LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Griffins, and what better way to celebrate the holidays than snuggling up to watch holiday movies? This comprehensive list of movies, compiled by two staff writers from the Griffin Gazette, contains the perfect movie marathon to enjoy this December with friends and family. 

1. “Home Alone” – 1990 (PG)

“Home Alone” surrounds a young boy, Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), who has been left home alone by his family by accident and must defend himself and his home against two robbers. This movie takes place in the Christmas season and has gained critical acclaim due to the wide audience who have grown to adore this series. The film is a fan-favorite and widely loved as a must-watch Christmas movie due to its unique concept that utilizes goofy and charming humor. The slapstick comedy that comes from watching the performance of Culkin as Kevin out-witting two grown men is both amusing and good-hearted. “Home Alone” is available to watch on Disney+.

2. “Elf” – 2003 (PG)

“Elf” is about an elf named Buddy (Will Ferrell) who travels from the North Pole to New York in a quest for self-discovery. This iconic movie has earned its reputation as one of the best Christmas movies ever and has produced a Broadway remake and an animated television show. Ferrell’s likable characters have always bonded well with the audience, and “Elf” perfectly highlights taking a silly take on a widely loved holiday. “Elf” is free on the streaming services Hulu, Max and Philo.

3. “The Polar Express” – 2004 (G)

“The Polar Express” is an animated children’s film that follows the journey of a boy who travels to the North Pole on the magical train, the Polar Express. The film takes the main characters and other children to visit Santa as Christmas Day approaches. The film encourages its young audience to believe in the ability of childlike magic and wonder, something that seems to be sorely missed into adulthood. Although the good-natured film takes on the role of whimsical Christmas magic, some audiences remain uneasy about the unique animations of its characters and their features. “Polar Express” is available to watch for rent on Youtube and Amazon Prime Video.

4. “Noelle” – 2019 (G)

“Noelle,” starring Anna Kendrick, follows the daughter of Santa as she goes on an adventure to the real world and discovers her purpose in life. After her brother Nick runs away from the responsibility of taking over their father’s role, Noelle must find him and save Christmas. However, during her journey, she learns more about herself and the power she unknowingly holds within her. “Noelle” succeeds in giving the audience an uplifting comedy for their family movie nights with its funny sibling relationships, magical scenes and sweet ending. The film is free to watch on Disney+ and fuboTV. 

5. “The Christmas Prince” – 2017 (PG)

Aspiring journalist Amber Moore covers the royal Aldovian coronation of Prince Richard, where she is forced to go undercover as a tutor in order to find the truth surrounding the reclusive royal. However, as she delves into the world of aristocracy, and especially the prince, she begins to fall in love as she searches for her story. Although this movie contains quirky subplots and is arguably a bit predictable, this film connects to its audience with its comforting plot line and the genuine love between the main characters. “The Christmas Prince” provides a charming love story between two reluctant lovers in a cozy holiday setting. The film is available for free on Netflix. 

6. “Christmas with the Kranks” – 2004 (PG)

After their daughter Blair decides to spend Christmas away, the usually festive Nora and Luther agree to skip the holidays and vacation in the Caribbean — much to the dismay of their neighbors. However, when Blair suddenly surprised them and comes back home, they are on the countdown to get Christmas back. This heartening, comedic film never fails to make its audience laugh with numerous hilarious scenes and amusing plot twists.

7. “The Princess Switch” – 2018 (PG)

When Chicago baker Stacy DeNovo (Vannesa Hudgens) and Duchess Margaret Delacourt (also Vanessa Hudgens) realize they have an uncanny resemblance to each other, they decide to switch places to get a new perspective on their own lives. Soon discovering blossoming relationships with new people, they begin to find love in places they never would have imagined. Even with the terrible British accents, this movie successfully delivers two cute romances that watchers can’t get enough of. “The Princess Switch” is free to watch with a Netflix subscription. 

8. “A Christmas Story” – 1983 (PG)

“A Christmas Story” tells the nostalgic story in the 1940s of a young boy, Ralphie, who badly wished for a premium BB gun for Christmas, despite his mother’s disapproval. Although it was initially displayed as a sleeper film and failed to gain any prominence, the film has become a classic to watch with the family during Christmas time. The classic film is filled with iconic moments and quotes from characters, like when Ralphie is forced to wear a giant pink bunny costume during Christmas and his father wins a leg lamp from a contest. The movie is well-beloved by its audience for being filled with memorable moments that have stood the test of time for the last 40 years. 

And that’s a wrap on our holiday favorites this season! Happy holidays, Griffins, and don’t forget to grab a bowl of popcorn and festive peppermint hot chocolate when you sit down to watch these holly-filled films.