The holiday season is a time for tradition, reflection and – of course – movies. Good movies have a way of bringing people together. From heartwarming tales of sisterhood to unexpected twists on holiday cheer, here is my take on the best selection of films to watch this holiday season.
Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation of “Little Women” brings Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel to life with a vibrant, contemporary sensibility, exploring the journey of the four March sisters as they transition from adolescence to adulthood. Meg (Emma Watson), Jo (Saoirse Ronan), Beth (Eliza Scanlen), and Amy (Florence Pugh) may share the same blood, but each sister is uniquely defined by her own desires, dreams and personality. Their strong personalities, in addition to their varying ambitions for the future, make for a brilliant narrative of how our differences shape who we are and the transformative power of sisterhood. As the four sisters navigate life, love and loss, their bonds will be tested and their lives will change in ways they could never have imagined. With stellar performances by Timothee Chalamet as the charming yet conflicted Theodore “Laurie” Laurence and Laura Dern as the warm, wise Marmee, Gerwig’s adaption of the beloved novel stays true to the spirit of Alcott’s original characters while bringing a depth, relatability and dynamic edge to the original narrative. A poignant, vibrant and inspiring film about the nature of sisterhood and what it truly means to follow your heart, “Little Women” (2019) will pull at your heartstrings and have you begging for more.
Die Hard
This 1988 blockbuster is an action packed thriller, with guns blazing, romance, terrorists, and…the holiday spirit? On Christmas Eve, NYC policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) is on a visit to his ex-wife Holly Gennaro (Bonnie Bedelia) at her work’s holiday party. The festive atmosphere quickly turns to chaos when a group of terrorists, led by the suave and ruthless Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman), takes control of the building. Holly and her co-workers are soon taken hostage, leaving McClane as the only person capable of taking down the terrorists and saving the day. Featuring a standout performance from Alan Rickman as the nefarious Hans Gruber and Bruce Willis as the indomitable John McClane, “Die Hard” is a movie that will leave you swooning, biting your nails and everything in between, making it a must-watch on your Christmas movie list.
When Harry Met Sally
Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, “When Harry Met Sally” (1989) is a timeless romantic comedy that blends sharp dialogue with heartfelt moments. The film follows Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), two college graduates whose decades-long friendship is anchored in the question of whether men and women can truly be friends without romantic attraction complicating things. Over the years, their witty banter, moments of tension and eventual emotional growth create a compelling and relatable story about love’s unpredictable nature. Ultimately, “When Harry Met Sally” is more than just a rom-com; it’s a beautifully crafted film that digs into the complex nature of relationships, making it the perfect movie to put on as you experience the leaves fall and the seasons change.
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving
If you’re looking for a heartwarming holiday classic that mixes humor, friendship, and a dash of chaos, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is the perfect pick for your November movie marathon. The trouble begins when Charlie Brown is faced with the daunting task of hosting Thanksgiving dinner. The stress of hosting, combined with the fact that Charlie can only really cook cereal and toast, makes for a huge dilemma. But with the help of his lovable friends – Snoopy, Woodstock, and the rest of the Peanuts gang – Charlie discovers that a little teamwork can turn any challenge into an unforgettable adventure. Nostalgic, witty and incredibly comforting, “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” is the perfect addition to your cozy November movie night.
While You Were Sleeping
In this lesser-known (but charming!) gem of a movie, lonely transit worker Lucy Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) saves her longtime crush, Peter (Peter Gallagher) from being crushed by a train after he falls off the platform and hits his head. However, the blow to his head leaves Peter in a coma. While checking on Peter at the hospital, Lucy comes face-to-face with his family, who mistakenly believe she is his fiancée. Due to a mix of half-truths and possible delusion, Lucy doesn’t correct them. Soon, she’s invited to all of Peter’s family events and finds herself living a lie. But as the possibility of Peter waking up becomes real and Lucy’s feelings for his charming brother, Jack, begin to grow, she faces a difficult choice: reveal her true identity, or continue the deception? Dreamy, entertaining, and heartwarming, “While You Were Sleeping” is the perfect winter comfort film.
