12 Best Christmas Flicks To Get Your Holiday Cheer Rolling!

Pasko na naman! The crisp air is singing with carols, twinkling lights paint the streets like a magical diorama, and the aroma of bibingka hangs heavy in the air.

It’s that time of year again, Filipinos, when family reunions, overflowing noche buena feasts, and, of course, marathon movie-watching sessions take center stage! But with so many Christmas classics and new contenders vying for your screen, choosing the perfect movie can feel like navigating a packed Divisoria on Christmas Eve.

Worry not, we’ve prepared a curated list of 12 Christmas movies that promise to spark laughter, ignite holiday cheer, and maybe even squeeze a tear or two out of your puso. From heartwarming classics that remind us of the true meaning of Pasko to hilarious comedies that will have you rolling on the floor like a Santa’s belly, we’ve got something for everyone. So grab your loved ones, a steaming cup of tsokolate, and get ready to snuggle up for a cinematic Pasko adventure!

Ready to discover your next holiday movie gem? Find a comfortable position, hit play, and let’s dive into the merriment!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in the Philippines! The carols are blasting, the noche buena ingredients are piling up, and families are gearing up for laughter, reunions, and a whole lot of merriment. But amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s always that special moment where you just want to curl up with a steaming mug of tsokolate and a heartwarming Christmas movie.

Following is the perfect Christmas movie list to fuel your holiday spirit, filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between. So grab your PJs, dim the lights, and get ready to be transported to a world of Yuletide magic with these top picks

Bad Santa (2003)

Forget your squeaky-clean Santas! Billy Bob Thornton brings a hilariously cynical twist to the jolly old man in “Bad Santa.” This grumpy mall Santa with a drinking problem and a gambling addiction is anything but your typical Kris Kringle. But as he reluctantly embraces his role, he stumbles upon unexpected kindness, rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas, and proves that even the biggest grinch can have a heart of gold (underneath all that gruffness, of course). This movie is pure Christmas fun – a riotous blend of naughty humor, unexpected tenderness, and a reminder that even the most messed-up folks deserve a second chance at Christmas cheer.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a must-watch for every Filipino family with the grumpy green Grinch, his loyal dog Max, and the Whos of Whoville are characters etched into our collective Christmas consciousness. We’ve all heard the iconic lines, hummed along to the catchy carols, and felt that pang of sympathy for the Jim Carey’s Grinch’s Grinch-ness. But ultimately, the movie’s message of love, forgiveness, and the true spirit of Christmas always warms our hearts and reminds us that even the coldest hearts can thaw with a little bit of Christmas spirit.

Candy Cane Lane (2023)

Looking for something fresh for the Holidays? Look no further than Amazon Prime’s “Candy Cane Lane”. This heartwarming comedy tells the story of a neighborhood Christmas lights competition gone awry. As families vie for the most dazzling display, the true meaning of Christmas gets lost in the competitive spirit of a man who is determined to win the decorating contest. Making a pact with an elf to help him win, a spell is cast which brings the ’12 Days of Christmas’ into reality, bringing chaos into an unknowing town.

The Santa Clause (1994)

Remember Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, the grumpy toy manufacturer who accidentally becomes Santa Claus? This movie has it all: wacky elves, a sleigh-load of laughs, and a poignant reminder that magic can live even in the most cynical hearts. Plus, who can resist that iconic “Ho ho ho”? We dare you not to try it in your best baritone after watching!

The Holdovers (2023)

Remember those awkward school and high school reunions you think about? “The Holdovers” is a new Christmas flick with old setting, which sure to bring some nostalgia to life! Follow the story of prep school history teacher who must remain on campus in the holidays with a couple of students that can’t go home during the Christmas break. Think laughter, lighthearted hijinks, and naughtiness leave you reminiscing about your own Pasko memories in school. Plus, bonus points for stunning scenery that’ll make you want to book a trip travel ASAP!

The Santa Chronicles (2018)

Okay, hold your reindeer, hold your reindeer! Yes, we know this one isn’t technically old-school, but hear us out. Netflix’s The Santa Chronicles tells the story of Teddy and Kate jumping into Santa’s sleigh, causing it to crash and losing gifts with Christmas morning approaching. It’s full of Christmas cheer, a dash of modern tech humor (think Santa using FaceTime with the elves!), and that special bond between siblings.

The Santa Chronicles 2 (2020)

Who doesn’t love a good Santa Claus adventure? In “The Santa Chronicles 2,” the North Pole welcomes back our favorite St. Nick (Kurt Russell, looking more jolly than ever!) for another round of Christmas cheer. But this time, he’s facing a double whammy challenge: a mischievous elf messing with holiday production and a family in need of some serious Christmas spirit. Get ready for heartwarming moments, belly laughs from the elves, and a reminder that the true magic of Christmas lies in the joy we share. This one’s perfect for the whole family, so grab the popcorn, snuggle up under a blanket, and let Santa sprinkle some holiday cheer on your screen!

The Christmas Story (1983)

No Pinoy Pasko movie marathon is complete without the ultimate classic, “The Christmas Story.” Join Ralphie Parker and his hilarious quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, his family’s misadventures with a leg lamp, and a timeless lesson about the meaning of Christmas. This nostalgic gem will get you quoting iconic lines (“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!”), singing along to carols, and maybe even shedding a tear or two. It’s a reminder that no matter how hectic the holidays get, the simple joys of family, friends, and hope are what truly make Christmas special.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Remember the year your lola promised you the hottest toy – the Turbo Man? Now imagine your tatay battling stressed-out shoppers and overzealous kids in a mall apocalypse just to get it. That’s “Jingle All the Way,” baby! Arnold Schwarzenegger channels his inner action hero to find Turbo Man, proving love truly is a battlefield (especially during Christmas shopping). Get ready for hilarious hijinks, heartwarming moments, and maybe even a tear or two when Arnold finally delivers the perfect line: “Put that cookie down, now!” Pair this with cookie and hot milk for a truly fun Christmas movie experience.

Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell as an overgrown elf who stumbles into New York City? What’s not to love? “Elf” is pure, unadulterated Christmas magic. Watch Buddy the Elf try to navigate the Big Apple with his unwavering belief in Santa, candy-cane cravings, and infectious cheer. He might melt the ice on a cynic’s heart, help his dad rediscover Christmas spirit, and even sing a killer karaoke version of “Baby Got Back.” Get ready for belly laughs, outrageous humor, and a surprisingly sweet message about family and believing in the impossible. Have some leche flan and fruit salad on hand!

Home Alone (1990)

Remember feeling a mix of terror and awe when eight-year-old Kevin outsmarted burglars in “Home Alone?” This Christmas classic never gets old! Watch Kevin McCallister set booby traps worthy of MacGyver, eat pizza for every meal, and learn the true meaning of family (even if it takes being left home alone to realize it). Prepare for nail-biting suspense, slapstick humor, and a heartwarming ending that reminds us no matter how old we get, there’s always a magic to Christmas. Be sure to make a batch of cheesy pizza and popcorn – Kevin’s ultimate comfort food!

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Kevin’s back, but this time he’s traded snowy Chicago for the glittering lights of New York City! “Home Alone 2” takes the mischievous charm of the first film to a whole new level. Watch Kevin navigate the Big Apple, encounter eccentric hotel staff, and outsmart the Sticky Bandits once again. Prepare for more hilarious traps, heartwarming moments (think pigeons and opera!), and a reminder that even home alone, Kevin’s resourceful spirit (and a little Christmas magic) can conquer anything. Now, order some New York-style hotdogs and pretzels – just like Kevin enjoys on his adventure!

There you have it, Pinoy peeps! Three movie picks to kickstart your holiday viewing with laughter, heartwarming moments, and a healthy dose of Christmas spirit.

So, grab your pandesal and hot chocolate, put on your silliest Christmas sweater, and get ready to rediscover the magic of these holiday holdovers. Trust us, these movies are like tinola and lumpia – comfortingly familiar and guaranteed to warm your Pasko spirit.

Watch these Christmas movies with your loved ones, dim the lights, and let the movie magic transport you to a Pasko filled with joy, laughter, and maybe even a little romance.