A Christmas Film watchlist

by Brinley Janes, 12

Now that Thanksgiving is something of the past, it’s time we settle into our Christmas swing. A good way to begin that transition and get into the holiday spirit is to watch films that get you excited for the snow-filled days to come.

White Christmas – If you’re a lover of the old classics, White Christmas is the film for you. Made in 1954 and classified as a musical/comedy, the film follows two friends who join together after they’ve left the army and become a musical duo. Both men later meet a sister act and follow them to a Vermont lodge for a big performance. Here the two men run into their former commander, who turns out to be the lodge owner and is in a bit of financial trouble. As the film unravels, both sets of duos try to help out the general, and romance is in the air all the while.

Love Actually – If you’re a person who enjoys rom-coms but still would like to delve into the Christmas genre, Love Actually will meet all your needs. The 2003 romance/comedy follows nine different intertwined storylines that are all about love. Each story explores the many intricacies of the emotion that connects us to everything and everyone. The film takes place during the holiday season, and as the different portrayals of love unfold, you see how the season brings out the love in us all, good and bad.

The Polar Express – This 2004 fantasy/family film is great for people of all ages during your holiday season. The film follows a young boy who takes a like changing train ride one Christmas eve on the Polar Express. With the train’s destination being the north pole, the film takes our holiday spirits to the max with its magical and immersive depiction of the famous holiday destination. The magic isn’t the film’s only great quality though, as it portrays a story of self-discovery as well as the lesson that as long as we believe, the awe of life will never leave us.

Gremlins – Love a thriller but want to get into your Christmas feels? Gremlins is the film for you. This 1984 horror/fantasy follows the story of a father buying an unlikely pet for his son in Chinatown. This pet, known as a “mogwai,” is sold to the father by a small storekeeper who gives a warning that this unknown creature should never be exposed to bright lights or water, and it should never eat after midnight or terror is sure to follow. When all these warnings go out the window one Christmas eve night, horror runs ragged throughout the owner’s town.