Rosie Peterson '25, Opinion Editor
As the holiday season rolls around, the ever present question resurfaces once again: what is the best movie to watch? It is an everlasting debate, and most people believe that it is solely opinion based, but in reality, it is a clear-cut issue. This list provides the top eight Christmas movies, and it is the final say in the long-lasting holiday debate.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas:
Charlie Brown truly has two of the biggest holidays in the palm of his hand. With the ever popular A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving being the only Thanksgiving movie anyone cares about, the popularity of A Charlie Brown Christmas guarantees that the iconic eight-year-old will remain on everyone's minds as the year comes to an end. A Charlie Brown Christmas is simply a cute holiday classic, and it is never a mistake to watch as Charlie and his friends overcome difficulties surrounding the holiday.
7. It's a Wonderful Life:
It could just be a result of the SLHS Theatre program's recent performance, but It's a Wonderful Life is hard to keep away from during the winter season. In fact, anyone who has ever used cable television around Christmas time has probably seen at least some of it, since it seems to be most stations' favorite film. A movie that produced the iconic line "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings" definitely deserves a spot on this list.
6. A Christmas Carol:
The tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is one that has been told many times, but very few do it better than the 1984 version. The film is very nostalgic and loved by many; junior Charlotte Thomas said, "I like A Christmas Carol because it really displays that we take things in life for granted." It is a movie with a strong and up-front lesson, that resonates in the hearts of many each Christmas season.
5. The Snowman (1982):
While this may not be the most popular holiday movie, its name likely rings a bell with many, with its resemblance to the much more popular Frosty the Snowman. Whether or not Frosty deserves his fame is up to the viewer, but judging by the fact that Frosty did not make it onto this list, it is not hard to see what the truth of that matter is. The Snowman (1982) is an adorable film that, shockingly, follows a snowman as he takes a journey with a young boy to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. It is a cute movie with a lot of heart, and it definitely deserves much more credit than it gets as a result of other movies foreshadowing it.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
Whether you prefer the live-action version of the 2000s, or the original animation of 1966, there is no denying that How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a classic. Junior Genevieve Haas said, "I love how the Who people appreciate Christmas, and the look of the movie is really nice." This sentiment is not lost on many others who love that the movie maintained the appearance and feel of the book.
3. Elf:
There is no denying that Elf is a staple of the holiday season. In many homes, there is little chance of not hearing the film playing in the background at least once during the month of December. As with anything else, there are those who hate the classic Christmas movie; but, if someone can watch it in its entirety without once enjoying a moment, it is likely they just hate fun. Or, maybe they have a personal vendetta against a movie that glorifies Santa Claus, since—judging by the negativity—they were probably on the naughty list at least once in their life.
2. The Muppets Christmas Carol:
Putting aside the nostalgia factor of the original A Christmas Carol, it is time to acknowledge the true superior adaptation of the tale: The Muppets Christmas Carol. Not only does this version of the movie very emotionally portray the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, but it adds a musical element that the original lacked. Additionally, the lovable cast of muppets creates a far more atmospheric environment than the original human characters. The Muppets Christmas Carol is truly a holiday masterpiece.
1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:
Maybe some see it as childish for this stop-motion film to be above some of the other iconic movies on the list, but Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is simply the best holiday movie of all time. The film follows the story of the true social outcast that is Rudolph and his vibrant nose as he fights for acceptance from his peers, his teachers, and even his own parents. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a story of tolerance and acceptance, and its characters may be some of the most vivid of this millennium. The seemingly vile abominable snowman is truly one of the most sympathetic and complex villains of our time, and his true motivations for cruelty being a painful cavity is possibly the best plot twist ever written. It is difficult to resist shedding a tear when—in a scene not released until later editions of the film—Santa Claus brings the residents of The Island of Misfit Toys to loving homes and children. With all that said, it is possible that not only is it the best holiday film, but Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer might be the most insightful and deep film ever made.
Each of these movies offers a unique quality to bring to the table during the holiday season, and it is near impossible to dislike all of them. They carry nostalgia, humor, and emotion—take the time to appreciate these films this winter.
No comments:
Post a Comment