Updated:
I am officially adding Love Actually to the list, )and a couple of runner-ups thanks to the suggestions in the comments). The more l see it, the more l love it. I still stand by the original 5 because they never get old :-).
Thinking back over the many, many, many holidays that l have celebrated, l have come to realize that there are some holiday movies that l love to watch again and again during the season. I mean every freaking year :-). My friend sent me a message on Facebook saying how much she missed my ” forcing” her and other friends to watch these movies. Here are my favorite holiday movies in no particular order.
Auntie Mame:
This movie would have to be in my top ten of all time. It’s the story of a little boy named Patrick who loses his parents. He ends up living with his Auntie Mame, a tornado of a woman with a zest for life. She is a free spirit who constantly butts head with the banker who is in charge of dispensing the fund for the boy. Great laughs as she outwits every time 🙂 .
We see Patrick grow from a young, shy boy into a man who is torn between prim and proper (thanks to the banker) and fun loving risk taker (Mame). I love the message of the story. Family is extremely important, and also to never give up, even when everything goes awry as it does for Mame.
Rosalind Russell was a fantastic actress and she kills it in this movie. l absolutely love her in this! There have been other versions of this movie, but this is the best one in my opinion.
Pollyanna:
It’s almost impossible not to love this heartwarming story of a little orphan who is sent to live with her stuck up, uppity aunt. The aunt, despite all her wealth, is a miserable old cow, whose sole purpose in life seems to be to make everybody else just as miserable as she is. She is controlling, stubborn, and uses her wealth to manipulate the people in the town.
The townspeople hate her but are powerless to do anything…at least until Pollyanna shows up with her “it could always be worse” cheerfulness. Slowly, but surely, Pollyanna wins the people, as well as her aunt over. It makes me cry every time l watch it. She reminds me of myself, always optimistic 🙂 .
Seven brides for seven brothers:
We used to watch this at our parties and it was always so much fun! I would make everyone participate. “Lonesome Polecat” never sounded better after a few drinks :-). The title says it all.
A bunch of brothers on a quest for find their other halves. Adam, the oldest goes into town and comes back with Millie, a headstrong woman who falls in love with him at first glance. She is thrown into the household of seven men. Tall order, but she is quite capable.
The other brothers then kidnap six girls from town…and well, comedy ensues. It’s not politically correct in this day and age but it is a great fun movie, not to mention that most of the brothers are cute too :-).
ELF:
Just so you know l am not always stuck in the past, this is one of my new favorites. Will Farrell is just awesome in this movie. A lot of times when l watch is movies, l find him a bit too much. In this one though, he brings such a childish innocence to the role.
Elf is the story of Buddy, a human who is brought up by an elf. When he finally realizes it, he sets off to find his real dad in New York. His dad is played by James Caan, who was quite good in the role as a frazzled disbelieving father. Bob Newhart with his deadpan delivery is always a treat too. Mary Steenburgen again plays his step-mom, just like she did in Step Brothers (a hilarious movie btw!).
Trading Places:
Eddie Murphy was in his prime in this classic. A wonderful cast of Don Ameche, Ralph Bellamy, along with Dan Aykroyd as the yuppie, Jamie Lee Curtis as the hooker with a heart of gold, and Eddie as a street hustler, not to mention Denholm Elliott as the butler.
A bet of $1 between two elderly men causes the two guys to trade places. Eddie goes from being a beggar and hustler to a commodities trader, while Dan is forced to fend for himself on the streets, leading to hilarious chaos. Excellent cast, and excellent movie in my humble opinion.
I know l have left out some excellent ones. I almost put Bad Santa in there as l think it is a very funny movie, but l do have to be in the mood for it. The language is often foul and hard to stomach sometimes.
Bonus holiday movies:
Love Actually
I had forgotten just how heartwarming this movie is. It gets better the more you see it. Set over the Christmas holiday, it’s actually nine little stories about different kinds of love. The love between a middle-aged married couple that almost gets derailed.
The love between the Prime Minister and a junior staff member. The love between a man mourning the loss of his wife and trying to raise his stepson. Some other stories intertwined. The cast is wonderful. Every single one of them and l think this film is a fine addition to this list.
The Wiz:
The Wiz, a movie l remember watching as a teenager in Boston really made an impression. Michael Jackson had the voice of an angel and did a fine job here. My favorite was the wicked witch because she was so scary. A musical that surpasses the original in my opinion. I always try to watch it whenever it’s playing on TV.
Everyone knows the story so l won’t bother telling it again. A group of misfits goes in search of the Wizard to acquire characteristics they’d always had in them. Heartwarming, and the all-black cast does a fabulous job though it was hard to picture Diana Ross that young, but then again, same for Judy Garland :-).
A Christmas Story
I have no idea why this movie is popular with so many people of all ages. I put it here because of the comments, and because l got emails from people saying it was their absolute favorite. I did officially say “I don’t get it!” at first, but l must admit it was funny when l finally saw it. In fact, I think l will watch it again this year as it has kind of grown on me.
Little Ralphie tries to convince his parents that a BB gun would make for the perfect Christmas gift. All that while dodging a bully who is making his life so miserable. I loved the father :-).
There you have it. Some of my all-time favorite holiday movies. Are any of these on your list? Do you have others that l need to try? What are your favorite holiday movies?
I LOVE Auntie Mame! I’m so glad my mom sat me down to watch it as a kid. Rosalind Russell has amazing comedic timing! I always wanted to be her. Love Trading Places too. I like Bridget Jones Diary around this time of year. Love Actually is always a favorite too.
She was just perfect in this movie. Her timing, her delivery..everything. It would have been wonderful to have had an Auntie Mame. It’s kind of nice though because my nieces and nephews sort of consider me like her..you know..the rebel of the family..lol! I forgot about Love Actually, l like that a lot too, also Holiday, and Last Holiday with Queen Latifah.
Lol at “Pollyanna” because my mom always teases me for being a Pollyanna! Funny that you can relate to her character as well. I love “Trading Places” too. My fave holiday movies are definitely the “Home Alone” movies and the Charlie Brown movies. I love snuggling and watching holiday movies like that over the holidays. Great list – I’ll have to check some of these out.
Oh, you should, especially Auntie Mame. I think you would love it. The world needs more Pollyanna, so l’m glad you are one too (see..the glad game 🙂 ). I did like the first Home Alone, but l have never seen a Charlie Brown Christmas movie. Maybe it’s time l did.
I have to confess. I am not the biggest fa of Christmas movies, I can barely stand most of them.I do however love Love Actually.
It’s okay to not like holiday movies. Sometimes for me, nothing beats a trio of Clint Eastwood movies on Christmas Day itself, especially “for a few dollars more”. Love Actually seems to be a universal favorite. 🙂
I have still not seen Elf! I think I need to finally watch it this year!
You should! It’s silly funny..and l must admit, as much as l don’t really like Will Farrell, he pulls off the kid like character very well..
He is definitely a man that is still a child inside. 🙂
Yes he is. I hope you enjoyed it …”that is one angry elf!” ..lol!
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers – I haven’t seen that in years! I’m HUGE Trading Places fan having seen it numerous times. I would add It’s a Wonderful Life (tradition rocks) and of course one of the funniest movies ever – Christmas Vacation. I STILL as an adult watch the made for tv shows with Rudolph, Frosty and Charlie Brown! Great post Kemkem and wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 🙂
Oh l love Seven Brides, you should see it again, even if it’s just to see future Catwoman…lol! I haven’t seen Christmas Vacation in a long,long while” It’s a wonderful life is also a good one. I have never seen any of the Frosty etc movies.. Not sure why really. Happy Holidays to you as well! Hope it’s a great one 🙂
“Seven brides for seven brothers” was one of my favourite all-round films but another great film for Xmas is “The Wizard of Oz.” So cheery!
It’s a great movie isn’t it? All those songs..Howard Keel, feisty Millie.. I saw Wizard of Oz l think just once. I am almost ashamed to say l liked the Diana Ross version, all the songs were so danceable..lol. Happy Holidays !!!
It seems like you and I share the same taste in movies!!! I love Pollyanna, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and ELF!!! I think I would add Scrooge, the one Bill Murray! I just discovered your blog through Oneika’s blog, and it looks great! Happy New Year!
Aha! Nice to meet you, oh woman of excellent taste! 🙂 . I have not seen Scrooge with Bill Murray. I have to check it out now, as l like him. I am glad you discovered the blog, and l thank you for your compliment. I also see congratulations are in order for you, education wise Doc! AND a book.. well done you! I am sorry about your loss. I hope 2015 is a better one.
This is a cool list! I really enjoy The Wiz around Christmas time. And I love the remake of Pollyanna with Phylicia Rashad!
Thanks! I didn’t know there was a Pollyanna remake. I have to check it out, and yep.. I love the Wiz. Love it!!!
Great list! Trading Places is one of my favs as well and I’ve never seen 7 Brides, may need to add to my list to check out!
We watched Trading Places yesterday. Wonderful still and 7 Brides is such wholesome goodness 🙂 . Give it a go
Trading Places is definitely one of my favorite movies. I never think of it as a holiday movie. It is hilarious and heartwarming at the same time.
We watched it on Christmas Day, still as funny as it was years ago. It’s become a holiday movie for us since it takes place over Christmas time :-).
I think the only one I’ve seen on your list is Elf! I always enjoy Home Alone! I not a big Christmas movie person but i love listening to Christmas songs..
Yeah.. Home Alone is a pretty good one, even though it’s not in my top 5. Federico loves it a lot. Haha! It’s funny… I absolutely HATE Christmas songs, save for David Bowie’s classic 🙂 .
No you cant hate the songs, LOL, I can literally listen to them all year long..
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! 🙂 😉
I’m with you on Elf. It’s one of my most favorite holiday movies. I also love to watch all of the cheesy Hallmark Holiday movies on the Hallmark Channel. Home Alone 1 and 2 are also some of my favorites.
Will Farrell certainly outdid himself in that one. Just thinking about it makes me laugh :-). I think you’re the first person l know who likes the cheesy Hallmark movies :-). Joe Pesci was really good in Home Alone 1 and if it’s playing, l will watch it 🙂
Great post. I’ve only seen a few of these. I would love to see Auntie Mame. Thanks for sharing your list. I created a list that included Elf, Miracle on 34th Street, This Christmas and more.
I’m going to check your list. Always nice to discover good movies. I think you would really like Auntie Mame. Elf really is classic :-).
Out of all of these movies, I love Elf the movie. We tend to watch a Christmas Story and Home Alone.
I don’t think l know anyone who hates Elf. It became an instant classic :-). I just couldn’t get into a Christmas Story 🙂
Trading places is my movie! You have a great selection here. So glad a lot of these are accessible via streaming video now.
That movie alwasy cracks me up and we find ourselves quoting from it often 🙂 . I know, you gotta love the streaming! 🙂
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of my favourite movies 🙂
I have to admit that l’ve never seen that one. Not in all these years. I have to check if Netflix has it as l’m sure they won’t show it around here. You have however made that song stick in my brain…Holiday..wooh..woooh woo woo 🙂 !!! Thanks for the addition and comment. Have a wonderful holiday season.
Nice list! There are some movies I haven’t seen or even heard of – I am really happy to find about them. I know that we have similar taste in movies, so I will surely do my best to give them a try.
Here in Romania (and probably not only), there are two big franchises that are considered holiday movies: Home Alone and Die Hard. I saw them so many times that I don’t even know if I like them or I just got used to them, to be honest :))
Oh those franchises are everywhere. In the U.S, they play them on almost daily basis for the Christmas season. I like Home Alone 1 and the original Die Hard but l don’t need to see them.Like you, l just got used to them because they are just always there :-). You should check out these movies. I think l like them because in the vein of Home Alone, it’s a kid influencing the lives of adults around them for the good. I’m just a softy. For sure Eric would love ELF, Pollyanna and Auntie Mame as would you.
I love A Christmas Story, where Ralphie wants a BB gun but his Mom insists that “it’ll shoot your eye out.” Makes me laugh out loud! Love Actually is a must on Christmas Eve at our house, and don’t forget about Die Hard (Bruce Willis and the Nakatomi tower on Christmas Eve) I know, I know….but look it up. It really is classified as a Christmas movie. Disney’s Frozen and the first Home Alone movies are also favs. Fun activity – Merry Christmas!
I saw A Christmas Story but l could not for the life of me get why it’s so popular. It was just okay :-). I did however laugh at the shoot your eye out thing. My mom would have said the same. I still don’t swim thanks to one of her statements..haha! Die hard was good and l will see it because it is on so often with no other alternative I have never seen Frozen and l like the first Home Alone. Merry Christmas to you too :-).
Aww! Such a great list. I’ve seen Seven brides for seven brothers, ELF, Trading Places, and Love, Actually.
They’re all excellent films, but you’re right Richard Curtis (the director) is famous for doing brilliant romcoms, and it’s so good seeing all these fantastic British adults. All in one place. Especially the younger ones – Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave), Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead), Thomas Brodie-Sangster (Game of Thrones), Martin Freeman (Sherlock), who have all pretty much made it on the American film scene!
As well as our beloved national institutions – Alan Rickman (Harry Potter), Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones’s Diary), Colin Firth (Pride and Prejudice), Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List), Emma Thompson (Harry Potter), Bill Nighy (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), and Rowan Atkinson – who needs no introduction at all!
As far as I’m concerned, the best type of holiday movie is good old James Bond starring Roger Moore!
Roger Moore used to be my favorite Bond, but l have to admit l like Daniel Craig better. Grittier. He actually gets dirty and pummeled making it more believable. Definitely a great cast of people in that film. A bunch of my favorites, like Alan, Colin, Chiwetel, Emma, Rowan and of course Bill Nighy who was my favorite character in the movie :-). I also have an affinity for Clint Eastwood westerns at holiday time. I just do. Probably because they used to show the marathons yearly then when l lived in Boston :-).
My vote is with Elf 🙂
Lissette says she doesn’t have a favorite Christmas movie, but she does have a favorite Christmas scene: from Zelig with Woody Allen.
I love ELF and l confess to watching it during the year too as l have it on file. That and Stepbrothers are my favorites from him. Never saw Zelig! 🙂 and now, I can not watch any of his movies.
My faves are National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (driving the Griswold’s family truckster) and A Christmas Story. For years, whenever our son asked for anything and the answer was no, we’d say “You’ll shoot your eye out, Ralphie.” Such a great movie. In fact, we have guests for Christmas and we just may have to watch it again! Happy Holidays from our house to yours! Anita
I think l really need to check out that vacation movie. You’re the second or third person that has mentioned it. A Christmas Story l just couldn’t get into..might need to watch it from the beginning :-). Haha! I think you should dig it up and watch it. My friends were always complaining whenever l made them watch Mame and Pollyanna especially during the holiday season. After a while, they would actually ask me to bring the movies in so we could play it at work (before the dragon chain acquired us). Even the doctors in the building would start humming songs from 7 brides. Great time! Happy Holidays to you guys and have a fun and safe one with your visitors.