No genre of film outshines the childhood nostalgia presented in Christmas movie classics. Despite how cheesy or dated these films may be, families find themselves gathered together in front of a screen to enjoy some of the most well-known and beloved pieces of holiday cinema. Now that seasonal festivities are in full swing this December, there is no debate more important than this: which Christmas movies are overrated or underrated?
A Christmas Story (1983) – Overrated
“A Christmas Story” is an incredibly quotable movie, with almost every scene featuring a line or event that is bound to make its way into a conversation at someone’s dinner table. However, despite being one of the most iconic holiday films in history, where is the holiday spirit? Following the story of a young boy named Ralphie, the child beats the neighborhood bully to a pulp, fantasizes about shooting criminals with his dream Christmas gift, a toy rifle, and finally closes out his holiday extravaganza with a meal of cooked duck at a Chinese restaurant. Without iconic props and quotable moments, there aren’t many charming moments in this ‘40s inspired comedy.
The Polar Express (2004) – Underrated
“The Polar Express” is arguably one of the most timeless holiday films of the 21st century. A rather extraordinary technical marvel, this movie embodies holiday spirit with dancing chefs, ringing bells and a magic train. Watching this without hot cocoa and fuzzy pajamas is like driving a car without tires, it’s just silly. Tom Hanks and Josh Groban unite to produce and perform one of the most elegant soundtracks of the season, while the story demonstrates an underlying moral conviction of believing in Santa Clause.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Overrated
Ron Howard’s live-action adaptation of a Dr. Seuss classic, featuring Jim Carey, is some of the most despicable holiday content to date. With an “adapted” plot that didn’t add anything of value to the original story, the only thing this film introduced was pain and regret. Featuring an annoying score and misplaced melodramatic comedy, the audience is better off watching the 1966 animated version, or something else entirely. Even if the makeup and costumes are somewhat impressive, the Whoville residents and their animal-like appearances are more appropriately placed in a horror movie.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – Underrated
This classic animated hit has been tugging at heartstrings for over 50 years. With a lively stop-motion animation style that influenced decades of other Christmas classics, including the smash hit “Elf,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” made Christmas all about belonging. Inspired by the 1939 Rudolph story and subsequent 1949 Gene Autry song, this animated film about a misfit reindeer and his elf companion is surely not talked about enough.
The holiday season continues to give life to so many timeless Christmas hits – both good and bad. Whether or not your family is wearing ugly Christmas sweaters while watching these iconic films around the fireplace the most important thing about the holiday experience is derived from embracing its spirit with those around you.
Andrew is a junior studying English and Digital Technology and Culture at WSU Vancouver.