With the fall semester officially over, the holidays are almost upon us. There’s a quiet calm that settles in once the chaotic finals season has run its course, and that creates the perfect time to sit back and watch holiday movies. We’ve studied, we’ve pulled all-nighters, we’ve shed a tear or two from sleep deprivation and stress. Now, we get to enjoy a brief and well-earned reprieve.
If you’re like me, you might have fallen into a pattern of watching the same holiday classics every year. Don’t get me wrong, I love “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” as much as the next person, but 2022 might be the year you add a new holiday movie to your watch list.
With over 150 holiday movies released this year, there are many excellent films to choose from. Here are the 10 buzziest films from this holiday season and how you can watch them.
Falling for Christmas
Streaming on Netflix
Netflix’s newest Christmas film is best when viewed in a group setting. I couldn’t get through 10 minutes without shutting it off when I watched it by myself, but over Thanksgiving break, I was howling with laughter while watching it with my family. There’s something about a silly group atmosphere that complements the absurdity of the film. If you’re looking for a silly, brain-turned-off comedy, this is perfect. It’s got over-the-top campy acting, an absurd plot and the obligatory annoying fiance we love to hate. Plus, Lindsay Lohan’s back!
“Falling for Christmas” is like a modern reboot of 1987′s “Overboard.” Both stories are about a rich heiress who has never worked a day in her life, a falling accident that causes amnesia, and learning the value of family and meaningful work. But this film is thankfully without “Overboard’s” very problematic aspect of the male love interest intentionally lying to her about her identity.
The Noel Diary
Streaming on Netflix
If you’re looking for a holiday pick-me-up, keep scrolling! This one’s a tearjerker. It’s quiet, restrained, down-to-earth, and possibly one of the best romances on this list. I must admit that I have been in love with Justin Hartley since he graced my screen in Smallville many, many years ago, so I may be a little biased.
“The Noel Diary” is about a New York Times-bestselling author, Jake, who reluctantly visits home after his estranged mother passes away. He soon meets Rachel, a woman who is just as eager to uncover her past as Jake is to get away from his. The two strangers embark on a road trip together after they discover that Jake’s estranged father might be the key to unlocking Rachel’s past.
Spirited
Streaming on Apple TV+
“Spirited” is an imaginative retelling of “A Christmas Carol.” Ryan Reynolds plays our modern-day Scrooge as a callous PR agent who incites culture wars just to sell Christmas trees. The Ghost of Christmas Present is Will Ferrell, and the two actors have great chemistry together. Their interactions are the best part of the film.
Although it might not be clear in the trailer and promotional materials for this film, it’s a musical, and I was very caught off guard when the characters started singing. If you’re not a fan of musicals, you might want to skip this one. There are a lot of musical numbers, and while the lyrics are creative and the performances can be fun, there were times when the story came to a grinding halt so another song could play. This broke up the pacing of the film and made it feel clunky. It’s still a wholesome story and I could very easily see how musical fans could make it into their newest holiday staple. Most of my family members gave this a three out of five, and I agree.
Christmas with You
Streaming on Netflix
This holiday film is brimming with heart! The tired Christmas rom-com tropes that I snickered at in “Falling for Christmas” I actually enjoyed in “Christmas with You.” This movie also features a cast of Latinx actors and showcases Latinx culture, which is refreshing given that most holiday movies are overwhelmingly white. From the fantastic casting to the soundtrack to the plot, the characters’ heritage is at the forefront of the film instead of an afterthought.
“Christmas with You” features Angelina, a singing icon who is struggling to maintain her career in the music industry. Angelina’s label has already snatched a younger singer and will drop the legendary star if she can’t produce a Christmas hit before the holidays. To get away from it all, Angelina makes the impulsive decision to meet a young fan and grant her “Christmas wish.” What started as a brief escape from the cutthroat music scene and an inauthentic relationship morphs into all the inspiration and family Angelina needs to survive the holiday season.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
Streaming on Disney+
This is a must-see if you’re a Marvel or “Guardians of the Galaxy” fan. It has the same actors, the same charm and witty, humorous dialogue as the films. To cheer up Quill, Mantis and Drax go on an important quest to bring him the Christmas gift of his dreams: Kevin Bacon.
The hilarious special includes awesome moments like a band of aliens debuting the instant hit “I don’t know what Christmas is, but Christmastime is here,” and Mantis hug-tackling a bewildered Captain America lookalike in Hollywood. My only complaint is that I wish it was longer!
A Wesley Christmas
Streaming on BET+
“A Wesley Christmas” has all the staples of a fun family Christmas movie: the aunt who drinks a little more than she should, the one who can’t grow up, the underrated sibling who has an amazing singing voice and more. This holiday season, it’s a house full of interesting characters. The acting and comedic delivery are stellar. The film does lean into tropes a little more than I’d like (for example, I’m not sure that PTSD was depicted with all the nuance it requires.) However, it’s a tale as old as time: nothing matters more than coming home for the holidays.
Violent Night
Now in theaters
This new holiday movie definitely delivers on its title. “Violent Night” follows Santa Claus on a gift-giving routine that has become extremely stale to the old-timer. This is soon to change, however, when a band of thieves break into a house just as Santa is dropping off presents. Then…well, the night gets extremely violent. Violent Night is a welcome departure from the typical peaceful Christmas film.
A Christmas Story Christmas
Streaming on HBO Max
Ralphie is back. “A Christmas Story” is one of the best Christmas classics, and the sequel lives up to the original. It’s such a nostalgic film full of fun callbacks, like “I triple-dog dare you!” and the nightmare fuel Santa Claus slide. Several original cast members returned for the sequel, including Peter Billingsley as Ralphie and Zack Ward as Scut Farkus. Billingsley is much older now, but he still has that same goofy grin and sense of humor. Fans of the first film and newbies alike will thoroughly enjoy the silly family hijinks.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol
Streaming on Netflix
“Scrooge: A Christmas Carol” is a musical retelling of the Christmas story we all know and love. The story beats don’t deviate much from the classic, but the animation is beautiful. I particularly loved the updated entrance of the Ghost from Christmas Past, who transforms from a candle into a ghost with a golden dress of melted wax. The film uses the art of animation to infuse the old-fashioned tale with some engaging modern visuals. This is a fun one to watch with young kiddos, siblings, nieces and nephews.
The Santa Clauses
Streaming on Disney+
This one isn’t technically a movie, but I had to sneak it in. “The Santa Clause” franchise has become synonymous with Christmas, and for good reason. This miniseries packs in all the heart and fun we’ve come to expect from its name. Tim Allen and Elizabeth Mitchell are back as Mr. and Mrs. Claus, respectively and we even get to see Eric Lloyd as grown-up Charlie. The latest Scott Calvin adventure depicts an older Claus who decides it might be time to say goodbye to his iconic job title. Before he retires, Scott must find the perfect Santa successor.