The festive season brings with it cozy nights, cups of warm chocolate and good times in front of the TV. Christmas movies get a lot of attention during the holidays, and everyone seems to have a few favorites that they watch over and over again. However, the end of the year creates a need for nostalgia and the comforting feeling that revisiting an old classic can bring. Many rewatching traditions begin with watching together whatever is playing on TV or movies that have been passed down by family members and have remained popular for generations.
Bona fide basic products like The Wizard of Ozare shown on most channels around the world at some point during the holiday season, with newer classics such as Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings, everyone following suit. However these traditions come to be, hosting a blockbuster while enjoying a quiet evening is a wonderful time during the holidays, even if that’s not exactly what the movie is about.
10
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
The coolest archaeologist with the best theme song
Indiana Jones has followed many generations of viewers during the holiday season. There have been heated debates over the years about which of the films is the best, and whatever the answer, it’s always a good idea to start at the beginning. This Steven Spielberg action adventure is packed with excitement and tension, as well as fun for viewers of all ages – depending on their fear of snakes.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is now decidedly a classic, evoking fondness for George Lucas’s greatest hits era. Seeing Harrison Ford nonchalantly wearing his iconic fedora is always a moment to cherish, and the story itself is full of unexpected twists. The antagonists get exactly what they deserve and the last scene in the warehouse leaves viewers wanting more. Fortunately, there are a few other films to be shown next if the weather is nice in December.
9
The Sound of Music (1965)
The trials and tribulations of the von Trapp family
Musicals and Christmas go hand in hand. Whether it’s Christmas carols, pop hits or themed movie screenings, singing along to some uplifting tunes is sure to create a joyful mood. Just as Julie Andrews’ Maria appears, singing “The Hills Are Alive“, viewers are fully immersed. Whether it’s your first viewing or your 25th, this classic film will create the kind of atmosphere that feels like a celebration. The story is uplifting despite the time period in which it is set, and the on-screen family atmosphere translates well off-screen as well.
The sound of music is a film that many people invariably stumble upon when it is shown on TV at some point during the festive period. It’s also a lot of people’s favorite old movie, so it’s possible there’s a DVD in the house that’s worn out from the number of times it’s been watched over the years. As the von Trapp family falls in love with Maria, so does the audience, and “Climb Every Mountain” has to be seen to be believed.
8
Titanic (1997)
A dose of festive melodrama
It’s not often that someone has three hours to spare to watch a movie, but those darker winter nights lend themselves very well to this. This doomed love story is packed with drama, action, and visual effects that still manage to make a big impression. Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio are mentioned in the Christmas favorite, True loveso it stands to reason that they should be reviewed during the holidays.
There’s something about multi-Oscar blockbusters that seems worthy of festive viewing. With so many iconic scenes and a story that always manages to break viewers’ hearts, James Cameron’s film magnum opus is a perennial favorite for rewatching. There always seem to be moments that might have been overlooked despite multiple viewings, which makes it enjoyable to discover something new with each viewing. With its lasting legacy and new legions of streamers, there’s a good chance its impact will endure.
7
Forrest Gump (1994)
Because life is like a box of chocolates
Many people like to cry, especially around the holidays, so putting on a tear launcher is a great way to get in touch with your emotions. This moving story of a simple man who achieves extraordinary things is filled with nostalgia and celebrates the best of American culture. Tom Hanks’ Oscar-winning performance is always surprising to watch, and as viewers laugh through their tears, they feel a warm comfort. Forest Gump is also famously quotable.
Forrest’s relationships with Jenny, Bubba, Lieutenant Dan, and his beloved mother are very sad for them, but they are essential to making Forrest the man he is. Inserting him into many different historical events is done cleverly and never fails to bring a smile to viewers’ faces. It also has one of the best film soundtracks, which perfectly sets the scene for each decade.
6
Back to the Future (1985)
It’s best not to think too much about the mechanics of time travel
Each installment of the trilogy brings with it a new time to explore, and the franchise has introduced audiences to one of the most widely accepted rules of time travel (right or not). Going back in time to meet younger versions of your parents or even experiencing what life was like without the comforts of modern technology is a great concept, as many people have imagined this at some point. The fish out of water trope is very well done, with lots of funny jokes and great reactions from Michael J. Fox.
Back to the future part IIThe 2015 vision didn’t come to fruition, which only makes watching this sci-fi series that much more fun. Whether viewers long for a pair of self-lacing sneakers or appreciate the fact that teenagers aren’t flying around on hoverboards, the adventures of Fox’s Marty McFly are a joy to revisit. The film is charming, funny and full of scenes that bring back so many memories.
5
Finding Nemo (2003)
Keep swimming
Watching a Disney movie at Christmas is a rite of passage, and not just for kids. Having a cartoon full of joy and good times is exactly what’s missing in a cozy family day. Finding Nemo It is visually beautiful and has a story that moves with mastery. Despite not being a musical, it manages to have its own striking catchphrase with Dory’s very catchy mantra, which probably still slips out occasionally during holidays at the seaside or by the pool.
Each character’s journey attracts the audience. Marlon’s adventures with the turtles are as fun and treacherous as Nemo’s new life in the aquarium. Seagulls always steal the show and it never fails to give viewers a new appreciation for the oceans. The message of support and acceptance is worth remembering as the new year approaches and resolutions are formed.
4
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
All the heroes finally come together
The 2010s were a high point for the MCU. All the releases tied together well and viewers eagerly awaited each new superhero story. The culmination of this race was the double feature of Avengers: Infinity War and End of the game, with the latter ending Phase Three in epic style. People watch all the movies in order from time to time, some choose their favorites to watch more regularly and Avengers: Endgame is an MCU film that fits perfectly with the end of the year.
Seeing Captain America finally say the words”Avengers assemble‘ drew applause in cinemas and still reaches viewers. There are many scenes and pairings that are gifts for everyone who followed each of the films that preceded this one. End of the game manages to stand on its own, as the dangers and stakes are exciting enough to follow, even for those who haven’t necessarily seen any of the other titles. It’s also incredibly impressive to see so many big movie stars together in one giant scene at the end.
3
Paddington 2 (2017)
Marmalade sandwiches are a must
It’s rare for a sequel to surpass the original on the level it did. Paddington2 he has. The first presentation was warmly received by critics and the general public, but the cuddly bear’s second adventure exceeded expectations. It has maintained a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for over three years and is loved by viewers of all ages.
Fans loved seeing Ben Whishaw, Hugh Bonneville, and Sally Hawkins return for more delightful adventures, but the addition of Hugh Grant is what gave this film its edge. This hilarious roster of characters is the perfect mix of camp and cowardice. The image of the marmalade-loving Paddington in his pink prison outfit represents this sweet film so well. It’s as comforting as a cup of hot English tea for breakfast.
2
Jurassic Park (1993)
Roaring very fun
Spielberg’s original prehistoric adventure changed the game when it was released. The use of cutting-edge visual effects, mixed with practical technology, brought to life creatures that audiences had never seen on such a scale. It’s over 30 years old, has seen two sequels, welcomed an entire reboot trilogy, and has another currently in production. That is the power of the Jurassic universe.
However, the original film still contains magic, full of nostalgia for generations. It’s no wonder viewers choose to go back to the beginning again and again, just to see where it all began. Jeff Goldblum’s low-cut shirt moment, Sam Neil’s heroic antics in a suspended Jeep, and Laura Dern’s investigation into some rather large triceratops droppings are moments that stand out. Starting with Jurassic Park and continuing with all the sequels is a festive trend that takes people straight into the new year.
1
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
There’s more than just ruby slippers
“There’s no place like home“,”We’re not in Kansas anymore“, and “I’m melting” they are all quotes that everyone knows. The legacy of The Wizard of Oz is incomparable, possibly due to the fact that it was made almost 100 years ago, but mainly due to the message of unity and family love that it defends. The characters and songs are familiar to most people to some degree, and watching this true classic during the holidays brings a lot of Christmas joy.
What’s especially impressive about this 1939 film is how good it still looks. Filled with grand stages and filmed in glorious Technicolor, as soon as the viewer enters Oz they are struck by the scale. Judy Garland’s wide-eyed portrayal of Dorothy is so iconic, and the Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow are the greatest companions. With Evil’and release set to dominate the coming years, it’s comforting to revisit its original inspiration.