Traditionally, the holidays are time for celebration and family. Recently, they have also sparked family-friendly debates — the most popular one being over whether or not the Dallas Cowboys will win this year.
Undoubtedly, many other families, like yours, will have an annual debate about the greatest Christmas movie ever made. Despite the age or generation, your family will enjoy some of our favorite movies to watch during the holidays. Here are the top five holiday movies as ranked by the staff at The Et Cetera.
1. “Home Alone”
An eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his house against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve. “Home Alone” is unquestionably one of the greatest holiday films ever made. Every year, audiences laugh from beginning to end. Regardless of the generation, people relate to Kevin; every time is like seeing it for the first time. Without a doubt, it is among the greatest films ever made. The eight-year-old youngster is just a normal kid who, by utilizing his imagination, thinks of everything to keep himself safe.
2. “The Polar Express”
Another fantastic holiday movie is “The Polar Express.” On Christmas Eve, a young boy finds himself questioning his belief in Santa Claus when he hears a train outside his window. When he steps outside, he embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas along the way. All of the animations, graphics and art designs that were produced and used in this film are extraordinary. This movie reminds all viewers, young and old alike, of the magic of the season when you believe.
3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is a classic holiday TV special. Depressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas. Sometimes people just want to be left alone and “A Charlie Brown Christmas” resonates with them. The show also lets younger generations go back in time and see what their grandparents and parents were watching when they were kids. The show is funny, and everyone has just gotta love Snoopy.
4. “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000 starring Jim Carrey)
On the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town. This movie takes audience on an emotional journey, which includes laughter, the desire to sympathize with the Grinch and the ultimate realization that happiness comes from peace and togetherness.
5. “A Christmas Carol” (1938 starring George C. Scott)
An elderly miser learns the error of his ways on Christmas Eve. One of the best Christmas lessons anyone can learn about how to treat others throughout the years is from “A Christmas Carol.” As the saying goes, “What goes around comes around.” You never know what situation or circumstances someone else may be going through until you have the opportunity to put yourself in someone’s shoes. One of the best Christmas lessons is found in “A Christmas Carol.” Individuals should practice this lesson of thinking of others every day and not just because it’s the holiday season.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, these movies will bring joy, laughter and a deeper understanding of the holiday season to all who watch them. What movies top your list? Feel free to write us a note and let us know what movies we missed at [email protected].
