Christmas
These are mostly movies, but have some shorter specials in there as well
Should also note that I've seen a ton of Lifetime movies, but they're pretty difficult to find almost a decade later
Should also note that I've seen a ton of Lifetime movies, but they're pretty difficult to find almost a decade later
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38 titles
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsWill FerrellJames CaanBob NewhartRaised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.This could arguably go in the Top 10 as well, but I left it out just because it's definitely more of a "seasonal treat". There's a perfect amount of whimsy, all of the cast does a great job, and it's one of the only newer Christmas movies that's become a classic (at least for me)
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.This is a great film; I feel like there's always a hint of melancholy, but the ending is uplifting and the entire movie is filled with a hopeful feeling. I haven't seen it in a while because it is pretty emotional, but it's a classic for sure
- DirectorBob ClarkStarsPeter BillingsleyMelinda DillonDarren McGavinIn the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.It's a tradition to leave this on for most of the day on Christmas day; I've probably rewatched this more than any other movie (except for maybe Napoleon Dynamite or School of Rock). Always a good time, and plenty of iconic quotes
- DirectorBill MelendezStarsAnn AltieriChris DoranSally DryerDepressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.This always makes me sad for some reason (maybe it's the song at the end?), but it's a pretty heartwarming time, and definitely my favorite of the Charlie Brown specials
Great voice acting - DirectorLarry RoemerStarsBillie Mae RichardsBurl IvesLarry D. MannA young reindeer Rudolph lives at the North Pole. His father is one of Santa's reindeer and it is expected that Rudolph will eventually be one too. However, he has a feature which is a setback and causes him to be ostracized: his red nose.Iconic. All of the voices are perfect fits for their characters, and it's a classic. The songs are wonderful too
- DirectorJules BassArthur Rankin Jr.StarsJackie VernonBilly De WolfeJimmy DuranteA living snowman and a little girl struggle to elude a greedy magician who is after the snowman's magic hat.This is also a classic; Jimmy Durante and all of the kids have distinctive voices that bring about the magic of the season.
- DirectorBrian HensonStarsMichael CaineDave GoelzSteve WhitmireThe Muppets present their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale.Haven't seen this in a while, but I remember it being my favorite rendition of "A Christmas Carol", so there's that. I think the characters they chose for the roles were fitting,. and the voices are always solid
- DirectorChuck JonesBen WashamStarsBoris KarloffJune ForayDal McKennonA grumpy hermit hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.Written 10/30/23: I don't know how I didn't have this logged here. The animation and soundtrack are iconic, the message is heartwarming, and it's always a fun rewatch for the holiday season.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternAn eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.A classic, but its charm has worn off for me after some time. An entertaining watch nonetheless
- DirectorClea DuVallStarsKristen StewartMackenzie DavisMary SteenburgenA holiday romantic comedy that captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family's acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.I watched this primarily for the stacked cast and Dan Levy on writing credits. Surprisingly had quite a few amusing moments, though it was certainly filled with holiday film cliches.
Watched with family on November 26, 2020 - DirectorRichard CurtisStarsHugh GrantMartine McCutcheonLiam NeesonFollows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.The movie itself was only okay; I think the cast was a bit large for trying to convey meaningful stories, but it was still touching. 'Christmas is All Around" was stuck in my head for a solid two weeks
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsDyllan ChristopherTyler James WilliamsGia MantegnaA group of unaccompanied minors bond while snowed in at the midwestern Hoover International Airport during the holiday season and ultimately create a makeshift holiday themselves.I had an irrational obsession with this when I first saw it; maybe because I was super into Everybody Hates Chris at the time? In any case, it was a cool take on the "Home Alone" aspect, but with a group and in an airport. Probably needs a rewatch now that I'm older though
It was cool seeing Wilmer Valderrama in something other than That '70s Show - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksChris CoppolaMichael JeterOn Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.I've slowly grown to appreciate this more, but I'll still always be bitter against it for being shoved down our throats in elementary school
- DirectorClay KaytisStarsPeter BillingsleyErinn HayesRiver DroscheFollows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child, reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old Man.I thought this did a fairly decent job in blending in old references from the original while still keeping it fresh. The performances were generally solid and it was nice to see some prominent members from the old cast. I don't think this had any standout moments that I'll remember (outside of maybe Schwarz on the slide), but it was a pleasant watch and made for good family viewing.
Watched December 17, 2022 with family - DirectorArlene SanfordStarsBridgit MendlerLeigh-Allyn BakerBradley Steven PerryIdiocy strikes when a woman and her daughter get separated from their family during the holidays.Also Disney, but it's Christmas. Surprisingly solid, given that I probably wasn't in the age range for this movie anymore.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsBing CrosbyDanny KayeRosemary ClooneyA successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.One of the more "adult" Christmas movies I've watched. I liked the cast more or less, but it wasn't particularly notable for me otherwise
- DirectorJun FalkensteinAlex MannBradley RaymondStarsKelsey GrammerWayne AllwineRussi TaylorThree tales of Christmas past about Donald's nephews reliving the day on repeat, Max Goof's belief in Santa being challenged, and Mickey and Minnie making ends meet.Written 10/30/23: I don't remember much of this but liked that it covered several stories.
- DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsAdam ScottToni ColletteDavid KoechnerA boy who has a bad Christmas accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home.Written 10/16/23: I've just discovered that, despite watching this in 2021, I hadn't recorded it anywhere. This is by the same director as Trick r Treat and serves up a spooky holiday tale focused primarily on Krampus. I remember feeling somewhat underwhelmed (I think because of the non-anthology plot and some weird pacing near the end), but overall found it entertaining.
- DirectorBrian HerzlingerStarsCorbin BleuMonique ColemanRoy LewisSuccessful attorney Lucy is reunited with her childhood Christmas dance partner, Barrett. As the pair give the resort a new lease of life, the passion between them heats up.I was generally pleased with this movie. Corbin and Monique had great chemistry continuing from their High School Musical days, the dance numbers were tasteful and not overdone, and the plot was generic but serviceable. The conflict was extremely shoehorned in but I otherwise enjoyed it
Watched December 2021 with family - DirectorMichael GrossmanStarsDrake BellJosh PeckMiranda CosgroveStep brothers Drake and Josh must give a foster family the best Christmas ever or face years in jail for a Christmas party gone wrong.Written 10/31/23: A feature-length holiday movie to close out the series with decent heart but missing some of the charm now that everyone was so much older.
- DirectorRobert LiebermanStarsLaura OsnesKyle SeligPat MonahanFollows Claire, an aspiring talent booker, as feelings come back between her and her boyfriend after she asks him to be her big act at her family's hotel and casino, and realizes that they might need each other more than they remembered.This was surprisingly decent outside of the main misunderstanding climax. The random George Lopez cameos were appreciated, and I liked Pat Monahan's dry divorce gimmick.
Watched December 2021 with family - DirectorRichard StarzakStarsRobbie WilliamsArdal O'HanlonPaul WhitehouseRobbie, an out-of-condition reindeer, tries to earn a place on Santa's crack sleigh team.I barely remember this (and in fact, this might be the wrong Robbie the Reindeer special), but it was pretty funny from what I remember. Not much to say
- DirectorThomas BezuchaStarsDermot MulroneySarah Jessica ParkerClaire DanesAn uptight, liberal businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.A very odd film that simultaneously has a lot of heart but also some nonsensical screwball antics. I liked the cast's performances but the characters themselves were nearly all unlikable except Kelly, Thad and Patrick, Susannah and Julie. The ending was somehow heartwarming despite the bizarre climax, pretty mixed on this one.
Watched December 31, 2023 - DirectorLetia CloustonStarsJonathan BennettLexi GiovagnoliDina MeyerLuce is a college student who gets a holiday job caring for a land developer's dog, but then she meets an attractive guy who is protesting her boss's plan to tear down their local dog park and turn it into a spa.Watched this only to see Jonathan Bennett and was pleasantly surprised with his performance. The chemistry between the two leads was basically non-existent, and I didn't think the lead actress was particularly engaging, but I thought the supporting cast was genuinely strong. Each of the dog park regulars had their own backstories and interactions throughout the movie that elevated this from forgettable to average
Watched December 9, 2022 with family - DirectorRyan LittleStarsAmanda PaytonAdam GregoryMarie OsmondPerpetually single Sawyer makes a fake wedding registry to burn off some Christmas loneliness. Her friends find it and think she's become secretly engaged. Too embarrassed to tell the truth, she instead finds a "fiancé" for the holidays.I don't remember anything about this other than constantly waiting for Marie Osmond to show up, only for her role to be a five-minute cameo at the very end. The premise is somewhat novel but I don't remember any notable moments.
Watched December 2021 with family - DirectorMel DamskiStarsLori LoughlinVictor WebsterGwynyth WalshAfter stepping down as CEO of her dream job, Maddie (Lori Loughlin) heads home for the holidays to gain perspective. She runs into her high-school sweetheart Carter (Victor Webster), and tensions quickly arise. When forced to put together a Christmas dance for the local high school, Carter and Maddie put their differences aside and rediscover what made them fall in love all those years ago.Randomly watched this. It was a very cookie-cutter movie: archetypal characters, generic plot and a small dash of charm. It was fun to rag on, but I couldn't seriously recommend it. The soundtrack was rough and the acting was cheesy (albeit knowingly)
Watched December 14th, 2018 with family - DirectorEvert BrownBill MelendezStarsJonathan WintersJan HooksAndrea MartinThe continuing exploits of the famous snowman as he goes up against a more powerful force which threatens all of Christmas.This was pretty disappointing, namely because it didn't have the same voices (though it is feasibly impossible twenty-three years after the first one). It was inoffensive, but the plot felt contrived from what I remember
- DirectorMichael RobisonStarsJordin SparksMichael XavierLossen ChambersLou and Kyle met in the Pine Grove, they both have doubts about their future, but the magic of the holiday season and the connection they have, helps each of their journeys.We watched this only to see Jordin Sparks. I was surprisingly pleased with her acting and the few songs in the film. Otherwise forgettable romcom though
Watched December 2021 with family - DirectorSeth GordonStarsReese WitherspoonVince VaughnMary SteenburgenA couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas.I watched this too young; definitely an adult's Christmas movie. It wasn't my cup of tea
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJim CarreyGary OldmanColin FirthAn animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.Maybe watched this in theaters? I remember not being a huge fan, despite its apparent critical praise
- DirectorEmily Moss WilsonStarsReba McEntireJohn SchneiderCandice KingThe story of Belle, a marketing executive who is worried that she might lose her job.This focused a lot more on their divorce than I expected and definitely hammed up a "support our troops" message, but overall decent.
Watched 2022 with family - DirectorJohn PasquinStarsTim AllenJudge ReinholdWendy CrewsonWhen a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.Written 10/31/23: I think I only saw this once and really liked the idea of successor Santa Clauses, but I'm unfortunately just not much a fan of Tim Allen's performances.
- DirectorMichelle JohnstonStarsLaura MaranoGregg SulkinIsabella GomezDespite her vain stepmother and mean stepsisters, an aspiring singer finds her own holiday miracle as she works as an elf at a Christmas-tree lot.Given the startlingly similar premise to Marano's Disney Channel show "Austin & Ally", this managed to tread absolutely no new ground. Its original songs were unexpected and mediocre, but it was regardless a decent way to pass an hour and a half during the holidays. Take a shot every time they say "Dominic Wintergarden"
Watched December 5, 2020 with family - DirectorJoe RothStarsTim AllenJamie Lee CurtisDan AykroydWith their daughter, Blair, away in Peru, Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas all together until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate it at the last minute.Written 10/31/23: I believe I only saw this once for Jamie Lee Curtis, and while it was fine, I don't remember much other than I believe a lighting showdown between two families?
- DirectorJaneen DamianStarsLindsay LohanChord OverstreetGeorge YoungIn the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.I enjoyed seeing both Lindsay Lohan and Chord Overstreet again, but I can't say I was thrilled outside of that. I will say the twist where the father was actually caring and not a power-hungry mogul was nice, but this was pretty forgettable otherwise (pun intended).
Watched December 2, 2022 with family - DirectorMelissa Joan HartStarsMario LopezAnnaLynne McCordPaulina ChávezSingle father David is matched with out-of-town musician Sophie on a dating app. Since she is only in town for the holidays, they agree to 'practice-date"--but will they fall in love for real?I remember this being very cheesy and not super entertaining to make up for its bland script.
Watched 2022 with family - DirectorWendy OrdStarsNatasha WilsonEdward RuttleEva TavaresEmma Warner, as a SVP of a toy company, spends 12 months a year focusing on Christmas, leaving no time for dating. This year, she plans a trip to a tropical singles resort, but a booking mistake takes her to a Christmas obsessed town.This was fine but I seem to recall that the leads had pretty poor chemistry. I thought the assistant was an interesting comedic relief but I didn't like the twist with the male lead. otherwise it's a pretty standard made for TV Christmas movie
- DirectorJeff BeesleyStarsKyla PrattBrooks DarnellNancy SorelTwo college sweethearts reconnect while coordinating a wedding just in time for the holidays.Written 10/31/23: This was so melodramatic that I couldn't even enjoy it as a comforting background Christmas movie