These are still the Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films. Well, it’s that time of year again and I always look forward to those wonderful Holiday movies. And, every year the month of December is where the countdown begins for a movie marathon. Furthermore, this is that time of year when these type of movies reminds us what Christmas is truly all about. Moreover, just like the film The Nativity Story directed by Catherine Hardwicke. Remember, Sleepless in Seattle? I was delighted to find out that the movie was filmed… yup, you guessed Seattle!!
Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films
The Nativity Story – True Meaning of Christmas
This is still my all-time favorite movie. In the 2006 American film based on the nativity of Jesus. Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes and Oscar Isaac. Mary, betrothed to marry 32-year-old Joseph of Judaea (Oscar Isaac). Mary is visited by Archangel Gabriel and told that she will become pregnant with God’s son; whom she is to name “Jesus”. He tells her that God has blessed her cousin Elizabeth with a child despite her old age. Joseph is later visited in a dream by the Archangel Gabriel, who tells him of God’s plan for Mary’s son. Finally believing, he is ashamed of his earlier doubts.
A Little Holiday Sweet Romance & Comedy
Sleepless In Seattle
I always look forward to December 1st, because I love watching them each day of December. Yes, I am a bit of a romantic, “Sleepless In Seattle” and it most definitely at the top of my list. What’s yours? This time of the year, it’s a count down to the New Year.
Sleepless In Seattle – Just one of the romantic comedy films starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. This film also features the talents of Rosie O’Donnell, Rita Wilson, and Rob Reiner.
Hanks assumes the role of Sam Baldwin, a widowed father who, thanks to his concerned son’s clever scheme. Sam reluctantly finds himself as a featured guest on a radio call-in show. In no time, he captures the hearts of numerous female listeners leading to an avalanche of comforting letters arriving at his Seattle home.
Santa Clause
The Santa Clause Trilogy is a series of comedy films starring Tim Allen and consisting of The Santa Clause (1994), The Santa Clause 2 (2002), and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006).
The Santa Clause movies are some of the best Christmas movies. The films revolve around a man facing a challenging period in his life. His marriage has ended, and he struggles to navigate his relationship with his son. As Christmas approaches, the son stays with him, and an event unfolds that profoundly alters both their lives. It’s a movie that leaves a lasting impression and is best experienced without revealing too much detail. It’s a fantastic choice for the whole family, a film you can revisit time and time again.
Christmas Chronicles & Christmas Chronicles 2
My favorite scene is when Kurt Russell starts to sing. The Christmas Chronicles…
…is a 2018 American Christmas film directed by Clay Kaytis from a screenplay by Matt Lieberman. The film stars Kurt Russell as Santa Claus. It also stars Judah Lewis, Darby Camp, Lamorne Morris; and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Oliver Hudson.
“Die Hard“ – John McClane (Bruce Willis, in one of his all-time best film performances), a basically good, honest New de Souza and Jeb Stuart.
I always enjoy a good action film and Die Hard fits the bill; The film follows off-duty New York City Police Department officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) who is caught in a Los Angeles skyscraper on Christmas Eve. But, during a heist led by criminal mastermind Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman).
Jack Frost is truly on the Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films
Jack Frost – is a 1998 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film, starring Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston. Keaton stars as the title character, a man who dies in a car accident and comes back to life as a snowman.
This movie has nothing to dislike about it; it effectively portrays how, at times, parents become too absorbed in their pursuit of a livelihood. And, inadvertently neglecting or overlooking their children. It further illustrates that those who find themselves in this situation may miss out on essential aspects of life or, in some cases, even fail their families entirely.
This well-crafted film serves as a poignant reminder of what truly matters in our lives. And, it delves into the concept of second chances, offering the opportunity to set things right and express our farewells while we still can.
Frosty the Snowman
“Frosty the Snowman” is a popular Christmas song written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson. And, the first was recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950 and later recorded by Jimmy Durante.
In this film the children made a snowman in the schoolyard on Christmas Eve, and named him Frosty? Surprisingly, Frosty is brought to life. When Karen places a magical silk hat, which the children found, on top of the snowman’s head.
Gremlins – With its Christmas lights and dusting of snow, Kingston Falls is an idyllic small town–until the gremlins take over. A father returns from Chinatown with an unusual pet, a Mogwai–a gift for his son.
The Rules are Simple: Keep your Mogwai away from water, bright lights and, most importantly, never–never–feed him after midnight. But the rules are inadvertently broken, and the consequences multiply at an alarming rate.
Jingle All the Way is a 1996 American Christmas family comedy film directed by Brian Levant.
It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad as two rival fathers, workaholic Howard Langston (Schwarzenegger) and stressed out postal worker Myron Larabee (Sinbad). Both begins a frantic search for the most requested toy for the year. And, desperately trying to purchase a Turbo-Man action figure for their respective sons on a last-minute shopping spree on Christmas Eve. Goes to show you… when leave Christmas shopping for the last minute… they’re gone!!
It’s Fun To Watch 29 Favorite Holiday Films every year!!!
When I was younger we would string popcorn for a decoration for the tree while watching these favorite holiday films.
Holiday in the Wild
Instead of thanking her, he abruptly ends their marriage; jilted Kate proceeds to Africa for a solo safari. During a detour through Zambia, she helps her pilot, Derek Holliston (Rob Lowe), rescue an orphaned baby elephant. They nurse him back to health at a local elephant sanctuary, and Kate extends her stay through Christmastime. finding purpose — and potential romance. Starring: Robe Lowe and Kirstin David.
Home Alone
Home Alone – The McCallister family prepares to spend Christmas in Paris, gathering at Peter and Kate’s home in a Chicago suburb on the night before their departure. While, Peter and Kate’s youngest son, Kevin, is the subject of ridicule by his older siblings and relatives, namely his older brother Buzz.
An eight-year-old boy named Kevin has accidentally been left home alone; by his family during Christmas vacation… Kevin must protect his house from a pair of burglars, when he has accidentally left home alone; by his family during Christmas vacation…
It’s A Wonderful Life
You can’t the Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films without including the film – It’s A Wonderful Life – The film is one of the most beloved in American cinema and has become during the Christmas season.
The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams in order to help others, and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). However, Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched, and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be if he had never been born.
Best Holiday Action Films
Kate & Leopold is a 2001 romantic-comedy fantasy film. And, that tells the story of a duke who travels through time from New York in 1876 to the present. And, falls in love with a woman in modern New York. The film is directed by James Mangold and stars Meg Ryan, Hugh Jackman, and Liev Schreiber.
Holiday Classic: Miracle on 34th St (’94)
Miracle on 34th Street is a 1994 American Christmas Comedy-drama fantasy film written and produced by John Hughes, and directed by Les Mayfield).
Susan Walker, a six-year-old portrayed by Mara Wilson, harbors doubts about the Christmas legend of Santa Claus, possibly influenced by her mother, Dorey (Elizabeth Perkins). When Dorey is responsible for hiring the Santa who will interact with children at Macy’s, she selects a man named Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough), who insists he is Santa Claus.
Miracle on 34th St. (’47)
This Holiday Film Classic – Miracle on 34th St.; Another timeless holiday film classic unfolds the story of “Kris Kringle,” a department store Santa Claus at Macy’s, portrayed by Edmund Gwenn in an Academy Award-winning performance.
My Favorite Claymation/Animated Holiday Films
This is one of my all-time favorite films: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – The story chronicles the experiences of Rudolph, a youthful reindeer buck (male) who possesses an unusual luminous red nose.
The story chronicles the experiences of Rudolph, a youthful reindeer buck (male) who possesses an unusual luminous red nose. Mocked and excluded by his peers because of this trait, Rudolph proves himself one Christmas Eve. With poor visibility due to inclement weather after Santa Claus catches sight of Rudolph’s nose and asks Rudolph to lead his sleigh for the evening.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town – “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town remains a timeless classic that evokes a strong sense of nostalgia every time I revisit it.
The tale of Santa Claus’s origin, with its enduring themes of love, kindness, and generosity, continues to strike a chord with me, even today. This film always occupies a special place in my heart and remains a cherished tradition I eagerly anticipate passing down to future generations.”
Scrooged is a modern retelling that follows Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a cynical and selfish television executive, who is visited by a succession of ghosts on Christmas Eve intent on helping him regain his Christmas spirit.
Serendipity is the occurrence of an unplanned fortunate discovery.
Serendipity – is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Peter Chelsom, written by Marc Klein. And, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Wikipedia: Serendipity is a common occurrence throughout the history of product invention and scientific discovery.
After a chance meeting and a spontaneous date, Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) exchange phone numbers-sort of. He scrawls his on a five-dollar bill, while hers is written in a used book. Should either of them happen upon the other’s number, Sara says, this will prove they were meant for each other. But when seven years go by and marriage looms for both of them, will destiny intervene and finally bring them together? Romantic comedy also stars Jeremy Piven and Molly Shannon.
The Little Drummer the Boy – Greer Garson narrates this Rankin/Bass production, based on the carol. The story is about a poor boy who joins the three wise men in journeying to Jesus’ birthplace. Although, he has nothing to offer the newborn savior except his skilled beats. Jose Ferrer shows up to voice a circus ringmaster, while the Vienna Boys’ Choir performs the title tune.
The Knight Before Christmas
Is this a knight to remember? – The Knight Before Christmas is a 2019 (Netflix) Christmas comedy film.
Brooke is a woman that has lost hope of finding her “happily ever after” and comes across Cole a knight who has traveled from the 14th century. Cole has been sent into the future by an old crone to fulfill his destiny; of being a true knight. After accidentally hitting him with her car, Brooke thinks that he is suffering from amnesia as he tells her that he is a knight.
The Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films – Classics
Throughout the year I always look forward to watching the Best 29 Holiday Film Classics. This was a memorable time… I remember watching these Favorite Classic Holiday Films together as a family. And, White Christmas is a 1954 Classic Holiday film.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000) – The Grinch decides to rob Whoville of Christmas — but a dash of kindness from little Cindy Lou Who and her family may be enough to melt his heart. Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor. Jim Carrey brings Dr. Seuss’s character to life in this holiday hit that ruled the box office four weeks in a row.
The Star
The Star is a 2017 American computer-animated Christian comedy film directed by Timothy Reckart. Inspired by the Nativity of Jesus. And, the film’s screenplay was written by Carlos Kotkin and Simon Moore, based on an original idea by Tom Sheridan.
My Favorite Claymation/Animated Holiday Films
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974). This remake follows the same basic concept as the original: Santa, disillusioned by children’s lack of belief in him. And, in the spirit of giving, decides not to deliver toys this Christmas Eve...
… Despite the arguments by Mrs. Claus and two of his helper-elves, Jingle and Jangle. They decide to provide Santa with some proof that children still believe. And, that they still deserve toys from Santa; so the elves visit the United States in search of Christmas spirit.
Best 29 Favorite Holiday Film: American Comedy film
Trading Places – is a 1983 American comedy film directed by John Land is starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. This movie was so hilarious. I loved it. It tells the story of
The rich and greedy Duke Brothers wager a bet over whether born loser Valentine could become as successful as the priggish Winthorpe if circumstances were reversed. The Dukes have the money to make this happen, but when Valentine and Winthorpe catch on they arrange for a rich and riotous payback!
’twas The Night Before Christmas – This is when someone doesn’t believe. And, for some unexplained reason, letters to Santa Claus are being returned to the children of Junctionville.
How Albert is persuaded to change his tune paves the way for Santa’s jolly return to Junctionville. And, the joyous finale of this charming animated fable inspired by Clement Moore’s poem. Joel Grey, Tammy Grimes, John McGiver and George Gobel are featured voices.
While You Were Sleeping
While You Were Sleeping is a 1995 American romantic comedy film. Sandra Bullock takes on the role of Lucy, a token collector for the Chicago Transit Authority. While Bill Pullman portrays Jack, the brother of the man whose life Lucy heroically rescues…
… Peter Gallagher plays the role of Peter, the individual who owes his life to Lucy’s actions. And, the cast also includes Peter Boyle and Glynis Johns as members of Peter’s family. Additionally, Jack Warden plays the part of a longstanding family friend and neighbor.
White Christmas
White Christmas (1954) – Two war buddies fall for two sisters. And, follow the girls to a resort owned by their former commanding officer. who is in danger of losing the place. Starring: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye shine in this classic musical that got an Oscar nod for Best Original Song.
This list gets longer and longer every year of the Best 29 Favorite Holiday Films. Brings back wonderful memories from my childhood, I eagerly anticipated the holiday season as it provided the perfect opportunity to gather with my family; and revel in the warmth of this heartwarming movie.
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