STAFF PICKS: Holiday movies bringing us cheer this year
As the semester comes to a close, nearness to the holiday season grows. The Signal staff have selected the movies that bring them the most joy and merriness during the holidays. Share your favorite holiday movies in the comments below!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
“This movie makes my must-watch list every year because it was a holiday staple at my house. Plus, if we really think about it, the Grinch is way more relatable than they ever wanted us to know.”
– Jessica Kunzat, Audience Engagement Editor
“My favorite holiday movie is how the Grinch stole Christmas because it has become a tradition in my family to watch this movie Christmas Day in our pajamas after opening gifts. No questions asked.”
– Analy Catalan, reporter
“While I acknowledge the author of the source text is terrible, this is one of my favorite winter holiday movies. This is probably my favorite Jim Carrey movie period. The movie is styled so fantastical and each time I revisit it, I find something interesting and new.”
– Alyssa Shotwell, Online Editor
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
“Something about the classic Rankin/Bass stop-motion Rudolph aesthetic really signifies Christmastime to me like nothing else does. Also, this movie beautifully tells the origin story of the outcast reindeer we’ve all come to know and love with an exciting blend of nostalgic music, voice acting and sound effects.”
– Miles Shellshear, Executive Editor
Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer (2000)
“Grandma Got Ran Over By A Reindeer is a classic. I love how the movie captures the attention of all ages and is a fun movie for the whole family. It’s also one of my favorites because the song is very catchy.”
– Stephanie Perez, Managing Editor of Outreach
Star Wars (All 9 films)
“It has always been a tradition for me to watch the original six Star Wars films during the holidays, but now, it has (and will be for many years) especially become essential because the saga is now complete as all nine films of the Skywalker Saga have been made. This will be my first holiday season in which I experience the saga as it was meant to be, as I start with the underrated Phantom Menance to the recently released Rise of Skywalker. The Force is definitely with me this holiday season!”
– Troylon Griffin II, Managing Editor of Content and Operations
Love Actually (2003)
“Is this movie problematic? Yes. Does it age poorly? Yes. Is the infamous poster board scene the creepiest part of that film? Surprisingly no.However, I love this movie and it makes me giddy when I watch it. Even though it’s one of those Who’s Who of Hollywood ensemble films, the actors commit to every scene and odd storyline. Emma Thompson’s acting is outstanding, Hugh Grant makes me giggle and blush and Rowan Atkinson gives the most brilliantly hilarious performance.”
– Emily Wolfe, Editor-in-Chief
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
“This is the only adaptation of Dicken’s “The Christmas Carol” that I actually like. It is still stupid funny, and absolutely terrifying when it needs to be. I would love to see more Muppet films cover holidays stories outside of Christmas. This is my favorite Muppets movie too.”
– Alyssa Shotwell, Online Editor
The Polar Express (2004)
“I’m not quite sure what it is about this movie, but it never quite feels like the holidays until I get to watch it. It brings out the little kid in me and continues to feel whimsical every year. It’s easily my favorite movie to watch while I cozy up with a cup of hot chocolate.”
– Jessica Kunzat, Audience Engagement Editor
Black Christmas (2006)
“I love holiday and horror movies and this movie covers both of those genres. I also love it because my siblings and I have made it a tradition to watch it during the holidays.”
– Stephanie Perez, Managing Editor of Outreach
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
“While some may not consider this a holiday movie since it isn’t even wintertime in the story until the last act, I love this movie and watch it almost every year because it gets me in the holiday spirit and pulls at my heartstrings.”
– Miles Shellshear, Executive Editor
The Family Stone (2005)
“Every single year since the movie came out, my mom and I watch “The Family Stone” during the holiday season. It has a phenomenal ensemble cast and it is so freaking funny and well-done. It’s not super over-the-top about Christmas and there isn’t a whole “hope is the greatest gift of all” message. It’s literally a dysfunctional family not liking the eldest son’s girlfriend. It’s just simple and wonderful and the strata incident is cinematic gold.”
– Emily Wolfe, Editor-in-Chief
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
“I will openly admit I can quote most of this movie. I am nearing 30 and still watch this yearly. If I don’t watch it by Dec. 25, you can catch me watching it New Years Eve. It is a great blend of using Disney’s main cast of characters to tell “classic” holiday stories.”
– Alyssa Shotwell, Online Editor
Jingle All The Way (1996)
“I like it because it’s a goofier side of Arnold Schwarzenegger and it has a good message in it. Holidays are meant for cheer and giving.”
– Alex Moore, reporter
While there are some underrated films here that made the cut, what about the holiday classics and staples that we all know and love, like Home Alone 1 and 2 (3 is ok if you tire of the first two), Elf, A Christmas Story, or Unaccompanied Minors? There are some people who have not heard of these classics and we also need to diversify our watchlist a bit, but in keeping the theme for the holiday season, I don’t think there’s anything with going back to the classics. Any movie can be recommended to make the holidays bearable, but we always need to remind ourselves the reason for the season, no matter how tired we get from it. Anyways, I always like to help others spread joy and laughter with wholesome ideas and messages, but in being kind to others, whatever you guys publish, I will consider. Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!