As the holidays approach, many students are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying seasonal traditions. Watching holiday movies is a popular way to spend time with friends and family and unwind after a long and busy first semester.
With countless holiday films available across streaming services, it can be hard to choose what to watch. Here are five classic and entertaining holiday movies that capture the spirit of the season.
1. Home Alone
Released in 1990, “Home Alone” was written by John Hughes and directed by Chris Columbus. The film follows an eight-year-old, Kevin McCallister, who gets left home alone while his family goes to Paris for Christmas. As a result, he is left alone to protect his house from two burglars using a series of clever traps. The movie is available to stream on Disney+ and Hulu or to rent on platforms like YouTube, Apple Tv, and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Elf
Directed by Jon Favreau and released in 2003, “Elf” stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father while spreading Christmas cheer along the way. The film is available to stream on Max and Hulu, with rental options on Apple TV.
3. The Polar Express
“The Polar Express”, an animated film released in 2004, was directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book. The story follows a boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, where he learns about believing in the magic and true spirit of Christmas. The movie is available on Hulu, Disney+ and Max, with rental options on Apple TV.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Released in 2000, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story was directed by Ron Howard and stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch. This film follows the green, grumpy creature as he tries to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville before discovering the holiday’s true meaning. It is available to stream on Peacock and Hulu, with rental options available on major platforms.
5. A Christmas Story
“A Christmas Story”, a1983 classic, was directed by Bob Clark and created by Jean Shepherd. It follows Ralphie Parker, a boy who really wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, even though everyone tells him he’ll “shoot his eye out.” The movie is available to stream on Max and Disney+, with rental options on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube.
These movies continue to capture the spirit of the season year after year, offering an enjoyable way to unwind during the holidays.
