The holidays are here and, as a result, a lot of people will take the time to watch their favorite Christmas/holiday movies with the family. In fact, my wife and I recently purchased two of our favorites (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Elf), just so they were handy.
But, for every Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life, there are also movies out there that are just as holiday related without necessarily being advertised as holiday films and, chances are you’ve seen them and loved them but just forgot about them.
Here’s a list of some of those movies:
Edward Scissorhands- Most people remember Johnny Depp’s performance as an artificially created man with scissors for his hands. A lot of people forget this movie takes place around Christmas time and, at least according to the person telling the story, he’s the reason it always snows around the holiday.
Ghost Busters II – It’s probably best to watch the original too. But, because this film does take place on and before New Year’s Eve, it is the one that makes the list. I personally like how they need people’s holiday spirit to overcome the bad guy.
Trains, Planes and Automobiles – Not only is this one of John Candy’s best films, it’s a great story about a man (with the help of a “friend”) trying to overcome numerous obstacles in an effort to re-join his family just in time for Thanksgiving Dinner.
The Family Man – This isn’t Nicolas Cage’s best role but it is still a decent film and has a “It’s a Wonderful Life” feel to it; especially since he’s seeing what his life would be like if he was married and celebrating Christmas with his family.
The Nightmare Before Christmas – This film (which is made up of animated clay characters) about a man who decides to bring Christmas to a town that only celebrates Halloween is one of my oldest daughter’s favorites.
Trapped in Paradise – This film (which also stars Nicholas Cage, along with Dana Carvey and Jon Lovitz) is both a decent comedy and happens to take place at Christmas; setting up a great story of redemption for three would-be bank robbers.
Son In Law – OK, I’m not a huge Pauly Shore fan either. But, if you ignore him, this movie (which is about a young woman bringing home a fake fiancé at Thanksgiving) actually has a decent story about the importance of family.