Many different forms of Christmas movies have been created with the intention of stimulating the full and vivid cornucopia of memories the season can easily conjure. From sappy romantic comedies to straight up horror, there are many ways to make a good and proper Christmas flick. The best ones often create a magical fantasy world that encompasses the complete holiday spirit and these movies are no different. Here are five films to watch to put you in the holiday spirit.
1. Krampus
Although this is technically a horror movie, Krampus has all the components for a long lasting must-watch Christmas film. Max, a big-hearted young boy with pure Christmas spirit, has to deal with his dysfunctional family and being bullied by his tom-boy cousins. When his anger causes him to lose his holiday spirit, he tears up a note to Santa and hurls it out the window. The ancient European folklore warns of a horned beast who terrorizes naughty children who lack the festive spirit and Max’s discarded note unleashes the full force of Krampus and his goons. Now they must stick together if they are to survive.
2. Home Alone
This classic comedy about 8 year old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left in the attic after his parents and large family leave for a trip to Paris, is one of the quintessential holiday movies. Kevin awakens to find his entire family gone- a wish of his come true. He enjoys being the man of the house until two burglars who plan to rob his home, threaten the festivities. Using his wits and booby trapping skills, Kevin must fight off the greedy and goofy crooks, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, before he loses more than just his holiday spirit.
3. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story has become a cult favorite for the season. The movie tells the story of Ralphie Parker, an awkward boy who has to contend with school bullies, his parents, and his waning enthusiasm for the season. With a strong desire to achieve his ultimate goal, receiving an Red Ryder air rifle from Santa, Ralphie strives to make it to Christmas day without accidentally shooting his eye out or crushing his dreams.
4. Elf
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who was brought to the North Pole as a toddler and raised by Santa’s elves. Overtime, Buddy begins to sense that he is different from his elvin brothers and sisters and he eventually embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father- a morally bankrupt businessman named Walter Hobbs. After much fuss and a DNA test, Buddy and Walter attempt to rekindle their father/son relationship with disastrous effects.
5. Die Hard
This action movie tells the story of John McClaine, an off duty police officer who is visiting his estranged wife during a company Christmas shindig in a large and fancy high rise building- the headquarters of the company. When a gang of terrorists hijack the building and take hostages, John realizes he is all that stands in the way of the terrorists and is his wife’s only hope for survival.
Watch any of these great five movies to get into the spirit this holiday season.
