Life has been so busy and hectic and crazy lately, I barely find the time to squeeze in a few hours of shut eye. But with the holiday season upon us, my favorite movie-watching season is upon us, too! I LOVE curling up with a good family movie {please note that in this instance I mean a movie about families and not necessarily one that is appropriate for your entire family.
Although most of these movies should get you all jacked up to spend tons of time with your relatives!!}. I think this season just might force me to take a breather or two and relax. I mean I’ve got a whole list of movies to get through before Christmas. My requirements for a good movie are this: solid story line, good cast; makes me laugh and maybe even makes me tear up. Here are my top 10 favorites in no particular order that meet all those requirements:
Love Actually: This list wouldn’t be complete without this movie, so I decided to list it first. It’s so good I watch it all year long. I feel totally invested in all these character’s lives. And that scene between Juliet and Mark where he professes his love to her via poster board kills me every time. Ugh it’s so good!
The Holiday: I know people love Jack Black in comedies, and I do too. It’s just that he’s so lovable in this movie, it’s perfect. And Kate Winslet is lovely as always, Cameron Diaz fake cries and Jude Law looks like a million buck. I mean, this is clearly a must-watch!
The Wedding Date: I know this main-character-hires-escort-and-they-fall-in-love bit has been done, redone and overdone. But somehow, it still works here. I’m going with it’s on account of how incredibly nice Dermot Mulroney is to look at! 😉
Christmas with the Kranks: I can totally see the HH and I pull something like Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis pull and when both of our kids are out of the house. It makes for a pretty funny and entertaining story!
Home for the Holidays: This is an oldie but a goodie. If you haven’t watched it, I totally suggest you do. Holly Hunter is amazing in it as she faces a crazy amount of obstacles to get home for the holidays, and it’s directed by Jodie Foster so that’s a big bonus. Makes for one great movie. Plus I love how the dysfunctional family in this movie is perfectly scripted to seem totally functional.
Four Christmases: Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon are quite the surprising pair. I didn’t think they’d have any chemistry, but I was rooting for them to stick together through all the craziness their families throw their way.
Surviving Christmas: This movie is perfectly titled, since that becomes the main goal of all of the “family members” in this movie. Ben Affleck is hilarious and Christina Applegates matches that humor. And James Gandolfini is awesome as always.
Parenthood: Ahhh, the most classic crazy family of all. I loved this movie growing up and I still love it to this day. It’s Steve Martin at his finest!
Freaky Friday: Another Jamie Lee Curtis movie that I adore. The mother/daughter dynamic in this movie was totally different than the one between The Girl and I, so I suspect that’s why this silly movie intrigues me so much!
The Family Stone: I have watched this movie so many times I’ve lost count. You should watch it with your dysfunctional family, because it will make you feel normal. But normal in a good way. And seriously, have you ever seen a more talented cast?
Shannon says
I can’t believe there is a holiday family movie list that does not contain Elf! It is the best!
Jenn says
Absolutely love everything on the list. Love Actually, Home for the Holidays, The Wedding Date and The Family Stone are all some of my all time favorites.
Em says
I haven’t seen *any* of these. I will put them all on my list. Thanks, Mavis!
Em says
Ps, I’m a bit old fashioned and still like “A Christmas Story.”
Madam Chow says
Me, too. And “Home Alone.”
Lori N. says
Love Actually and Elf for sure in our home. Also, Nothing Like the Holidays is so funny and touching at the same time. Debra Messing is the wife of John Leguizamo as they join his large extended family for a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas in Chicago. And Alfred Molina as the patriarch of the family (I love him!). It’s good. There is another one I like with Susan Sarandon in it, Noel, more of drama, but good. And finally, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, completely light hearted romantic comedy. Love Christmas movies!
Jess says
Great picks, but where are Elf and White Christmas??