It’s December. The world smells like pine, peppermint, and the inevitable disaster that is untangling Christmas lights. And during the most wonderful time of the year, we all need a perfect Christmas movie. I’ve watched quite a few, so here’s my review of three holiday films that are worth your time:
- Noelle
Disney’s Noelle is the embodiment of Christmas magic. It’s sparkly, awkward, and an absolute delight of a comedy. Anna Kendrick plays Noelle Kringle, who has to save the North Pole when her brother realizes he isn’t cut out to be the next Santa Clause. The movie is cheesy, predictable, and close to my heart, as it’s the first Christmas movie I show to all of my loved ones. It’s full of tiny moments that are genuinely hilarious and touching. It’s the perfect movie if you want something cute, feel-good, and suitable for all audiences.
- Love Actually
Ah, Love Actually. This 2003 classic boasts a whole buffet of love stories: romantic, awkward, tragic, and heartwarming. It explores the complexities of both love and the holidays in such a beautiful way. Admittedly, some storylines are cliche and some characters are completely unrelatable, but there’s a reason this movie survives every year. It’s chaotic, it’s sweet, and it somehow makes love feel like glitter you want to sprinkle everywhere.
- The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell as Santa Clause is the highlight of my holiday season. That alone is enough to watch The Christmas Chronicles, but the movie also contains kids saving Christmas, wild sleigh rides, and a gorgeously chaotic storyline. It’s fast, funny, and absurd in the best way. The sibling dynamic is adorable and the humor almost always lands. 10/10, would recommend for maximum festive chaos.
These three movies each bring something different to the holiday table: Noelle is cute and comforting, Love Actually is messy but magical, and The Christmas Chronicles is witty and thrilling. They’re not perfect, of course, nor are they award-winning, but they are Christmas, and sometimes, that’s all that matters. So grab your hot cocoa, wear your fuzzy socks, and settle in.
