MOVIES TO WATCH THIS CHRISTMAS WHILE YOU’RE STUCK AT HOME // distracting yourself part 3: a short list of my favourite (kinda) Christmas-y movies
Hello hello, my reindeer friends, merry Christmas to those who celebrate or happy holidays!
Welcome to the unexpected third addition to this smol series of mine. It is not as long today, which could either be a good or bad thing. This was just a spur of the moment idea that I super loved. And because the world is still in a state, we all need to maintain social distancing so please for the love of the planet, WEAR A MASK, PEOPLE!!
Click for the previous instalments:
So if you’re a bit lonely this holiday season, I’ve got your back with some of my favourite Christmas movies. They’re not all technically Christmas movies, some of them just have wintery vibes or have a Christmas scene. But nonetheless, they’re some of my faves so let’s jump into it.
*crickets chirping*
First up we have The Hunger Games. Because the second movie has about 5 seconds of snow. Lmao if I didn’t want to embarrass myself, I would actually do that. Now let’s really get into it.
not exactly a Christmas movie but the VIBES
🎄 🦌 🎁 ⛄
Anastasia
Okay, this isn’t technically a “Christmas” movie, as it doesn’t actually involve Christmas in any way. BUT it is set in December. One of the songs (and probably the best) is literally called Once Upon A December. So I’m cheating and mentioning this film. It’s my post and I can do what I want.
I literally just rewatched it for this blog post because I missed it. I used to LOVE this animation film as a kid, had it on DVD and everything. So yes there is nostalgic value but also IT IS ICONIC. I mean which genius decided to fictionalize the story of the lost Anastasia? I could never.
The characters are absolutely superb and I would 1000% give my life for Anya and Dimitri. I also forgot that Meg Ryan and John Cusack were the voice actors and !!!! Ugh, it’s just so good and such an underrated animated movie. And the reason I think it belongs on this list is that though it is slightly dark, it’s also so wholesome and definitely has the Christmas vibes.
I also forgot that I even wrote this until now but I actually did the Anastasia book tag. Don’t read it though because it’s probably terribly written.
Available to stream: Disney+ | HBO
Fantasia
I honestly don’t know if anyone else has watched this film but I remember watching it over and over again with my family. And the reason it’s on here is mainly because of the Nutcracker scene.
For those who don’t know, it’s also an animated movie but from my memory (I could be wrong) it doesn’t have any dialogue. And if not, then very little. But it’s basically animated ballet and if you want something easy and calming to watch, this is definitely a good pick.
It’s also from the 1940s which 12-year old me had no idea about. There are some really great dance scenes, like the Nutcracker, but as well as a Mickey Mouse, ponies and a very frightening scene that I remember involves heaven and hell. Have fun, my friends.
Available to stream: Disney+
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
I promise this post isn’t just me screaming about all the movies I loved as a kid. Okay, actually it is but oof I ADORE THIS MOVIE. Basically the whole franchise. Though the first one has the most and only Christmas vibes.
I honestly don’t know how to describe it. I haven’t read the books yet, though I do plan to at some point. But ugh these movies, the first one, in particular, is one I could watch over and over again. It just has this… cosy, homey feel to it? Though it is about children travelling to an unknown world which is lowkey very scary and I’d never survive. But you know you what I mean.
I just love all the siblings and the visuals AND THE SCORE! It’s got action and fantasy and SNOW. And one of my absolute favourite battle scenes. It’s all perfection. I also think the second movie is great. The third is also good but I don’t rewatch it as much. If you’ve never seen them then you definitely need to. Take a day, watch ’em all and it’ll be a great time.
Available to stream: Disney+
You’ve Got Mail
Yeah yeah yeah blah blah blah Ruby talks about this film far too much. Would you get over it already?!?
I know I’m hilarious but it is true, I do want more people to watch this movie. Even though it’s very popular, I especially think you’d all enjoy it because it involves BOOKSTORES and VIRTUAL CHATTING. Like I think this movie contained the origins of the online book community and I think we all owe this movie our lives so GO WATCH IT.
Lmao no I’m kidding but it’s so lovely. It’s from the 90s and the vibes are already there. We’ve got romance. And Tom Hanks. And most importantly Meg Ryan (yes hi) and that’s basically all you need to know. I’ve also explained it too many times at this point hehe.
You could also go watch Sleepless In Seattle, which is this duo’s film debut together which takes places over New Years but I don’t like it as much as this one. Oh and also When Harry Met Sally which doesn’t have Tom Hanks, but there is a Christmas as well as New Year’s scene.
Available to stream: Netflix SA | CBS Amazon | HBO Max
The Cutting Edge
Ah, I literally ~JUST~ watched this and wow is it underrated. Or rather I’d NEVER heard about it before but it’s SO GOOD?!?! It could be the adult romance I just read rubbing off but who cares. I’m here to scream about this 90s gem in case you hadn’t heard about it already.
I know next to nothing about figure skating but I’ve always been fascinated by it and admired the sport. Like I could NEVER. And especially pairs skating which like,,, bro I’d die. Anyway, it’s basically about this very intense female skater, played by Moira Kelly who I really love, that doesn’t have a partner because she doesn’t want to work with anybody. Love it. Our male lead is a now ex-hockey player as he suffered an eye injury (idk if that’s what it’s called) but wants to get back on the ice and they… well they kinda work. Even though they don’t really like each other. So it’s enemies to lovers and BOY IS THE BANTER GREAT. I haven’t come across a lot of great movie banter but those insults were A+ lmao
Anyways, there is a Christmas scene so it counts. And there’s some great music. It’s quite slow but I didn’t mind and was very much entertained. Definitely recommend if you haven’t seen it until now either *wink wink*
Available to stream: Hoopla US
Rise of The Guardians
I’m sorry I did this film a huge injustice because I had to check Letterboxd to remember what I thought of it. Jack Frost, I give you permission to whack me over the head with your staff.
I gave this movie 4.5 stars apparently which is rare for me on there. I don’t give out high ratings a lot. And also yes Jack Frost is very attractive, it had to be said before I get serious.
This movie is so criminally underrated? Or maybe it wasn’t in 2012 and we’ve all just forgotten about it? But it’s been 8 years so it needs to be talked about again. I LOVE animated kick-butt movies. And if it involves special abilities? Then basically I’m in heaven. And this movie has it all. It’s about all the holiday… creatures? Not sure how to describe them but basically it’s Santa, The Easter Bunny, The Tooth Fairy, and The Sandman. And Jack Frost who nobody likes but it is a BEAN. And there’s an evil guy and all the Guardians have to join forces and defeat him. That was a brilliant explanation but I don’t want to give away too much.
Just go watch it. It’s great. Trust me.
Available to stream: Netflix SA | Showmax | Hulu | HBO
the actual “Christmas” movies
🎄 🦌 🎁 ⛄
Let It Snow
Apparently, I actually don’t have all that many Christmas movies to recommend welp. But I did watch this one when it came out last year and just ahh it was so heartwarming.
I’ve never read the book and though I do own it, I’ve heard meh things so. Anyways, I watched the adaptation and I really enjoyed it. I don’t think it’s the peak of cinema but in comparison to the other Netflix Christmas films, this one is pretty good. Like literally there is some TRASH on there, especially I’m sorry but those Vanessa Hudgens ones, they look awful. I’ve been tempted to watch but,,, then I back out of the cringy-ness.
This is like a teen version of those Holiday mash-up films that have about 4-5 storylines going on. And some of them I didn’t care about, but overall it was super sweet. I especially liked the one with Kiernan Shipka and Mitchell Christy, which is a friends to lovers lil romance.
If you haven’t seen it, then I do recommend for a like chilled out but also sweet holiday movie.
Available to stream: Netflix
Elf
This is a classic and very basic movie recommendation but oof it’s just too good not to be on this list.
It’s just one of those classics you can’t help but go back to over and over and will always love and probably get at least a few laughs out of.
I mean it doesn’t get any MORE iconic than Will Ferrell, now a grown man, being whisked away as a baby and then raised by elves, to then be sent back to the city to find love and friendship amongst normal people. Like, come on.
I’m super picky about comedy and I don’t like obvious humour, where it’s forced or unnatural, but I do really like Elf. I find it not too ~unbelievable~ ya know. It’s really well done in terms of humour. It’s actually rather… heartwarming? in a way. And I think it really carries that Christmas spirit. Which sounds cringey but I don’t know how else to describe it.
Also, Zooey Deschanel is in it. That’s all you need to know. Go watch for smiles.
Available to stream: Netflix SA | Starz
And that’s it my friends. Before I go, I thought I’d just share a smol list of movies on my watchlist because why not. Indeed you are allowed to shame me for not having seen these yet:
- The Holiday
- The Family Stone
- How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- Home Alone
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS CHRISTMAS? DO YOU HAVE ANY TRADITIONS? WILL YOU BE WATCHING ANY MOVIES? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVOURITE CHRISTMAS MOVIES? HAVE YOU SEEN ANY OF THE ONES I MENTIONED? LET ME KNOW!
Happy reading
xo
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30 Comments
erin from rinsreads
Not me not having seen any of these other than Elf oh my goodness I am a DISGRACE. Anastasia looks so adorable and like peak Disney, I highkey might have to watch that tonight….I’ve also seen so many people simp over Jack Frost in Rise of the Guardians but have NEVER WATCHED. I need to add these to my list for the next week because we’re in PEAK cozy season and there’s no excuse!!!!! Literally the only Christmas movies I watch on the reg are The Santa Clause and A Year Without a Santa Claus (claymation is my secret obsession) but I’d love to ~broaden my horizons~ so will for sure be adding these!! ♥♥
Ruby Rae Reads
SO sorry I’m responding late but I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and as I type this, also a happy new year Erin <3<3 You're def not a disgrace but I shall irritate you until you watch them haha!!. Did you watch Anastasia btw? I was actually debating putting The Santa Claus on but hadn't seen it in so long. Definitely need to give another watch next Christmas. Love you xoxo
Rhi // Marshmallow Harmonies
YOUVE!!!! GOT!!!!! MAIL!!!!! i love you SO MUCH <3
Ruby Rae Reads
MY FAVOURITE!!!! LOVE YOU MOREEE xoxoxo
Kay @ Hammock of Books
I lOVE this list!!! fINALLY finished finals so it’s time to binge ALL the Christmas movies in the next five days lmaoo. Elf is basic but I don’t care I love it so much it’s a classic and I watch it every year!! And Rise of the Guardians!!!! That movie was literally the greatest I watched it with my friends way back when at my 12th birthday sleepover lmaooo and even as smol 12 year olds we could tell that Jack Frost is very cuteee <3 but also it has such a great message and is just so fun!! and also I am ashamed to say that I've somehow never seen Anastasia?? but I'm obsessed with the song Once Upon a December (not me listening to all the music from any disney movie or other animated movie without having seen the actual movie… *side eyes Tarzan*) and so maybe I'll finally get around to watching it now
Ruby Rae Reads
Omg so sorry for this late response but I hope you had a wonderful Christmas Kay! Also a happy new year, as its 2021 when I type this. YAY for finals being over. Hope they went well <3<3
Ahaha we love to see it. Elf never gets tiring. And LOVE your Rise of The Guardians story, that is SO CUTE. And you definitely need to watch Anastasia because !!! You know idk maybe its better than all of the official Disney princess movies. Just putting it out there. Also, milk just came out of my nose, you just love your best Disney song heart out Kay haha
tasya @ the literary huntress
AAH NARNIA! i love it so much but somehow i forgot about its existence as a holiday movie 👀 I also love Let It Snow, it’s just really fun!
Ruby Rae Reads
So sorry about this late reply, hope you had a lovely Christmas. And also technically happy new year <3<3 lmao it's funny because I also kinda forget it's a Christmas movie but I almost always coincidentally watch it around this time of year haha
Lots of love xoxo
Prutha @ The Confessions Of A Music And Book Addict
I barely watch movies but i’ve been looking out for some festive movies to watch during my short break. will definitely check these out!
Ruby Rae Reads
Welp merry belated Christmas because I’m late to replying to this comment. But ah yay hope you watched some of them. Glad I could be of help hehe. Also technically happy new year *dances around room*
BernadetteMichael
The score to the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is LIT. I used to listen to it all the time as a kid and rediscovered it this year and it’s. juts. so. good.
Also You Got Mail is worth ALL the hype. I watched it for the first time this year and wasn’t sure if I was going to like it but I loved it. Something about the virtual chatting, and the old laptops and chunk keyboards, and the bookstore…and plus it’s Tom Hanks, so XD
Ruby Rae Reads
I am so sorry for this late response but Merry Christmas and also technically a happy new year <3<3
omg YES IT IS SO AMAZING I COULD DIE!!!! You've Got Mail is just *chefs kiss* and I love it so much, glad you do too. The old aesthetic is just EVERYTHING
ahaana @ Windows to Worlds
YES!! i needed movie recs, so this post came at just the right time!! skdjshfkjfd i NEED to see let it snow and you’ve got mail like right now!! what am i doing!!?!?! great post ❤❤
Ruby Rae Reads
So sorry for the late response but hope you enjoyed your Christmas and also happy new year! SO SO SO glad you found my post useful. My life is complete!! Did you manage to watch them? Would love to know your thoughts <3<3
Belle
I LOVE that you didn’t just include Christmas movies on this list, but movies that also gave off similar /vibes/ 😂. Thank you for reminding me that Anastasia exists and would be perfect to watch this season hahaha.
Ruby Rae Reads
Ah apologies for this late response. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and also happy new year xx
Hehehe I feel pretty chuffed with my list so glad you appreciated. Also kinda hadn’t technically seen all that many “Christmas” movies *hides*
Omg Anastasia is just !!! such a gem!! Did you get around to watching it?
Belle
No problem hahaha. Happy new year to you too!! I didn’t get around to watching Anastasia, but Winter still isn’t over so 💃🏽😂
Lais @ The Bookish Skies
i’ve never watched anastasia, BUT i’m doing this personal project where i watch one movie on disney+ a day until christmas, so i could rewatch some of my favorite dcoms. and it feels like the perfect opportunity to finally watch anastasia, then! i recently watched the hunchback of notre dame, which i had never seen before, and i was surprised it was a kid’s movie, because it was legit super scary lol but i really enjoyed it, so i think i need to give these old animations i never watched a shot!
and narnia is of course everything. i think i’ve watched prince caspian the most (thanks to ben barnes) and i really need to rewatch the first one! it’s definitely happening!
rise of the guardians is SO GOOD. i remember back in 2012 when everyone on tumblr was in love with jack frost and it was weird but also like??? can you blame them???? his entire arc is also *chef’s kiss* and how excited he gets when that little boy sees him makes me emo to this day.
also: let it snow had potential but i thought it was really meh. mitchell hope’s storyline was the only one i found engaging, BUT i wish netflix did more movies with multiple storylines (kinda like valentine’s day and this one). they have another one that is set in summer and starring kj apa out of all people, and it was pretty dumb but a lot of fun too hahah basically, i love to hate these kind of movies
Ruby Rae Reads
Welp apologies for this late response Lais. But I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and also happy new year!!
Omg that is SUCH a cool lil project. I LOVE IT. Something I definitely need to add to my schedule at some point, just need Disney+ to come to my country already *sighs* but yes Anastasia definitely needs to be on your watchlist and if you did get around to it, what did you think? Oh yes I forget about Notre-Dam. I also need to go back and rewatch it. I’d also love to rewatch The Fox and The Hound, don’t know if you remember that one haha
Yessssss!!! Caspian is I think the BEST of the franchise. Especially love that scene with the eagles when they break into the castle. Though I feel the first Narnia just has the most nostalgia to it? Such a great franchise oof. Unfortunately, I was not on tumblr when Guardians came out but now that I mention it, I would have loved to be lmao. WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE.
Omg I 1000% agree and am with you there. I just wanted to add a CHRISTMAS movie to the list haha. I think I saw that summer one around but don’t know if I’ll watch because I kinda don’t care about that actor whoops. But yes I LOVE those kinda movies lowkey. They’ll never be perfect because you’ll ~always~ never care about at least two storylines but there’s always one you root for. My favourite is He’s Just Not That Into You, which isn’t a holiday one but I love it
Love ya tons friend xoxoxo
Sumedha
I’ve only watched Narnia in this list 😂 I also did try Let It Snow but didn’t finish it because.. I wasn’t enjoying it? I generally don’t enjoy movies that are all about Christmas so that id understandable.
I need to watch the rest of this list, though! Especially Cutting Edge 😂
Ruby Rae Reads
Sorry for this late response but I hope you had a lovely Christmas and also happy new year <3<3 TOTALLY understandable. It's not the most amazing movie so...
Omg yes PLEASE watch The Cutting Edge, it's such a great one. At least I was thoroughly impressed by it xx
Olivia @ Purely Olivia
Oh my goodness this post is golden! I loved reading your commentary for all of these movies and I haven’t seen too many of them so it gave me lots of recommendations.🥰 I laughed when I read the part about Jack Frost in Rise of the Guardians because my friend and I used to have the biggest crush on him when we were younger and thought he was THE cutest animated character to ever exist and it is still our inside joke to this day, so I’m glad to hear we aren’t alone in this.
I agree, Elf is so magical but also realistic enough to be watchable! And You’ve Got Mail is like the rom com of all rom coms and I shall never be over it. This post made me want to watch both Anastasia and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe…I think I might have seen these at some point, but I definitely don’t remember watching them and they sound so cozy and lovely.
Amazing post, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday, Ruby! <3
Ruby Rae Reads
Omg Olivia I MISS YOU!!! Thank you so much for stopping by. So sorry about this late response but I hope you had the most lovely Christmas and also happy new year xoxoxo Thank you so much for your kind words, that is the highest of praise coming from my fave!!!!
Oof you know I WISHED I’d paid more attention the first time I watched Guardians because I honestly think I’d have more to say. I,,, don’t remember ever crushing on him the first time lmao. But LOVE your story, kinda iconic tbh.
I think I should be whisked away by elves please so they can fashion me presents hahahaha. We only accept You’ve Got Mail supremacy in this household. And omg yes if you haven’t watched them in a while REWATCH THEM THEY’RE SO GOOD AND MY FAVESSS
Love ya friend!!!!
Veronika @ Wordy and Whimsical
Oh my god, I’m so shocked you haven’t seen Home Alone! :O I love that movie (and the second one, too) and it’s one I watch every year. I think I stole How the Grinch Stole Christmas last year or the year before that, so I was definitely late to that, as well, haha. I need to watch Anastasia! It looks so good, I’m going to try to prioritize it.
Ruby Rae Reads
Sorry about this late response, so I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and also happy new year!
VERONIKA STOP CALLING ME OUT I KNOW IM TERRIBLE. I’m definitely going to try and watch them before next Christmas welp. Please please please watch Anastasia, omg it’s phenomenal <3<3
Caro @ bookcheshirecat
I love that you included books that have festive vibes as well as the ‘full’ Chrismas movies 🎄 I really have to watch Rise of the Guardians, it looks like a good comfort movie & is on my Netflix!! 🥰
The Let It Snow movie has some significant differences from the book, but if you ignore that it’s a great, fun movie 😊 As for the Netflix Christmas movies I love Christmas Chronicles, as it focuses on family and is so much fun! Omg and YES to Elf, I love this movie so much 💕 I only watched Home Alone last year for the first time & it’s so good!
Ruby Rae Reads
Apologies for this late response Caro, but I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and also happy new year <3<3
So so glad you like my list! You definitely need to get to Guardians. It's SO WONDERFUL. I also found Let It Snow just super fun and uplifting, not amazing but easy to watch. I've heard pretty meh things about the book so not sure if I'll ever read. I do own it so we'll see. I also have seen Christmas Chronicles around so I'll def add that to my watchlist. Elf is GOLDEN!!!! And I ~need~ to watch Home Alone next Christmas welp
Sending lots of love xoxoxo
Sophie @ Me & Ink
Anastasia is such a good movie, I watched in like two years ago and fell in love. I love Anya and Dimitri’s relationship, it is so fun but tender. I really do need to watch it again !!
I’ve never watched Fantasia but I had Mickey’s Magical Christmas on DVD and it was weird as it was a show where all the disney characters came then they all watched christmas shorts together but it was fun !!
And Narnia, I have honestly been meaning to rewatch all the movies. It is going to bring back all the memories but they are soooo good !!
You’ve got mail is such a classic too !!
I’m so glad to see someone mentioned Rise of the Guardians because it is such a good movie and it is underrated. First off, yes to Jack Frost (and his past is always so emotional, I can’t –) It is really kickass and fun. I love the magic, the characters and the world. I literally watched in two days ago so this is perfect.
Thank you so much for this list, it was so fun to read !! 💛
Ruby Rae Reads
Apologies for this late reply Sophie, but I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and also happy new year xx
Thank you for stopping by and for your kind words. YESSSSS I would give my life for Anya and Dimitri, they are the FIRST enemies to lovers hehe. Omg I think we had that one on DVD and I remember enjoying it as a kid lmao.
REWATCH NARNIA NOWWWWW
oof yes Jack’s character is just SO PRECIOUS. I can’t help but love tortured souls whoops. It’s in my nature. Also now need to rewatch it asap because I miss it
Sending lots of love <3<3
El
Fantasia is my childhoodddd idk I haven’t actually seen it in ages & hardly remember what it’s about but fond memories, fond memories 😊
I never really clicked with you’ve got mail – I liked the concept but the characters just didn’t do it for me 🤔