The Best Holiday Movies

It’s that time of the year and at this point, you’re already three weeks into ABC Family’s 25 Days of Christmas. There are the classics like A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and A Miracle on 34th Street. There are amazing animations including The Polar Express and The Year Without a Santa Clause. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a staple in almost every home and some people even share a laugh over Jingle All the Way and Fred Claus. Then you have those people whose favorite Christmas movie is Batman Returns or Harry Potter just because of the short scenes that time of the year in Gotham or at Hogwarts. Let’s not forget about Die Hard either.

Whatever your must-watch films are this time of the year, whether by yourself or with the ones you love, there’s always something to share the holiday spirit. Here are some of the top picks from the Hungry & Fit team of writers and editors. It’s not a complete list, but it is a completely awesome one. 

Fit’s Favorites

“The Santa Clause” – This one is a true classic in my family. We would always watch this movie each and every year. It combines hilarity with the Christmas spirit. I love that sarcasm can be mixed with Christmas magic. Real world meets Santa’s world. There are laugh-out-loud and snigger moments that you can count on every time you watch this movie. It always gets me in the Christmas mood.

“Love Actually” –  If the previous movie was the one I watch with my family, this movie is a must-watch with friends each year. This movie gets a lot of hate, but haters can hate, I still love it. I mean, come on! There are so many hilarious, heartwarming, and crushing moments in this movie that your emotions are always on a rollercoaster. Also, can you talk about an all-star cast?! Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Mr. Bean, Bill Nighy, Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, and more! Phew. People say there’s no plot, but it’s awesome to see all the characters who are somehow connected get through Christmas. 

The Nerdy Neanderthal‘s Favorite

“Elf” –  110 percent

Po’s Favorite

“It’s a Wonderful Life” –  The sad truth is that it’s next to impossible to escape the commercialism of Christmas — just watch the Arnold Schwarzenegger holiday-consumerism-classic, Jingle All The Way, for a fair representation of the madness. But I’m not here to talk about Turbo Man. Everything from flavored coffee to automotive brands creating their own sales holidays (looking at you, Happy Honda Days) accompanies the mass-marketed march toward Baby Jesus’s birth. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good sale just as much as the next bloke, but I’d be a liar if I didn’t also shed a tear for what’s lost between the savings snowstorms and eggnoggin’ noise. 

I’m referring to that good old-fashioned love, brotherhood, and proper treatment of your fellow man (and woman). Maybe you don’t need that second video game but could instead donate some blankets and jackets to a local clothing drive. Maybe the time spent on your second ski trip would be better-served volunteering at a soup kitchen — or even just shoveling the driveway of an elderly neighbor who you know needs the help. Living your life in pursuit of sainthood isn’t the goal — simply realizing your life is not just your own is. Every action you make, every word you say, matters — most of all to your loved ones. So go out there and do something special for the ones you love, and for the ones you just don’t know you love yet.

And for the love of God, go watch It’s A Wonderful Life.

That’s what it’s all about. And that’s what this season should be about.

Hungry’s Favorite

“Eight Crazy Nights” – Rotten Tomato’s 12% score of this film states that “Sandler returns to his roots in this nauseating concoction filled with potty humor and product placements.” Well, their job is to criticize movies and my job is to enjoy life and the holiday season. There is something about Eight Crazy Nights that really makes me appreciate this time of the year more than most Christmas movies. It could be the traits that I share(d) in common with the main character. It could also be the happy ending to a very sad story, but this movie really hits home with me for some reason. It’s one I prefer watching by myself but ever since it was released back in 2002, it’s brought me some laughs and good feelings during the holidays. 

Let us know in the comment section what your favorite holiday movie is and why. It doesn’t have to be Christmas related, it could just have some beautiful scenes of snow and Winter because spreading holiday cheer and joy will help you stay hungry and fit!