With the holiday season already upon us, it now feels like the appropriate time for fireplace sitting, marshmallow roasting and a lot of movie watching. There are many cheesy films that are great to watch with family and friends to get into the holiday spirit. Here are six of the cheesiest holiday-themed movies just in time for the cold weather.
1. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)
The animated version of the book of the same name is the list-topper for cheesy holiday films to watch. The Jim Carrey version with a young Taylor Momsen will always be a great film to see, but the animated film is definitely a movie you watch with the family. The classic songs and subpar animation make it feel like an old family tradition for the holidays.
2. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is a typical holiday movie bound to produce many feelings in viewers. It has a heartwarming story to get you into the holiday spirit of giving. The film is in black and white, and it is a great way to start off the season with a story of family, hope and coming together as a community during the holidays.
3. “Love Actually” (2003)
“Love Actually” is a great holiday film to make you feel sad, happy, lonely and excited all at once. It makes its way onto this list due to the film’s romantic nature and feel-good ending. It was one of the early films with an A-list ensemble cast and intertwining storylines. “Love Actually” is definitely a film you should watch with your best friend, a pint of ice cream and a pair of footie pajamas.
4. “Elf” (2003)
“Elf” is the movie everyone wants to watch during the holidays because Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy the elf is unlike anything else. What other middle-aged man who thinks he’s an elf exclusively eats candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup? There are cute songs, great morals and Santa Claus in a sleigh. It doesn’t get much cheesier.
5. “The Santa Clause” (1994)
The very first “The Santa Clause” film with Tim Allen is a classic holiday film because it combines the reality of dysfunctional family dynamics with the cheer of Christmas.
The story follows Allen’s character Scott Calvin as a witness to Santa’s death, and he becomes the next Santa by putting on the suit, because who actually reads the terms and conditions, right? Any one of the films in the franchise would be an appropriate cheesy-holiday film to check out.
6. “The Shop Around the Corner” (1940)
James Stewart’s loveable gawkiness makes another appearance on this list in this enchanting romantic comedy. Stewart and Margaret Sullavan play business rivals who are also unknowingly each other’s pen pals. In a climatic sequence of pure sappiness, the two former enemies finally declare their love on Christmas Eve.
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