‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than by indulging in the magic of Christmas movies? Whether you are gathered with loved ones or alone for the holidays, here are some movies that are sure to warm your heart.

Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone is a slapstick comedy that has become a holiday staple, with its mix of humor, adventure, and heart. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, the film follows the misadventures of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) who is set to spend Christmas in Paris with his family but is accidentally left behind by his parents. The misadventures of Kevin McCallister as he defends his home by setting up iconic booby traps during the holidays evoke both laughter and sentiment. 

The scenes where the burglars, Harry and Marv, attempt to break into the McCallister house are indeed some of the most memorable moments in Home Alone. The filmmakers did an excellent job of creating a series of comedic and inventive traps set by Kevin to thwart the burglars. 

A Christmas Carol (1984)

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella A Christmas Carol, this film directed by Clive Donner stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge. In this movie, Scrooge, a ruthless businessman, is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Through these visits, Scrooge begins to change as a person. The heart of A Christmas Carol lies in its universal themes of compassion, generosity, and the possibility of personal transformation. The film captures the essence of Dickens’ social commentary on wealth, poverty, and the true meaning of Christmas. 

A Christmas Carol successfully captures the essence of Victorian England, bringing Dickens’ world to life with authentic costumes, sets, and meticulous attention to detail. Its cinematography and direction also show a keen understanding of storytelling, with the simplicity of the filmmaking allowing the narrative and performances to take center stage.

“A Christmas Carol [is my favorite movie] because it’s about a man who, through looking back on his past, comes to realize how he could be generous and compassionate towards others’ struggles,” said junior Madeline Lee. “[The best part of this movie was] the ending when he becomes the opposite of his past self.”

Elf (2003)

In this film directed by Jon Favreau, Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was raised amongst Santa’s elves travels to New York in search of his real father. Buddy’s childlike innocence and boundless enthusiasm make him an endearing character. His interactions with the cynical world around him are what makes the film funny. What sets Elf apart is its ability to balance humor with genuine emotion. The film explores themes of family, acceptance, and the joy of spreading Christmas cheer.

“Although it’s been a long time since I’ve watched [Elf], it’s my favorite movie because it was really funny,” commented junior Enbei Xuan. 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is an animated television special directed by Larry Roemer and Kizo Nagashima; it was based on the infamous song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks, which itself was based on a poem by Robert L. May with the same name. This movie takes us on a journey with Rudolph, a misfit reindeer with a luminous red nose, carrying a message of acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of embracing our unique qualities. The animation, though dated by today’s standards, adds a nostalgic charm to the film. 

“The best part of the movie is when Hermey the elf wants to become a dentist because it inspired me when I was younger to become one,” said junior Megan Wong, whose favorite Christmas movie is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

From timeless classics to contemporary delights, may the spirit of Christmas movies continue to brighten our screens and hearts for seasons to come.

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