With the holiday season quickly approaching, viewers worldwide are swapping the traditional action packed movie experience with a more festive film alternative. So, when the stockings are hung and the tree is lit, what do you watch after finishing the classics? This film list is here to help you stay entertained this holiday season with lots of options to watch after you’ve watched the classics! 

“Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” 

For those looking for a short and sweet source of holiday cheer, this one’s for you! This 1964 family film has kept people entertained for generations. Viewers can follow Rudolph’s magical journey as he goes from the North Pole misfit, to a Christmas hero! This movie clocks in at just over 45 minutes, and is perfect for those with young children. This feel-good film spreads the Christmas spirit to all who watch it. 

“A Charlie Brown Christmas”

It wouldn’t be the holiday season without a Charlie Brown film! This particular Peanut’s gang adventure follows Charlie Brown as he attempts to find the true meaning of the Christmas season by directing the Christmas play. With many iconic moments, including the well known “Charlie Brown Tree,” this film will bring a sense of nostalgia to all who watch. Heartfelt, funny, and filled with joy, it’s the perfect option for a cozy winter evening. 

“Christmas With the Kranks”

This one is for the book lovers! Based on the John Grisham novel “Skipping Christmas,” this film follows Luther (Tim Allen) and Nora (Jamie Lee Curtis) Krank as they decide to forgo all Christmas traditions and instead take a cruise after their daughter, Blair, joins the Peace Corps. Their plans don’t sit well with their nosy neighbors, and the weeks leading up to their departure are filled with hilarious events. This film is perfect for the comedy lovers, and is sure to fill your home with laughs! 

“Jingle All The Way”

Another humorous film, “Jingle All The Way” follows workaholic Howard (Arnold Schwarzenegger) as he attempts to get a Turbo Doll – the most popular toy of the Christmas season- for his son at the last minute. Like many Schwarzenegger films, this movie is action packed. It will keep you entertained the entire time, and laughing all throughout! This movie also has sweet messages on the importance of family during the holiday season, making it a good option for all! 

Dolly Parton’s “Christmas on The Square”

This one is a must-watch for all musical lovers! Dolly Parton’s “Christmas on The Square” follows bitter Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski) as she plans to sell the small town that she grew up in, with little thought as to how it will affect the people living there. Along the way, an angel appears (Dolly Parton) to help her learn the true meaning of the Christmas season. Dolly Parton fans will love hearing the 14 new songs, composed by Parton herself, that are performed throughout the movie. With a small cast, this film provides a unique viewing experience, and projects messages of love and cheer around the holiday season. 

“The Christmas Chronicles”

Perfect for all ages, “The Christmas Chronicles” follows Kate and Teddy Pierce as they attempt to capture Santa Claus (Kurt Russell), and accidentally derail his gift distribution. As they attempt to right their wrong, hilarity ensues. Viewers are sure to love the festive magic that shines through the duration of this film that will almost make them forget that they are not living in the North Pole themselves, making it the perfect choice to kickstart the holiday season! 

“Home Sweet Home Alone”

If you’re a fan of “Home Alone,” this film’s for you! The Disney+ special follows Max Mercer, who after being left behind for a family vacation, attempts to defend his home from Pam (Ellie Kemper) and Jeff (Rob Delaney) McKenzie, who are trying to steal back a family heirloom. Though not as good as the classic, this film does an excellent job at paying homage to the original, featuring some special cameos and exciting new traps. This film features some sentimental moments as it touches on the true meaning of Christmas. Your eyes are sure to be filled with tears the entire time, both from laughing hysterically and from the more tender moments. It just might become another integral part of the holiday season! 

“Godmothered” 

This film follows godmother-in-training Eleanor as she attempts to prove that fairy godmothers still exist by attempting to help single mom Mackenzie (Isla Fisher) and her daughters. This film is perfect for those who want a holiday movie without it being an overwhelming amount of Christmas. Though set during the holiday season, this film adds a unique twist to the traditional Christmas movie by focusing more on Eleanor and her attempts to help, instead of Christmas mishaps. With relatable characters and problems, it’s sure to be loved by all who watch.
“8-Bit Christmas”

This is a film you might not have heard of, but it’s not to be missed! Released in 2021, “8-Bit Christmas” follows Jake Doyle as he reflects on his 1980s childhood quest to get a Nintendo for Christmas. Those who grew up in the 80s will be hit with a wave of nostalgia as they watch this film. With spot on references and technology, viewers are sure to be reminded of their childhood. This film is full of humor, and is sure to leave viewers laughing. The technological aspect adds a unique twist to the Christmas movie genre. 

“Fred Claus”

This film follows outcast sibling Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) as he returns to the North Pole to work off the debt that he owes his brother, Nick Claus (Paul Giamatti), and prevent the workshop from being shut down by a bitter inspector. Full of humor, this film takes sibling rivalry to the max! Many viewers will be able to relate to Fred and his brother. Although they butt heads, this film displays an important message on fighting for your family. 

“Jingle Jangle” 

This is another for the music lovers! This musical film follows young and curious Journey as she visits her toymaker grandfather, Jeronicus (Forest Whitaker), and attempts to reignite his love for toy making after a betrayal decades prior. With many familiar faces, including Keegan Michael Key and Anika Noni Rose, viewers are sure to be impressed. This film features exciting  dance numbers and stunning vocals, leaving you humming a merry tune long after the film has ended.  The untraditional storyline adds a refreshing twist to the holiday movie drama, and is sure to be loved by all who watch! 

Whether you prefer a holiday movie that is humorous or heartfelt, musical or not, this list provides everyone with very merry options. Even if you choose only one of these films to watch, you are sure to be thoroughly entertained this holiday season!