It’s that time of year again, and if you’re like me, you’ve already found your perfect movie blanket, your favorite fuzzy socks, and a good hot drink to curl up with. Because what’s the holiday season without a little Christmas magic on the screen?

And if you haven’t…well, I’m here to get you started. Now, I can’t do much about the fuzzy socks, the warm blanket, or the hot chocolate, but I can assist you with prepping your holiday movie list just in time for the season.

Whenever I’m choosing which holiday movies land on my watchlist, I like to ensure my selections are made up of five things: classics, comedy, a little romance, family, and lots of Christmas magic. To me, Christmas is a time of togetherness, family, and feel-good moments. It reminds me of the joy I feel when all of my family—the crazy ones included—gathers and spend time laughing and enjoying one another. You can’t have Christmas without family.

Originally, I was going to only list ten movies, but nostalgia struck and my pen couldn’t stop. That being said, let’s dive into part one of my holiday must-see movie list and get you on your way to Netflix & chilling, Peacocking & popping, and Prime-ing and wine-ing this season.

Home Alone 1 & 2

Right out the gate, I’m starting with these classics. Personally, I’m a fan of both, but if I have to pick one over the other, I’m picking part one. Why? Call it nostalgia. Call it me being a fan of originals. Although the sequel was equally funny, it didn’t have the same je ne sais quoi as the first one. There was something hilariously authentic about part one. But you know what’s funny? After watching the first one, I immediately scroll right over to part two. If you’re an 80s baby and a 90s kid, these classics almost always makes your holiday watchlist.

Poster for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York featuring Kevin McCallister in the center wearing a blue winter hat with a pom-pom and a shocked expression. The two burglars appear on either side—one peeking in from the left with a surprised look, the other from the right with his fists raised. The background is bright red with the title ‘HOME ALONe 2: LOST IN NEW YORK’ in large white and gold letters, decorated with colorful Christmas lights.

The Perfect Holiday

Charlie Murphy, plus Katt Williams in any movie, will always have me parked in front of the television. This funny holiday film that has become a classic for me has all of the watchlist components: family, romance, comedy, and some holiday magic. Between Morris Chestnut chasing his songwriting dreams, Charlie Murphy’s humorous portrayal of a janky baby daddy/divorcee, along with Terrance Howard and Queen Latifah’s magical meddling, this movie has the perfect mixture of comedy and holiday fun.

Poster for The Perfect Holiday featuring a smiling couple at the top—Morris Chestnut dressed in a Santa-inspired outfit and Gabrielle Union leaning against him. Below them, three excited children stand in front of a decorated Christmas tree, with two adults—one in a cream suit and one in a doorman’s uniform—behind them. The title ‘The Perfect Holiday’ appears in large red and white lettering across the top

The Best Man Holiday

This one was a hard one for me. Mostly because of… well… you know what happened. And if you don’t, then I won’t be one of those people who spoils it for you. Yet, it still deserves to be added to any holiday watchlist. This beautiful sequel to a Black movie classic picks up during the holiday season, years later. The gang is back together, but not without some unresolved issues. Still, even with problems lingering, the spirit of friendship, love, and forgiveness brings this group of friends full circle. And…of course, there’s comedy.

Promotional image for The Best Man Holiday featuring the ensemble cast dressed in winter whites and neutrals, all playfully wrapped in long red scarves. The group stands closely together, smiling, laughing, and interacting warmly against a white background. At the bottom center, a red title box displays the film’s name: ‘The Best Man Holiday.

This Christmas

Family + secrets = dysfunctional, and you can’t spell dysfunctional without fun. That’s what this coined holiday film is… fun! Not to mention, it has a roster of acting veterans that blend wonderfully together. This star-studded cast was so amazingly put together, you almost wouldn’t know they weren’t actually family. Positioned right around the holidays, this family—some close, some mildly estranged—shows up at their mother’s house just in time for the holidays. But not without a few hiccups along the way. This Christmas is my holiday rendition of Soulfood. It has family, food, and laughter.

Poster for This Christmas featuring a large, smiling family gathered closely together against a deep red background decorated with white snowflakes. At the center is an older man in a mustard cardigan with family members of all ages surrounding him—teens, adults, and children. The title ‘This Christmas’ appears in elegant red script across the bottom.

Last Holiday

You know what? It really doesn’t even have to be the holiday season for me to watch this. I’ll literally watch it on a regular Sunday afternoon. There’s something cozy about this holiday rom-com that I love so much. It reminds me of my favorite blanket—warm, soothing, and snug. Then there’s the food aspect and enchanting winter backdrop that fits perfectly. Toss in some romance and a teeny, tiny teaching moment, and you have something special.

Poster for Last Holiday featuring Queen Latifah in a flowing red gown, smiling confidently as she steps forward. Behind her, a group of characters—including LL Cool J holding a single red rose—stand at the bottom of an ornate staircase, watching her. The background is bright white, with the title ‘LAST HOLIDAY’ on the left in bold red and black lettering.

Almost Christmas

A little tension mixed with a little love. Sprinkles in some secrets, some sibling rivalry, and lots of laughter.  Almost Christmas is always my go-to holiday movie. For the past few years, I have yet to go a single holiday season without watching this. Although it starts from a more strained family angle, this movie still has so many comedic moments you almost forget that a few of them can’t stand each other. Regular family dynamic, right… LOL! I have many favorite parts of this film. It’s hard to name them all (the electrocution is top 5!). But I will say this… if you’re looking for something to make you fall off the couch laughing, while still giving you that nostalgic holiday vibe, you won’t miss out with this star-studded cast.

Promotional image for the movie Almost Christmas featuring five actors standing side by side in matching red Christmas sweaters with green reindeer patterns. They are smiling warmly against a light background. The title ‘Almost Christmas’ appears across the front in white and red lettering with a small red bow beneath it.

Friday After Next

There’s been a lot of debate about whether this film is a holiday movie, and I don’t know why. It has everything that a Christmas movie should have. Holiday music… check. Seasonal backdrop… check. Holiday décor… check. Presents around the tree… stolen, but check. Santa Claus… ghetto, but… check. Sounds like a holiday film to me! Although there are some unconventional aspects of this film, there’s still family, food, and holiday vibes. Oh, and did someone say miracles? Because Craig and Day-Day dodging eviction, evading a beat down by Damon, and they got all of their presents from Santa back, certainly sounds like a Christmas miracle to me!

Poster for the comedy film Friday After Next, featuring the ensemble cast standing in a row in front of a strip mall with signs for ‘Holy Moly Donuts’ and ‘Bros. Bar-B-Q.’ Ice Cube and Mike Epps stand center wearing security guard uniforms wrapped in colorful Christmas lights. Surrounding them are characters in bold outfits, including a muscular man in shorts, an older man laughing, and a woman in a red dress. The film title ‘friday after next’ appears in large red, yellow, and black lettering across the top.

Merry Liddle Christmas

Nothing says holiday gatherings like a little sibling conflict, family chaos, and some intended perfection that falls impeccably short. Kelly Rowland and Bresha Webb deliver the perfect balance of sibling rivalry that sets the stage for laughter around the table. Between the fun sibling interactions, the infusion of family moments, remembering the true spirit of Christmas, and some unexpected romance, this liddle unconventional Christmas movie is like a warm cup of cocoa.

p.s. If you fall in love with this one, make it a full Saturday afternoon filled with popcorn and romance, and slide over to Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding and Merry Liddle Christmas Baby while you’re at it!

Promotional image for Merry Liddle Christmas showing a smiling couple standing in front of a decorated Christmas tree. The woman, wearing a plaid jacket, looks over her shoulder at the man behind her. The right half of the image features a deep blue background with glowing lights and snowflakes, with the title ‘Merry Liddle Christmas’ in bold white letters.

Meet Me Next Christmas

What’s Christmas without some anticipation, magic, and the possibility of love? In this Netflix flick, two strangers meet by chance and promise to meet the following year if neither of them finds their true love. And that’s the magic of love… and Christmas! This movie gave me all the feels, while making me laugh in between the blushing. If you like a little imperfection with your holiday charm, this rom-com is the perfect Friday night movie to snuggle up with.

Promotional image featuring a woman in a strapless red dress standing between two men in suits. All three are smiling warmly under golden holiday lights, with blurred festive decorations glowing in the background. The scene has a romantic, glamorous Christmas atmosphere.

The Grinch

As someone who grew up reading Dr. Seuss, this tale will always tug at my part-pessimist, part-optimist heartstrings. Because who doesn’t love a change of heart, holiday film that gives you hope? I do! Now, I am a fan of the original adaptation: How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and the non-cartoon version of the same, but this animated film with the name chop rises to the top of my list. Perhaps it’s because, as an artist, I love sharp graphics—I don’t know. But if you’re looking for a little animation to toss into your holiday cinema mix… The Grinch is the right amount of childhood memories to dive into.

Animated image of the Grinch sitting in a large red leather armchair, wearing a Santa hat and looking grumpy with one hand at his chin. His dog, Max, sits happily on his lap with his tongue out. The background is green, and the left side displays the text: ‘Illumination Presents Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch.’

Alright movie watchers and cinema buffs, this rounds out our first roster of holiday films for you to kickstart your holiday season in front of the television. I have more, but I figured this beginning list of seasonal rom-coms and family frenzy will be the perfect dosage of charm to ready you for the Christmas season.  Consider this your soft launch into the holidays — the perfect blend of comfort, chaos, cocoa, and Christmas magic. Stay tuned for the next round!

Shadress B.
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