Jingling bells. Garlanded and twinkling houses. Chaotic holiday shopping. The same tunes heard ad nauseum at malls. Freezing cold even in your layers. The holiday season can simultaneously bring cheer and madness. For those looking for a way to escape from the chaos of the season and to refocus on the true beauty of the Christmas spirit, here are five movies to revitalize your holiday joy.
5. Tokyo Godfathers (Dir. Satoshi Kon)
An animated film from Japan, this movie is less well-known than some other Christmas classics. It, however, deserves to be part of the canon as much as any other cosy, fuzzy Christmas movie. Following the journey of three homeless outcasts as they find an abandoned infant on Christmas Eve, and their myriad hijinks as they try to find the child’s family. Featuring plenty of found family banter and unexpected sweetness between the three leads– alcoholic Gin, transgender Hana, and teen-aged runaway Miyuki– this movie is as heart-warming as it is funny. A raucous and delightfully animated film, with warmth that can almost be felt, Tokyo Godfathers is a tour de force that is perfect to cozy up to with the family.
4. Carol (Dir. Todd Haynes)
For the more romantically inclined, here is a film with an almost painful tenderness and intimate spirit to make you break out the tissues. Based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith and directed with incredible rawness by Todd Haynes, Carol portrays the budding romance between the older, glamorous Carol (Cate Blanchett) and young, amateur photographer Therese (Rooney Mara). The two meets, adorably enough, when Carol is searching for a Christmas present for her beloved daughter at the Manhattan department store where Therese works. Featuring beautiful period-accurate costuming and set designs, the film transports you into a dollhouse-like Christmas with very real feelings. Exploring LGBTQ+ issues, romantic drama, and aching gentleness, Carol is acted and written beautifully, sure to make you long for that winter holiday love of your life.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (Dir. Brian Henson)
Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol is one of the most long-lasting stories ever, and it dominates the culture when it comes to Christmas stories. A poignant, empathetic, moralistic tale, the story has been told again and again, but perhaps the Muppets told it best. Infused with their characteristic good humor and smart comedy, the felt creatures animate the story even better than live actors. This is not to disparage our human lead, Ebeneezer Scrooge, portrayed with heartrending seriousness with Micheal Caine, who is the heart of the film. The songs are catchy, the little Muppet costumes incredibly well-made, Tiny Tim adorable, and the ending deeply heart-warming. It is a perfect choice to delight adults and children alike.
2. The Nice Guys (Dir. Shane Black)
A choice that is not for the family, but rather to make you burst your stomach lining with laughter in the privacy of your own bedroom, The Nice Guys is a violent, raunchy, hilarious good time. A neo-noir featuring the comedic talents of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, the film takes us on a tour through seedy 1970s LA and the ridiculous debauchery of Hollywood. The leads have incredible chemistry and comedic timing, making you wish there was a whole series of pulpy novels showing their mad capers. While the Christmas timing is not the most important part of the film, the themes of family and acceptance certainly remind one of the seasons. Besides, in the great tradition of Die Hard, we all need that one action movie that we can put on for our friends on the excuse that it’s technically a Christmas Movie.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (Dir. Frank Capra)
A predictable classic, sure, but it is a classic for a reason. Most of Capra’s film surprisingly, considering its reputation, does not take place during Christmas. It follows the entire life of George Bailey, a character so well-drawn he almost seems real. His hopes and dreams of adventure are constantly thwarted, by his own good heart and the fondness he feels for all the people of Bedford Falls. George can be angry and obtuse and insecure, but he is mainly remembered for his kindness– a kindness that Jimmy Stewart brings to life intensely and believably. Bedford Falls is drawn so realistically, populated with loveable characters so that, unlike George, you never want to leave. While some decry it for being schmaltzy and overly sentimental, this is a film that opens with suicide, fights the housing crisis and capitalistic forces, and features otherworldly angels taking you to terrifying alternate universes. The ending brings a tear to the most macho eye, and it is well-earned. If you ever want to feel the spirit of Christmas and hope in your fellow man, this is the film for you, for all time.