https://screenrant.com All the latest movie news, movie trailers & reviews - and the same for TV, too. Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:18 GMT en-US hourly 60 While The Big Bang Theory almost cut Sheldon out of one Christmas episode entirely, this would have jeopardized an incredible streak that the Jim Parsons character pulled off. Even though the show was ostensibly focused on the nerdy Leonard’s attempts to romance his glamorous neighbor, Penny, Sheldon was central to the appeal of The Big Bang Theory. Jim Parsons established himself as a scene-stealing superstar early on in the show’s run and, by the time The Big Bang Theory ended, his character even got a spinoff prequel. Sheldon’s popularity meant that it would have been impossible to imagine the series without him.

]]> Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/big-bang-theory-season-7-christmas-sheldon-record/ For some families, animated Christmas movies are an unmissable holiday tradition, and the best ones will be watched year after year. Their childlike charm is a reliable source of nostalgia, and although their stories vary, they almost always focus on the importance of kindness and togetherness. Classic animated Christmas movies often feature Santa Claus and the North Pole. Their sweet and innocent approach urges the audience to believe in magic, and to come together in the shared spirit of the holiday season.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 22:30:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-animated-christmas-movies/ The Nutcracker is one of the most beloved ballets in history, and the best Nutcracker movies have retold the story as both a fantasy movie and a ballet on the big screen. But whether it's the ballet composed by Tchaikovsky or the original novel written by E.T.A Hoffman, the story has been rather difficult to translate to film. Of course, there are filming of various and very famous productions of the ballet, and reimaginings of the Nutcracker narrative, but not all of them capture the original ballet experience.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 20:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-nutcracker-films/ Disney movies sometimes contain references to one another, and Tim Burton connects 1993's The Nightmare Before Christmas to an 86-year-old animated classic with one hidden cameo. The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a classic in its own right, and Jack Skellington's story is a staple of the Halloween and Christmas seasons. Burton's animated hit takes on a darker tone than most Disney films, but that just makes it more compelling. It's one of Burton's best movies (though it's directed by Henry Selick), but it's also a unique addition to Disney's animated lineup.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 19:45:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/nightmare-before-christmas-evil-queen-snow-white-easter-egg-cameo/ With a predecessor so popular that it's a staple for many during the holiday period, How The Grinch Stole Christmas 2 could still work without Jim Carrey reprising the role, and one 2018 film proves it. Carrey's impressive performance of the Grinch was 23 years ago and is still a hit among fans. A literary sequel to The Grinch Who Stole Christmas' source material was released in September 2023 and authorized by the Dr. Seuss estate. Titled How The Grinch Lost Christmas, this follow-up is set one year after the first book and follows the Grinch's attempts to win a 'best Christmas tree' contest in Whoville.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/grinch-2-movie-no-jim-carrey-still-happen/ Every festive season there are Christmas films that audiences love to rewatch to get in the holiday mood, but several of these merry movies were not actually released near Christmas at all. Despite including classic Christmas themes such as family, coming together for the holidays, and spreading joyful cheer, many Christmas movies were released during the summer, spring, and fall, and some were not intended to be associated with Christmas at all. However, over the years, these films have become holiday classics, and for many, it just wouldn’t feel like Christmas without watching them.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 15:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/christmas-movies-not-released-near-holidays/ From October to December (and the rest of the year), fans are reminded of the best quotes from the stop-motion classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Directed by Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas is based on an original poem by Tim Burton. Michael McDowell and Caroline Thompson's script, along with Danny Elfman's lyrics, have provided memorable quotes for the entire holiday season.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:15:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-nightmare-before-christmas-quotes/ As the third film in the series, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation uses plenty of references and Easter eggs that call back to the first film. The National Lampoon's Vacation film series follows the Griswold family on their vacations and the mishaps that occur along the way. The film series is made up of five films in total and is loved and known for its eccentric characters, comedic bits, and quotable dialogue.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:50:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/national-lampoon-christmas-vacation-easter-eggs-references-original/ During the holiday season, many people need to croon a Christmas carol to get through the day. Not surprisingly, the world of film and TV does too, which means that there's a fine collection of Christmas musical movies to binge and sing along with. From jazzy song-and-dance numbers to melodies that melt fans' hearts, Christmas musicals have that extra dash of magic for making spirits bright.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:40:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-musical-movies/ Romantic comedies typically dominate the box office in February with moviegoers celebrating Valentine's Day. While that's great, it often leaves romantic comedy fans with nothing new to watch the rest of the year. Hallmark and Lifetime might have the romance Christmas movie market covered, but romantic comedy fans still want comedy in their movies. However, romantic comedy fans don't have to wallow too much because there's a surprising number of romantic comedy Christmas movies out there. Even some of the best Christmas classics are similar to romantic comedies.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 13:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-for-fans-romantic-comedies/ Since its release in 2003, Elf has become a Christmas classic, but upon rewatching, some harsh realities about the movie come to light. Starring comedy icon Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, a human raised in the North Pole at Santa's workshop who embarks on a journey to find his biological father in New York City. Elf was incredibly popular with families upon its initial release, earning nominations from the likes of the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and the Teen Choice Awards, with many still considering it one of the best Christmas movies.

]]> Sun, 10 Dec 2023 00:55:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/elf-movie-harsh-realities-rewatch/ The best holiday gifts for anime fans cover a wide variety of options for fans of a wide variety of franchises. From clothing, decorations, and even some specifically holiday-themed options, there is a perfect gift for every anime lover out there. It is not too late to find that special gift to tuck into a stocking or under the tree.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 19:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-holiday-gifts-anime-fans/ Jingle All the Way had to be rewritten on account of a Pixar movie that was released while the Arnold Schwarzenegger film was still in development. Initially, the movie was set to focus on the general concept of holiday toy crazes like Cabbage Patch Kids and Power Rangers. During production, the movie shifted focus slightly and drew inspiration from a more recent trend.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:40:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/jingle-all-the-way-inspired-toy-story-buzz-lightyear-action-figures/ Though Hulu might not be the first streaming platform audiences would think of when it comes to Christmas movies, it holds its own against some of the bigger services. Disney Plus might have Home Alone and The Santa Claus, but between some original content, a couple of 'so bad they're good' movies, and soon-to-be classics, Hulu is a major player in the streaming world when it comes to Christmas flicks.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 16:30:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-hulu/ Despite classic Christmas movies holding traditional values close, the unconventional films of the genre deserve just as much attention during the holiday season. As it approaches, many moviegoers turn to these classics in order to get into the yuletide spirit, revisiting films that uphold cherished principles like family, friendship, and kindness. However, the Christmas movie genre encompasses more than just these wholesome classics. A variety of alternative films also use the holiday season as a backdrop to tell compelling stories that challenge expectations and bring fresh perspectives. Though less familiar, these underrated tales prompt equally valuable conversations about inclusiveness, understanding, and stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 15:20:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-alternative-christmas-movies/ Although Christmas is often ripe with nostalgia and memories, rewatching a well-known holiday movie is always a good idea. However, sometimes it’s nice to see movies that are unknown, hidden gems filled with just as much holiday cheer as the classics. With countless holiday films released annually, only a handful are known as the best Christmas movies of all time, like A Christmas Story and Elf. However, many overlooked movies deserve more recognition for capturing the Christmas spirit with originality and heart. They may lack the familiar nostalgia of tried-and-true classics audiences grow up with, but these underappreciated gems reflect the magic of the season in fresh, contemporary ways.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 15:15:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/most-underrated-christmas-movies/ When looking for ways to easily make a sequel or to ensure the success of a franchise, creating a Christmas movie out of a non-Christmas franchise is a great choice, and these 10 films are the perfect example of this. All kinds of Chirstmas franchises have spanned into properties with multiple sequels and spin-offs, with Home Alone, The Grinch, The Santa Clause, Elf, and more being some of the most popular holiday series. However, plenty of franchises that didn't start out as Christmas movies have cashed in on making holiday sequels, with these 10 non-Christmas franchises featuring popular Christmas movies.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 15:05:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/christmas-movies-other-franchises/ Halloween might be the ultimate scary holiday, but a surprising number of horror movies take place during Christmas instead. The most classic Christmas movies are family-friendly, heartwarming good times that emphasize the tradition's nature as a time of warmth, mischief, and cheer amid the otherwise bleak Winter season. But many Christmas movies lean into the dark side of the holidays, the Winter Wonderland imagery of the season being twisted into a dark, cold, and oftentimes bloody affair.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 14:50:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-horror-christmas-movies/ 27 years ago, wrestler-turned-actor Hulk Hogan proved his transition to movie stardom wasn’t a guaranteed success when the WWE superstar headlined one of the worst Christmas movies ever made. The 1996 comedy in question put Hogan in the role of a callous, unpleasant playboy millionaire who made his fortune from bodybuilding supplements. After he took a nasty fall while being pursued through a mall by the police, he suffered amnesia. Waking up in a Santa suit that he donned to evade the cops, Hogan's character assumed that he was the real Santa Claus and began to live accordingly.

]]> Sat, 09 Dec 2023 13:30:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/hulk-hogan-worst-christmas-movie-santa-with-muscles/ Although the exact holiday traditions in Japan differ from those in Western countries, Christmas is still a time for hope, joy, and togetherness - as the very best Christmas anime celebrate. In Japan, Christmas is viewed as a romantic holiday, meaning that many popular romance anime culminate in the stars finally confessing their love on Christmas Eve. That means there's a lot of truly great episodes vying for their place on this list.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 22:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-anime-episodes/ Classic holiday films are a mainstay of the festive season, but there are many forgotten Christmas movies that can be revisited to add some variety. Christmas film like A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and It's a Wonderful Life often are played non-stop over the holidays. While the most well-known titles are practically cultural institutions, there are many lesser-known and forgotten Christmas movies — from the underrated and underappreciated to the niche and bizarre — available for viewers seeking something a bit different.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/forgotten-bizarre-christmas-movies/ The mythological origins of the Krampus stretch back more than a thousand years, and in the 21st century, the evil version of Santa Claus has made its way into many Krampus horror movies. While Santa Claus is a kind being who gives presents to good boys and girls across the world every Christmas, European folklore supposes that Krampus assists Santa by punishing those children who misbehave throughout the year. However, in Krampus horror movies he's far more violent, and across the very best movies featuring the Krampus he's killed many adults and children alike.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 18:30:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/horror-krampus-christmas-every-movie-ranked/ While Die Hard’s second sequel was a solid follow-up, dropping the Christmas setting of the first two movies still ended up being the creative choice that tanked the franchise as a whole. The Die Hard series, like its hero John McClane, was stuck in an unenviable position after the success of the first sequel. Die Hard 2 was a huge hit like its predecessor, but the movie’s decision to land John McClane in another life-or-death scenario on Christmas Eve wasn’t lost on critics or fans. Die Hard 2 got away with some hilariously cheeky self-referential one-liners about how unlikely these events were, but the franchise couldn’t pull this off again.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:15:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/die-hard-franchise-drop-christmas-setting-mistake/ As a witty yet heartfelt sitcom that no one can deny the staying power of, The Big Bang Theory has a sparkling collection of Christmas episodes to return to every holiday season. One of CBS' crowning jewels, The Big Bang Theory was one of the most popular sitcoms to come out of the 2000s. The misadventures of Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, Raj and Penny as they navigated life, relationships, science and careers with charming witticisms and quirky bickering drew eyes across the nation. Ending after a respectable 12 season run, The Big Bang Theory, like any sitcom, managed to accrue its fair share of holiday-themed episodes.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:05:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-big-bang-theory-christmas-episodes/ While Disney has plenty of memorable Christmas movies, the studio’s most underrated festive outing is a largely forgotten straight-to-video Beauty and the Beast sequel. Disney is closely associated with Christmas, but the studio’s animated canon doesn’t have many movies specifically set around the holiday. There are a few Disney Christmas classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas or The Muppet Christmas Carol, but viewers would be hard-pressed to find a Disney Princess movie that focuses on the holiday. Frozen has a Christmassy feel thanks to its plentiful snow and December release date, but there are only two movies that center on Christmas and a Disney Princess.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 16:00:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/disney-belle-enchanted-christmas-beauty-beast-sequel-underrated/ The sitcom New Girl includes episodes centered around Christmas that are as heartfelt and entertaining as the rest of the series. The series revolves around the lives of Jess and her three male roommates, who started as strangers upon her arrival at the loft. Within most of the Christmas episodes, it's emphasized how much the others care for Jess, as they'll do whatever it takes to make the holiday special for her.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:15:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/new-girl-christmas-episodes/ With so many Christmas movies to choose from once the holidays roll around, there are some classics with sequels that slipped under the radar. The holiday season sees the return of beloved seasonal films to watch again and again. Some of the best Christmas movies of all time, like Elf, Home Alone, and It’s a Wonderful Life receive countless rewatches every winter. At the same time, a host of obscure spinoffs, sequels, and remakes of these famed films exist too, though they fail to receive the same enduring popularity. Made as either theatrical releases or straight-to-video, these little-known Christmas follow-ups feature familiar characters, stories, and festive themes.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 15:00:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/christmas-movie-sequels-didnt-realize-exist/ Miracle on 34th Street is one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time and includes many memorable quotes. The story about the department store Santa who turns out to be the real thing has been remade several times since 1947. The original Miracle on 34th Street is the winner of two Oscars for writing and one for Edmund Gwenn's performance as Kris Kringle.Kris' insistence that he is the real Santa Claus changes the lives of lawyer Fred Gailey, single mother Doris Walker, and Doris' daughter Susie. The movie focuses on the theme of choosing to be hopeful and kind in the face of hostility. Miracle on 34th Street's heartwarming quotes fill everyone with holiday spirit.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:20:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/miracle-on-34th-street-best-quotes/ While there are a lot of modern holiday classics like Elf, The Grinch, and Love Actually that movie lovers enjoy this time of the year, the best black and white Christmas movies can take audiences back to the older days of Hollywood and some of the best festive stories. Modern audiences can be intimidated by black-and-white movies, feeling like it is a signal of a movie being too old and outdated to be enjoyed today. However, these older classics have a Christmas spirit that will resonate no matter how many decades old they are.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-black-white-christmas-movie-classics-where-stream/ Call the Midwife is one of the shows that can tug at the heartstrings, including its Christmas episodes, but some of the show's holiday specials rank higher than others. When the show first premiered in the UK in 2012, audiences were won over by the honesty and rawness of the issues featured in the show. Even though it may be a holiday episode, Call the Midwife never shies away from the medical aspect of the show, wanting to keep it as historically accurate as possible to the decade. Since Call the Midwife is set in the 1950s into the 1960s, many of the topics featured in the show are ones that were popular then.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 14:00:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/call-the-midwife-christmas-episodes-ranked/ Parents had better watch out for the Christmas movies they show the young children as some of them spoil the truth about Santa Claus. Christmas is one of the best times of the year, partly because of all the great movies that people don't watch outside of December. There are tons of amazing movies about the holiday season, and many of them are about Santa. While many of these movies deal with the magic of Saint Nick, some of them have subtle moments that might ruin the whole thing for young kids.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:40:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/family-christmas-movies-spoil-truth-about-santa-claus/ More than almost any other streaming service, it seems that Disney+ is ready for the holiday season. The platform has a holiday collection full of movies, television episodes, specials, and more, ranging from iconic Disney productions to others that are great acquisitions from over the past few years. Every year, new movies are added or taken away depending on viewership but 2023 sees a lot of great projects available.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:20:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/disney-plus-christmas-movies-disney/ As one of the most unique television shows in recent history, the USA Network cult series Psych has a knack for blending genres like comedy, drama, mystery, parody, and holiday-themed fare. Psych follows Shawn Spencer (James Roday Rodriguez), a man with exceptional observation skills, who convinces the police department to hire him as a psychic consultant. Shawn and his best friend Burton Guster (Dulé Hill) start their own private detective agency and race to solve crimes before the police and earn their consulting fees.

]]> Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:12:24 GMT https://screenrant.com/psych-holiday-christmas-episodes-ranked-imdb/ There are certain holiday movies that have been popular with audiences for decades now, but the best Christmas movies from the 2000s prove there have also been some great festive options in the 21st century. While the 2000s might not have seemed like a long time ago for some people, it has been enough time for some of these Christmas movies to become new classics of the genre that people revisit again and again.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:30:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-2000s-holiday-christmas-movies/ Warning: Major spoilers for Disney+ short The Shepherd below!

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:20:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/shepherd-movie-disney-john-travolta-ghost-double-twist/ National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation's best quotes have kept audiences laughing for decades and continued to cement the movie as a holiday favorite, and many come directly from Clark Griswold. Christmas Vacation is a hilarious 1980s comedy classic starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning, yet overreaching dad who finds himself walking into one Christmas catastrophe after another. Even with its cartoonish over-the-top mayhem, Christmas Vacation can be hilariously relatable to anyone who has struggled with a holiday season where nothing seemed to go right.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 18:00:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-best-clark-griswold-quotes/ Ed Asner's most well-known performance as Santa Claus is in the Christmas classic Elf, but in reality, the celebrated actor has played multiple iterations of Kris Kringle both before and after Elf came out in 2003. While not the only one to have played Santa Claus more than once, Asner played the character eight times - which is among the most times an actor has played Santa. Interestingly enough, he didn't play Santa Claus exclusively in films; he also portrayed Santa Claus in animated films, television shows, and Christmas specials.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:30:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/ed-asner-santa-claus-christmas-movies-tv-shows-ranked/ The South Park Christmas episodes prove that literally nothing is sacred when it comes to one of the crudest and darkest comedies on television, including the holiday season. Matt Stone and Trey Parker's globally acclaimed and foul-mouthed 1997 sitcom South Park has been rooted in the holiday season since its inception. Before Comedy Central brought the foul-mouthed elementary school kids to the small screen, Stone and Parker created video-based Christmas cards and sent them out with crude animated representations of the boys along with a shocking battle between Santa Claus and Jesus Christ. From there, South Park took form.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 17:00:42 GMT https://screenrant.com/every-south-park-christmas-episode/ The famed anthology series American Horror Story has a few Christmas stories up it's sleeve, bringing the show's trademark terror to the otherwise cozy winter holiday. As an eclectic horror mainstay since 2011, American Horror Story has visited many locations and premises, running the gamut with a variety of aliens, vampires, murderers, ghosts, witches, and all manner of other unholy terrors. It only makes sense that within such a varied catalog of blood-curdling tales, the odd Christmas horror story would find its way to the series. After all, Christmas horror movies have become a subgenre in and of themselves, and American Horror Story touches on every horror movie trope under the sun.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:45:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/american-horror-story-christmas-episodes/ While numerous hit TV sitcoms have included multiple holiday outings across their seasons, some shows' Christmas episodes stand out tall among the rest. Over several decades, countless sitcoms have included holiday specials during their runs, with some episodes focusing on the holidays themselves or the build-up to the festive days. With the themes of the holiday, their annual rewatchability, and typical focus on exciting ensembles, it's unsurprising that some holiday episodes rank among the best of certain popular sitcoms.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:35:23 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-sitcom-holiday-episodes-specials/ As one of the most beloved Christmas stories of all time, the How the Grinch Stole Christmas quotes remain memorable and touching decades after the TV special aired. Based on the children's story by Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the tale of a grumpy and meanspirited resident of Whoville who wants to ruin the holidays for everyone. The special first aired in 1966 and is constantly viewed by generations of fans as a classic feature of the holiday season.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 15:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-quotes-from-how-grinch-stole-christmas-original-movie/ The best Miracle on 34th Street quotes highlight the unique Santa Claus story that remains a holiday favorite. While there are endless Christmas movies to enjoy during this festive season, Miracle of 34th Street remains a classic that fans love to return to again and again. It is the story of Santa Claus as more than a figure of Christmas but something that represents having faith in something wonderful. The man who calls himself Kris Kringle may be dismissed by most people, but his charm and warmheartedness that he brings to those around him inspire people to stand up for the idea that he is the real Santa.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 14:01:17 GMT https://screenrant.com/miracle-34th-street-heartwarming-quotes-christmas-movie/ Billy Bob Thornton may not be primarily remembered as a Christmas movie actor, but he actually starred in two of the most popular Christmas movies from 20 years ago. Many actors who are primarily associated with all kinds of different genres often dip their toes into Christmas movies, with the genre being an easy way to raise popularity due to them being near-guaranteed commercial successes. Billy Bob Thornton double-dipped in Christmas movies, however, with him starring in two of the most popular ones from two decades ago.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:45:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/billy-bob-thornton-christmas-movies-2003-love-actually-bad-santa/ A Christmas Carol is a holiday classic that has been adapted often so finding the best versions of A Christmas Carol movie ranked can be tough. Charles Dickens wrote and published the novella A Christmas Carol in December of 1843, just in time for Christmas, and the work instantly became a Christmas mainstay. Arguably Dickens’ most popular work, A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old businessman who is unkind to everyone he meets and thinks Christmas is a waste of time and money. Every Scrooge movie starts on Christmas Eve, when he is visited by three ghosts who show him shadows of Christmases past, present, and yet to come, allowing him to see how his miserly ways have led him to have a miserable, lonely life.

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 13:21:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/a-christmas-carol-movies-adaptations-worst-best-every/ National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is a beloved holiday classic that features a multi-generational cast of characters centered around the Griswold family. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) are hosting Christmas at their home, but no holiday would be complete without a few unexpected guests, a deranged squirrel, a burning Christmas tree, and a stampeding rottweiler. When Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his brood appear on Clark's doorstep, not only do the Griswolds have to find extra space for his quirky extended family, but figure out how to handle Eddie's idea of the perfect gift - Clark's miserly boss in a red bow on his doorstep!

]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2023 03:45:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/national-lampoon-christmas-vacation-character-actor-ages-comparison/ While the 2010s were lacking in major Christmas movies, the 2020s have more than made up for it. While 2020 and 2021 delivered some standout holiday films, 2022 was filled with them. Some are originals from streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, while others were unique holiday tales that hit the big screen. It made for a diverse selection of films to rewatch every December.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 21:00:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-2022-ranked/ Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace is a family drama film, and questions like "Does Lucy die in the movie?" and "What happens to Edgar?" may require a deeper look at the ending. In Lucy Shimmers and the Prince of Peace, Lucy (Scarlett Diamond) is a spirited and energetic five-year-old girl who has the ability to communicate with her deceased grandfather, Jackson (Shawn Stevens). Unfortunately, Lucy develops a cough and when it's discovered she has pneumonia, she is sent to a hospital for treatment. There, she meets a convict named Edgar Ruiz (Vincent Vargas), who is near the end of his incarceration but is also suffering from kidney failure.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 20:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/does-lucy-die-in-the-movie-lucy-shimmers-and-the-prince-of-peace-ending-explained/ 2023's best new Christmas movie was already released two months ago, and you just missed its theatrical run. Christmas movies are always a big deal around the holidays, with new entries in the genre typically being big hits during the season. However, a critically acclaimed Christmas movie has been in theaters for a while now, and it just isn't getting the buzz that it deserves.

]]> Wed, 06 Dec 2023 14:35:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/2023-best-christmas-movie-the-holdovers-october-release/ Eddie Murphy’s new Christmas movie Candy Cane Lane continues an unfortunate Rotten Tomatoes trend for the actor. Prime Video's latest movie tells the story of Chris Carver, a suburban dad so desperate to win his neighborhood’s Christmas decorating contest that he makes a pact with a malevolent elf to help him win. Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the Candy Cane Lane cast includes Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jillian Bell.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 20:55:07 GMT https://screenrant.com/candy-cane-lane-rotten-tomatoes-eddie-murphy-streak/ As the holiday season kicks off and viewers return to rewatching Christmas favorites, the debate around whether certain films actually count as a "Christmas movie" is reignited. While films like It's a Wonderful Life, Elf, and Home Alone are certified Christmas movie classics, there are many films that audiences debate whether they count. These films can be too violent, too dark, or just not have much to do with Christmas – yet, some have become annual staples around the holiday season.

]]> Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:15:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/movies-debate-whether-or-not-christmas/ The extended Parker family tree is at the forefront of the A Christmas Story movies as they attempt to create a magical Christmas with often hilarious results. Since the franchise began in 1983, the Parker family has shown that the family bonds are strong and that no matter how wacky a family may be, they can always be there for each other. With Ralphie Parker as the star of the movie along with his mom, dad, and little brother, A Christmas Story has grown, both in the family tree and in the hearts of viewers.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 23:30:24 GMT https://screenrant.com/a-christmas-story-parker-family-tree-explained/ The Naughty Nine follows Andy, a mischevious fifth grader who wakes up Christmas morning only to discover no presents from Santa, indicating he has been placed on the naughty list. Feeling unfairly judged, he puts together a heist team made up of others on the naughty list to steal the presents that they feel they are owed. However, the crew soon sees that the best way off the naughty list may be to use their talents for good instead of selfish purposes.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 22:30:19 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-naughty-nine-movie-alberto-belli-winslow-figley-interview/ The Polar Express was the top-grossing IMAX release for five years until James Cameron's Avatar beat it out. This is a significant surprise since it's difficult to categorize these two films together regarding box office performance. Of course, both films used CGI and motion capture technology to create visually stunning worlds, and this has become the perfect recipe for an IMAX feature. However, while Cameron's Avatar is one of the most successful films of all time, The Polar Express was a box office bomb.

]]> Mon, 04 Dec 2023 01:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-polar-express-imax-box-office-record-avatar-beat/ There are quite a few movies that are staples for the holiday season, but may not entirely conform to the expectations, tropes, or themes of a traditional Christmas movie. While classic Christmas movies like It's a Wonderful Life, Elf, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and A Christmas Story easily earn the distinction by revolving their plots around the holiday and featuring the celebratory trademarks, other films have earned the status by divisive or unconventional means. The story itself might not be about presents, holiday spirit, or renewing one's belief in Santa Claus, but they may just happen to be set around Christmastime or have other elements associated with the holiday.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 16:45:25 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-not-christmas-movies/ 'Tis the season to get in the yuletide spirit by binge-watching a cheery collection of Christmas movies. Revered for their ability to remain watchable even after countless viewings, Christmas movies are the perfect way to usher in the holiday season. Needless to say, some of the more popular festive flicks made a killing at the worldwide box office, leaving viewers with a shared sense of Christmas cheer.

]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:40:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/christmas-movies-highest-grossing-box-office-mojo/ Candy Cane Lane is a new Christmas comedy from Prime Video starring stand-up and screen legend Eddie Murphy. The film was directed by Reginald Hudlin, known in part for his work on films like Sidney and The Black Godfather and written by Kelly Younger, whose previous writing credits include the specials Muppets Now and Muppets Haunted Mansion. In addition to Murphy, Candy Cane Lane stars Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish), Jillian Bell (Workaholics), and Genneya Walton (Never Have I Ever). Guest stars include Robin Thede, Timothy Simons, Ken Marino, Chris Redd, and Nick Offerman.

]]> Thu, 30 Nov 2023 17:30:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/candy-cane-lane-eddie-murphy-marcus-miller-soundtrack/ The holiday season means it is the time to revisit all the classics of the festive time of year and become reacquainted with some of the best Christmas characters. While there are countless Christmas movies to choose from, with more being added each new year, only the best stand out and become the favorites that people return to again and again. In most cases, it is the characters at the center of these stories that make them so memorable.

]]> Thu, 23 Nov 2023 20:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/holiday-christmas-movies-most-iconic-characters/ Amazon Prime Video features a wide range of Christmas movies that are perfect for subscribers to festively binge over the holiday season. When it comes to Christmas movies, opinions vary and everyone has their favorites, but the best offer something for everyone and usually leave viewers with a smile on their face by the end, feeling that warm holiday spirit. When it comes to the best Christmas movies on Amazon Prime Video, there are plenty of genres and types of films available, both for family viewing and for those looking for something more adult for their holiday viewing.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:22 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-amazon-prime-video/ The Naughty Nine is a new movie from Disney that blends the uplifting cheer of family holiday films and the fun thrills of a heist flick. The film was directed by Alberto Belli (Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, Upload) and written by Scott Thomas and Jed Elinoff, both of whom were behind the long-running Disney series Raven’s Home.

]]> Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:00:21 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-naughty-nine-movie-disney-christmas-clip/ Even though the movie isn't discussed often, the 19-year-old Tom Hanks movie The Polar Express has become a Christmas classic worth watching every holiday season. Adapted from the Calcott Medal award-winning children's book, The Polar Express follows Hero Boy, a jaded child who embarks on a journey to find his faith in the spirit of Christmas. The movie relays the message that Hero Boy – and, by extension, the audience – is never too old to believe in magic.

]]> Sat, 18 Nov 2023 15:20:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/tom-hanks-polar-express-christmas-classic-reason/ Coming to theaters on November 3rd, The Christmas Classic is a holiday film directed by Shane Dax Taylor and co-written by Daylor and Austin Nichols. It stars Malin Akerman as Elizabeth Bird, who travels home for the holidays under assignment from her boss to purchase her town’s local ski resort. The film also stars Amy Smart (Rat Race, Stargirl), Ryan Hansen (Party Down, Veronica Mars), and Austin Nichols (The Walking Dead).

]]> Thu, 26 Oct 2023 19:00:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-christmas-classic-movie-malin-akerman-trailer/ Netflix offers some of the best original Christmas movies and classic favorites. Even with acclaimed films like Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, Netflix hasn't always found success with its original movies. However, the streaming service is a surprising leader in the field of holiday content. It has everything from Christmas-themed family flicks to romantic comedies and comedies of errors. Between a unique spin on Santa, a visually stunning Christmas musical, and a hand-drawn soon-to-be classic, tons of great Christmas movies are waiting to be unearthed on the streaming platform.

]]> Sat, 07 Oct 2023 13:00:27 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-netflix-ranked-imdb/ Learn all about the feel-good, Christmas film, This Is Christmas, including where you can watch and enjoy it for yourself.

]]> Fri, 17 Mar 2023 00:07:16 GMT https://screenrant.com/where-to-watch-this-is-christmas/ Christmas movies seem to be a divisive thing. Widely beloved Christmas classics are hated by some (typically for being too schmaltzy), and some under-appreciated movies are heralded as classics by a small, select few. And then there are the more non-traditional Christmas movies like Die Hard that result in endless discussion in debate, as people constantly argue over their merits as Christmas movies.

]]> Sun, 25 Dec 2022 16:00:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/unpopular-christmas-movie-opinions-reddit/ Sitcoms often provide viewers with plenty of seasonal comfort, especially in the form of holiday episodes. As one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Frasier more than excels in this regard, with many memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas episodes across the series' 11 seasons.

]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2022 19:00:04 GMT https://screenrant.com/frasier-every-holiday-episode-ranked-imdb/ One of the best things about the festive season is watching all the Christmas movies and television episodes available. Sometimes it's nice to take a break from watching Elf or A Christmas Story again to try something a little shorter.

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:30:11 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-episodes-tv-shows/ It's no secret that Hollywood often takes inspiration from best-selling books to create phenomenal and often record-breaking movies. While it can be frustrating for audiences to constantly be paying for "unoriginal" content, sometimes Hollywood does get it right when choosing what written works to turn into movies. While book adaptations are usually reserved for fantasy novels like Harry Potter or teen romances, occasionally Hollywood finds movie gold in other book forms, like Christmas stories. From literature classics to children's picture books and even a young adult novel, there seem to be way more Christmas movies based on books than most people realize.

]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:15:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/christmas-movies-based-on-books/ Like searching for the perfect Christmas tree, the hunt for the ideal holiday movie can feel oddly defeating, especially if the point of a viewers' quest is to find some diversity in seasonal entertainment. Fortunately, among the snow-blinding mountains of Caucasian movies, there are some diverse stories to add a little variety, including this year's Feliz naviDAD starring the ebullient Mario Lopez.

]]> Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:20:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-latinx-led-christmas-movies-where-stream/ That time of the year is here again. Ever since the 1950s, Christmas has provided infinite fodder for the television world to do their own themed episodes surrounding the holiday. From prestige dramas to multi-cam sitcoms, if a show lasted more than a season or two on the air, there was a strong chance a Christmas episode was right around the corner.

]]> Sun, 18 Dec 2022 16:30:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/greatest-90s-television-christmas-episodes-ranked-imdb/ The greatest Christmas movies of all time will forever remain a hotly debated and contested topic. Like anything that is said to be "the best," it's hard to objectively quantify the quality. A movie some people may hate, others may love. On the other hand, a widely-beloved Christmas classic may be derided by certain people.

]]> Sat, 17 Dec 2022 17:00:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/greatest-christmas-movies-reddit/ Tis’ the season! With the holidays rapidly coming up, there is no doubt there is one thing on everyone’s mind: presents. While the main point of Christmas (or Kwanzaa, or Hanukkah, or… you get the picture) is not solely on the presents, we would be lying to ourselves if we don’t say that gift-giving is indeed a large part of the festivities.

]]> Sat, 17 Dec 2022 14:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/holiday-gift-guide-best-unique-toys/ Even superheroes need time off during the holidays, as The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special proves. In fact, superheroes need a break more than anyone, as Christmas is the one day of the year that even villains take a break from their crimes. Usually, at least.

]]> Sat, 17 Dec 2022 00:10:11 GMT https://screenrant.com/10-heartwarming-christmas-comic-stories-for-the-holidays/ As you’re making your list and checking it twice, you might find yourself getting stumped on what to get for tweens. With constantly changing interests, it can be difficult to pinpoint what is sure to put a smile on their face. There is an added difficulty of tweens being exactly what the name suggests, in between ages! A kids' toy isn’t going to make them happy and a gift or tech gadget for teens will probably end up being too mature for them. While it might be tricky to come up with gift ideas for a tween, there are certainly options out there that are sure to excite and delight.

]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2022 14:00:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/holiday-gift-guide-best-toys-for-tweens/ With holiday season around the corner, the Marvel Cinematic Universe concluded its 2022 run with The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. However, Marvel and Christmas have had a long history with Santa Claus himself being a canonical character!

]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2022 00:10:13 GMT https://screenrant.com/marvel-comics-10-christmas-stories-redditors-love/ Screen Rant is pleased to present an exclusive clip from CBS' upcoming holiday film When Christmas Was Young, which celebrates the winter season with some heartwarming romance. Starring musician Tyler Hilton and musical actress Karen David, the movie was executive produced by the award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow. To sweeten the pot, Crow also wrote original songs for the story which are featured in the film.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:31:56 GMT https://screenrant.com/tyler-hilton-karen-david-when-christmas-was-young/ There are few better ways to relax during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season than to crash on the couch by the light of the Christmas tree and tune into a favorite Christmas flick. And while live-action movies will always be popular, animation is typically more appropriate for the whole family, and often just a little sweeter!

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-animated-christmas-movies-imdb/ It’s strange that there are actually a lot of parallels between thrillers and holiday movies, and sometimes, the only thing that separates the two is comedy. Whether it's drama that erupts into violence between families or kids who use their creativity for violence, there’s nothing but a few Christmas carols that keeps them from being intense thrillers.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:20:04 GMT https://screenrant.com/classic-christmas-movies-could-be-thrillers/ For many, the holiday season is the best time of the year, with time off work spent with friends and family, hopefully, you’re able to rest easy for a week or two and reflect on the year just passed.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 14:00:02 GMT https://screenrant.com/holiday-gift-guide-best-last-minute-toy-gifts/ For the 2022 holiday season, DC Comics has spiced things up by including a number of variant covers for its issues. As such, readers are treated to incredible artwork of DC characters sharing gifts, engaging in snowball fights or simply having nice meals.

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2022 00:10:06 GMT https://screenrant.com/dc-comics-christmas-stories-that-redditors-love/ As arguably the most famous figure of the Christmas season, it is only natural that Santa Claus has appeared in movies time and time again. However, there are only so many times that the basic idea of a jolly bearded man in red delivering toys can be portrayed before it starts to get a bit stale. Recently, more movies have been taking more unique and interesting spins on Santa Claus.

]]> Wed, 14 Dec 2022 16:30:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/reddit-best-movies-portrayals-santa-claus/ The Office has maintained its spot as one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time even over a decade since the series finale, though Mindy Kaling believes that’s because it couldn’t be made today. In addition to playing Kelly Kapoor, the lovably loquacious customer service representative at Dunder Mifflin, Kaling also served as a writer, executive producer, and director during her tenure, so she does have a point. The Office is a collection of contextually inappropriate yet enduringly hilarious humor, characters, and storylines, and that’s what makes it so entertaining still to this day.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 21:31:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/the-office-every-christmas-episode-ranked-according-to-imdb/ It's the perfect time to take a look at where you can watch the kids' favorite holiday-time TV series Reindeer in Here.

]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2022 03:04:38 GMT https://screenrant.com/where-to-watch-reindeer-in-here/ Family holiday traditions can include baking together, crafting, and touring the lights. But one thing that many people like to enjoy is watching cheesy holiday romances, and no network is more associated with that genre than Hallmark. Hallmark Christmas movies are famous for their rampant tropes and happy endings, and the familiar formula can be extremely comforting, helping anyone get into the holiday spirit.

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:50:49 GMT https://screenrant.com/how-to-watch-hallmark-christmas-movies/ Every year, people around the world watch their favorite holiday movies over and over again. Films like Home Alone, A Christmas Story, and Love Actually have become just as much as part of the holiday season as candy canes and mistletoe.

]]> Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:30:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-unknown-holiday-christmas-movies/ The holiday season is here and for movie and television fans, that means watching countless Christmas and winter-themed films. There are plenty of new options this year including Spirited with Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, Violent Night with David Harbour, and Falling For Christmas which sees the return of Lindsay Lohan to the screen.

]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 18:00:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/10-forgotten-remakes-and-sequels-of-christmas-classics/ With the holidays just around the corner, movie fans are truly looking forward to some warming and family-bonding films to watch during the joyous time of togetherness. But, not every movie centered around the holidays is about cheery wishes and sharing love.

]]> Sun, 11 Dec 2022 14:21:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-scary-holiday-christmas-horror-movies/ It’s the holiday season, and that means people are getting into a jolly mood. Even video games are joining the fun, as they do every year, whether it’s World of Warcraft’s annual Feast of Winter Veil to the snowy showdowns of League of Legends.

]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2022 20:00:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-holiday-video-game-events-winter-2022/ Every December always brings with it a deluge of Christmas movies old and new, with streaming services filled with categories dedicated to the season. As well as classics, each year heralds new Christmas films, and 2022 is no different with films like Spirited available on AppleTV and Violent Night.

]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2022 18:10:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/early-christmas-classics-best-movie-versions/ The market for holiday entertainment is one that continues to be oversaturated year after year, but there's no denying that there are some classic genres that work better than others. In particular, the demand for animated Christmas specials that appear to the whole family and not just children is a demand that will never subside.

]]> Sat, 10 Dec 2022 17:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-animated-christmas-tv-specials/ It's the most wonderful time of the year, but for some, the Christmas films that are paraded out every December have all become a bit much. Considering people flock to certain films for the festive period, there aren't many alternatives out there.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 20:01:18 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movies-not-festive/ Every year around the holidays, fans sit down with some of their favorite Christmas movie classics. There are so many to choose from going back decades. But there are also a number of great modern holiday movies that are becoming very popular with audiences.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 20:01:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/last-decade-best-christmas-movies-imdb/ Usually, when someone thinks of Santa Claus in a movie, they think of a wonderfully jolly and generous man in a red suit. When thinking of unsavory depictions of Santa Claus, the first one that likely comes to mind is Billy Bob Thornton's aptly named Bad Santa. He wasn't the real Santa in the black comedy, of course. Rather, he was a mall Santa who only took the job so he could scope out the shopping mall and rob it after hours.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 17:00:15 GMT https://screenrant.com/evil-bad-santas-in-christmas-movies/ To the delight of its fans, Hallmark Channel recently announced 40 new Christmas movies coming to the network for the holiday season. While this seems like enough entertainment for months, Hallmark movie fans are greedy when it comes to getting those warm and fuzzy feelings.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 02:56:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/books-feel-like-hallmark-christmas-movies-reddit/ While Christmas is a season of good times and peace among mankind, the release of games such as The Callisto Protocol during the winter season proves that scares are year-round. Of course, there’s no reason to not be “festive” with one’s horror game experience by playing wintery horror games.

]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:35:12 GMT https://screenrant.com/chilling-winter-horror-games-to-play-this-christmas/ With the festive season in full swing, viewers are tuning into the go-to Hallmark Christmas movies. Some fans are re-watching their favorites and others are tuning into new ones. In any case, the feel-good love stories bound to have happy endings have something about them that brings out the Christmas spirit in everyone.

]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2022 21:31:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-quotes-hallmark-royal-christmas-movies/ The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but also the most romantic. There's something about snow, fairy lights, and festive cheer that just makes people want to fall in love – both on and off-screen.

]]> Thu, 08 Dec 2022 16:01:29 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-holiday-rom-coms-according-imdb/ With the holidays fast approaching and Christmas movies rerunning on almost every channel, it's not always easy for LGBTQ+ folks to feel represented during the season, given their absence in most holiday-themed flicks.

]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:30:20 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-lgbtq-christmas-movies-reddit/ Every Christmas movie brings its own unique story, characters, setting, and oftentimes magical lesson, but many of them focus on families, big and small. During this time of the year, loved ones travel to one another, in order to eat, drink, be merry, and exchange gifts.

]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2022 16:08:09 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-worst-christmas-movie-fictional-families/ It's the holiday season and A Christmas Story Christmas has been released, thus seeing the return of several memorable Christmas movie characters, including the beloved now-adult Ralphie Parker from the original A Christmas Story holiday classic. The sign of a good character is that they make viewers want to watch their movies each season, year after year.

]]> Wed, 07 Dec 2022 00:20:14 GMT https://screenrant.com/best-christmas-movie-characters/