10 Movies To Watch With Family During Christmas
Let's gather around the fireplace, pop some popcorn (or champagne) and watch something.
The relatives are over and you've been celebrating Christmas all day. It only makes sense after all that eating, chatting and caroling (rightttt.....) that you feel like slowing down and taking a rest (or a nap to some of us). It's that time of the day that everybody gathers around the fireplace and watches something fitting to the occasion. I hope you have something pre-selected, but if you don't, here is a list of recommendations that's well worth your consideration (get ready for some nostalgia!).
#1 Love Actually (2003) If you enjoy a good Christmas drama with an amazing cast and a plot that intertwines the life of many of the characters, this is your movie. It involves a great many of the British powerhouse actors, including but not limited to Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley.
Synopsis: A story that follows 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.
#2 The Holiday (2006) If you enjoy a light, cheesy-at-times story that involves meeting a handsome stranger in a foreign country, this is your movie. It's got great scenery, and the two main cast have got great chemistry (I'm talking about the characters Cameron Diaz and Jude Law play, not so sure about Kate Winslet and Jack Black).
Synopsis: A story about two women troubled with guy-problems swapping homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.
#3 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) This is my favorite movie out of the entire Home Alone series. It's a classic, especially to the 90s kids. I remember watching it many times with my siblings and still am not bored of it. Although parents with little toddlers should be aware of all of the over-the-top traps that Kevin sets up in the movie to trick the burglars. You might want to casually warn them about NOT throwing bricks off the roof.
Synopsis: One year after Kevin McCallister was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself stranded in New York City, and the same criminals are not far behind.
#4 It's A Wonderful Life (1946) My husband's family loves this movie. They put it on every Christmas. While I'm not much of a fan, I can understand why this might be a big deal to many people. For one thing, it teaches you an important lesson about life. So if you like a classic, black and white movie that makes you think, you should give this a watch.
Synopsis: An 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.
#5 Love Story (1970) If you are looking for some happy and sad tears, this is your tearjerker movie. It's not so much related to Christmas but more to romance. This movie will make you look back at your college time, where you might have met your someone special and later started a family together. The two main cast have awesome chemistry, it doesn't take much to believe that they are in love and that their kind of love is what everybody looks for.
Synopsis: A story about a boy and a girl from different backgrounds falling in love regardless of their upbringing, and then tragedy strikes.
#6 Edward Scissorhands (1990) This one is for those of you who love a quirky movie. Tim Burton always sets his scenes so well that watching them literally takes you out of where you are and straight into his story. This is one of those tragic love stories that the characters don't end up together because of circumstances, and in Edward's case, it's an uptight society which can't accept anybody different in it that prevents him from loving freely.
Synopsis: A story about an artificial man, who was incompletely constructed and has scissors for hands, leading a solitary life. Then one day, a suburban lady meets him and introduces him to her world.
#7 How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) My husband requests to watch this movie every Christmas. If you are a Dr. Seuss fan or nostalgic like my husband, you probably already have plans to watch it with your family this year. It's a cute little short cartoon that teaches us the importance of having a big heart, literally. If you've never seen it, you might want to check it out.
Synopsis: A story about a grumpy hermit hatching a plan to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville.
#8 Klaus (2019) To me, this is an animation that's almost like it's the back story of Santa Claus, how he comes about being who he is, and why he starts making all these toys for people. His new friend, a postman, with whom he starts a lifelong friendship is like his elf, helping him deliver all those gifts. If you are into stories about mending an ancient feud, or are looking for something refreshing to watch other than another year of The Polar Express, this is your movie.
Synopsis: A simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.
#9 Just Married (2003) If you enjoy watching movies that involve sightseeing around Europe, Just Married has some of the best scenes of this magical land. It takes you to France and Italy, two of my favorite places in the world. On top of that, this is not your ordinary wedding film. It's a goofy, super silly yet cute little comedy that will perhaps help you see what money can't buy can be exceptionally sweet to have. Marriage is tough but love conquers all.
Synopsis: A young newlywed couple honeymoon in Europe, where obstacles challenge their ability to sustain the marriage.
#10 Some Like It Hot (1959) If you are a Marilyn Monroe fan, this is a must-watch. Once again she plays a lowly songbird struggling to make it big. It's not so much a Christmas movie, but it's a timeless, unforgettable comedy classic that's worth watching on special occasions. Even though it's a movie from the 50s, some of the jokes still apply well today and it's easy to find yourself laughing at them.
Synopsis: After two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.
What did you end up watching? Did you enjoy it? Why not? Share with us in the comments below.
Julie Y. Barris
Founder | Chief Editor | Advice Guru of Moody Melon Magazine
I am an author, artist, entrepreneur, and a graphic designer with a unique vision to contribute to the world one idea at a time. Besides creating and inventing things, I’m also fascinated by the human mind. I enjoy helping others help themselves by giving them advice on family and relationship matters.
