The festive season brings with it cozy nights, warm cups of cocoa, and quality time in front of the TV. Christmas movies get a lot of attention during the holidays, with everyone seeming to have a couple of favorites that they watch time and time again. However, the end of the year creates a need for nostalgia and the comforting feeling that revisiting an old classic can bring. Many re-watch traditions start by watching whatever’s on TV together, or movies that were passed down by family members that have remained popular for generations.
Bona fide staples likeThe Wizard of Oz, are shown on most channels all around the world at some point in time during the holiday season, with more recent classics, likeHarry PotterorThe Lord of the Rings,all following suit. However these traditions come to be, putting on a beloved blockbuster while enjoying a quiet night makes for a most wonderful time during the holidays, even if that’s not what the movie is strictly about.
10Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The Coolest Archeologist With The Best Theme Song
Indiana Jones has accompanied many generations of viewers during their holiday season. There have been heated debates over the years about which of the films is the best, and whatever the answer may be, it’s always a good idea to start at the beginning. This Steven Spielberg action-adventure is packed with excitement and tension, and fun for viewers of all ages — depending on their fear of snakes.
Raiders of the Lost Arkis decidedly now a classic, which evokes fondness for the era of George Lucas' biggest hits. Seeing Harrison Ford nonchalantly donning his iconic fedora is always a moment to cherish, and the story itself is full of unexpected twists. The antagonists get exactly what they deserve and that last shot in the warehouse leaves viewers wanting more. Thankfully, there are quite a few further films to play next if the mood does strike this December.
9The Sound of Music (1965)
The Trials & Tribulations Of The von Trapp Family
Musicals and Christmastime go hand in hand. Whether it’s carols, pop hits, or themed cinema showings, singing along to some uplifting songs will most certainly set a cheerful mood. As soon as Julie Andrews' Maria appears, belting out “The Hills Are Alive,“viewers are fully immersed. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first or 25th watch, this classic movie will create the sort of atmosphere that feels like a celebration. The story is uplifting despite the period it’s set in, and the family atmosphere on-screen translates well off-screen too.
The Sound of Musicis a film that many people invariably stumble upon when it is being shown on TV at some point during the day over the festive period. It is also many people’s favorite old movie, so it’s possible there’s a DVD lying around at home that has been worn out by the number of times it was watched over the years. As the von Trapp family falls in love with Maria, so does the audience, and “Climb Every Mountain” has to be seen to be believed.
8Titanic (1997)
A Dose Of Festive Melodrama
It’s not often that one has a spare three hours to watch one film, but those darker winter evenings lend themselves very well to doing just that. This doomed love story is filled with drama, action, and visual effects that still manage to make a huge impression. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are name-checked in the Christmas favorite,Love Actually, so it stands to reason that they should be revisited over the holidays.
There’s something about blockbusters with multiple Oscars that feels worthy of a festive viewing. With so many iconic scenes and a story that manages to break viewers' hearts every time, James Cameron’smagnum opusis a perennial favorite to be re-watched. There always seem to be moments that may have been forgotten despite multiple viewings, making it nice to discover something new with each watch. With its lasting legacy and new legions of streamers, there’s a good chance its impact will endure.
7Forrest Gump (1994)
Because Life Is Like A Box Of Chocolates
Many people enjoy a good cry, especially during the holidays, so putting on a tearjerker is a great way of getting in touch with one’s emotions. This heartwarming story of a simple man who achieves extraordinary things is filled with nostalgia and celebrates the best of Americana. Tom Hanks' Academy Award-winning portrayal is always astonishing to watch, and as viewers laugh through their tears, they feel a warming comfort.Forrest Gumpis also notoriously quotable.
Forrest’s relationships with Jenny, Bubba, Lieutenant Dan, and his beloved mother all have much sadness to them but are ultimately integral to making Forrest the man that he is. Inserting him into many different historical events is done cleverly and never fails to bring a smile to viewers' faces. It also has one of the best movie soundtracks, which sets the scene for each decade perfectly.
6Back to the Future (1985)
Best Not To Think Too Much About The Mechanics Of Time Travel
Each installment of the trilogy brings with it a new time to explore, and the franchise introduced audiences to one of the most widely accepted rules of time travel (whether right or not). Going back in time to meet younger versions of one’s parents or even to experience what life was like without the comforts of modern-day technology is a great concept, seeing as many people have imagined this at some point. The fish-out-of-water trope is done so well, with plenty of funny gags, and great reactions from Michael J. Fox.
Back to the Future Part II’s vision of 2015 did not come to pass, which only makes watching this sci-fi series that much more fun. Whether viewers long for a pair of self-lacing sneakers or appreciate the fact that teenagers aren’t currently flying around on hoverboards, Fox’s Marty McFly’s adventures are a joy to revisit. The movie is charming, funny, and packed with scenes that bring back so many memories.
5Finding Nemo (2003)
Just Keep Swimming
Watching a Disney movie at Christmas is a rite of passage, and not just for children. Having a cartoon that’s full of joy and sweet moments is exactly what’s needed during a cozy day with the family.Finding Nemois visually beautiful and has a story that masterfully pulls on the heartstrings. Despite not being a musical, it manages to have its own standout soundbite with Dory’s very catchy mantra, which probably still occasionally slips out during a seaside vacation or at the pool.
Each character’s journey pulls the audience in. Marlon’s adventures with the turtles are just as fun and treacherous as Nemo’s new life in the aquarium. The seagulls steal the show every time, and it never fails to give viewers a new appreciation for the oceans. The message of support and acceptance is one that’s worth being reminded of as the new year approaches, and resolutions are formed.
4Avengers: Endgame (2019)
All The Heroes Finally Assemble
The 2010s were a high point for the MCU. All the releases tied together well, and viewers waited with bated breath for each new superhero story. The culmination of this run was the double-feature ofAvengers: Infinity WarandEndgame,with the latter capping off Phase Three in epic style. People will watch all the films in order every so often, some pick their favorites to go back to more regularly, andAvengers: Endgameis one MCU film that just fits perfectly with the end of the year.
Seeing Captain America finally say the words “Avengers assemble” drew roars of applause in theaters, and still hits viewers. There are many scenes and pairings that are gifts to everyone who stuck with each of the movies that lead up to this one.Endgamemanages to stand up on its own, as the peril and stakes are exciting enough to follow even for those who haven’t necessarily seen any of the other titles. It’s also incredibly impressive to see so many huge movie stars together in one giant scene at the end.
3Paddington 2 (2017)
Marmalade Sandwich Snacks Are A Must
It’s rare for a sequel to surpass the original at quite the level thatPaddington 2has. The first outing was welcomed warmly by both critics and audiences at large, but the cuddly bear’s second adventure exceeded expectations. It held a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for over three years and is beloved by viewers of all ages.
Fans adored seeing Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, and Sally Hawkins return for more delightful adventures, but the addition of Hugh Grant is what gave this film its edge. This hilarious roster of characters is the perfect mix of camp and dastardly. The image of the marmalade-loving Paddington in his pink prison outfit is one that represents this sweet film so well. It’s as heartwarming as a cup of warm English breakfast tea.
2Jurassic Park (1993)
Roaring Great Fun
Spielberg’s original prehistoric adventure was a game-changer when it first came out. The use of cutting-edge visual effects, mixed with practical technology, brought to life creatures that audiences had never seen on such a scale. It’s over 30 years old now, has already seen two sequels, welcomed an entire reboot trilogy, and has yet another currently in production. That is the power of the Jurassic universe.
Yet the original movie still holds magic, filled with nostalgia for multiple generations. It’s no wonder viewers choose to go back to the start time and again, just to see where it all began. Jeff Goldblum’s low-cut shirt moment, Sam Neil’s heroic antics in a suspended Jeep, and Laura Dern’s investigation of some rather large triceratops droppings are all stand-out moments. Starting withJurassic Parkand continuing with all the sequels is a festive trend that takes people straight into the new year.
1The Wizard of Oz (1939)
There’s More To It Than Just Ruby Slippers
“There’s no place like home”, “we’re not in Kansas anymore”, and “I’m melting"are all quotes everyone knows. The legacy ofThe Wizard of Ozis unmatched, possibly due to the fact that it was made nearly 100 years ago, but mostly because of the message of unity and family love that it champions. The characters and songs are known on some level to most people, and watching this true classic over the holidays brings a lot of holiday cheer.
What’s especially impressive about this film from 1939 is how good it still looks. Filled with grand stages and filmed in glorious technicolor, as soon as the viewer enters Oz, they’re blown away by the scale. Judy Garland’s wide-eyed portrayal of Dorothy is so iconic, and the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow are the greatest companions. WithWicked’srelease set to dominate the next few years, it’s comforting to revisit its original inspiration.
