When you think of standard holiday movies, films like “The Grinch,” “Christmas Vacation” or “Home Alone” probably come to mind. While those are all great choices, it’s interesting to think outside the box and include films with subtle holiday hints, rather than simply screening the most popular titles. To truly spice up your seasonal movie experience, The VanCougar presents its top three recommended movies for those looking to watch something a little less conventional over winter break.
Die Hard (1988)
Arguably one of the best action movies ever made, “Die Hard” has certainly made a reputation for being a beloved holiday film by many. The main character, John McClane (Bruce Willis), is a New York City cop who flies to Los Angeles to visit his estranged wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), at a company Christmas party. However, things take a turn when the high-rise Nakatomi Corporation building, where the festivities are happening, is taken over by a band of international terrorists, led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). As the terrorists attempt a million-dollar heist operation, only McClane can save the hostages before it’s too late. Viewers will enjoy spotting subtle Christmas-related easter eggs, hidden throughout the movie, which makes for an attentive, exciting and action-packed watch over the holiday season.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Another non-Christmas movie to add to your December watch list is “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” Out of the entire Harry Potter movie franchise, this one comes first in the series, and takes the cake for manifesting a wonderful holiday atmosphere. Based on the book by author J.K. Rowling, the film is about a boy named Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), who quickly learns of his talents as a young wizard. Potter attends the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, and makes two close friends, Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), through his magical journey. The evil Lord Voldemort (Richard Bremmer), Potter’s sworn enemy, is searching for the famed Sorcerer’s Stone, an object known to give immortality to those who possess it. Facing many obstacles along the way, Potter and his friends find themselves tasked to find and protect the stone before Voldemort takes ahold of it. There are several festive aspects around the world of Hogwarts as Harry Potter’s adventure takes place around Christmas, setting the mood for a truly magical experience.
Little Women (2019)
Director Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film adaptation from Louisa May Alcott’s classic American coming of age novel, “Little Women,” is a great pick for those searching for an authentically lighthearted holiday experience. The film is set in 19th-century Massachusetts during the height of the Civil War, and follows the March sisters, Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Amy (Florence Pugh), Meg (Emma Watson) and Beth (Eliza Scanlen), who live with their mother Marmee (Laura Dern) while their father (Bob Odenkirk) is off to war. Jo becomes great friends with the dashingly handsome Laurie (Timothée Chalamet) at a Christmas party, who then becomes an integral part of the sisters’ world. The overall story of transitioning into womanhood, finding joy in life, love, and loss, is encompassed by a snowfall holiday backdrop, making this movie a must-see for the holidays.
Although Christmas plays a minor role in all these films, hopefully, they allow you to sincerely enjoy the extent of what 2020’s holiday season has to offer. Do you think these films could count as seasonal holiday movies? Let The VanCougar know your opinion by commenting down below!
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.