Top Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit

Christmas time is fast approaching, and that also means it’s finals time for college students. Finals time also means procrastination for many so what better way to do that than sit in a warm room and watch classic Christmas movies?

Animated movies dominate the Christmas movie scene with classics that have been watched by families for the last 50 years. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), Frosty the Snowman (1969) and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) are all animated classics. They’ve been remade countlessly throughout the years, with more animated versions and some special live-action remakes like How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) starring Jim Carrey. All of the movies are good, but none of them are able to recreate the childlike wonder that the originals do, with their vibrant colors and classic music.

The Grinch is a 2018 remake of the classic tale that is a beautiful retelling of the original story. It doesn’t do much in adding to the new story, but the animation is colorful and pleasant to watch. The voice acting includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Pharrell Williams and Rashida Jones. Tyler, the Creator also redoes The Grinch theme and adds his own original track, which adds a unique flair to this version of the tale.

Live action Christmas movies are just as special, however, as it’s a large tradition in some families to make sure to watch either Elf, A Christmas Story or Home Alone.

Watching scenes like Buddy the Elf pour chocolate syrup all over spaghetti, Ralphie shoot his eye out or Kevin protect his home from the wet bandits by using everything in his home are always a fun way to enjoy the holiday, whether you’re watching it with your family, friends or by yourself.

The Santa Clause trilogy is a classic December treat that plays yearly on Disney Channel. It does fit the description of a Christmas movie, but it barely is a movie by itself. It’s goofy, awkward and childlike, but sometimes, that’s just enough to get us in the Christmas spirit.

Another great genre of Christmas movies are the ones that barely fit the type but are still fun to watch during December anyway, more commonly referred to as “Christmas adjacent.”

Die Hard is the most common example of Christmas adjacent. It’s got cheesy Christmas puns, Christmas music and takes place during Christmas time. Although some may not agree, Die Hard is a Christmas movie.

A Nightmare Before Christmas is both Christmas and Halloween adjacent because of the fine line it draws between both holidays. It’s a funny and charming animated tale following Jack Skellington as he turns his town of ghouls and goblins that only celebrate Halloween into a town of jolly folks that love nothing more than to spread Christmas cheer.  

Whether it be getting cozy with your significant other, watching with your family or watching to take your mind off of the creeping stress of finals, these Christmas movies are a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit as Christmas quickly approaches.