With winter break right around the corner, students are beginning to unwind and get into the holiday season. And what better way to get into the holiday season than through some of your favorite holiday films. When it comes to holiday movies, everyone is familiar with the popular classics from “Home Alone” to “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” but what about the lesser known holiday flicks? Speaking to USC students, we got to find out some of their favorite non-traditional films to view during the holidays.
One film that focuses on the meaning of coming together during the holidays is the 2011 film “Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas!” The movie focuses on the ups and downs between a mother and her daughter as they road trip across America during the holidays. It is a very heartwarming film that shows how a family bond only grows stronger during the Christmas season. USC student Alex Gramajo has made the film a holiday staple for himself as he has watched the movie at least once for the past six Christmases.
“It is just a very touching movie to me, and it reminds me of my relationship with my siblings as we all watch it together every year,” said Gramajo.
Fans of the superhero genre will not be disappointed during the holidays as they have not one, but two films they can watch. The first choice being the 1992 film “Batman Returns.” The film is a sequel to the hit 1989 movie “Batman,” and follows the dark knight as he battles against his nemesis the Penguin during the Christmas season. The film features a very winter time aesthetic with most of the set design being buildings covered in snow and ice.
“I like how the film balances the festive and light tone of Christmas, but also has that bit of darkness that comes with the holidays,” said Julianna Townley.
Another superhero film people can watch is the 2013 film “Iron Man 3.” The film follows genius billionaire Tony Stark as he suits up as Iron Man to fight crime on a Christmas Eve backdrop. The film has a great combination of action, humor, and heart, with heart being a mainstay in holiday films, but the action and humor element make this film pretty unique.
“Even though Christmas is in the background of this movie, I feel like the movie still does have that holiday spirit that every classic Christmas movie needs,” said Sophia Flores.
The next choice is for any fan of the wizarding world, the 2001 film “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” The film is the first entry in the magical series and follows Harry during his first year at Hogwarts. Although the majority of the film does not take place over the holiday season, it does feature elements that we find in many holliday films, such as friendship and belonging. USC student Olivia Guizzo enjoys watching the Harry Potter films during the holiday season, because she likes how the series features the elements of acceptance and family amongst the main cast.
“Even though the film is not particularly a holiday film, I just like how warm and soothing the halls of Hogwarts look, it reminds me of being cozy in bed during winter and the holidays,” said Guizzo.
Now that you have heard some USC student’s favorite unconventional holiday films, maybe you think twice about whether to watch the same old holiday movie you watch every year, or consider trying something new.