Christmas movies are wonderful, but some of them get played a lot. It doesn’t make them bad movies, but it’s a little tiresome to see them over and over — and over — again year after year. So for this year, let’s give these seven movies a break and skip them.
Elf
It’s a cute, funny movie, but it’s been overdone and played to death. I can’t count how many times I’ve seen it on TV, or playing around Christmas time in school, and it’s a bit much. The older I get, the more tedious Buddy’s antics get, and the more I understand the other characters’ frustrations. There are plenty of other comedic Christmas movies that should get some attention, so let’s put this one on pause until at least next year.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The story of the Grinch learning to love Christmas and other people — not to mention his heart growing three sizes — is sweet. However, it’s likely been played every year since the 1966 TV special aired, and many adaptations have been made since. It’s hard to get away from it this time of year and needs a short break. Sorry, Grinch, but maybe you and Max should stay in this year.
The Polar Express
An unnamed boy who’s skeptical of Santa’s existence boards a train, makes friends, and believes in the magic of Christmas and Santa by the end. As cute as this is, it’s tiring to see the same old story of a kid realizing the magic of Christmas. Plus, half the characters don’t even have names, and while the animation was great for its time, it’s kind of weird looking at it now.
A Christmas Carol
The infamous Scrooge has been a Christmas staple for decades, but his story has been done a lot. Like, a lot, using different characters and settings — there was even a Barbie movie version. Sure this is the original, but it should take a step back just for a short while. There are probably many other Christmas movies of someone learning to be a better person and reconnect to Christmas magic, versus rewatching the same old story so many times.
The Santa Clause Movies (Especially the Sequels)
It’s a great Christmas trilogy, watching not only Charlie but all the characters rediscover the joy of Christmas and hope, and seeing them all form stronger bonds. But they’re played hundreds of times every holiday season — and the two other movies suffered the usual sequel treatment, where they weren’t quite up to par.
Any Hallmark Christmas Movie
You’ve seen one Hallmark Christmas movie, you’ve seen them all. Their predictable plots and recycled tropes can be nice to watch since you know exactly how they’ll end. There’s nothing wrong with them, exactly, it’s just that they play at every doctor’s office and store during this time of year. They’re inescapable, and it’d be nice to have just one year where they aren’t everywhere we turn.
It’s a Wonderful Life
This beloved movie is practically synonymous with Christmas, and it teaches us important lessons like not comparing ourselves to others and being grateful for what we have and not what we don’t. However, many other Christmas movies teach us similar lessons, and this old tale should step back and let others have their turn. It shouldn’t go away for good, of course, but just for now.
To reiterate, these movies aren’t bad — they’re just played too often. It’d be nice to see new, exciting Christmas movies this year.
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