Holiday Movie Marathon
Celebrate the holidays by binge watching. Below is a list of diverse holiday movies for every generation. Put it on your holiday to-do list this year. Watch, relax, and have a laugh!
The Black Candle (2009)
PG 1h 11m
The Black Candle is the first feature film about Kwanzaa, following the holiday’s evolution from the 1960s’ Black Power Movement to its current status as a global, pan-African festival celebrated by millions of people. The Black Candle is more than a Kwanzaa film: it’s a people’s celebration! It’s about an astonishing, inspirational story of family, community, and culture’s struggle and triumph.
Fun Fact: NFL legend Jim Brown, hip hop superstar Chuck D, Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga, and artist Synthia Saint James, are among the cast members. Maya Angelou, world famous poet, narrates the film, which is directed by MK Asante, an award-winning novelist and filmmaker.
American Eid (2021)
G 20m
Ameena, a Muslim Pakistani immigrant, is told she has to attend school on Eid al-Fitr, a religious holiday celebrated within Islam. Heartbroken, she embarks on a journey to make Eid a public school holiday. Eid is introduced to the students in Ameena’s school, and additionally introduced to American society and children, bringing a voice to unspoken communities.
Fun Fact: Eid al-Fitr is a celebration that occurs at the end of Ramadan and doesn’t begin until the new moon appears in the sky.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
PG 2h 10m
This Christmas classic is a heartwarming tale that any generation can watch. George Bailey sees himself as a failure who has not left his small town, traveled the world, or accomplished his dreams. With all his problems, he’s thinking about ending it all on Christmas. “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a message for all, young and old, to reflect on what we believe we want out of life. How we spend our days in life may not be nearly as important as the vital layers building within us, hidden from view.
Fun Fact: It has received six Academy Award nominations and was ranked #11 on the American Film Institute’s first list of the 100 Greatest American Films of All Time.
Scrooged (1988)
PG-13 1h 41m
Bill Murray plays a grumpy New York City TV executive who discovers the true meaning of Christmas in this contemporary adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
Fun Fact: Guitarist Larry Carlton and jazz musicians David Sanborn & Miles Davis play during a street band scene in the movie.
The Holiday (2006)
PG 2h 18m
Are you craving a little romance this winter season? The Holiday, one of the less cliché romantic movies, is one to binge watch. The Holiday is a film about two women who have swapped homes for Christmas after having issues with men. They travel abroad to a California paradise and a charming, cozy English cottage only to encounter various obstacles (love) on their journey.
Fun Fact: Amanda’s mansion is a real, inhabitable place in San Marino, California.
Fiddler on the Roof (1979)
G 3h 21m
This musical comedy-drama tells the story of Tevye, a destitute father of five girls in pre-revolutionary Russia. His efforts to uphold Jewish customs in the face of antisemitism — as well as his daughter’s wishes — make a heartwarming scene. Get ready to sing along to some tunes!
Fun Fact: It was the first broadway musical to surpass 3000 performances.
Full Court Miracle (2003)
PG 1h 30m
Alex Schlotsky, the youthful leader of an unsuccessful Jewish basketball team, invites a worn-up college basketball star to be their coach in this Chanukah classic. The 2003 film, which is based on the true story of University of Virginia Cavaliers basketball player Lamont Carr, is a good old-fashioned sports film with a side of latkes that will make you cry.
Fun Fact: ThisChanukah movie is a Disney Original .
8 Crazy Nights (2002)
PG-13 1h 16m
Davey (voiced by Adam Sandler), once a joyful youngster but now a town delinquent, is given one last chance to make amends with the community and rediscover the real meaning of the holiday season.
Fun Fact: In 1994, Sandler wrote and performed his “Chanukah Song” on Saturday Night Live which became a big hit, making the phrase “Eight Crazy Nights” very popular.
An American Tale (1986)
G 1h 20m
Steven Spielberg’s 1986 allegory for the Jewish immigration struggle went on to become the highest-grossing, non-Disney animated feature at the time. It tells the story of a family of mice (the Mousekewitzes) who relocate to America to escape persecution by cats. This Hanukkah, this classic film will keep you toasty. Just keep it a secret from your cat.
Fun Fact: Fievel, the main character, was named UNICEF’s spokesmouse in 2000 because “his immigrant experiences represent the adventures and successes of all cultures and their children.”
Happy New Year Charlie Brown (1986)
G 28m
Many of us have watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” in which Linus delivers what is perhaps the best Christmas monologue ever delivered in a holiday special. However, not everyone has watched “Charlie Brown’s Happy New Year!” This classic will truly brighten up your day andbring back nolgastic childhood memories.
Fun Fact: Peanuts was almost called Li’l Folks, beginning as a single frame comic strip.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
PG 2h 32m
Can we agree that any Harry Potter Film is perfect to watch year-round? Make it an annual tradition this holiday season.
Fun Fact: Except in the United States, the book and film are known as ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.’
Now hop into your comfy clothes and start binge watching!
