Buzz
1. Home Alone
Home Alone stands out as a highly acclaimed film project in 90s American cinema under the brilliant direction of Chris Columbus. The series comprises 5 parts, each narrating a story centered around the mischievous boy Kevin and his ingenious tactics to confront antagonistic characters, safeguarding both his home and himself.
Despite being titled 'Home Alone,' each film takes Kevin on different adventures, sometimes wandering in New York, other times in a lavish royal mansion, ... and the conclusion always witnesses Kevin's entire family reuniting on Christmas Eve amidst the 'ruins' he caused.
Each film installment features a different lead actor. However, this variation doesn't diminish the film's allure. Each part immerses viewers in an exciting adventure and imparts profound lessons about family bonds, humanity, and the cost villains pay.
2. Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street is a 96-minute film produced in 1947, directed by George Seaton, featuring actors Maureen OHara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Gene Lockhart, Natalie Wood, Porter Hall, William Frawley, and more.
The story unfolds at a grocery store in New York City, where Kris Kringle is entrusted with the role of Santa Claus. He claims to be the real Santa and indeed possesses the ability to bring wonderful things and hope to the children living on 34th Street. Kris blesses the less fortunate, making people believe in the existence of Santa Claus. However, there are skeptics who doubt his existence, and some even attempt to take him to court for spreading the belief in Santa Claus among children.
Since its release, Miracle on 34th Street has become a cinematic classic, ranking fifth among the best fantasy films of its time by the American Film Institute.
3. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is a renowned film directed by Bob Clark, starring actors Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGain, and more. The movie, produced in 1983, is based on the memoir of radio storyteller Jean Shepherd, recounting the story of young Ralphie Parker's desire for a Red Ryder BB gun as a Christmas gift.
The 94-minute film is set in the 1940s and revolves around a chubby boy and an ideal mother in Indiana. It captures the delightful childhood memories of Jean Shepherd regarding a special Christmas and a unique but hard-to-obtain gift: the Red Ryder BB gun. The film is further distinguished by Shepherd's distinctive and emotionally resonant storytelling voice.
4. Elf - Adorable Fairy
Adorable Fairy is a fantasy, comedy film worth watching during Christmas, with a duration of 97 minutes, produced in 2003, directed by Jon Favreau, featuring actors Will Ferrell, James Caan, and Bob Newhart.
Instead of focusing on Santa Claus, Elf tells the story of orphaned children adopted and nurtured by Santa Claus - the 'helpers' who assist him in wrapping gifts every Christmas. Among these children is a special boy named Buddy, distinguished by his double-sized stature compared to the other helpers. Trouble ensues as Buddy grows up, facing challenges like finding a bed and bathtub that fit him and inadvertently breaking things due to his oversized physique. These challenges make the story humorous and entertaining.
One day, Santa Claus reveals Buddy's true lineage, and he decides to embark on a journey to find his biological father. Hilarious mishaps occur as Buddy struggles to adapt to the modern world. In this world, he discovers that Christmas has gradually lost its true traditional values. When reunited with his biological father, Buddy not only faces rejection but also abandonment. It takes time for him to win over his father, stepmother, and half-brother. The film is highly praised for its humor and profound human values.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
The film It’s a Wonderful Life, produced in 1946 by director Frank Capra, features leading actors of that time such as James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi...
Since its debut, It’s a Wonderful Life has received five Oscar nominations, becoming a Christmas classic. To this day, the film has been included in the American Film Institute's list of “100 greatest American films of the century” and holds the top position in “The most heartwarming films of all time”.
It’s a Wonderful Life is set in Bedford Falls - a fictional town after World War II. The main character, George Bailey (played by James Stewart), is a man intending to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. He encounters the guardian angel Clarence Odbody (played by Henry Travers), sent down to help George in times of need. Most of the film recounts George's life before this moment, narrated by Franklin and Joseph to Clarence, helping Clarence understand more about the person he needs to assist.
6. The Santa Clause
The film revolves around Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) - a famous, wealthy businessman and one of many grown-ups who don't believe in the existence of Santa Claus. That Christmas, after finishing a celebration of record-breaking sales, he returns to meet his young son after a year apart. The father and son have a cozy and happy Christmas dinner together.
That midnight, the two are awakened by a noise outside the window. When they step out, they are amazed to find a flesh-and-blood Santa Claus in front of them. He gives Scott a card with the words 'If anything should happen to me, put on the suit, the reindeer will know what to do.' From that moment, Santa Claus Scott begins his mission of gift-giving.
This is a successful film directed by John Pasqui, starring Tim Allen, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold, and produced in 1994.
7. Bad Santa
Bad Santa is a film produced in 2003 by director Terry Zwigoff. The film follows Willie and Marcus - two con artists who pose as Santa Claus and his elf to steal from stores on Christmas Eve. In their 7 years of operation, they have hit 7 cities and stolen from 7 stores. They always promise themselves to reform when they make enough money, but only a few months after Christmas, they are broke again and back to their old ways.
Another Christmas season arrives, marking the 8th Christmas since Willie and Marcus started their thieving business. They decide to stop in Phoenix, Arizona. The plan goes smoothly until they encounter an 8-year-old troublemaker. Both of them realize the true meaning of Christmas and decide never to do this work again. In the following years, audiences will meet Bad Santa 2 during the Christmas season.
8. Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas is a popular animated Christmas film that hit Vietnamese cinemas during the 2011 Christmas season. Directed by Kari Juusonen and Jorgen Lerdam, this 3D animated film brings a modern twist to the life of Santa Claus and his family at the North Pole. The family includes the 'toothless old Santa,' the 'beer-bellied Santa,' the 'plump Mrs. Claus,' the capable and strong eldest son Steve, who helps manage the North Pole, and the clumsy, awkward youngest son Arthur.
In the movie, we follow the journey of creating gifts and delivering them to children worldwide using Santa's modern technology.
9. The Polar Express
The Polar Express is an animated film adapted from the classic children's book of the same name, directed by Robert Zemeckis in 2004. The film unfolds a colorful fairy-tale world, becoming one of the most beloved and meaningful Christmas works of the early 21st century.
The Polar Express revolves around the story of Billy, a boy who always believes in the existence of Santa Claus in his heart, even though everyone around him denies it and considers it a mere myth. That Christmas, a magical train visits Billy at midnight, promising to take him and other lucky children to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The journey begins, revealing many wonders along the way.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a classic animated film directed by Henry Selick, based on a screenplay by Tim Burton. The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes bored with the routine of celebrating Halloween only once a year and has to wait for the next holiday season.
One day, Jack accidentally stumbles upon Christmas Town and is completely captivated by its dazzling decorations. Upon returning, Jack decides to create a Christmas celebration in his own town. As a result, everyone prepares Christmas gifts in the Halloween style. Despite being considered too 'dark' for children, the film has remained a favorite among audiences for many generations.
11. Where Love Begins - The Holiday
Continuing the list of the best Christmas movies, Mytour presents a sweet and humorous love story. The Holiday is a work by director Nancy Meyers featuring two leading Hollywood actresses: Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, along with a star-studded cast including Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach, Edward Burns, Rufus Sewell, Miffy Englefield, Emma Pritchard, Sarah Parish, and more.
The film revolves around the story of Amanda and Iris, two women who have been too focused on work and making money due to various disappointments in love. They decide to exchange homes online during the Christmas holiday. While the English girl moves to the sun-soaked and windy city of Los Angeles, the woman familiar with the vibrant life of the film capital packs her bags for a house in the misty countryside during the cold winter. The complete change of residence leads these two heartbroken women on a journey to find the perfect man with a series of laughable and tearful situations. In the end, true love finds them during the Christmas season filled with warmth and affection.
12. A Christmas Carol - 1988
A Christmas Carol is an all-time classic Christmas-themed film. If you're looking for moments of relaxation and hearty laughter, this film is an excellent suggestion. Produced in 1988, it tells the story of a miserly, selfish man named Frank Cross (portrayed by Bill Murray), who runs a television station in the United States and utterly despises Christmas.
However, after an accident, Frank Cross gains the ability to see spirits, turning his ordinary life upside down. Through encounters with these spirits, he revisits the past, reflects on the present, and looks towards the future. This transformative journey leads Frank Cross to develop a more positive outlook on life, understanding the importance of love and helping others.
13. The Shop Around The Corner - 1939
The film The Shop Around The Corner - 1939 is set in Budapest, Hungary, at a gift shop near the bustling intersection of two busy streets, Matuschek & Co., as the Christmas atmosphere draws near.
This is an incredibly engaging and humorous film featuring the two main characters, James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. Initially, co-workers who can't stand each other, James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan surprisingly become pen pals, completely unaware that they live across the street from each other, working at the same store.
14. Batman Returns
Before Batman became synonymous with actor Christian Bale, Michael Keaton successfully portrayed the comic book hero in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Batman Returns, directed by Tim Burton, was released in 1992 and is set during Christmas in Gotham City.
The story unfolds as the year-end holiday approaches, with a cunning tycoon and the Penguin attempting to seize control of Gotham through their political ambitions. Not only does Batman, Bruce Wayne, strive to thwart these dangerous foes, but he also grapples with the mysterious Catwoman, unsure of which side she's on. Batman Returns is a film tailor-made for fantasy enthusiasts on a Christmas night.
15. Jack Frost - The Snowman
Jack Frost is an American fantasy comedy film produced in 1998, starring Michael Keaton and Kelly Preston. Keaton plays the lead character, a father and musician who meets a tragic end in a car accident only to come back to life in the form of a snowman through a magical harmonica.
However, he cannot stay with his family forever, and the second farewell brings tears to the eyes of many viewers.
16. Saving Santa - Rescuing Santa Claus
Saving Santa follows the story of Little Elf, a genius with the ability to foresee the future. He learns that a group of villains is plotting to steal Santa Claus's Time Globe and harm him. Unable to stand idly by, he decides to travel back in time to deliver this news to Santa and assist him.
The film is filled with the festive atmosphere of Christmas, from small details like a snow-covered roof, deer pulling a sleigh for Santa, to characters dressed in vibrant colors like green and red, and sparkling ornaments. The characters in the film are charming and adorable, combined with humorous details that make the movie lively and captivating.
17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How The Grinch Stole Christmas is based on the book of the same name by author Theodor Seuss. The film is set on a snowy Christmas Eve.
The Grinch is a peculiar creature with a bizarre appearance like a monster with a body covered in green fur. Due to his peculiar appearance, the Grinch is always shunned by others. Envious and irritated by the sight of people joyfully gathering together, while he is lonely and without companionship, he is determined to spoil the Christmas party that everyone is looking forward to. How The Grinch Stole Christmas is set on a snowy Christmas Eve.
18. Krampus - Nightmare Before Christmas
Krampus - Nightmare Before Christmas is an American horror film directed by Michael Dougherty and written by Michael Dougherty, Todd Casey, and Zach Shields. The film features Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner, Allison Tolman, Conchata Ferrell, Emjay Anthony, Stefania LaVie Owen, and Krista Stadler. It was released on December 4, 2015, by Universal Pictures.
The movie follows Brad (Will Ferrell), a successful radio broadcaster and the gentle, wonderful stepfather to Sara's two biological children, Megan and Dylan. Life is peaceful until Dusty (Mark Wahlberg), the biological father of the children, returns. He has a wild and reckless personality, contrasting with Brad's gentleness. Dusty's return may jeopardize the respectable image Brad has worked so hard to build in front of his wife and children. How will these two dads face off?
19. A Christmas Carol - Embracing Christmas
A Christmas Carol - Embracing Christmas is a 3D animated film produced by Walt Disney in 2009. The film is based on a novel of the same name by Charles Dickens, first published in 1843. Robert Zemeckis rewrote the screenplay and directed the film. It is a Disney production for the Christmas holiday in 2009.
Old Ebenezer Scrooge is a miserly, grumpy, and mean-spirited person. However, he realizes his mistakes as the ghosts from the past, present, and future visit him, making him appreciate Christmas more. The film is lavishly invested, with beautifully decorated Christmas scenes. Intertwined with fun and humorous emotions, the movie also touches the audience with warm and emotional moments.
20. Frozen - The Ice Queen's Reign
Frozen remains an eternally beloved Christmas classic, celebrated by critics and adorned with Oscars. Its anthem, 'Let It Go,' continues to resonate across time. The tale of legendary sisters Elsa and Anna introduces us to Elsa's formidable ice magic, often beyond her control, and Anna's heartwarming blend of kindness, innocence, and determination. On Elsa's coronation day, her powers unintentionally condemn the kingdom to an eternal winter, prompting Elsa to flee in fear and guilt. Determined, Anna embarks on a quest to find her sister, hoping Elsa can reverse the spell, driven by her love for their realm. Their story, underscored by the timeless hit 'Let It Go,' weaves through trials, showcasing the power of love and resilience.
