This time of year, it feels like everyone seems to have a Christmas movie on repeat. They might be stop-motion specials or a continuous outpour of Hallmark fluff, but it's a pit many fall into. While there are definitely ones that feel like a drone in the background at this point, there are those that do actually warrant purposefully repeated viewings.
It might be for the characters, the content, the message, or simply the atmosphere, but for whatever reason, fans keep binging these films over and over again. If it helps get them into the spirit of the season, surely there's no harm in one or two rewatchings.
The Ref
While it might not be the best idea to have this black comedy on repeat, there's no denying that its rewatch value is certainly there. It's definitely not the jolliest Christmas movie out there, but it's easily one of the funniest. When a burglar has to play mediator between a bickering married couple, things only get harrier when the family arrives for Christmas dinner.
This movie is stuffed to the gills with great lines, brutal insults, and a cast of extremely despicable characters who all make the naughty list. It's perfect for adult viewers just needing a break from Rudolph and Frosty.
A Christmas Carol
It's one of the most adapted films of all time, but the version (or versions) in question are the ones that stick as close as they can to the original source material. No Mr. Magoo or Mickey Mouse versions, but those that try to adapt Scrooge and his spiritual journey as the author imagined.
Fortunately for viewers, they have more than a few more accurate versions of A Christmas Carol to select from. Featuring the likes of Reginald Owen, Alistair Sim, George C. Scott, and Patrick Stewart all in the leading role of Scrooge, there's more than a little variety on the subject.
Home Alone
Because watching the Wet Bandits get their keisters handed to them never gets old, of course Home Alone airs on repeat. This '90s gem was practically an instant smash in time for the holiday season, and so it has continued to be since it first premiered.
No matter what age of viewers are in the house, Kevin's misadventures from the comfort of the McCallister's family's huge house have become somewhat of a Christmas tradition for both those who grew up with the classic and those who absorbed it through reruns and screenings.
Miracle On 34th Street
No Christmas movie marathon would be complete without at least one film featuring the man with all the toys himself, Santa Claus. While viewers definitely have more than a few pieces of Santa cinema to choose from, this black-and-white beauty is a classic through and through.
A courtroom drama focusing on Santa Claus might not sound like the holiday classic it is, but there's no denying that the film hasn't become an icon of the holiday season. While it might be one of those films to just have on in the background for some, there's some serious magic going on with this longtime favorite.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
What might win the original 1966 classic some serious rewatch points is its brief length. The entirety of the Dr. Seuss story can be enjoyed in under half an hour, allowing from what is sure to be multiple viewings for younger audience members. But that's not saying their parents can't already recite the script by heart.
The secret to the special's immortality is how infectious it is. From the constantly rhyming narration from Boris Karloff to the yearly carving of the roast beast, it's one that has been on-air and on repeat since its original debut.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
While normal renditions of the Dickens story are already on repeat, there's no denying that the Muppets' version hasn't climbed its way to cult film status. Tis the season to be jolly and joyous, and Kermit and his crew won't be letting anyone forget that idea anytime soon.
Despite the additions of fur and felt, this is still a pretty solid version of the original story. If anything, the Muppets only heighten the experience with their large personalities and colorful presence. Of course, Michael Caine as Scrooge is also a big plus.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of those specials that has been on repeat for decades, but not without very good reason. The Peanuts' yearly Christmas tale not only highlights all the twinkling tinsel and holiday spirit that comes with the territory, but it also never fails to remind viewers what Christmas is really all about.
Linus's recitation of the scripture is one of the most impressive moments in any Christmas special, especially for something that came out in the '60s. So many families have continued to gather and tune into this special so frequently, it's hard not to talk about such a reflective short this time of year.
It’s A Wonderful Life
If there were a list of mandatory Christmas films, It's A Wonderful Life would be at the top of the list. It's a film about life, perspectives on it, and Christmas miracles. It might not be one some want to watch on a loop, but there are few better films better suited to welcome in the Christmas season.
It's been homaged, lampooned, and referenced a million and one times over, but that only amplifies its lasting quality. The pure joy felt as George Bailey loses and regains his purpose in life has more repeat value than can possibly be measured.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Easily one of the funniest and most relatable Christmas movies around, Christmas Vacation rakes in the multiple rewatches without giving it a second thought. There are so many great lines, sequences, and gags that it simply begs to be seen more than once before Christmas day.
Watching Clark Griswold's misadventures as he mangles his "good-old-fashioned-family Christmas" is as funny now as it was back in the '80s, no questions asked. From the sappy tree and blinding Christmas lights to the antics of Cousin Eddie, there's more than enough to keep viewers coming back for more.
A Christmas Story
Since USA literally airs the movie for 24 hours straight every year, there's no way A Christmas Story isn't on repeat for at least a few households this time of year. Ralphie's quest for his Red Ryder BB-Gun is a story the annals of the holiday have retold every year and shows no signs of slowing down.
What's impressive is how quickly the movie grew from a niche little film into a cultural phenomenon like Christmas Vacation. Thanks to its constant viewings and re-airings each year, it's practically impossible to go through the season without hearing at least one utterance of "You'll shoot your eye out, kid."