By Jody Allen
Watching feel-good movies this holiday season would really wake up our Christmas spirit!
This year, I plan to spend Christmas binge-watching with my favourite movies from when I was err… younger.
Even better, I put them together in one list for your reference! Most of these movies are very close to my heart. I’ve watched them so many times back then – before motherhood interrupted!!!
Now I feel like watching them again just to feel a little bit nostalgic. And wanting my family to watch it with me too! For sure, it will bring some pretty nice memories!
1. Elf
This is definitely in everyone’s Christmas watch list. Will Ferrell is hilarious as Buddy. My favourite scene was when Zooey Deschanel sang “Baby It’s Cold Outside” in the shower while Will Ferrell sang with her, too. And then ran and got knocked out. LOL!
2. Home Alone
What’s a Christmas binge-watch session without Home Alone? Macaulay Culkin is charming with all his antics – get ready for some belly laughs!
3. Bad Santa
Okay, this is definitely not something you watch with the kids around. It’s rude and offensive, but so funny! Lots of bad language. I like Willie most- he’s a sad, bitter and grouchy alcoholic who swears a lot. The movie is a little touching at the end – but not too much. Just enough heart for a film.
4. The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a hilarious Christmas flick! A holiday classic! Non-stop entertainment and definitely brings out the kid in you. This one makes me tear up every single time. *Happy Tears*
5. Love Actually
Love Actually a classic romantic comedy. A feel good movie that’ll give you great laughs!
6. Jingle All the Way
Jingle All the Way is a workaholic mattress salesman who has been too busy to notice his cute little son, Jamie – the film wishes its audience a happy, loot-filled Christmas while offering hope to neglectful parents who think they can right all wrongs with a shopping trip. LOL!
7. The Holiday
One of my all-time rom-coms. I am glad It features some solid central performances by actors that have great chemistry together. A wholly satisfying film where you actually care about the characters involved.
8. The Polar Express
The Polar Express points out the importance of believing, the value of friendship, respect for leadership and courage, and the beauty of being kind to others. The movie will teach kids that Christmas is much more than giving gifts. The songs in this movie are all great, too! I can still hear them in my head!
9. Just Friends
This movie is an incredibly fun flick with the bad language and sexual innuendo lol! Some big belly laughs coming up!
10. The Family Stone
Okay, make sure you got those tissues ready! There’s no greater challenge in life than accepting that someone we love is going to die and nothing we can do will keep them with us just a little longer. The Family Stone touches on that brutal turmoil and chaos with immense humanity, attesting to the power of family and how they can help us weather the storm. It’s become a Christmas favourite of mine since its 2005 release, and I suggest watching it if you still haven’t by now.
11. Mixed Nuts
With a first-rate cast, the characters are overwhelmingly depressed and well played. The movie itself was a little weird and depressing for Christmas, but you really get a few lessons here and there. I really enjoyed the whole cast.
12. Gremlins
Christmas as a time of family togetherness and traditional values is apparent every holiday movie from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Gremlins, for me is one of the Christmas classic and a favourite. Gremlins remind me of my kids, and it’s a ripper movie, trust me!
13. Die Hard
If your interest is in action films, packed with juicy violence with a side of one liner’s perpetrated by both the “bad” guys and the hero, then ready your popcorn and soda, Die Hard movie is for you. Bruce Willis plays a cop who is just over the evil of the world, with a building of innocent hostages to save and a limited time frame. It’s Christmas, but not like you know it!
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas
I realised that Nightmare Before Christmas celebrates the joy of a good scare; it also deals with the repercussions of being misunderstood. Only this movie has the power to truly haunt our dreams because the result has the earmarks of an enduring classic. PS. I really, really love how the movie ended.
15. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
I consider Christmas Vacation as a “guilty pleasure” because it is as hilarious as they are juvenile. The movie is based on a book written by John Hughes for National Lampoon in December 1980, “Christmas ‘59”. Its literary predecessor is paid tribute to when Clark is trapped in the attic and pulls out a box of old home movies, including one labelled “Christmas ’59.”
16. Edward Scissorhands
I’m an avid fan of Johnny Depp – everyone will agree that he is truly a sensational actor. This movie is another great one (if not the best) by Tim Burton. Excellent cast, a tender and heart-wrenchingly evil story, a great plot and definitely an amazing movie as a whole!
17. Lethal Weapon
Lethal Weapon was shown in 1987, becoming an an instant classic. The movie was set in Los Angeles, California, during Christmas and the humour really balances the movie’s action themes.
18. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a great movie. Romance, crime and comedy rolled into one. Definitely one of the most entertaining films that’s on my Christmas watch list.
19. Scrooged
Not everyone likes Scrooged, but Bill Murray is in the film. With him in it, nothing can go wrong in my opinion!
20. Trading Places
Any movie with Eddie Murphy in it definitely says Christmas but `Trading Places’ is one of the best movies and one of the best comedies in the history of film – EVER. Trading places was aired in 1983 and became the 4th highest grossing film shown that year. It is about a poor black guy and a rich white guy forced to trade places because of a silly bet. The movie earned $90 million.
21. The Grinch
I think Jim Carrey did a good job on playing as the Grinch. The movie is a must watch. Colourful, funny and shows the Christmas spirit just right. It’s great for kids and adults as well – though there might be puns only adults can understand. Jim Carrey always does that, doesn’t he? Also, my favourite character is the cute little girl, Cindy Lou Who played by Taylor Momsen. She’s so pretty!
22. 101 Dalmatians
If your family’s a dog lover, then this movie is good for you! The puppies are so adorable and the movie is funny and exciting. Of all the funny villains I know, Cruella is the most memorable one. She’s hilariously iconic, not to mention she’s fashionable too! A very family-friendly movie.
23. The Family Man
I never thought that Nicholas Cage could pull off a great character in this family-themed movie. I’ve watched some of his action-packed movies but this one’s different. This chick-flick centers on the value of having a balanced life and has a sweet side about having a family of your own.
24. About a Boy
I’d give this movie 5 stars because aside from all the funny scenes it also makes you tearfully moved. It does not only revolved around the many romantic and comedic scenes but more importantly centers on the progressive relationship between the main male character and the child.
25. Dumb and Dumber
If you’re looking for a comedy classic, this is the one! There’s definitely no dull moment about this movie because even your arse will laugh out loud! *laughing ’til you fart!*
26. Mr. Bean’s Holiday
As always, if ever I will meet Rowan Atkinson, I’ll give him a high five! He’s the modern, Charlie Chaplin of our time! Mr. Bean is surely a comedy icon and for sure all of his stunts and slapstick-heavy comedy will make the kids LOL!
27. Johnny English
Another Rowan Atkinson’s movie and this one’s different because, “Mr. Bean” speaks! It’s Mr. Bean in a penguin suit, playing as a spoofy spy to the rescue of giving back the stolen royalty’s crown jewels. This flick gives you a lot of laugh and Rowan Atkinson is perfect for the role.
28. Surviving Christmas
This is a different kind of Christmas movie because of its twist. It shows a millionaire paying a family to spend the holidays with him which is played by Ben Affleck. There’ll be a lot of “awwws” and “oops” moments in this movie but overall, it delivered its 100% humour.
29. Marley & Me
Another doggo movie and true to life as well. Based on American journalist John Grogan’s book with the same name, it’s a memoir movie about his family’s adored Labrador, Marley. The movie is fun, light and tear-jerking. Be sure to have a bedside tissue while watching!
30. Mrs. Doubtfire
Another classic comedy on the list is this one. It sure brings a lot of memories and watching it again made my tummy ache! Robin Williams surely delivered a lot of hilarious ad libs and who would have thought he could pull off a very funny woman’s voice.
31. Jumanji
Another classic movie of my favourite Robin Williams. Another holiday entertainment great for the family to binge-watch. The movie brings you thrills and mystery hence I’m giving it a thumbs up.
32. The Whole Nine Yards
Who would have thought that Bruce Willis could pull off some jokes, right? This movie is a mix of crime, adventure and comedy all rolled into one blockbuster. Some very funny but better watch it without the kids!
33. Honey, I Shrunk The Kids
This movie is 100% a clean fun for all. A very fun and engaging movie for family’s with kids and teens.
34. Big
Before 13 going 30, there is Big, starring a young looking Tom Hanks. It’s a fantasy drama showing a 12 year old boy wishing he turns into a 30 year old man. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing movie, this is the one; heartwarming and humurous.
35. Rush Hour
Who doesn’t love Jackie Chan has never watched a single movie of him *boo!* If you want some pumped up movie but at the same time want to laugh your arse off, I highly recommend this one. You wouldn’t find any boring scenes because Jackie Chan’s and Chris Tucker’s humor definitely complements.
36. Hairspray
I must confess, I love musicals! And if you’re like me and you’re wanting to watch a movie that you can sing along in its musical scenes, I’ll definitely say watch Hairspray. It’s a feel-good and goofy movie with lots of upbeat music and ofcourse, John Travolta pulled off playing a very nice mother Mrs. Edna Turnblad.
37. Doctor Dolittle
Another great family-themed movie that the kids will surely watch. It’s a gimmicky talking animal-comedy and centers on a veterinarian Doc Dolittle that has the ability to converse with animals. Kids will definitely have the best laughs of their lives watching this.
38. Sister Act
A classic musical movie but not really good for kids because of some cursing. I can remember that I “suffered” a last song syndrome after watching this, singing out loud in the shower its famous movie soundtrack “I Will Follow Him.”
39. I Am Sam
A very compelling family-themed movie I must say. It features the story of a mentally-challenged father, played by Sean Penn, raising his daughter that he loves more than anyone else. It’s a tear-jerking movie too so you better have some tissues and glasses of water in case you’re about to cough while crying.
40. Bicentennial Man
From comedy to drama, Robin Williams sure is a flexible actor. He plays a humanoid robot named Andrew in this fantasy-drama film. It follows the story of a 200 year old robot searching for identity, friendship, love and ultimately, humanity.
41. Big Fish
If you’re a Tim Burton fan, we’ll see a lighter side of him in this touching family-drama and fantasy. Big Fish gives us valuable life lessons about life, death, family, making destiny, forgiveness and never settling for second best.
42. Little Manhattan
Bet your kids, tweens and teens have crushes, though I haven’t asked my boys yet. Little Manhattan is a sweet movie and not to mention that it’s also the funniest and cutest.
43. Mouse Hunt
If you enjoy a slapstick movie, this one’s for you. It’s about the story of two hapless brothers who are out to rid of one mouse in their house. Mind you, the mouse is shrewd and overall, this is going to be a laid back movie that brings you full of laughs.
44. Finding Neverland
I’m sure most of us are familiar with and have watched Peter Pan but we really didn’t know how this fantasy character have come to life. This movie tells the story of the life of author J.M Barrie who wrote the story of a boy who doesn’t grows up. Neverland is infused with magical wonders and rich with lovely images that feeds the imaginative minds.
45. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
This one’s a favourite too! All of us are familiar with the story of Hachiko, the legendary dog in Japan. And this is the English version of the story starring the always dashing Richard Gere. The movie has a calm and happy pace until tragedy occurs and the pooch’s true color shines through.
46. E.T Extra-terrestrial
This brings a lot of childhood memories in me. The movie certainly touches a lot of life’s aspects like family and friendship. The movie remains a classic and I’m sure the kids of this generation will love watching this.
47. Flubber
This one’s a feel-good movie but warning to parents, there are mild nudity and profanity involved. It’s a remake of the 1961 movie and features the story of a goofy and absent-minded professor whp made an accidental experiment. Kids will find this movie ridiculous and for sure they’ll prolly make their own flubbers.
48. Coraline
This creepy but cool animated fantasy is just like The Nightmare Before Christmas. Other parents might find this too scary for the young ones but overall it’s amusing and kids will get valuable lessons from this movie.
49. Cheaper by the Dozen
Another feel-good family movie but…again with parental guidance if you’re watching this with kids. It tells of a story of a couple with 12 kids, even when life gets hard and tough, the family manages to be happy and contented about their state of life.
50. Galaxy Quest
If Star Trek’s a serious sci-fi, then this one is ridiculous! The movie is clever and hysterically funny with all of its adult humor. For sure, you’ll be rolling on the floor laughing during the entire film.
What’s your fave Christmas movie?
