The 5 Best (and possibly underrated) Christmas Movies

I’m not a Hallmark watcher, but I do enjoy good holiday movie. Here are a few of my top picks.

 

The Family Stone

How many famous people can you fit into a single movie? The answer is in The Family Stone. Seriously. Who isn’t in this?

Everett (Dermot Mulroney) brings home his girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) over Christmas to meet his family and has intentions of proposing. But when uptight Meredith and the liberal family members clash awkward moments ensue. I happen to find awkward funny.  This is not an in your face feel good holiday movie, but it is a good one.

 

Mixed Nuts

Here’s another movie with a large, famous (and hysterical) cast. I have a soft spot for Steve Martin because he reminds me of my dad, who also loves this movie.

What do you get on Christmas Eve in a suicide prevention hotline office on the brink of closing it’s doors for good with a murderer on the loose? Mixed nuts, that’s what. It’s an unconventional Christmas movie that makes me laugh no matter how many times I’ve seen it.

 

Four Christmases

When the airports close down Brad and Kate (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) are unable to leave for vacation, forcing them to make a marathon of Christmas rounds to their divorced families’ celebrations. I am pretty sure I like this one because it reminds me of all our Christmases we attend. And like the main characters, for me enjoying Christmas has been an evolution.

 

Prancer

I thought maybe I just liked this movie because I did so much when I was a kid. I re-watched it recently though and decided that even though it is nostalgic, it’s actually a good movie too. Plus it has Sam Elliott in it. So yeah, there’s an item added to the pros column.

Jessica (Rebecca Harrell) is a farm girl who starts taking care of a wounded reindeer she believes to be Prancer. When her secret is discovered the entire town is inspired, but it further strains her relationship with her father. Jessica remains determined to get Prancer healed and back to Santa by Christmas Eve.

 

The Polar Express

This is an animated movie based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The Polar Express is a train that picks up children in their front yards on Christmas Eve to take them to the North Pole. Tom Hanks is the lead voice of the train conductor.

I didn’t grow up reading the book. The movie came out when I was in college and kid-less. So this was not on my radar until a few years ago. This makes my list of favorites because it is my kids’ favorite. It is truly magical to watch them watch this movie.

What are your favorite holiday movies?