The perfect blend of festive cheer and belly laughs may be found in Christmas comedy films. See Jim Carrey in Home Alone as the famously cynical Grinch, or follow Buddy the Elf as he travels to New York City in search of his biological father in Buddy the Elf.
Mean Girls (2004)
Stream now on Prime Video, Apple TV, Netflix
Run Time: 1h 37m
This 2004 film, Mean Girls Movie, was made for Saturday Night Live. Tina Fey wrote the screenplay and stars as Cady Heron; the book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman is the inspiration. Tim Meadows, Amy Poehler, and Anna Gasteyer were in supporting roles.
Among “The Plastics,” who include Lacey Chabert’s Gretchen Wieners, Amanda Seyfried’s Karen Smith, and Rachel McAdams’ Regina George, Cady stands out as a new student at her high school in suburban Illinois. Being a part of this clique makes Cady realize that fame doesn’t come cheap, despite her initial belief that it will pave the way to stardom.
With its astute narrative brimming with subtle humor and unforgettable one-liners, Mean Girls surpasses the intelligence of the average teen film. Among the notable characters are Regina, the Scheming Queen, and Janis and her math club friends, who defy social pressure to conform and pursue their inclinations. Specifically, Janis defies stereotypical expectations of women by juggling part-time work with her successful artistic career.
Happiest Season (2020)
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Run Time: 1h 42m
When you factor in conservative families that are unaware of your sexual orientation, the already difficult task of first encounters becomes much more so. This issue is explored in the award-winning romantic comedy holiday film Happiest Season, which stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. The film shows emotions connected with seeking your family’s approval while keeping true to yourself.
Everything was swimmingly in Abby and Harper’s (Stewart and Davis) relationship until Abby remembered she hadn’t informed Harper’s family about their sexuality. They decide to spend the holidays with Harper’s family and keep it a secret while navigating the inevitable Christmas chaos. Clea DuVall also co-wrote the screenplay with Mary Holland and directed her first feature film.
As an ensemble member, Ben DeLaCreme stands out the most. With each riveting presentation, he honors a different facet of the LGBTQ community. Some hilarious parts, like his drag show, are a nod to something else.
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Stream now on Prime Video, Max, Roku
Run Time: 1h 37m
8-Bit Christmas is one of the better recent holiday films, joining a long list of solid entries that take audiences on a nostalgic trip to the 1980s via the performances of Neil Patrick Harris, Winslow Fegley, and a slew of other child actors.
In an audacious quest to get a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas, Jake Doyle (Fegley) sets out on an adventure. Although it may seem clichéd, the film’s solid foundation is laid by Michael Dowse and Kevin Jakubowski. It features family interactions, playground skirmishes, and icy outside sequences that weave together to provide an exciting plot arc.
8-Bit Christmas succeeds as an investigation of children’s ability to improve things and a sentimental look at the bonds formed by those characters. Furthermore, the film delves into parents’ gaming concerns without vilifying either side of that era. If you’re looking for a fun family comedy, 8-Bit Christmas is still a good choice.
Elf (2003)
Stream now on Hulu
Run Time: 1h 37m
The story of Elf centers on Buddy, a defenseless child reared by elves who set off from the North Pole for Manhattan in pursuit of his birth father. Elf is a touching and funny film that Jon Favreau directed and was written by David Berenbaum. Fantastic filmmaking that manages to blend warmth, energy, and comedy.
The film’s star, without a doubt, is Will Ferrell. But he gets a huge leg up from the brilliant ensemble that backs Ed Asner, including Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, Mary Steenburgen, and James Caan. But Ferrell’s unwavering dedication to Buddy is what makes him stand out. His performance is so lifelike that you can’t help but fall head over heels for him!
Elf does become a little emotional towards the end, but the festive spirit makes it manageable. In addition, the visual design flawlessly conveyed the tone, and the animation methods were influenced by old Rankin-Bass specials. The result was visually breathtaking scenes set in the North Pole.
In the Bleak Midwinter (1995)
Stream now on Apple TV
Run Time: 1h 39m
An unconventional backstage humor, In the Bleak Midwinter, has more layers than meets the eye. Each member of the outstanding cast, led by Kenneth Branagh, has an opportunity to shine uniquely.
Without a job, unemployed actor Joe Harper (Michael Maloney) returns home for Christmas to put on a free and experimental Hamlet performance for the benefit of the local church. However, he needs more money, a shaky rehearsal space, cheap props, minimal pay, and the constant threat of cancellation from Joan Collins, who acts as his agent. The production is put on despite Harper’s and Collins’s shortcomings.
It’s a great film that everyone should see. Those who appreciate Branagh’s work or the theater should still enjoy this film, even though it could be better than past Shakespeare adaptations. Plus, many viewers will find loads of satisfaction in its deliciousness!
The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (1944)
Run Time: 1h 38m
In terms of winning over audiences’ hearts, The Miracle at Morgan Creek is up there with the best. With its classic combination of humor and emotion, this film by Preston Sturges, released more than 60 years ago, never fails to delight.
Set in a small town during World War II, the story follows Trudy Kockenlocker (Betty Hutton), an unmarried girl who becomes pregnant after a wild night out with service members about to deploy overseas. She is afraid she will face bigamy charges if her child is found to have a father. Luckily, Eddie Bracken steps up as an intermediary and offers his assistance. Trudy finds herself drawn to him, and they eventually marry. She goes on to have six sextuplets!
Hutton and Bracken’s outstanding performances and the film’s insightful narrative earned it critical accolades upon its 1944 debut. Also, the Library of Congress added it to the National Film Registry because it was “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.”
Trading Places (1983)
Stream now on Vudu, Apple TV, Prime Video
Run Time: 1h 56m
Boxing Day is perfect for escaping the hot weather and enjoying holiday happiness at the movies. You have many options, whether for a fun romantic comedy or something more relaxed like binge-watching popcorn.
With Kidulthood and Yardie, Aml Ameen established himself as an actor. Now, he shows off his directing skills with this joyful offering. In this true story, a British novelist, Melvin, returns home for Christmas to meet his American girlfriend, Lisa, and his entire family. However, when Georgia (Leigh-Anne Pinnock of Little Mix) also appears, old grudges and resentment fester.
This picture is well-planned and restraint-free, with several references to Richard Curtis’s beloved works, such as Love. Although Ameen and his cast deliver captivating performances, the film fails to offer anything unique or noteworthy. While specific stories, like those about Melvin’s parents, manage to hold the audience’s attention, others must be more developed or forced. The lack of chemistry between Melvin and Georgia makes their romance challenging to root for.
Boxing Day (2021)
Stream now on Prime Video
Run Time: 1h 49m
This romantic comedy is based on the real-life story of Aml Ameen, the writer, director, and star, and it’s about a British Caribbean novelist who returns home for Christmas to meet his strange family. It lacks authenticity and charm, but this enjoyable film gives it both.
On Boxing Day, Melvin Mckenzie (Aml Ameen), a writer residing in Los Angeles, returns to London. Melvin has a lot of baggage that he wants to marry Lisa (Aja Naomi King) and deal with. His parents announced their divorce at their annual Boxing Day party two years ago, and he hasn’t spoken to anyone in his family since. He also has an ex-girlfriend named Georgia from two years ago.
From the outrageous marriage proposal sequence involving Georgia and Boobsy to the funny banter between them and Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s superb performance, the film gives numerous chuckles from start to finish. Pinnock, meantime, is a promising newcomer to the acting world.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
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Run Time: 1h 43m
Robert Downey Jr. stars as a would-be criminal who, unbeknownst to him, accidentally auditions for a part in a Hollywood detective film in Shane Black’s (Lethal Weapon) directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. At this point, he crosses paths with the determined private eye Val Kilmer and the promising actress Monaghan. A captivating murder mystery including romance, betrayals, and unexpected turns draws them all in.
Not only is this film exciting and enjoyable, but it also cleverly parodies its genre. The filmmaker needs to be more bashful about using witty narration and comedy to bring attention to the fact that most viewers have seen these films before.
Although this kind of narration may become old after a while, it enhances the film’s intriguing qualities in this case. Despite Downey Jr.’s personal and professional struggles, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was a great way to get him back into the film industry.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Run Time: 1h 33m
In 1983, when A Christmas Story debuted, people were astounded by the film’s incredible run in cinemas. The film, which has since become a classic among holiday films, follows Ralph as he faces bullying and other typical childhood challenges on his quest to get a Red Ryder BB rifle for Christmas from his parents.
As viewed through the eyes of the families involved, A Christmas Story is an endearing and realistic portrayal of life during the Great Depression and WWII in the United States. Another thing it does is bring back the carefree spirit of a bygone era when kids still thought Santa Claus existed.
Despite having an unidentifiable ensemble, this film’s performances are top-notch, particularly those of the young performers, who are endearing and funny without coming off as naive or spoiled.
Wonka (2023)
Still in Theatres
Run Time: 1h 56m
The 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, directed by Gene Wilder, has this picture as a precursor. Hugh Grant brings his Oompa Loompas persona to the film, and Timothee Chalamet plays a young Willy Wonka.
The memories of Willy’s mother motivate him to become the greatest creator of all time. He launches a candy store to display his creations. Still, it gets complicated with a local chocolate cartel: Noodle, Willy’s best friend, steps in to assist.
King may take a more traditional approach than the original from 1971. However, it retains some of its allure. He assembles a stellar ensemble that includes Chris Chalamet (who brilliantly juggles sweetness and naughtiness), Calah Lane (who stands out among newcomers as Noodle), Rakhee Thakrar (who plays Noodle to perfection), Patterson Joseph, and Keegan-Michael Key (who plays other members of the Chocolate Cartel).
The Apartment (1960)
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Run Time: 2h 5m
Breaking production code restrictions by openly discussing sexual matters throughout, The Apartment was an uncompromising satire that exposed the darker aspects of American capitalism upon its initial release. It pushed boundaries at every turn and covered topics like infidelity, adultery, and suicide as openly as any movie has ever done before.
In this Billy Wilder picture, Jack Lemmon plays the role of C.C. Baxter, an insurance clerk at Consolidated Life who lets out his Apartment to coworkers who want to have sexual relations outside of marriage. Despite C.C. Baxter’s good intentions, his landlord, Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), starts to suspect something is wrong with him because of his eccentric behavior.
Joseph LaShelle’s exceptional photography and Walter Mandell’s stellar editing complement the film’s engaging storyline. The Apartment was well-received by critics and audiences alike despite the contentious nature of its themes. It became the seventh highest-grossing release of 1960 at year’s end, having earned more than double its budget.
