Alright, folks, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. And even if it doesn’t feel like a very normal Christmas this year, everyone has a favourite holiday movie to cozy up to. So, why not get a head start on the holiday cheer with some classic Christmas movies that you definitely should watch this season? Let’s see what kind of merriment is out there.
Here are some iconic and classic Christmas movies to stream this year.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
This might be the biggest sleeper hit of all time. The relatively unknown Christmas special was made by Jim Henson for CBC in the late 70s. You’ve got Kermit the frog, a sort of winter Bayou setting, and some of the unique Christmas tunes of all time. Here’s the outtakes reel, if you’re curious.
Where: Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
A Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Of course, most people will say that this pick and the next one are the absolutely essential Christmas films to watch. And they’ve got a good reason for it since they have incredible acting and storylines. If your film is still popular after more than 70 years, it’s earned its place as one of the all-time greats.
Where: Streaming on Crave
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Weirdly, neither this pick nor the one above were actually released for the holiday season (this one came out in January, and the other came out in May). Just in case you needed more reasons to watch them, they actually were so popular year after year that they essentially birthed the ‘Christmas movie’ genre.
Where: Streaming on Crave
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Yes, yes, you’ve probably seen it a hundred times. But if you haven’t, this is without a doubt one of the funniest Christmas movies that exist. Chevy Chase is at the top of his game, Randy Quaid’s ‘Cousin Eddie’ character is an all-timer, and it’s one of the few movies out there that will leave you feeling lucky that you don’t have your whole family around for the holidays.
Where: Buy or Rent on Amazon Prime Video
Home Alone (1990)
This is the movie that every 80s or 90s kid knows more or less by heart. However, that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable to revisit. Plus, pretty much everyone is on a Catherine O’Hara kick, and this is a great complement if you watched Beetlejuice over Halloween.
Where: Streaming on Disney+
The Santa Clause (1994)
If you haven’t revisited this one since you were a kid, trust us when we say you might enjoy this even more as an adult. Tim Allen plays a wonderful curmudgeon tasked with taking over Santa’s duties due to a very odd rule, but the laughs come in big ways as he transforms into a big-bellied, bearded man with an insatiable appetite for treats. Sure, the implication that killing Santa Clause can make you Santa Claus is dark, but it creates a pretty hilarious viewing for adults.
Where: Streaming on Disney+
A Christmas Story (1983)
If you’ve never wanted an “official Red Ryder carbine-action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time”, you will after this movie. It’s got laughs, a few sad parts, a kid’s tongue stuck to a frozen pole, and enough heart and nostalgia to get just about anyone through the holiday season.
Where: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
Scrooged (1988)
Last but certainly not least, we bring you this Bill Murray Christmas classic. It’s a satirical comedy that may be a little too mean-spirited for everyone, but if you’re a fan of Bill Murray having an edge (think the first half of Groundhog Day) then you’ll have fun with this one.
Where: Rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video
Well, that’s our little list of classic Christmas movies to check out this year! Keep an eye out for more lists like this in the next couple of weeks!
