Emma Giallongo ‘20 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer The holidays are coming up quickly and that means it’s time to gather the family and watch some good old Christmas classics. This year, you can be sure to find all sorts of holiday themed movies or TV shows playing all month long, so compiled here is a list of the Top 5 Holiday Movies on TV Christmas Weekend to make things easier for you and your kin. For the full list of holiday movies playing Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, click here http://www.tvguide.com/listings/. 5.Love Actually (2003) — 4:00 PM on 12/24 (E!) Andrew Lincoln in Love Actually. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures.Considered a Christmas classic by many, Love Actually is a charming English rom-com that takes place in England – and briefly America – and follows ten different complicated love stories during the holiday season before finally climaxing on Christmas Eve. The film stars several well known actors including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, and Keira Knightley, just to name a few. This film is entertaining, with it’s quirky characters and interesting plotlines which are sure to make the viewer want to stay and figure out how everyone is connected. If you’re a fan of heartwarming romantic comedies, Love Actually is right up your alley! Plus, if you miss it on E!, it’s also currently available on Netflix! 4. A Christmas Story (1983) — All day on 12/25 (TBS) Peter Billingsley in A Christmas Story. Photo Credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).Another holiday favorite, A Christmas Story, follows a young boy, Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), on his quest for his dream Christmas present, The Red Rider 200 Shot Range Model Air Rifle. Ralphie runs into many obstacles along the way, including his nay-saying mother (Melinda Dillon), passive aggressive teacher (Tedde Moore), and a moody mall Santa Claus (Jeff Gillen). This movie is silly in its constant over-the-top daydreams made up by Ralphie, its excited narration made by an older Ralphie, its sexy leg lamp, and a random pink bunny costume. This is a Christmas movie that can be enjoyed by all ages, and if you like heartwarming tales of family and fun, this is the film for you. 3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) — 11:00 AM on 12/25 (HBO) Richard Attenborough and Mara Wilson in Miracle on 34th Street (1994). Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.This remake of the 1947 classic, Miracle on 34th Street, follows Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) as he is hired by Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins) to fill in as Santa Claus at the Cole’s Department Store in New York City after their original Santa is found drunk on the job. As it so happens, Kris turns out to be the real Santa, and brings holiday cheer to even the most skeptical, including Dorey and her daughter, Susan (Mara Wilson). After an incident involving a rival department store, Kris is sent to court in an effort to prove that he is the real Santa Claus. This film is truly heartwarming in its childlike wonder through the eyes of Susan and the mastery of Attenborough’s portrayal of Kringle. Although not the original, this film is a must see for those who love the season of Santa, and those who could use a bit more holiday cheer this year. 2. Elf (2003) — 5:40 PM on 12/25 (Freeform) Will Ferrell in Elf. Photo Credit: New Line Cinema.Known as one of the most quotable Christmas films, Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the elf, an orphan found in Santa’s bag as an infant and raised by elves. When he grows up, Buddy is told that he has a real family living in New York, so he sets off to find his father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan), in a hilarious, naive, and silly adventure that’s fun for the whole family. If you’re a Will Ferrell fan or just a fan of silly humor in general and have yet to see Elf, add this to your list this instant because it is truly one of the funniest and most pure forms of holiday cheer out there (besides, of course, “singing loud for all to hear”). It will surely bring a smile to your face. 1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) — 8:00 PM on 12/24 (NBC) Thomas Mitchell, Carol Coombs, Donna Reed, James Stewart, Karolyn Grimes, Beulah Bondi and Jimmy Hawkins. Photo Credit: RKO Radio Pictures.This is perhaps the most well known and beloved Christmas film of all time so it’s no surprise that NBC has decided to show it this Christmas season. Starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, It’s a Wonderful Life follows George from his childhood up to his adult years where he is in charge of his family’s struggling building and loan company. He questions his life choices and with the help of his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), George learns that there is true value in his life and the relationships that he has created. If you have yet to see this film, you are missing out, as it is one of the sweetest, most heartwarming films you’ll see, whether it’s Christmas or the 4th of July (although it’s technically a Christmas movie but who cares). This film is definitely one that’s sure to make you feel good, especially if you’re surrounded by your loved ones this holiday season.
