Festive films that make for a perfect family movie night
A family movie night is an excellent way for families to bond and enjoy relaxing together. Such nights are a tradition in households around the globe and can even become a fun way for extended families to celebrate the holidays together. When hosting overnight guests this holiday season, hosts can plan a family movie night and line up some family-friendly holiday movies.
• “A Christmas Story” (1983): This beloved classic, based on the writings of author Jean Shepherd, focuses on young Ralphie Parker and his humorous family, which includes his father, played to many laughs by legendary actor Darren McGavin. All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a coveted Red Ryder air rifle, and generations of fans have enjoyed watching this film to see if Ralphie’s dream comes true.
• “Home Alone” (1990): Not unlike “A Christmas Story,” this instant classic devotes much of its story to a young boy. Eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) awakens to an empty house after his parents forgetfully leave him behind as they depart on a holiday trip to Paris with their extended family. That proves to be bad news for bungling burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), whom Kevin outwits at every turn.
• “Elf” (2003): Middle-aged Buddy (Will Ferrell) grew up at the North Pole believing he is an elf, despite being significantly larger than the kindhearted elves who raised him. Upon learning he is not an actual elf, Buddy is determined to reunite with the father (James Caan) he’s never known. Hilarity ensues as the innocent Buddy ends up in the big city searching for his father.
• “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946): Among the most beloved holiday movies ever made, this classic stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a devoted family man who set aside his big-city dreams to save the family business and, ultimately, his small hometown of Bedford Falls. Lamenting some bad luck that leaves him on the cusp of financial ruin, George wishes he’d never been born, only to be shown by an incredibly kind and patient angel-in-training (Henry Travers) how much worse off Bedford Falls and its residents might have been had George Bailey never existed.
• “Jingle All the Way” (1996): Featuring a future governor of California in the lead role, this high-jinks-filled holiday classic follows the efforts of Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) as he tries to secure the must-have gift of the season for his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). Howard soon finds himself competing against a father (Sinbad) who is equally devoted to finding the coveted Turbo-Man action figure.