One of the best ways to kick off the holiday season is by turning on holiday movies. Whether watching solo or with loved ones, some holiday movies, both classics and newer hits, are below:
“Home Alone”
Where to watch: Disney+ and Sling TV Premium
“Home Alone,” released in 1990, follows Kevin McCallister and his family throughout Christmas vacation. They plan on going out of town, and, amidst the vacation preparations, Kevin gets into an argument with his mother. The argument ends with Kevin being locked away in the attic, and wishing that his family would disappear. When he wakes up the next day and they seemingly have, all of his dreams have come true. Until he finds himself as the target of two burglars. Kevin takes on the responsibilities of taking care of himself as well as his home. The movie stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, Joe Pesci as Harry, Daniel Stern as Marv, Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s mother, Kate and John Heard as Kevin’s father, Peter.
“A Christmas Story”
Where to watch: HBO Max, YouTube with Primetime, YouTube TV Premium, Hulu Premium, The Roku Channel Premium and Prime Video Premium
“A Christmas Story,” released in 1983, follows main character Ralphie through the holiday season. He battles bullies at school, tough classes, his younger brother and the longing for a Christmas gift that his mother would never allow. The movie stars Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, Ian Petrella as Ralphie’s brother, Randy, Zack Ward as Ralphie’s bully, Scut Farkus, Darren McGavin as Ralphie’s father, Malinda Dillon as Ralphie’s mother and Jean Shepherd as adult Ralphie.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max, Philo, YouTube with Primetime, YouTube TV Premium, Disney+ Premium, Prime Video Premium, Sling TV Premium and The Roku Channel Premium
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” released in 1989, follows the Griswold family through the holiday season. From picking out the perfect family Christmas tree to decorating their house to Christmas dinner, the Griswolds can’t seem to catch a break through the holidays. The family is led by father Clark Griswold, who is devoted to making this Christmas perfect. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, Beverly D’Angelo as Ellen Griswold, Johnny Galecki as Russel Griswold, Juliette Lewis as Audry Griswold and Randy Quaid as cousin Eddie.
“Christmas with the Kranks”
Where to watch: Prime Video, Hulu, Phlo, Disney+ Premium, Sling TV Premium and YouTube TV Premium
“Christmas with the Kranks,” released in 2004 follows Luther and Nora Krank who have decided to skip Christmas. However, their neighbors don’t take well to this, and, in their determination to win the “best decorated street” competition. When the Kranks’ daughter, Blair, returns home unexpectedly, Luther and Nora are forced to put together a last minute celebration for the holidays. The movie stars Tim Allen as Luther Krank, Jamie Lee Curtis as Nora Krank, Julie Gonzalo as Blair Krank, Dan Aykroyd as Vic Frohmeyer and Emmet Walsh as Walt Scheel.
“Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever”
Where to watch: Prime Video (free), Lifetime (free), Tubi (free), Disney+, Philo, Hulu Premium, Sling TV Premium and The Roku Channel Premium
“Grumpy Cat’s Worst Christmas Ever,” released in 2014, may not be a classic, but has that fun holiday charm anyway. The movie follows a girl named Crystal as she struggles to make friends with the girls around her. She finds solace in the mall pet shop where she works, spending her time talking to the animals. After throwing a wish in the mall fountain, one of the animals starts to talk back…and it’s none other than the world’s grumpiest cat, voiced by Aubrey Plaza. Soon, Crystal and Grumpy Cat are entangled in an odd mall conspiracy, which they must solve in order to save the day, and maybe, find the meaning of Christmas.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Where to watch: Disney+ and Sling TV Premium
“The Nightmare Before Christmas,” released in 1993, has, debatably, become a Christmas classic. A large portion of the uncertainty of this movie comes from whether it’s even a Christmas movie. Jack Skellington lives in “Halloweenland,” but, growing tired of the monotonous tone there,ventures out. He finds himself in “Christmasland,” and decides to take over Christmas for the year. The movie stars Danny Elfman as Jack Skellington and Barrel, Chris Sarandon as Jack Skellington, Catherine O’Hara as Sally and Shock, Paul Reubens as Lock, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie, Glenn Shadix as the mayor, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, and Edward Ivory as Santa.
“Die Hard”
Where to watch: Pluto TV (free), Tubi (free), The Roku Channel (free), Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, AMC+, fuboTV, Philo and YouTube with Primetime
“Die Hard,” released in 1988, follows police officer John McClane on a Christmas Eve visit to his estranged wife and two daughters. John and his wife attend a party at the business that she works for, when disaster strikes. The movie stars Bruce Willis as John, Bonnie Bedelia as Holly Gennaro-McClane, Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber, Paul Gleason as Dwayne T. Robinson and Reginald VelJohnson as Sgt. Al Powell.
