These new Christmas movies feature stories that just might trigger a little holiday cheer but we’ve thrown in some of the classics to spark joy during the festive rush of the season.
The holidays bring families and friends together for a time of giving, receiving, and sharing the love. It is also a time that lets us gather over food, drinks, and other traditions. But what better way to feel the season’s spirit than to bond with your loved ones over Christmas movies?
Watching movies fosters camaraderie and builds stronger family bonds so it is not just an entertainment source. It prompts discussion within the group, doesn’t require a lot of effort, and creates memorable moments.
Here’s a selection of Christmas movies that are relatively new but whose plots teach us a thing or two about the holiday spirit.
READ ALSO: Festive Films: 10 Movies To Watch During Christmas
Family Switch’s comedic four-way body swap
Jennifer Garner, Ed Helms, Emma Myers, and Brady Noon headline Family Switch. The film’s plot explores the life of a family of four, the Walkers. They ran into a magical gypsy fortune teller who took their photo as they stood on the rim of the Griffith Observatory telescope. This caused them to switch bodies and became an opportunity for them to see how their other half lives.
The timeline of the film is set during Christmas time, and is the perfect movie to help appreciate the value of family being one’s constant support system.
Genie implies the importance of family
This just might tug on several heartstrings as this movie tackles the sad reality of workaholism. Genie is about a workaholic father named Bernard who needed to pick between his boss and spending time with his family during the holidays. Enter Flora, a genie who’s set to help him realize the importance of family and to help win his family back before Christmas.
Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu stars in the film.
Restoring Christmas faith in Dashing Through the Snow
The Christmas movie tells the story of social worker Eddie Garrick who experienced a traumatic childhood experience, thus turning his back on the holidays. His wife Allison, to whom he is separated, asked him to take his daughter to work on Christmas eve. They met a mysterious man named Nick who wore a red suit.
A conflict with a local politician prompts him and his daughter to embark on a journey with Nick that may just restore his holiday spirit.
Lil Rel Howery and Ludacris play Nick and Eddie Garrick respectively.
Spirited encourages self reflection
The story of Spirited is the musical version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, told from the ghosts’ perspectives. The Ghost of Christmas Present chose a dark soul that three spirits are to reform but ends up selecting the wrong Scrooge named Clint Briggs. Clint turns the tables and lets Present reexamine his own past, present, and future.
The phenomenal performances of Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in the film will help realize the essence of embracing our life journey and treasure the privilege of living in the present.
For the lovers of film classics
New movies tend to give us excitement about new stories, but for some reason, the holidays make people want to enjoy the classics. Christmas makes us ache for our comfort movies which basically shaped our childhood and our first impression of the festivities.
For the ultimate classic lover, it’s always a great time to revisit It’s A Wonderful Life. It told the story of a businessman who got a visit from an Angel and showed him what life looks like if he did not exist.
Elf is for the comedy devotees who enjoy a little bit of a family concept. Buddy the elf came all the way from the North Pole to accomplish a mission. He found his father in New York City alongside his new family and a love interest. He helped restore people’s faith in Christmas and eventually, in Santa.
The Home Alone movies prove to be perfect companions for the holiday bingers. Who would forget Kevin McAllister, who gets left behind by his family at their home, and in the second movie’s case, the boy takes a wrong flight and gets separated once again from his family? The original two movies unlock the ultimate holiday nostalgia, and possibly prompt a sob or two.
Whether you enjoy new movies or the classics, these movies can sprinkle a dash of the holiday cheer. Enjoy these films with your friends and families and remember the reason behind the celebration.
Banner photo from IMDb.
