Grab the remote, let’s watch a movie

Here’s a list of the top 10 must-see holiday flicks

It’s that time of year again — time to put on matching festive pajamas and turn on your favorite holiday films. Of course, there are a few classics that your family has to see every holiday season to get everyone in the spirit. However, if you’re interested in switching things up this year, here’s a list of films that you could incorporate into your holiday plans.

Drama/horror

This Christmas (2007)

This drama-filled holiday movie stars wellknown names such as Chris Brown, Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, Columbus Short, Lauren London, Regina King and David Banner. The film follows the Whitfield family as they all gather at their childhood home with their mother for Christmas. But each family member holds their own secret. Watch lives unravel and a family changed in this Christmas film.

Black Nativity (2013)

In this musical drama, based on Langston Hughes’ play with the same name, a mother, Naima (Jennifer Hudson) and a son, Langston (Jacob Latimore) are torn apart for the holidays when the pair receive an eviction notice on their small Baltimore home. Naima sends Langston to New York to spend Christmas with his estranged grandparents. The story follows Langston as he fights to be reunited with his mother. He learns a few life lessons, gains long-lost friends and family and a new look on the world along the way.

Better Watch Out (2016)

This film, filled with twists, turns and holiday gore, would possibly be a change in your holiday movie traditions. Ashley (Olivia DeJonge), a well-known babysitter, travels to her favorite family, the Lerners and their 12-year-old preteen, Luke (Levi Miller), to babysit one last time before she moves away forever. But the night turns less jolly when the two have to protect themselves from trespassers. Looking for a weird plot twist this Christmas? Babysit with Ashley to find out how the night begins and how long it takes to end.

Comedy

A Madea Christmas (2013)

Travel to Alabama with Madea (Tyler Perry) and her niece Eileen (Anna Maria Horsford) as they drive up to surprise Eileen’s daughter Lacey (Tika Sumpter) after she says she isn’t coming home for Christmas. Lacey has her own secret that she’s trying to keep under wraps for as long as possible. She eloped with her white husband, a peer from college. In Eileen’s eyes, that is not a good look for her daughter or their family. Watch Lacey’s lie unravel just days before the most wonderful time of the year.

*Disclaimer: This film touches on topics of racism, interracial dating and does have instances of explicit language.

Home Alone (1990)

The first of the film series, Home Alone, is widely known for following the interesting and, sometimes, dangerous adventures of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin). He was accidentally left at home for Christmas when his family set off for Paris. He spends the holiday dodging and comically setting traps for robbers who plan to steal from his family home. If you want a whole night of Home Alone, check out the rest of the series.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

This film, a mixture of comedy and drama, also known as a “dramedy,” is a continuation of the 1999 film entitled The Best Man. The 2013 film is set 14 years later when best friends reunite to celebrate Christmas together. Old flames reignite, and so do old feuds, but one tragic event that will change their lives forever brings them closer than ever before. This heart-stringpulling movie isn’t like your typical Christmas flick. The film is made to get you to shed a tear or two and realize that life is precious and should not be wasted feeling hatred toward friends.

Classics

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Though this isn’t exactly a movie, it’s a mustsee Christmas TV special. It focuses on Charlie Brown, a young child battling seasonal depression and his thoughts on Christmas. This short touches on what young children may experience, including bullying, depression and anxiety. When Charlie Brown is asked to direct a Christmas play, he realizes that his “friends” don’t have faith in his directorial skills. Watch what happens on Charlie Brown’s Christmas to find out where the phrase “Charlie Brown tree” originates.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

You know him, you love him — It’s Rudolph! This film is narrated by Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives), and the audience gets to go

through a world of emotions felt by Rudolph. It begins with him getting teased because of his bright red nose and attempting to hide it. When he tries to fit in with other reindeer and join the reindeer games with a fake nose, it falls off, and other competitors see him for who he really is, a red-nosed reindeer. He goes on a journey that shows his strength and tenacity despite his distinctiveness. But even though Rudolph’s uniqueness may mark him different from the bunch, he is rewarded for being unique and saving Christmas!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

When Jack Skellington falls into Christmastown, he is exposed to a world of bright colors, snow, decorations and gifts that he is unaware of. With hopes of bringing Christmas to his friends in Halloweentown, Jack, the pumpkin king, takes Santa Claus away from his duties to take on the role. When he does that, Christmas is altered forever for children in Christmastown.

The Polar Express (2004)

Wouldn’t it be cool if a train drove past your window on a dark, snowy night and the conductor told you to hop on if you wanted to go to the North Pole? Maybe it sounds a little creepy, but the children on The Polar Express didn’t think so. Ride on the Express with believers (and skeptics) eager to meet the man himself, Santa Claus. The passengers’ wildest dreams come to life as they embark on their miraculous journey and they learn that if you believe in something hard enough, it can happen.

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