The month between Thanksgiving and Christmas can feel never-ending after a hard year. You want to stay in the holiday spirit the whole time, but the list of good Christmas movies is only so long. Instead of burning yourself out on all of your favorites, start thinking outside of the box. Besides, you don’t need Santa Claus to make it Christmas, just themes of love, friendship, and forgiveness.
‘When Harry Met Sally’
Can men and women really ever be friends? It’s unclear whether When Harry Met Sally ever actually answers that question, but the holiday vibes are there nonetheless. The film goes through the New York love story of Harry and Sally through the seasons, with emphasis on the colder months. You fall in love with the couple as they fall in love with each other, and the iconic New Year’s Eve ending leaves you feeling warm and cozy for the holidays.
Along with this film being a great pick, it’s also a certified classic. You’ve got peak rom-com Meg Ryan starring alongside a hilarious and endearing Billy Crystal performance. In fact, many critics consider When Harry Met Sally to be the original rom-com, as it set up many tropes that we’ve continued to build on for the last 25 years.
‘Planes, Trains, and Automobiles’
For a fun-filled comedy, turn to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, a Steve Martin and John Candy film. It’s a begrudging-buddy movie as the two characters, an uptight executive and a rambunctious salesman, try to get home for Thanksgiving. As the title suggests, it’s a trial of error as the pair travels cross-country against all odds—and it ties back to heartwarming themes like friendship and found family.
Director John Hughes has his own mark on this film, giving the cozy and nostalgic vibes you’d find in his other films, such as Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or The Breakfast Club. His direction of Martin, a goofy paternal type, makes a great leading man for a warm living room film. A rare Thanksgiving movie, this one may be the perfect addition to your festive rotation.
‘Little Women’
The most traditional on this list would be the iconic Christmas release, Little Women. All film versions are based on the same classic story, following the four March sisters as they grow into young women during the American Civil War. The sisters learn the importance of being selfless and leaning on family and friends during hard times.
The opening scene is iconically a Christmas scene, portraying the young girls dealing with their father away at war for Christmas. Seeing the girls rely on each other and give to those less fortunate, however, brightens the spirit and brings a festive smile to the audience’s faces. Watching the girls grow up gives a nostalgic feel, whether or not you grew up with the story, and it’s a must-watch for the holiday season.
‘Home for the Holidays’
A dysfunctional Thanksgiving may not be the most represented holiday in film, but Home for the Holidays, this 1995 comedy-drama starring Robert Downey Jr and Holly Hunter, certainly shows it. A single mother rejected by her daughter, facing family drama, is too relatable for many and is a good watch to feel a little better about it all.
The film was directed by acclaimed actress Jodie Foster, who was praised for her subtle, natural direction. Her approach and involvement allowed liberated performances from the actors. What results is a comedic spin on very real emotion, creating a familiar experience for the, at times, most contentious time of year.
‘The Holdovers’
For a more solemn mood, especially for those of us spending Christmas alone, The Holdovers, a story of a lonely teacher and a group of boys left alone at a boarding school over break scratches an itch. The film teaches themes of acceptance through its solemn and poignant story, and makes you fall in love with the two main characters, played by Paul Giamatti and Dominic Sessa.
While the movie’s setup is depressing, it is also a hilarious coming-of-age flick, reminiscent of Dead Poets Society. The film both evokes a youthful energy and encourages us to be grateful and kind in our everyday lives, even when we feel dejected.
Christmas can’t really come too early, but switching up your movies throughout the month may allow the holiday to feel more special and exciting. Ironically, the less Christmasy films may be the ones to remind you of the reason for the season. Lots of film traditions have nothing to do with holidays at all, and that just proves that the best holiday movie is one shared with those you love.
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