POPULAR HOLIDAY MOVIE RECOMMENDATIONS

Amari Maré

@amari.mare

 

Finally on vacation—time to relax, unwind, and dive into every movie you’ve been too busy to watch during the year. If you’re unsure where to start, this guide offers a mix of classics, action, comedy, animation, and heartfelt stories to remind you of the most popular mainstream choices available for you to watch for this festive season.

 

Classic Nostalgia: Home Alone

 

What better way to kick off a holiday movie marathon than with a timeless classic? Home Alone sets the festive mood whether you’re celebrating solo or surrounded by family. It’s a nostalgic favourite filled with humour, heart, and the unforgettable tale of a young boy defending his home during Christmas.

 

 

Action-Packed: Die Hard

 

For those who like their festivities with a shot of adrenaline, join Bruce Willis as John McClane in Die Hard. When a Christmas party is interrupted by terrorists, it’s up to the everyman hero to save the day. Stylish, fast-paced, and iconic—perfect for an action-filled December.

 

 

Christmas With a Twist: Arthur Christmas

 

An underrated gem, Arthur Christmas offers a fun, modern spin on how Santa delivers gifts worldwide. When one child is accidentally missed, Santa’s quirky family—complete with eccentric elves and retired Santas—scrambles to save the holiday. Warm, clever, and criminally overlooked.

 

 

Christmas With a Twist: Alvin and the Chipmunks

 

Talking chipmunks? Singing chipmunks. This family-friendly comedy blends music, chaos, and plenty of heart. Though packed with humour, the film also explores themes like loyalty, humility, and staying true to your family. Perfect for younger viewers (and adults who don’t mind a little nostalgia).

 

 

Christmas With a Twist: Rise of the Guardians

 

Get ready to believe in childhood magic again. Rise of the Guardians brings together characters like Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and the Easter Bunny in a beautifully animated story about courage, teamwork, and protecting children’s innocence. Imaginative, emotional, and visually stunning.

 

 

 

Recently Released: A Merry Little Ex-Mas

 

If you want something light to play in the background, this new release is a great pick. When a divorcing couple arranges one last family Christmas dinner, tensions—and emotions—rise as they navigate their new relationships. Predictable yet comforting, it’s ideal for easy holiday viewing.

 

 

Romcom: The Holiday

 

Set between Los Angeles and London, The Holiday follows two women who swap homes to escape heartbreak over Christmas. What they find instead is healing, humour, and unexpected romance. A cozy, charming romcom filled with feel-good holiday spirit.

 

 

Romcom: Holidate

 

Tired of being interrogated about your love life at family gatherings? Holidate dives straight into the chaos of fake relationships, holiday traditions, and accidental romance. Fun, slightly chaotic, and refreshingly different from typical Christmas clichés.

 

 

Religious Series: The Chosen

 

This dramatic series follows the life and ministry of Jesus Christ through the eyes of those who encountered him. For Christian viewers, it offers a thoughtful way to reconnect with faith during the festive season and explore a deeper understanding of Jesus’ story.

 

 

Final Thoughts

 

Whether you’re craving action, romance, nostalgia, or laughter, this watchlist has something for everyone. Grab your popcorn, a blanket, (and perhaps a glass of wine), and settle in for a holiday movie marathon that keeps the whole family entertained.

 

Edited by Simoné de Witt