Classic Movies You Need to Watch this Holiday Season

Personally, I think that holiday movies should be watched year-round because they bring me so much comfort and joy. Realistically speaking however, it’s only right that they remain on standby until the holiday season. Being that this special time is upon us, I thought it would be interesting to provide some “Did you know” facts to coincide with a list of the top classic movies you must watch this season. You’ll definitely enjoy learning a few things about some of America’s most beloved films!

1. “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

Did you know…?

At the 20th Academy Awards, Miracle on 34th Street won ‘Best Actor in a Supporting Role,’ ‘Best Writing,’ ‘Original Story’ and ‘Best Writing, Screenplay’. It was also nominated for ‘Best Picture’, but lost out to Gentleman’s Agreement. Miracle on 34th Street tied Gentleman’s Agreement for most awards that night. Needless to say, this movie is a timeless masterpiece!

2. “Elf” (2003)

Did you know…?

Did you know, that infamous belch heard after Will Ferrell’s character finished a 2- liter bottle of Coca-Cola was real?! Try pulling that off this year at your family’s holiday dinner. (or maybe don’t)
The movie made a huge profit. International and domestic sales totaled over 220 million dollars; while it only cost 33 million to produce.

3. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

Did you know…?

A Charlie Brown Christmas debuted on CBS in 1965, with an estimated 50% of American televisions tuned in to its premier, and has been shown during the Christmas season every year since.
The movie has received an Emmy and a Peabody award.

4. “A Christmas Story” (1983)

Did you know…?

Due in part to its cultural significance, A Christmas Story was selected to be preserved into the National Film Registry.
Jack Nicholson, one of my all-time favorite actors, was in the running to play the, “Old Man.”
Peter Billingsley, who played the main character Ralphie in the movie, has went on to lead a very successful career post child-stardom. He was featured in Elf, (how ironic). I challenge you to watch it back and see if you can spot him! Billingsley has also earned his place as a highly respected executive producer. He has worked on popular projects like The Break-Up and Iron Man.

5. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

Did you know…?

It’s a Wonderful Life initially was not a box office hit.
Ultimately though, it went on to be nominated for five Oscars and was named one of the 100 Best American Films Ever Made by the American Film Institute.

6. “Home Alone” (1990)

Did you know…?

Home Alone is recognized as the highest grossing comedy of all time!
Catherine O’Hara, who played Kevin’s mother in the film, also starred in Beetlejuice and supplied the voice of Sally Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.

7. “The Polar Express” (2004)

Did you know…?

Almost all of the characters in the movie were real actors that were made animated by using a technique called live action performance capture.
The Polar Express is in the Guinness World Book of Records for being the first all-digital capture film.

8. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)

Did you know…?

The Grinch was the first Dr. Seuss book to be made into a full-length feature film.
Behind Home Alone, it is the second highest grossing holiday film.
The film garnered three Academy Award nominations, including Best Costume Design and Best Art Direction, and nominees Rick Baker and Gail Ryan won the Academy Award for Best Makeup. At the Golden Globes, Jim Carrey was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, but lost the award to George Clooney for O Brother, Where Art Thou?.(Wikipedia)