Tis the season for bulging bellies, eggnog, gifts, family, and of course holiday films. There's nothing quite as satisfying as curling up on the sofa with your loved ones after a hearty holiday meal, and what better way to wind down than watching a movie?
The holidays bring many great tidings along with them, and one tiding which has stood the test of time is the myriad of must-watch movies. 2020 might have been one of the worst years by far, but hopefully, film releases, such as Happiest Season, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, The Christmas Chronicles: Part 2, and Wonder Woman 1984 will bring some form of comfort and make your family gatherings that much sweeter.
Happiest Season (Hulu)
Hulu's Happiest Season brings together an ensemble cast, including Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Victor Garber, and Schitt's Creek's Daniel Levy. It's a classic, family, holiday-comedy-drama, which tells the tale of a young woman (Stewart) who plans to propose to her girlfriend at her oh-so-conservative family's annual Christmas celebrations.
The catch, her partner, Harper (played by Mackenzie Davis), hasn't actually come out to her parents yet. The result is a cheesy, fun, and heartfelt Christmas movie that the entire family can enjoy.
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Netflix)
If someone is on the hunt for something which isn't necessarily a Christmas flick, but instead a solid biopic, then be sure to pencil in December 18th for the release of Netflix's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom.
It stars How To Get Away With Murder's Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman (Black Panther) in August Wilson's biopic of Ma Rainey - the undeniable 1920s Mother of Blues. Many people enjoy a solid music biopic during the holidays, and what better way to pack away the year than listening to some blues?
The Midnight Sky (Netflix)
Yes, it's common knowledge that most movie fanatics will argue to the death about whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. So for those who do prefer to watch a classic action or adventure film on Christmas Eve, be sure to add The Midnight Sky to your watchlist on Netflix.
It stars George Clooney as a scientist in the Arctic, on a race against time to prevent a group of astronauts from returning home to Earth after an extinction-level disaster occurred on the planet.
The Truffle Hunters (Theaters)
If someone feels like watching a documentary, one movie that ties in perfectly with Christmas feasting, then make sure you book tickets for the cinematic release of The Truffle Hunters.
Releasing on December 25th, The Truffle Hunters is an oh-so-feel-good documentary about a group of aging gentlemen who spend their free time hunting down rare Alba truffles in the woods of Northern Italy. Hungry yet?
News of the World (Theaters)
Who doesn't love a good frontier flick around the holidays? Who doesn't love Tom Hanks? Open on Christmas day, News of The World stars the Oscar winner as Capt. Kidd, who is tasked with returning a young girl after she's abducted by Kiowa Native Americans. The catch, she doesn't want to go.
The Father (Theaters)
If action movies or documentaries aren't one's top choices then what about a film that may contain tearjerking movie magic? The Father stars Sir Anthony Hopkins as a stubborn man in denial, as he discovered that he is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
From the reviews, it sounds like it will have one clutching for the kleenex as the film will attempt to capture the experience of this disease.
Wild Mountain Thyme (Theaters and On-Demand)
If one is in the mood for something along the romantic side of things, then Wild Mountain Thyme would be an excellent choice for a post-dinner movie during the holidays.
It's a romantic fable about an Irish woman, Rosemary (Emily Blunt), who finds herself torn between her love for Anthony (Jamie Dornan) and her loyalty to her family's farm. Problems further arise when Mad Men's Jon Hamm, decides to set his sights on Rosemary's home and threatens to take it for himself. Might be worth taking a look.
The Prom (Netflix)
James Corden, Meryl Streep, Kerry Washington, Nicole Kidman, Andrew Rannells, Keegan Michael Key, and more, in a movie about going to prom? If one is still not sold, check out the trailer for The Prom, which was released on December 11th.
It tells the tale of a group of vain, self-absorbed actors, who, after their broadway musical flops, seek out redemption by helping a girl who wants to take her girlfriend to her high-school prom. What to expect? Loads of musical numbers, over the top dance routines, and even a cameo from Ariana Grande.
Nomadland (Theaters)
Nomadland is in no way a Christmas movie, but it is very much a vacation movie. Frances McDormand is stellar in her role as a woman who joins the ranks of America's growing population of older people who can't or refuse to retire. Instead, they opt to live out their golden years in RVs to find seasonal work across state lines.
The film actually stars real nomads, who shine as they retell their real-life stories in the film.
Wonder Woman: 1984 (Theaters and HBO Max)
Gal Gadot returns to the big screen and HBO Max in Patty Jenkins sequel to 2017's box office hit, Wonder Woman. Wonder Woman 1984 was delayed several times due to lockdown restrictions worldwide, but Warner Bros. made a bold move to release it on Christmas day to theaters and on-demand on HBO Max.
Critic reviews are already in, and apparently, Gadot, Jenkins, and the rest of the cast have smashed it out of the park. Happy Holidays from everyone's favorite Amazon princess.