A LIST OF MUST-SEE HOLIDAY TITLES TO VIEW THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON!
Article by Adam Mast
To say that 2020 has been a strange year would be a gross understatement. Between a world divided and that pesky coronavirus, it has been quite the bumpy ride but we will all weather this storm because people by their very nature are resilient and because hope is very much alive and well in this world.
As we continue to navigate tricky terrain, we thought we’d share some Christmas titles for you to enjoy this holiday season. A handful of these titles are golden standards while others are a little less conventional. One thing that they all have in common is the ability to fill you a with a little bit of Christmas spirit in some shape or form. Enjoy but more importantly, have a wonderful holiday season.
TRADITIONAL LIST
1. A CHRISTMAS STORY (PG)
With all due respect to “It’s Wonderful Life,” I’m going with “A Christmas Story” as my all time favorite holiday film. I never would have guessed that Bob Clark (the man behind the irreverent teen opus “Porky’s”) could be capable of such seasonal bliss. “A Christmas Story” is so full of memorable moments (the tongue sticking to the pole, Ralphie getting kicked in the face by Old Saint Nick, mom sucking on a bar of soap, etc.) that it would be near impossible to point them all out. My favorite aspect of the picture, is it’s sweet natured (and surprisingly edgy) glimpse into the innocence of youth. A magical film, and one I never get tired of.
“A Christmas Story” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream at Hulu, Sling TV, and YouTube.
2. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (NOT RATED)
Have you ever pondered what life might be like if you were never born? George Bailey (played by the legendary Jimmy Stewart) does just that in Frank Capra’s essential holiday classic. In fact, this movie is so good, it really transcends the holiday genre all together, but Christmas is when it’s most widely viewed. What else can you say about “It’s A Wonderful Life”? It’s one of the all time greats.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on Amazon Prime.
3. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (PG-13)
“Christmas Vacation” is required viewing amongst my family and friends each and every holiday season. This is probably Chevy Chase’s last great film vehicle (although I’ve always been a fan of the under appreciated “Memoirs of an Invisible Man”), and he makes the most of it. After making a mess of Wally World and taking Europe by storm, it seemed only fitting that the Griswalds would turn Christmas upside down in the final installment of the trilogy. Yes, I said trilogy. As far as I’m concerned, the series ended here. ” Vegas Vacation” never happened.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on Amazon Prime.
4. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (PG)
I adore this movie. As a kid, I viewed it religiously every holiday season. With a wonderfully warm performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, this is just one of those flicks that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Natalie Wood is simply adorable as the precocious little Susan, a youngster who desperately wants to believe in Santa Claus. A must-see. And for what it’s worth, I’m actually quite fond of the 1994 remake starring the late Richard Attenborough. A solid updating of a true classic.
“Miracle on 34th Street” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on Disney+.
5. RANKIN AND BASS HOLIDAY FAVORITES (Not Rated)
I’m a huge fan of Rankin and Bass’ animated holiday favorites. “Frosty the Snowman”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “The Little Drummer Boy”, and “Nester the Long-Eared Donkey” are Christmas standards, but the stop motion animated ” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the title I will always hold closest to my heart. With its simple story (which features, among all things, a metaphor for prejudice), catchy songs, and holiday cheer, I’m still moved by it to this very day. What’s really great about it though, is having the chance to experience it through my kids’ eyes.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on CBS Access.
6. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG)
What better film to follow “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” than this innovative collaboration between Tim Burton and Henry Selick. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is, after all, clearly inspired by the works of Rankin and Bass (most notably the little seen gem “Mad Monster Party.”) With stunning tunes from Danny Elfman and breathtaking visual style, this gothic tale of Jack Skellington’s attempt at taking over Christmas is an acquired taste, but it’s one that I’ve grown to love through the years.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on Disney+.
Of the few contemporary holiday films to hit theaters in the last 15 years or so, “Elf” is my favorite. Will Ferrell is sweet, charming, and childlike as the clueless elf, Buddy. With a simplistic, fish out of water story, “Elf” cruises along on a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. A terrific, light-hearted film for the whole family.
Actually, I recommend several versions of the Charles Dickens classic. Richard Donner’s “Scrooged” (PG-13) starring Bill Murray, “A Christmas Carol” (Not Rated) starring Patrick Stewart, Robert Zemeckis’ “A Christmas Carol” (PG) starring Jim Carrey, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (G), and the exceptional “The Muppet Christmas Carol” co-starring the great Michael Caine, are all terrific variations of this famed tale, but my favorite adaptation is “Scrooge” from 1970. It stars Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge and Sir Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley. It’s not particularly well-liked but I’m a fan! Great performances, great songs, great movie!
This is, perhaps, the strongest of all of Charles M. Schulz’s animated short films. Dismayed by the apparent commercialism of the most popular of holidays, Charlie Brown sets out to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Simply wonderful.
While it is true, this John Hughes comedy really takes place during Thanksgiving, it’s still full of holiday cheer. Featuring hilarious turns by Steve Martin and John Candy, this road movie features what is, perhaps, the funniest use of the “F” word(s) ever captured on screen (watch for the airport scene). What’s more, even though most of the picture plays a broad comedy, it has a sweet undercurrent that is punctuated by a truly sincere ending. I love this movie!
Honorable Mention; HOME ALONE, WHITE CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAY INN, THE BISHOP’S WIFE, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES, and SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE.
UNCONVENTIONAL LIST
1. DIE HARD(R)
When terrorists seize a Los Angeles high rise, it’s up to New York City cop John McClane to save the day. And save the day he does, but not before he takes out several windows and launches a massive body count in the process. Did I mention that “Die Hard” takes place on Christmas Eve? Well it does. This is an exciting ride, and I guarantee it’ll get the adrenalin pumping.
“Die Hard” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at HBO Max and Hulu.
Like “Die Hard”, “Lethal Weapon” is an adrenalin-pumping action yarn. It also takes place during the holidays, and while it is dark and gritty, Mel Gibson’s high energy antics keep the proceedings decidedly light. Further still, Gibson and Danny Glover have pitch-perfect chemistry. A top notch action-adventure from director Richard Donner.
Nothing brings in the holiday like a great slasher film. Actually, “Black Christmas” is an early, underground favorite, and predates slasher landmarks like “Halloween”. “Black Christmas” came out in 1974, but never really caught on until years later. Strangely enough, this slice of holiday horror (it features a psycho terrorizing a sorority house during Christmas time) was directed by Bob Clark, the same man who would go on to make “A Christmas Story”. How’s that for weird? On a final note, avoid the awful remake at all costs.
Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis are stellar as the bickering couple cat burglar Denis Leary takes hostage one stormy Christmas Eve. For whatever reason, this edgy Christmas film from the late Ted Demme opened in Feb. of 1994. It has been raised to cult status on DVD, and deservedly so. Foul-mouthed but extremely funny.
This was one of the most underrated films of 2005. Not at all the kind of film I expected from director Harold Ramis. This is more “Fargo” than “Groundhog Day”, and the noir style screenplay by Richard Russo and Robert Benton (based on a book by Scott Phillips), is witty and edgy. Billy Bob Thornton, John Cusack, and Connie Nielsen are solid in the leads, but supporting player Oliver Platt steals the show as a big mouth of a drunk. A clever black comedy.
6. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (PG-13)
Tim Burton’s magical film answers the age-old question; “Where does snow come from?” Featuring a stunning performance from Johnny Depp as the title character, this wonderful fairy tale is simply stunning. It remains a classic and it sits comfortably right alongside the underrated “Ed Wood” as my favorite Tim Burton film.
“Edward Scissorhands” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at Hulu, Starz, and Amazon Prime.
7. GREMLINS (PG)
Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous. And so reads the tag line for Joe Dante’s hilarious live-action homage to Looney Tune cartoons. Produced by Steven Spielberg, this gem of a movie features destructive little creatures wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting town during the holidays. “Gremlins” has a soft, cuddly side, but it’s the mean spirited tone underneath the surface that gives the movie its kick.
“Gremlins” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at Sling TV and Amazon Prime.
8. BATMAN RETURNS(PG-13)
“Batman Returns” marks Tim Burton’s third film on this list. When this movie opened, it wasn’t very well received but in some ways, I prefer it to the first film because, for me, it feels more like a Tim Burton picture. The idea that Batman’s adversaries are social outcasts rather than villains makes for an interesting story, and the relationship between Batman and Catwoman has real depth. A very under-appreciated movie.
“Batman Returns” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at HBO Max and Amazon Prime.
9. WAR OF THE ROSES(R)
It’s “Die Hard” meets “Divorce Court” as Oliver and Barbara Rose (played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner) demolish virtually everything in their path while battling it out in a bitter divorce. This black comedy from director Danny DeVito (who also co-stars in the film) is a reality check and cautionary tale for those who can’t resolve things amicably. For the rest of us, it’s damn hilarious–in a dark, twisted sort of way.
“War of the Roses” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at Hulu, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime.
10. BAD SANTA(R)
As is the case with “The Ref”, “Bad Santa” isn’t so much unconventional as it is wholly inappropriate, at least where family viewing is concerned. This may very well be the most irreverent holiday movie ever made. Essentially, this is a Christmas movie for folks who don’t like Christmas movies. It wears its “R” rating proudly on its sleeve, but in its own eccentric, offbeat way, it smacks of the holiday spirit. Billy Bob Thornton is at his ever loving worst, but it’s Brett Kelly who steals the show as the young boy who wins over Thornton’s cold heart.
“Bad Santa” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at Vudu and Amazon Prime.
Honorable Mention; TRADING PLACES, KISS KISS BANG BANG, LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, NIGHT OF THE COMET, DEADLY GAMES, and ROCKY IV.
THREE CURRENTLY RELEASED CHRISTMAS FILMS WORTHY OF YOUR TIME;
CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 2
Given the success of 2018’s “The Christmas Chronicles,” a sequel was inevitable. In this 2020 follow-up, a jolly and undeniably cool Kurt Russell returns as Santa Claus. Once again, Kris Kringle teams with young Kate, this time in a magical adventure that finds them battling a mysterious individual (played by an amusing Julian Dennison of “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” fame) with a chip on his shoulder who sets out to wage a war on Christmas! Why? The answer to that question is at the very heart of this lighthearted, sentimental, and straightforward Christmas romp from “Home Alone” director and “Gremlins” screenwriter, Chris Columbus. “The Christmas Chronicles 2” isn’t as strong as the first film and it certainly doesn’t break any new ground in the plot department but Russell is charming and his real-life sweat heart Goldie Hawn proves to be a fun little addition as Mrs. Clause. Holiday entertainment for the entire family.
“Christmas Chronicles 2” is available to stream on Netflix.
JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY
If “The Greatest Showman,” “Peter Pan,” and “Willy Wonka” got together and threw a big old Christmas party, it might look a little something like “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”; A magical, sentimental, toe-tapping, holiday-inspired musical about a down-on-his-luck inventor who attempts to get his mojo back after reconnecting with his adoring granddaughter. “Jingle Jangle” has a wonderful energy about it that’s clearly punctuated by lively song and dance numbers, but best of all, it features a winning turn by the great Forest Whitaker as a quiet but warm individual who needs to relearn that sometimes, it takes a little more than talent to invent. You also have to believe in what you’re creating.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is available to stream on Netflix.
SHRED OF DECENCY
This low budget, crafty little drama from writer/director Dan Fowlks is a great example of what can be achieved when working with a dedicated cast and crew. Shot on a shoestring in Utah of all places, “Shred of Decency” is a quiet, moving, and inspirational tale of soldiers from opposite ends of the battlefield coming together over the course of a very cold Christmas Eve during World War II. Punctuated by outstanding performances (most notably a motherly Barb Christensen and a stoic Chanley Gledhill) and stellar cinematography, this film is absolutely worthy of your time, particularly for war historians and those looking to get into filmmaking.
“Shred of Decency” is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
THREE MODERN ANIMATED HOLIDAY GEMS THAT ARE DESTINED FOR HOLIDAY CLASSIC STATUS;
ALIEN XMAS
This animated holiday gem might be the best Christmas special you haven’t heard of. It comes from the creative minds of the Chiodo Brothers who, over 30 years ago, burst on to the scene with the outstanding cult classic, “Killer Klowns From Outer Space.” With the wonderfully old-fashioned “Alien Xmas,” they’ve fashioned something considerably more family-friendly; A sweet-natured, offbeat fusion of “The Grinch,” “Mars Attacks!,” and a Rankin and Bass Holiday special. That’s quite the combo and “Alien Xmas” pulls it off with flying colors! In this quirky little delight, an extra-terrestrial called X comes to Earth to secretly set the stage for an alien invasion but upon bonding with the kind and gentle souls of the North Pole, X begins to have a change of heart. A wonderful, lively, feel-good animated short for all ages.
“Alien Xmas” is available to stream on Netflix.
THE LEGO STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Leave it to the clever folks over at Lucasfilm and Disney to deliver one of the most entertaining efforts of the holiday season. Rather than getting off their high horses and making 1978’s much-despised “Star Wars Holiday Special” commercially available, they’ve gone and created a brand new “Star Wars Holiday Special”…This one of the Lego variety. And the end result is pure Force-inspired joy. In this creative little time-travel adventure, Rey sets off on a journey in an effort to gain more knowledge of the Force but she gets a little more than she bargained for. “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” throws comical gags at a fast and furious rate and while it certainly references the original Holiday Special–This adventure does take place on Life Day, after all–it also takes a handful of playfully colorful potshots at various Saga entries in general. It’s all in good fun and quite frankly, I enjoyed this animated short more than the “Star Wars” prequels and sequels. The only negative thing I can really say about it is that I wish some of the film cast members would have jumped on board and voiced their animated counterparts. No matter though. Between “The Mandolorian” and “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special,” it’s clear that the Saga is truly hitting its stride on the streaming market.
“The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” is available to stream on Netflix.
KLAUS
A warm, festive, and beautifully animated take on a legend. This Oscar-nominated gem tells the tale of a postman’s bonding with a reclusive toymaker and how their bond would help bring forth a timeless holiday tradition. An absolute joy and certainly a film that deserves to be more widely known.
“Klaus” is available to stream on Netflix.
THREE CULT TITLES OVERFLOWING WITH A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY CHEER;
KRAMPUS (PG-13)
Michael Dougherty followed up his wonderful love letter to Halloween, “Trick R Treat,” with this wonderful love letter to Christmas-set horror films. In this scary (and creative) little romp, a dysfunctional family must do battle with a truly ominous presence over the holidays. A little on the mean-spirited side but incredibly entertaining.
“Krampus” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Hulu and Vudu.
RARE EXPORTS(R)
Taking a cue from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”, “Rare Exports” finds a team of snowbound scientists unearthing a mysterious entity deep from within an ice formation. What makes the film so Chirstmas-y, you ask? The entity in question just so happens to be…SANTA CLAUS! Wacky, audacious, and totally worthy of your time, particularly if you’re into quirkier holiday fare.
“Rare Exports” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Tubi and Vudu.
SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD…SORT OF!
SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (Not Rated)
This is considered one of the worst movies of all time, and that’s exactly why I’m recommending it. For reasons I can’t really explain, I believe a truly bad film can be just as enjoyable to sit through as a really good one. “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” is a perfect example of this theory. It’s next to impossible to find, but if you can locate a copy, buy it! On a side note, this movie was once featured on Mystery Science Theater.
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” is available to stream on Tubi and Pluto TV.
As is the case with “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” good luck finding this one. I found it on Ebay. Long considered the black sheep of the “Star Wars” universe (yes, even more than the prequels), “The Star Wars Holiday Special” aired once in 1978, never to be seen again. That’s because it’s spectacularly bad. It features cameos by Bea Arthur and Art Carney, and has a ten-minute stretch presented in Wookie (with no English subtitles to help you out). Now that Disney has purchased Lucasfilm, they need to release this disaster on DVD immediately.
Happy Holidays, everyone!
