Holiday Movies To Check Out During Winter Break

It’s that time of year again, where the weather gets a little colder, the people are a little cheerier, and the Vegas-style lights go on houses around the country. That’s right, it must be the holidays!

While you are home on Winter Break, you may be wondering “What can I watch to get into the holiday spirit?”

Well, don’t worry, just like we did on Thanksgiving, here’s a list of classics to get you in the holiday spirit! However, don’t expect the same old, same old movies you see every year…this will be a list of alternate choices for you to check out while you’re lounging around at home, sleeping until noon, and eating cereal for dinner (wait…isn’t that just like any other normal day in college?).

Here we go!

BATMAN RETURNS

The bat, the cat, and the penguin are all here for this sequel to the much loved Tim Burton superhero film. Throw in a bit of Christopher Walken, and how could you go wrong? As for the holiday cheer, the entire film takes place around Christmas. Just watch out for that tree lighting ceremony, OK?

LETHAL WEAPON

It’s easy to forget that this action-packed film takes place during Christmas, mostly because it’s set in LA and there is no snow, but just taking a look at the opening sequence, set to Jingle Bell Rock, reminds us. Also, nothing shows the spirit of holiday season quite like a coke bust in a Christmas tree lot. Spend some time with Riggs and Murtaugh to rekindle your holiday cheer.

DIE HARD

How can someone make a list of holiday films and NOT include
Die Hard
? In my opinion, it’s just not Christmas until Hans Gruber falls off a building. Now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho!

A VERY SUNNY CHRISTMAS

There is nothing about this special that can be considered “feel good.” However, the gang from
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
are determined to rediscover the joy of Christmas and embark on a holiday adventure filled with stolen toys, childhood videos, naked elves and a bloody run-in with Santa Claus in this hilarious TV special.

TRADING PLACES

There really isn’t much of a reason for this film to take place during the holidays, but it’s a good excuse to see Dan Aykroyd wear a disgusting Santa suit. Also, it’s cruel to place a $1 bet at Christmas that ruins someone’s life. However, this is a great pairing between Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy in their prime, and a comedy classic.

EIGHT CRAZY NIGHTS

While recent Adam Sandler films aren’t on anyone’s top ten list, there was a time when he continually churned out hits. This animated film was one of the last. And though it is animated, don’t let it fool you: this Hanukkah tale tackles issues such as alcoholism, depression, and features lots of toilet humor. Literally. However, it’s still worth a watch!

KISS KISS BANG BANG

Yet another crime caper set in LA during the holidays, this one opens with Robert Downey Jr. robbing a toy store for money and for the toy at the top of his kid’s Christmas list. From there, it just leads down one long, convoluted adventure using Christmas in LA as the backdrop.

IT’S CHRISTMASTIME AGAIN, CHARLIE BROWN

I know what you’re thinking. “This must be a mistake! It’s called
A Charlie Brown Christmas
!” And while you are right, there IS a special named there, we’re talking about the little known, 1992 sequel here. Featuring door-to-door wreath sales, a Christmas play, and more, this special is one of the best. Just ask Sarah from Admissions. She literally quotes it the entire holiday season.

GREMLINS

While
Gremlins
doesn’t quite hold up the way it did when I was 12, it’s still a great holiday classic that wrecks horror on the holidays. Bringing home a Mogwai is a great way to see if your family is ready for a dog. If they can’t follow a simple set of rules, well, then, perhaps its best you stick to goldfish.

THE HEBREW HAMMER

In the world’s first (and as of yet, only) Jew-sploitation movie, Mordechai Jefferson Carver foils a plot by a deranged lunatic to lure Jewish kids away from their faith in favor of Christmas. Also, it is hilarious.

PEE-WEE’S PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

One of the best specials, and always a tradition in my house, features Pee-wee and his friends playing host to several (1980s) celebrities, while singing songs, learning about themselves, and about the holiday season. Though clearly a snapshot of its time (k.d. lang! Magic Johnson! Little Richard!), it’s still fantastic way to spend some time in the playhouse.

Happy holidays and Happy New Year from all of us here at Dodge College! We’ll see you in 2016!