As Christmas and the other holidays draw near, so does the feeling that this is the most wonderful time of the year. From spending time with loved ones to relaxing by an open fire to hanging Christmas lights and ornaments around a tree, there is nothing quite like the final days of a year.
What can make this wintry season even more special is getting in your comfiest of clothes and gathering friends and family together to watch something with the holiday spirit. While everyone loves the classic Christmas films like It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, sometimes it can be a joy to introduce a new movie or show to the list.
To help ensure your Christmas is the most special it can be, we’ve gathered some contemporary picks that will surely help make the season bright. From more traditional films like Elf and The Polar Express to a bit more controversial picks like 2021’s The Green Knight, Lost’s “The Constant” episode, and Die Hard, we’ve tried to gather some of the best of the best for you to binge this season.
We hope this list helps make your holiday and new year the best it can be, and here’s to an even greater 2022!
Much like Die Hard, The Green Knight is a bit of a controversial pick for a Christmas movie but… come on… it’s definitely a Christmas movie. Not only is Dev Patel’s Gawain challenged on Christmas to confront the titular Green Knight on the following Christmas, but A24 brought back the film to theaters during this holiday season to prove once and for all this will be a Christmas classic for years to come.
In our Green Knight review, we said, “Dev Patel and Alicia Vikander deliver a dizzyingly hot and heady spin on Arthurian legend.”
LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is a wonderful choice for those looking to celebrate Christmas in a galaxy far, far away. Alongside being a bit of a follow-up to the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it also brings together all three Star Wars trilogies and lets Rey take a trip through time to relive some of the greatest moments from all nine films.
In our LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special review, we said that it “might just be an unexpected treat for those looking for an extra bit of closure on the Skywalker Saga. It is all at once abundantly silly, cringingly corny, and marvelously meta.”
Kids of all ages around the world impatiently await for the day Santa and his reindeer arrive at their home to deliver presents and a type of joy that can only be described as magic. However, we don’t talk enough about how this Christmas legend became who he is today. Luckily, Netflix’s Klaus successfully tells a version of that story that is stylish, heartwarming, and a bit dark in the best ways.
In our Klaus review, we said that it “is a beautifully animated mix of old and new - offering up a unique and quirky take on Santa's humble beginnings. It's a fun, fresh story about friendship and the power of kindness that coats snowbound cliches with a shiny sheen.”
The Grinch is the third on-screen adaptation of the famous tale from Dr. Seuss, and this time Doctor Strange’s Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the character. The film also stars Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams, and once again tells the story of the Grinch trying to ruin Whoville’s Christmas celebrations. 2018’s The Grinch also earned the honor of being the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time by earning $511 million during its run and surpassing Home Alone’s $476 million in the process.
We included Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on our list of the best holiday movies you can find on Netflix, saying that it is “full of warmth, wit, and rich visuals the entire family can enjoy.”
If you happen to have some chestnuts roasting on an open fire this holiday season and think to yourself, “self, I wish I had a teen zombie Christmas musical to watch right now,” you are in luck! Anna and the Apocalypse somehow blends these disparate words together into something special that will have you both singing along and fearing for the lives of these unlucky few trapped in the end of the world.
In our Anna and the Apocalypse review, we said that it is “a delightful Christmas/horror/comedy/musical hybrid, with a great cast, entertaining gore and a storyline that’s easy to take seriously… even though it’s fundamentally absurd.”
Better Watch Out should from here on out be called Better Watch Out for Spoilers because it is one of the stories that is at its best when you go into it with as little knowledge as possible. This babysitter thriller may not be for the faint of heart, but it is a Christmas journey well worth taking that is equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
Better Watch Out made our list of the Best Christmas Horror Movies alongside Krampus, which you can read about next because it is also one of the best Christmas movies out there.
For those unaware, Krampus is an actual terrifying figure in Central and Alpine folklore that scares and punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. In the film from Michael Dougherty, Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, and more have to deal with this Anti-Santa Claus and his minions terrorizing a neighborhood. Oh, and if that wasn’t convincing enough for you, Krampus’ army includes deadly gingerbread men.
In our Krampus review, we said the film “hits that ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ sweet spot by blending gleeful horror with holiday cheer. While genuine frights are slim, the movie is packed with great imagery, solid commentary and laugh-out-loud moments -- not unlike director Michael Dougherty's last film Trick 'r Treat.”
Our first entry from the world of television is Black Mirror’s White Christmas episode. This dark tale begins by introducing us to Jon Hamm’s Matt Trent and Rafe Spall’s Joe Potter, two men who appear to be living in a remote cabin being assaulted by snow on Christmas Day. As the story progresses, we learn more about their history, Oona Chaplin’s Greta, and the technology known as Z-Eyes. These permanent implants not only feature the ability to send and receive messages and phone calls, take pictures and magnify your vision, and livestream what you are seeing, but it can also block others - meaning you will only see a staticy silhouette of them and their family.
In our White Christmas review, we said, “dark, depressing, funny: Black Mirror White Christmas is destined to be a festive favourite.”
Iron Man 3 is another controversial Christmastime pick, but it is also one that is backed by some pretty convincing evidence. Besides the fact that it takes place during the most wonderful time of the year, Marvel.com itself said that Tony Stark’s third solo adventure “deserves a place in the Christmas Movie Hall of Fame.” Disney+ also agrees, as you can currently find it in the streamer’s Happy Holidays collection alongside Home Alone, Santa Clause, and A Muppets Christmas.
In our Iron Man 3 review, we said that it is “a superhero flick with smarts, depth and a marvelously mischievous sense of fun.”
If we could stay on the topic of Marvel for just a bit longer, Rise of the Guardians could just as well have been called Rise of the Holiday Avengers. This festive tale brings together Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost together to take on the evil Pitch Black. It offers some clever and unique takes of these beloved figures and reminds us to never give up on the magic of imagination.
In our Rise of the Guardians review, we said that it “puts a fun twist on beloved childhood icons and offers holiday joy for audiences.”
Wallace and Gromit’s Aardman Animations put aside its legendary stop-motion talents for just the second time to create the holiday treasure known as Arthur Christmas. While Santa Claus usually gets all the fame, his son Arthur - who is voiced by James McAvoy - is the star of this story. Arthur and Bill Nighy’s Grandsanta embark on a heartwarming and hilarious adventure to deliver a present to a young girl who was missed during the Christmas Eve deliveries.
In our Arthur Christmas review, we said that “there are enough subtle witticisms scattered around to amuse both adults and kiddywinks, and when backed by Aardman's cozy, cartoonish charm and signature humour, it just about balances the line between infectious festive fun and saccharine life lesson overload.”
While Krampus may be a terrifying Christmas tale about the Anti-Santa Claus, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is focused on a darker, more sinister story about Santa himself. In this world, Santa is actually a hellish monster who eats young children. It’s a scary and fascinating look into a twist on the Finnish Christmas Santa-like figure known as Joulupukki.
In our Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale review, we said that it “is a cult gem – that much is certain. It's a gorgeously shot, surprisingly well acted B-movie with a fair share of thrills, a quirky, often effective offbeat story (not unlike John Carpenter's The Thing), some decent effects, and a great twist on a classic tale.”
Robert Zemeckis’ A Christmas Carol may not be the most iconic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel of the same name, but it is still a joy to watch when the snow begins to fall. It also boasts a fantastic cast that sees Jim Carrey taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and Bob Hoskins. If you can get past the uncanny valley of the early days of performance capture, there is still some magic to be found in this tale.
In our A Christmas Carol review, we said that it is “entertaining enough, but aside from a few sequences in which the 3D is beautifully integrated – namely, a sprawling tour of London seen from above – the film can't resist a few sequences that simply feel forced into the narrative purely to support the gimmick of the presentation.”
If you dare question the Christmas-ness of what quite possibly may be Lost’s greatest episode, we just may have to add you to the naughty list. This spectacular hour of television gave us a story featuring time travel, incredible acting, and… yes… a Christmas tree! This episode was also a turning point in the series as Lost firmly planted itself in the realm of science fiction, which even further adds to its legend.
Lost executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof called The Constant their favorite episode of the series, and we here at IGN agree. Not only did we give it a rare 10/10 review, but it tops our list of the best Lost episodes of all time.
If you need a few laughs this Christmas, look no further than Fred Claus. This film, which stars Vince Vaughn as the older and more bitter brother of Paul Giamatti’s Santa Claus, is the perfect marriage of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwarming sentimentality that we all could use a little more of this holiday season.
In our Fred Claus review, we said, “it may not be brilliant, but it's easily the best holiday movie since Elf, and completely succeeds both as a fun adventure and a mildly serious character study.”
The Office had many Christmas episodes over its majestic run, but “A Benihana Christmas” may just take the proverbial fruit cake. In one episode, we had Michael inserting himself (That’s what she said!) into a photo of Carol’s family and sending it as a Christmas card, a Party Planning Committee war, a trip to an actual Benihana, Michael and Andy bringing home two waitresses as dates to the office party, and so much more. To top it off, it was directed by the late Harold Ramis. Need we say more?
We included A Benihana Christmas in our list of the best episodes of The Office, and we think it is worth a rewatch each and every year.
Shane Black’s directorial debut was none other than Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, which just so happens to another Christmas movie in disguise. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, this film takes place during Christmastime in Los Angeles and comes packaged with all the music and sights that help to make the season bright. This movie may have also helped pave the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it was another chance for Robert Downey Jr. to show what he was capable of after a rough patch in his life. If you enjoyed this pick, you’ll be happy to know that Downey Jr. and Black would once again be reunited for Iron Man 3.
In our Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang review, we said it “has a whole lot to like about it. For those who live in L.A. or know the Hollywood scene, it offers a few added tidbits for laughs, but I think most anyone with a love of movies in general can appreciate what Kiss Kiss is going for.”
Robert Zemeckis’ The Polar Express is credited as being the first movie that was made entirely with performance capture technology, and it’s a literal magical ride worth taking each and every holiday. Based on 1985’s children’s book from Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express stars Tom Hanks and tells the story of a boy who is starting to doubt if Santa is real. This all changes when he boards a train called the Polar Express that is on its way to the North Pole.
We called The Polar Express one of our favorite holiday movies of all time and said that it “ultimately celebrates and revives the lost kid in all of us who prays to regain his or her sense of wonder.”
Jon Favreau’s Elf just may be the Christmas classic of the modern era. Will Ferrell’s Buddy - a man who is raised by Santa’s elves - discovers he is human and goes on a search for his father. Along the way, he shares his unending joy, enthusiasm, and blissful ignorance for Christmas and life with everyone he meets. Not only does Ferrell give a comedic performance for the ages, but he is joined by a stellar cast that includes Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, and Zooey Deschanel.
We also called Elf one of the best holiday movies of all time, saying it is “an excellent modern revisiting of the Santa Claus story” and one that is “as enjoyable a film for adults as it is for kids.”
The Santa Clause 2 may not be as fondly remembered as the original, but the second of the three films starring Tim Allen as the new Santa Claus is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Set eight years after The Santa Clause, this sequel has Allen’s Scott Calvin on the search for both “Mrs. Claus” and a way to help his son get off the naughty list.
In our The Santa Clause 2 review, we said that it “will likely never attain classic status along the lines of A Christmas Story, but in a year filled with snipers, multiple ‘wars,’ global discord, and economic woes, the film ultimately emerges as a simple and unoffending reminder that we can sometimes be at our best when matters are worst.”
Serendipity is another movie that may not be a traditional Christmas movie, but it is one that Christmas means so much to. Kate Beckinsale’s Sara and John Cusack’s Jonathan meet right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season and they fall in love amidst the falling snow and sparkling lights of the most wonderful time of the year. If you’ve had enough of the in-your-face Christmas movies, this is a more subtle inclusion of the holiday that we keep coming back to year-after-year.
In our Serendipity review, we said that it is “a fluffy little story about fate and destiny involving black cashmere gloves, Love in the Time of Cholera, and a five-dollar bill.”
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! from 1957 continues to be one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time, and Boris Karloff’s portrayal of the grumpy green creature with a heart “two sizes too small” in the 1966 TV special was just as well regarded. In 2000, Jim Carrey became the first live-action Grinch and brought his comedic talents to Dr. Seuss’ character. It is a bit more of a darker tale, but it's still packed full of laughs and smiles in equal measure.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of our choices for the best holiday movies and specials available on Netflix, and we said that it “was met with quasi-cringe but over the years it's endured as a sleeper holiday hit, particularly because of Jim Carrey's hilariously wild and wooly take on the Grinch's self-loathing and manic misanthropy.”
We couldn’t have a list of the best Christmas movies and not add Die Hard. Ever since 1988, this question as to whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie has divided millions around the world. Say what you will, it is hard to deny the holiday influence that is ever-present during Bruce Willis first adventure as John McClane.
To help settle the matter once and for all, we asked IGN’s audience if Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. After a vote of over 23,133 people, we are proud to say the 77.9% of you believe that Die Hard is a bonafide Christmas movie that can proudly stand tall with all the other classics throughout the years like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, and so many more.
If these films aren’t enough, be sure to check out our look at the Top 25 Holiday Movies of All Time, the best Christmas Horror Movies, and the Best Holiday Movies and Special on Netflix.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Continue reading...
What can make this wintry season even more special is getting in your comfiest of clothes and gathering friends and family together to watch something with the holiday spirit. While everyone loves the classic Christmas films like It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, sometimes it can be a joy to introduce a new movie or show to the list.
To help ensure your Christmas is the most special it can be, we’ve gathered some contemporary picks that will surely help make the season bright. From more traditional films like Elf and The Polar Express to a bit more controversial picks like 2021’s The Green Knight, Lost’s “The Constant” episode, and Die Hard, we’ve tried to gather some of the best of the best for you to binge this season.
We hope this list helps make your holiday and new year the best it can be, and here’s to an even greater 2022!
2021 - The Green Knight
Much like Die Hard, The Green Knight is a bit of a controversial pick for a Christmas movie but… come on… it’s definitely a Christmas movie. Not only is Dev Patel’s Gawain challenged on Christmas to confront the titular Green Knight on the following Christmas, but A24 brought back the film to theaters during this holiday season to prove once and for all this will be a Christmas classic for years to come.
In our Green Knight review, we said, “Dev Patel and Alicia Vikander deliver a dizzyingly hot and heady spin on Arthurian legend.”
2020 - LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special
LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special is a wonderful choice for those looking to celebrate Christmas in a galaxy far, far away. Alongside being a bit of a follow-up to the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, it also brings together all three Star Wars trilogies and lets Rey take a trip through time to relive some of the greatest moments from all nine films.
In our LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special review, we said that it “might just be an unexpected treat for those looking for an extra bit of closure on the Skywalker Saga. It is all at once abundantly silly, cringingly corny, and marvelously meta.”
2019 - Klaus
Kids of all ages around the world impatiently await for the day Santa and his reindeer arrive at their home to deliver presents and a type of joy that can only be described as magic. However, we don’t talk enough about how this Christmas legend became who he is today. Luckily, Netflix’s Klaus successfully tells a version of that story that is stylish, heartwarming, and a bit dark in the best ways.
In our Klaus review, we said that it “is a beautifully animated mix of old and new - offering up a unique and quirky take on Santa's humble beginnings. It's a fun, fresh story about friendship and the power of kindness that coats snowbound cliches with a shiny sheen.”
2018 - Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
The Grinch is the third on-screen adaptation of the famous tale from Dr. Seuss, and this time Doctor Strange’s Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the character. The film also stars Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, Angela Lansbury, and Pharrell Williams, and once again tells the story of the Grinch trying to ruin Whoville’s Christmas celebrations. 2018’s The Grinch also earned the honor of being the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time by earning $511 million during its run and surpassing Home Alone’s $476 million in the process.
We included Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch on our list of the best holiday movies you can find on Netflix, saying that it is “full of warmth, wit, and rich visuals the entire family can enjoy.”
2017 - Anna and the Apocalypse
If you happen to have some chestnuts roasting on an open fire this holiday season and think to yourself, “self, I wish I had a teen zombie Christmas musical to watch right now,” you are in luck! Anna and the Apocalypse somehow blends these disparate words together into something special that will have you both singing along and fearing for the lives of these unlucky few trapped in the end of the world.
In our Anna and the Apocalypse review, we said that it is “a delightful Christmas/horror/comedy/musical hybrid, with a great cast, entertaining gore and a storyline that’s easy to take seriously… even though it’s fundamentally absurd.”
2016 - Better Watch Out
Better Watch Out should from here on out be called Better Watch Out for Spoilers because it is one of the stories that is at its best when you go into it with as little knowledge as possible. This babysitter thriller may not be for the faint of heart, but it is a Christmas journey well worth taking that is equal parts terrifying and hilarious.
Better Watch Out made our list of the Best Christmas Horror Movies alongside Krampus, which you can read about next because it is also one of the best Christmas movies out there.
2015 - Krampus
For those unaware, Krampus is an actual terrifying figure in Central and Alpine folklore that scares and punishes naughty children during the Christmas season. In the film from Michael Dougherty, Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, and more have to deal with this Anti-Santa Claus and his minions terrorizing a neighborhood. Oh, and if that wasn’t convincing enough for you, Krampus’ army includes deadly gingerbread men.
In our Krampus review, we said the film “hits that ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ sweet spot by blending gleeful horror with holiday cheer. While genuine frights are slim, the movie is packed with great imagery, solid commentary and laugh-out-loud moments -- not unlike director Michael Dougherty's last film Trick 'r Treat.”
2014 - Black Mirror - “White Christmas”
Our first entry from the world of television is Black Mirror’s White Christmas episode. This dark tale begins by introducing us to Jon Hamm’s Matt Trent and Rafe Spall’s Joe Potter, two men who appear to be living in a remote cabin being assaulted by snow on Christmas Day. As the story progresses, we learn more about their history, Oona Chaplin’s Greta, and the technology known as Z-Eyes. These permanent implants not only feature the ability to send and receive messages and phone calls, take pictures and magnify your vision, and livestream what you are seeing, but it can also block others - meaning you will only see a staticy silhouette of them and their family.
In our White Christmas review, we said, “dark, depressing, funny: Black Mirror White Christmas is destined to be a festive favourite.”
2013 - Iron Man 3
Iron Man 3 is another controversial Christmastime pick, but it is also one that is backed by some pretty convincing evidence. Besides the fact that it takes place during the most wonderful time of the year, Marvel.com itself said that Tony Stark’s third solo adventure “deserves a place in the Christmas Movie Hall of Fame.” Disney+ also agrees, as you can currently find it in the streamer’s Happy Holidays collection alongside Home Alone, Santa Clause, and A Muppets Christmas.
In our Iron Man 3 review, we said that it is “a superhero flick with smarts, depth and a marvelously mischievous sense of fun.”
2012 - Rise of the Guardians
If we could stay on the topic of Marvel for just a bit longer, Rise of the Guardians could just as well have been called Rise of the Holiday Avengers. This festive tale brings together Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, and Jack Frost together to take on the evil Pitch Black. It offers some clever and unique takes of these beloved figures and reminds us to never give up on the magic of imagination.
In our Rise of the Guardians review, we said that it “puts a fun twist on beloved childhood icons and offers holiday joy for audiences.”
2011 - Arthur Christmas
Wallace and Gromit’s Aardman Animations put aside its legendary stop-motion talents for just the second time to create the holiday treasure known as Arthur Christmas. While Santa Claus usually gets all the fame, his son Arthur - who is voiced by James McAvoy - is the star of this story. Arthur and Bill Nighy’s Grandsanta embark on a heartwarming and hilarious adventure to deliver a present to a young girl who was missed during the Christmas Eve deliveries.
In our Arthur Christmas review, we said that “there are enough subtle witticisms scattered around to amuse both adults and kiddywinks, and when backed by Aardman's cozy, cartoonish charm and signature humour, it just about balances the line between infectious festive fun and saccharine life lesson overload.”
2010 - Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
While Krampus may be a terrifying Christmas tale about the Anti-Santa Claus, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is focused on a darker, more sinister story about Santa himself. In this world, Santa is actually a hellish monster who eats young children. It’s a scary and fascinating look into a twist on the Finnish Christmas Santa-like figure known as Joulupukki.
In our Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale review, we said that it “is a cult gem – that much is certain. It's a gorgeously shot, surprisingly well acted B-movie with a fair share of thrills, a quirky, often effective offbeat story (not unlike John Carpenter's The Thing), some decent effects, and a great twist on a classic tale.”
2009 - A Christmas Carol
Robert Zemeckis’ A Christmas Carol may not be the most iconic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel of the same name, but it is still a joy to watch when the snow begins to fall. It also boasts a fantastic cast that sees Jim Carrey taking on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright, Cary Elwes, and Bob Hoskins. If you can get past the uncanny valley of the early days of performance capture, there is still some magic to be found in this tale.
In our A Christmas Carol review, we said that it is “entertaining enough, but aside from a few sequences in which the 3D is beautifully integrated – namely, a sprawling tour of London seen from above – the film can't resist a few sequences that simply feel forced into the narrative purely to support the gimmick of the presentation.”
2008 - Lost - “The Constant”
If you dare question the Christmas-ness of what quite possibly may be Lost’s greatest episode, we just may have to add you to the naughty list. This spectacular hour of television gave us a story featuring time travel, incredible acting, and… yes… a Christmas tree! This episode was also a turning point in the series as Lost firmly planted itself in the realm of science fiction, which even further adds to its legend.
Lost executive producers Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof called The Constant their favorite episode of the series, and we here at IGN agree. Not only did we give it a rare 10/10 review, but it tops our list of the best Lost episodes of all time.
2007 - Fred Claus
If you need a few laughs this Christmas, look no further than Fred Claus. This film, which stars Vince Vaughn as the older and more bitter brother of Paul Giamatti’s Santa Claus, is the perfect marriage of laugh-out-loud comedy and heartwarming sentimentality that we all could use a little more of this holiday season.
In our Fred Claus review, we said, “it may not be brilliant, but it's easily the best holiday movie since Elf, and completely succeeds both as a fun adventure and a mildly serious character study.”
2006 - The Office - “A Benihana Christmas”
The Office had many Christmas episodes over its majestic run, but “A Benihana Christmas” may just take the proverbial fruit cake. In one episode, we had Michael inserting himself (That’s what she said!) into a photo of Carol’s family and sending it as a Christmas card, a Party Planning Committee war, a trip to an actual Benihana, Michael and Andy bringing home two waitresses as dates to the office party, and so much more. To top it off, it was directed by the late Harold Ramis. Need we say more?
We included A Benihana Christmas in our list of the best episodes of The Office, and we think it is worth a rewatch each and every year.
2005 - Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Shane Black’s directorial debut was none other than Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, which just so happens to another Christmas movie in disguise. Starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer, this film takes place during Christmastime in Los Angeles and comes packaged with all the music and sights that help to make the season bright. This movie may have also helped pave the way for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as it was another chance for Robert Downey Jr. to show what he was capable of after a rough patch in his life. If you enjoyed this pick, you’ll be happy to know that Downey Jr. and Black would once again be reunited for Iron Man 3.
In our Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang review, we said it “has a whole lot to like about it. For those who live in L.A. or know the Hollywood scene, it offers a few added tidbits for laughs, but I think most anyone with a love of movies in general can appreciate what Kiss Kiss is going for.”
2004 - The Polar Express
Robert Zemeckis’ The Polar Express is credited as being the first movie that was made entirely with performance capture technology, and it’s a literal magical ride worth taking each and every holiday. Based on 1985’s children’s book from Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express stars Tom Hanks and tells the story of a boy who is starting to doubt if Santa is real. This all changes when he boards a train called the Polar Express that is on its way to the North Pole.
We called The Polar Express one of our favorite holiday movies of all time and said that it “ultimately celebrates and revives the lost kid in all of us who prays to regain his or her sense of wonder.”
2003 - Elf
Jon Favreau’s Elf just may be the Christmas classic of the modern era. Will Ferrell’s Buddy - a man who is raised by Santa’s elves - discovers he is human and goes on a search for his father. Along the way, he shares his unending joy, enthusiasm, and blissful ignorance for Christmas and life with everyone he meets. Not only does Ferrell give a comedic performance for the ages, but he is joined by a stellar cast that includes Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, and Zooey Deschanel.
We also called Elf one of the best holiday movies of all time, saying it is “an excellent modern revisiting of the Santa Claus story” and one that is “as enjoyable a film for adults as it is for kids.”
2002 - The Santa Clause 2
The Santa Clause 2 may not be as fondly remembered as the original, but the second of the three films starring Tim Allen as the new Santa Claus is a great way to get in the holiday spirit. Set eight years after The Santa Clause, this sequel has Allen’s Scott Calvin on the search for both “Mrs. Claus” and a way to help his son get off the naughty list.
In our The Santa Clause 2 review, we said that it “will likely never attain classic status along the lines of A Christmas Story, but in a year filled with snipers, multiple ‘wars,’ global discord, and economic woes, the film ultimately emerges as a simple and unoffending reminder that we can sometimes be at our best when matters are worst.”
2001 - Serendipity
Serendipity is another movie that may not be a traditional Christmas movie, but it is one that Christmas means so much to. Kate Beckinsale’s Sara and John Cusack’s Jonathan meet right in the middle of the Christmas shopping season and they fall in love amidst the falling snow and sparkling lights of the most wonderful time of the year. If you’ve had enough of the in-your-face Christmas movies, this is a more subtle inclusion of the holiday that we keep coming back to year-after-year.
In our Serendipity review, we said that it is “a fluffy little story about fate and destiny involving black cashmere gloves, Love in the Time of Cholera, and a five-dollar bill.”
2000 - Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! from 1957 continues to be one of the most iconic Christmas stories of all time, and Boris Karloff’s portrayal of the grumpy green creature with a heart “two sizes too small” in the 1966 TV special was just as well regarded. In 2000, Jim Carrey became the first live-action Grinch and brought his comedic talents to Dr. Seuss’ character. It is a bit more of a darker tale, but it's still packed full of laughs and smiles in equal measure.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of our choices for the best holiday movies and specials available on Netflix, and we said that it “was met with quasi-cringe but over the years it's endured as a sleeper holiday hit, particularly because of Jim Carrey's hilariously wild and wooly take on the Grinch's self-loathing and manic misanthropy.”
Honorable Mention
1988 - Die Hard
We couldn’t have a list of the best Christmas movies and not add Die Hard. Ever since 1988, this question as to whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie has divided millions around the world. Say what you will, it is hard to deny the holiday influence that is ever-present during Bruce Willis first adventure as John McClane.
To help settle the matter once and for all, we asked IGN’s audience if Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. After a vote of over 23,133 people, we are proud to say the 77.9% of you believe that Die Hard is a bonafide Christmas movie that can proudly stand tall with all the other classics throughout the years like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol, and so many more.
If these films aren’t enough, be sure to check out our look at the Top 25 Holiday Movies of All Time, the best Christmas Horror Movies, and the Best Holiday Movies and Special on Netflix.
Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Continue reading...