During the holiday season, it’s natural to want to curl up on the couch with a cozy movie, and fortunately, thefantasygenre has a number of movies that are perfect for this time of year. When it comes toChristmas movies, there are an increasing number of films to watch in order to get into the holiday spirit, fromElftoRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.However,for those who enjoy an extra bit of magic in their holiday films, these fantasy movies are the perfect way to go.
The best part of holiday fantasy movies is that they often don’t even take place during the holidays. More often than not,these films evoke a sense of holiday spirit simply by being joyful and nostalgic. Viewers feel as if they are coming home when watching these movies, and better yet, they access an old sense of childhood wonder. Of course, some of the following ten movies are deeply rooted in the holidays, but either way,these fantasy movieswill get audiences into a relaxing and happy mood, no matter the setting.
Edward Scissorhands
Cast
From director Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands follows the titular character, an artificial human created by an inventor, who has scissor blades instead of fingers. After his creator’s death, Edward is taken in by a normal suburban family and becomes attracted to the family’s teenage daughter, Kim Boggs. Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder star as Edward and Kim.
AlthoughTim Burton moviesare often reserved for Halloween,Edward Scissorhandsis a film that defies holiday seasons. In this movie, Johnny Depp plays the titularEdward Scissorhands, a young man with a sweet spirit who becomes an outcast due to having scissors for hands. Yet, through the kindness of a mother and her teenage daughter, Edward gets to experience a love and care that he never had before, and furthermore, gets to grow into his gentle personality.
Edward’s dark appearance may make viewers think of the monsters of Halloween, butEdward Scissorhandsis actually an underrated Christmas classic. Alongside Burton’s vivid images of green hedges and Edward’s black castle, the movie also showcases ice sculptures and delicately falling snow. More than that,the film evokes a sense of community and kindness that is necessary for a holiday movie. Though it may come as a surprise,Edward Scissorhandscan quickly get viewers into the holiday spirit.
Krampus
Directed by Michael Dougherty, Krampus is a 2015 Horror and Comedy release that stars Adam Scott, David Koechner, Toni Collette, and Allison Tolman. The film sees a feuding family accidentally unleash a darkness on their home which sees Krampus stalking them on Christmas Eve.
Along the same quirky lines, another great fantasy film for those who want to go outside the box this Christmas isKrampus.Released in 2015, thisblack comedy Christmas horror movietells the story of the Engel family who are visited by a Christmas creature who is far different from Santa Claus.The horned beast called Krampus arrives when son Max loses his holiday spirit, forcing the family to band together against the demon to make it out alive.
Krampus is a real figure from European folklore.
It is only natural for audiences to get sick of the same old Christmas movies, andKrampusmakes for a perfect alternative. This movie succeeds at getting viewers into a festive mood, while also subverting the typical expectations for a Christmas movie. Rather than seeing characters naturally come together for the holidays,the Engels are shoved into a hilariously horrifying situation that still ends with a heightened sense of loveand family that just about anyone can relate to.
Rise of the Guardians
Rise of the Guardians is a DreamWorks animated movie where Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, Jack Frost, and the Sandman join forces to protect the world’s children from the evil Boogeyman. It features a stellar cast of actors such as Alec Baldwin, Hugh Jackman, Isla Fisher, Chris Pine, and Jude Law.
Among the many animated holiday movies out there, one that often gets overlooked isRise of the Guardians.The movie revolves around spirits like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, who bring children joy during the holidays. However, in this world, these figures also serve as guardians, protecting the world’s children from evil. When a dark demon called Pitch tries to make the kids forget about these guardians, Jack Frost must band together with them to fight back.
It’s Not Too Late For DreamWorks To Make A Sequel To This Underrated Animated Film With 74% On Rotten Tomatoes
An underrated animated film with a loyal fanbase never got the sequel it deserved, but it’s not too late for DreamWorks to give it the green light.
With a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes,Rise of the Guardiansis a truly solid holiday movie that is often overshadowedby more traditional holiday films.Rise of the Guardiansboasts a fantastic cast, including Chris Pine, Jude Law, Hugh Jackman, and Isla Fisher. Furthermore, it imagines a world that is both colorful and magical, yet also high-stakes and action-packed. Overall, this flick is the perfect mix of fantastical and thrilling.
The Princess Bride
Based on the 1973 novel by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a comical fantasy adventure film that tells a swashbuckling tale of a hero and a princess, read to a young, sick boy in bed by his grandfather. The story itself follows farmhand Westley, who embarks on an epic journey to save his beloved princess from an evil prince as he meets strange but reliable companions along the way.
When it comes to holiday movies, sometimes it is best to bring out Hollywood classics, and one such film isThe Princess Bride.Initially released in 1987, and based on a novel of the same name, this fairytale follows a young man named Westley who falls in love with a woman named Buttercup. After being unwillingly separated for years, Westley returns to find Buttercup forcibly engaged to a cruel prince. Thus,Westley travels across the land to rescue his belovedwith the help of some quirky characters.
Despite the conflict at the center of this tale, the movie is unapologetically joyful, with countless hilarious moments that can make anyone feel good.
The Princess Brideis one of those films that has absolutely nothing to do with the holidays, yet feels like the perfect movie to cozy up with on a snowy night. The main reason for this is thatThe Princess Brideis oozing with good energy. Despite the conflict at the center of this tale, the movie is unapologetically joyful, with countless hilarious moments that can make anyone feel good. Ultimately, the classic moments of bravery and love withinThe Princess Bridewill make viewers feel like heroes themselves.
A Fantasy Favorite
The Lord of the Rings
The Lord of the Rings is a multimedia franchise consisting of several movies and a TV show released by Amazon titled The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. The franchise is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s book series that began in 1954 with The Fellowship of the Ring. The Lord of the Rings saw mainstream popularity with Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
Another fantasy classic that often gets pulled out around the holiday season isTheLord of the Ringsseries. Based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien,TheLord of the Ringsmoviesbegin with the story ofFrodo, a young Hobbit who is thrown into a centuries-long conflict when he is given the One Ring, which could save or destroy the world as he knows it. Over the course of three movies, the franchise introduces countless wonderful characters and a captivating fight for good over evil.
Once again,TheLord of the Ringsis a complete departure from the holiday season, but that does not decrease its ability to make viewers smile.TheLord of the Ringsis the definition of an epic fantasy story, which takes audiences through devastating lows and incredible highs. To see Frodo and his peers take on a massive enemy is daunting, but it also creates an inevitable sense of hope that is integral for this time of year.The Lord of the Ringsoffers all the nostalgia necessary to ride out the holidays.
Gremlins
When a father gives his son Billy a magical creature known as a Mogwai as a gift, the boy is given strict rules to follow regarding its care. When a lapse in judgment creates the mischievous Gremlins - creatures intent on destruction that threaten to ruin Christmas for the entire town of Kingston Falls - it’s up to Billy and his Mogwai companion Gizmo to save the town from the army of little monsters.
One fantasy movie that many may forget actually takes place during Christmas isGremlins.The 1984 film centers on Billy, a teenage boy who is gifted a strange creature called a mogwai for Christmas.The mogwai, named Gizmo, comes with three rules: do not expose him to sunlight, do not put him in contact with water, and never let him eat past midnight. Of course, these three rules eventually break, leading to a horrifying outbreak of little creatures called gremlins.
Gremlinsis not only a fantastic creature feature, but it also makes for a wonderful Christmas movie. Despite starring an odd furry creature, the film has quite a lot of depth, and can even feel frightening at times in a thrilling way.The heart ofGremlinstruly lies in its exploration of love and family, and how we treat others. IfGremlins’Christmas setting doesn’t get audiences excited for the holidays, nothing will.
The Polar Express
Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is an animated holiday-fantasy film by director Robert Zemeckis. A young boy is spirited away on Christmas Eve aboard the magical Polar Express, where he meets new friends on a journey to rediscover their belief in Christmas.
Many iconic Christmas movies combine the holidays with fantasy, and one great example of this isThe Polar Express.Based on the book of the same name, this story followsa young boy who is unsure of Christmas until, one night, a mysterious train stops outside his house.The boy is beckoned onto the train, which is headed for the North Pole, where he will discover the true meaning of Christmas.
10 Harsh Realities Of Rewatching The Polar Express, 20 Years Later
The Polar Express remains a beloved Christmas classic 20 years after it was released, but these 10 aspects of the movie legitimately don’t make sense.
Many audiences first sawThe Polar Expressas children, which makes it the perfect nostalgic watch now, 20 years after its release.The Polar Expressis all about the Christmas spirit and what it means to believe, even when circumstances make it hard to do so. There is little doubt thatThe Polar Expressis the type of movie that can make its viewers feel like they are children again, getting excited to wake up on Christmas morning. Thus, it is a great watch during the winter season.
It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic American film released in 1946. It follows George Bailey, who runs a building and loan company in Bedford Falls, as he faces financial ruin on Christmas Eve. His company is the only obstacle preventing the wealthy Mr. Potter from taking over the town.
Nowadays, there are countless Christmas and holiday movies right at audiences' fingertips, but none are asclassic as 1946’sIt’s A Wonderful Life.In this movie, George Bailey is a man who is depressed and considering taking his own life. Yet,when he saves his guardian angel, Clarence, he is shown all the ways that he has helped his communityover time. Through flashbacks and time jumps, audiences come to understand George’s life and impact.
It’s A Wonderful Lifemay start in a dark place, but that only makes its happy ending all the more impactful. The story of George is one that is not only common, but it can also be relatable to audiences, even so many decades later.It’s A Wonderful Lifesucceeds at infusing George (and viewers) with hopethat things will get better. In many ways, this movie is the core of how the holiday season should feel, which makes it a must-watch.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) is a fantasy film directed by Andrew Adamson. It follows the story of four siblings who discover a magical wardrobe that leads to the enchanted land of Narnia. They join forces with Aslan, the majestic lion, to battle against the evil White Witch. The film features Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, and Anna Popplewell in the leading roles.
Another pillar of the fantasy genre that is definitely worth checking out during Christmastime isThe Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.Adapted from C.S. Lewis' novel, this movie followsthe Pevensie siblings who find themselves in a magical land called Narniaafter crawling through a magical wardrobe. In this new world,the Pevensiesrun into some interesting figures who are both good and bad, leading them to fight for this magical land.
5 Christmas Movies Good Enough to Watch Every Year
There are plenty of Christmas movies out there, but these are ones you can watch on repeat.
The Chronicles of Narniais a classic story all on its own, butthe 2005 movie is a particularly wonderful watch during the holidays.Watching the Pevensies come out of the snowy woods into Narnia is a breathtaking experience, and makes viewers yearn for their own snowy paradise. Even the White Witch with her Turkish Delights is a chilling hint at the holiday season. All in all, this heartwarming fantasy is good for watching on a stormy afternoon.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - known as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in the US - follows the titular Harry Potter as he discovers he has magical powers. Living with his cruel aunt and uncle, the orphaned Harry lives a challenging life that is changed when he meets a gentle giant named Hagrid, who spirits him away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Finally, one of the greatest fantasy movies to watch during the holiday season isHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.Although theHarry Pottermovies are all nostalgic in their own right, the best option for Christmas is definitely the first movie. In this film,Harry goes to Hogwarts for the first time and meets his friends Ron and Hermione, before coming face-to-face with Lord Voldemort for the first time.
Only a small fraction ofHarry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stonetakes place during Christmas, but it is an element of the film that is unforgettable. Without having any place to go for the holidays,Harry stays at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione. He is gifted a sweater from the Weasleys and his father’s invisibility cloak. To see Hogwarts covered in snow with gorgeous decorations and lights is a lovely experience, and it makes viewers want to dive right in. Overall, this is afantasymovie that sparks a feeling of magic during this special time of year.
