It’s already December! Which means the year is almost over, and with that we get to finish it off with the Holidays! It’s the most wonderful time of the year with arguably the best movies. But which ones ultimately surpass the others? The Eagle’s Cry asked students and teachers at BHS for their opinions on popular holiday movies! Get your hot chocolate and cookies! 

According to our peers, the top two movies that seem to embark on the holiday spirit are Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life. Would you agree with this? 

“It [It’s a Wonderful Life] is such a heartfelt movie and I think it really captures the meaning of Christmas, like being with your family and having all this joy for the next year,” BHS sophomore, Gabby Hernandez said. 

“I like It’s a Wonderful Life, I think it’s the best movie out of all the Christmas movies,” Mr. Malossi, English teacher at BHS added. 

How about Elf, the 2004 holiday neo-classic? Sophia Lora said, “I like that movie. I love watching it because it exemplifies the Christmas season.” 

Carmine Barone said, “I like Elf because I love Buddy the Elf.” 

“Elf is really funny and it just like brings a lot of Christmas joy,” BHS junior, Sarah Watson said. 

“Will Farrell, that’s all you need to know,” says BHS sophomore Michael Nicki.

 However, Nora “The Grinch” Kerrigan— a well-known holiday-hater— mentioned that Elf was just simply “overrated.”

Speaking of the Grinch, How The Grinch Stole Christmas is a very popular movie for many. 

Taei Son, BHS sophomore said, “At first I was really scared of him [The Grinch], but I’ve grown to have a soft spot for him.” 

How The Grinch Stole Christmas— the live-action experience starring Jim Carrey, not the multiple animated versions— have thrilled children for generations. BHS is no exception. 

Katie O’Callaghan, BHS sophomore and writer for The Eagle’s Cry said, “I love it because it’s just a pure story of how his heart grows over time.” But which one is better, the animated or live action? 

“Animated. It was so much better than the live action,” BHS sophomore Zach Fradella claimed.

Yet, not everyone agrees. Olivia Greenfield, BHS sophomore, said “Live action was miles better. Jim Carrey plays the part so well!” 

“W movie,” Sophia said.

“Live action, because they look goofy,” BHS sophomore, Janna Shariff said.

Some think that these major Christmas movies such as, Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are overrated, but Mr. Malossi disagrees. “I don’t think there are really any overrated Christmas movies. I think that the ones that are famous are famous for a reason.” 

Additionally, here are some films that were talked about very little but should be discussed more:

Christmas Chronicles

This is such a good and heartfelt movie! It’s pretty funny and super good. It gets kind of weird during some parts but the others are really good. 

Die Hard

Is it even a Christmas movie? BHS sophomore, Kylie Traversa says it is her favorite Christmas movie if it is even considered one. “Yippee-ki-yay…” 

The Polar Express

Another breakout movie from 2004— what gets more Christmas then The Polar Express?

 “I used to watch it with my cousins as a kid and I love the animations in it. It’s so cool!” BHS sophomore, Lauren Kachadourian said.

Holidate

It’s so good and not your traditional Holiday movie. It’s different, but ultimately one of my favorites. This film pretty much goes through every holiday, but is mainly considered a Christmas movie!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Such an iconic movie. It’s my favorite movie to watch with my family.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

“I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.”

– Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

HOME ALONE(The original ones)

The 90’s Hit classics. The original Home Alone movies are very entertaining. I’m unsure why this movie was not brought up much but it is a classic. When you think of Christmas, you picture Kevin from Home Alone. 

Any Hallmark Movies

Honestly, I am not a fan of Hallmark movies. I think they are so predictable and basic. But sometimes people want a basic and predictable movie!

Daddy’s Home 2

The best sequel to a movie and has to be one of my favorite movies I’ve ever seen. It’s not popular for being a Christmas movie, but it is. Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell are in this 2017 heartfelt comedy. 

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer/ Frosty The Snowman

The actual classics of Christmas. I love these movies but they are so overplayed. 

Overall, each of these movies are sure to put you in the Christmas spirit, so go watch one of these if you haven’t already! With that being said, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!