-motion animated special another look this holiday season.
9. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Touted by some as the best Christmas movie of all time, this Frank Capra classic is all about recognizing our many blessings in life.
10. The Family Stone (2005) – Diane Keaton, Craig T. Wilson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Claire Danes and more star in this funny flick of a man who brings his uptight new girlfriend home to meet his family during the holidays. It’s a happy ending!