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So many good movies, so little time. To ease the agony of choosing, we gathered the entire editorial staff and compiled a list of 12 New Year’s films to watch during the holidays.
“Hello family!”
Thomas Bezucha, 2005
For many, New Year’s holidays are, first of all, traditions. The same meals we cook from family recipes, playing by the fireplace, watching old movies, random encounters with former neighbors or old school love. There are also family quarrels, but this is also part of the holidays.
All this and much more happens in the large family of the Stones, the heroes of the film “Hello to the Family!”. Each year, they gather at the childhood home with their other halves, including the eldest son’s strange girlfriend, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. The plot revolves around family events, but not without elements of a romantic comedy.
“Meet Me in St. Louis”
Vincent Minnelli, 1944
Music lovers, enjoy! The film, nominated for an Oscar in four categories, is for you. In the center of events are the four daughters of Mr. Smith. We watch their lives during the year leading up to the opening of the world’s fair in St. Louis.
The film is divided into parts according to the seasons. The main storyline is the love of Esther Smith, played by Judy Garland, and the guy next door.
Only a quarter of the film is devoted to Christmas, but it allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the holidays of those times when people attended luxurious balls and dinner parties every evening.
“Alone at home”
Chris Columbus, 1990
From the first notes of the musical intro, many of us begin nostalgia for childhood. Kevin McCallister has many useful skills: he can make the whole family disappear, imitate singing in front of a mirror, pay for pizza delivery through the dog door and, of course, masterfully set traps.
It’s a pleasure to watch Kevin fool the hapless burglars Harry and Marv around his finger, but the main treasure of the film is old man Marley. In the end, Kevin’s creepy neighbor turns out to be a person close to him in spirit. Isn’t this a real Christmas miracle?
“Miracle on 34th Street”
Les Mayfield, 1994
This film has sparked controversy: most of the editors prefer the color remake with Mara Wilson, but there are also fans of the original 1947 version. Whichever option you choose, watching the movie will surely give you pleasure. “Miracle on 34th Street” is not only a festive, but also a philosophical picture.
“I am not just a fairy-tale character in bright clothes, amusing people. You see, I am a symbol. A symbol that people are able to overcome selfishness and hostility, which often dominate our lives. If you don’t believe, you can’t take anything for granted, your life will be clouded by doubts.”
“Exchange Vacation”
Nancy Meyers, 2006
One of the most beautiful holiday movies. A perfect little house in the Cotswolds and a luxurious mansion in Los Angeles are an interior designer’s dream come true, so even if you don’t get drawn into love lines, you will fall in love with the setting.
The cast is also good: Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Jude Law (whose character will remain attractive even when drunk). Love stories aren’t particularly believable, but maybe that’s what makes them so romantic.
“Christmas Holidays”
Jeremy Chechik, 1989
In the members of the dysfunctional Griswold family, many recognize, if not themselves, then their relatives. A grandmother who throws change, and a beloved aunt who brings a very strange salad, and everyone has to pretend that it is edible. And the prosperous family of neighbors who are too cool for Christmas will remind you that family gatherings can be crazy, but you don’t want others.
“Polar Express”
Robert Zemeckis, 2004
A magical Christmas story for children brought to life with the help of computer graphics. One of the main advantages of the film is the participation in it of everyone’s favorite Tom Hanks, who plays several characters at once. The best way to enjoy a movie that masterfully captures the spirit of Christmas is in plaid pajamas with a cup of cocoa in hand.
“Santa Claus”
John Pasquin, 1994
It’s hard not to fall in love with Tim Allen’s character, who accidentally kills Santa, puts on his costume, puts on 20 kilos a week and grows a beard. Within a year, he transforms into Mr. Claus and prepares for the next Christmas.
It is ironic that Scott Calvin himself – aka Tim Allen, aka Santa Claus – is on the list of naughty kids. Charlie’s charming son helps the sullen man get into the Christmas spirit, so much so that even Scott’s ex-wife eventually realizes that he is a nice guy.
“This wonderful life”
Frank Capra, 1946
This movie is over 70 years old. The picture reminds us of the most important thing – the people we love. The plot develops around the selfless family man George Bailey. He learns what the world would be like without him for loved ones. The film makes you stop for a moment and remember all the good things in life. Everyone will benefit from Clarence’s advice: “Remember, George, you can not call a loser a man who has friends.”
“Real love”
Richard Curtis, 2003
“When the state of the world makes me sad, I think of the arrivals hall at Heathrow Airport. The consensus is that we live in a world of hatred and greed. But I don’t agree. It seems to me that love is everywhere, ”the words with which the film begins can be listened to again and again. And also follow the romantic ups and downs of the plot, empathize with the characters in difficult moments and rejoice when a happy ending comes. And do not even try to think about the fact that the events are not very plausible – that’s not the point at all!
“While you were Sleeping”
John Turteltaub, 1995
Some will say that this is not a Christmas movie, but we are sure of the opposite. The film tells the touching story of Lucy Moderac, a single woman in her 20s who recently lost her father and must spend Christmas alone in Chicago.
However, Lucy saves the young man’s life and becomes part of his family. Yes, the plot is not original, but it draws our attention to how people become a family and how a chain of unfortunate events sometimes leads to a happy ending.
“Elf”
John Favreau, 2003
An elf named Buddy is six feet tall and wears tights. His hobbies are spreading fun, giving hugs and singing songs. The film is filled with catchy phrases that make you laugh. If you want to have a good laugh, this movie is an endless source of fun.