Elf
Elfhas truly earned its spot as one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time , conflate earnest holiday disembodied spirit with a insurgent sense of witticism . Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell in a life history - define role , Elftells the story of Buddy , a homo raised by elves in the North Pole , who travels to New York City to find his biologic father and connect with his human roots . The celluloid is a pure mix of offbeat drollery , highlighted byFerrell ’s witty one - liners , and themes of go , salvation , and the king of believe in something greater than yourself .
For fans ofElfwho are looking for a likewise heartwarming spirit , vacation classics likeLove ActuallyandHome Alonealso offer a comparable type of humor interlace with truly prompt moments . LikeElf , these movies show how Christmas brings people together , whether through helter-skelter or meaningful experiences , attain them stark to see during the holiday time of year ( and right after you ’ve finishedElf ) .
10Love Actually (2003)
Directed by Richard Curtis
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The 2003 quixotic clowning Love in reality follow various couples as they research their kinship throughout the Christmas time of year . With a star - studded cast composed of Bill Nighy , Colin Firth , Alan Rickman , Emma Thompson , Keira Knightley , Hugh Grant , Laura Linney , Liam Neeson , Rowan Atkinson , Chiwetel Ejiofor , Martin Freeman , and Martine McCutcheon , Love in reality has since become a Christmas staple fiber for read-only memory - com fan .
Despite not being the most obvious choice after watchingElf , Love Actuallyencapsulates humor , heat , and vacation sprightliness in a very similar way . Both rubric , while differing in spirit and writing style to a certain academic degree , share a heartwarming , feel - good essence that makes them pleasurable holiday classics deserving ascertain year after year .
According to Love Actually , which makes the round every holiday season , " at Christmas , you tell the truth . " Well , the motion picture has harsh truths to side .
In compare , even though the humour inLove Actuallyisn’t quite as slapstick as inElf , it carries a subtle , witty charm that render up in inept , relatable second ( think Collin , act as by Kris Marshall , leaving for the US ) . Furthermore , much likeElf , Love Actuallyexudes Christmas at its okay , with all of its flaws and human race included . Although the relationship inElfare mostly depicted as lighthearted , whileLove Actuallyis more nuanced overall , both films in earnest explore human connections in the thick of the vacation time of year — guarantee at least one bust - jerking moment .
9Gremlins (1984)
Directed by Joe Dante
When a father give his Word Billy a magic creature know as a Mogwai as a giving , the boy is given rigorous rules to follow regarding its forethought . When a lapse in judgment creates the mischievous elf - creatures intent on end that jeopardise to ruin Christmas for the entire town of Kingston Falls - it ’s up to Billy and his Mogwai companion Gizmo to save the townsfolk from the United States Army of fiddling monsters .
While it might not be everyone ’s cupful of teatime , Gremlinsis one of those non - traditional Christmas movies you have to watch out . The film ’s subversive humor flips the distinctive Christmas secret plan on its head , introduce pandemonium and death during the holiday time of year . Just asElftakes an unacquainted , joyful quality and place him in an unfamiliar world , Gremlinsdoes the same with its cunning yet grievous leading creatures , which unexpectedly cause havoc as the narrative progresses .
With its irreverent learning ability and unpredictable twists , Gremlinsnotably still has a surprising amount of heart , mirror a similar setup inElf . The dark funniness and vacation chaos , combined with its unfermented moment , match well withElf’soffbeat , offbeat humor and heartwarming closing . Thus , Gremlinsmakes for a great next step for fan ofElfwho are open to a more unconventional take on the Christmas musical style .
8Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Directed by John Hughes
Directed by John Hughes , Planes , Trains and Automobiles superstar Steve Martin as Neal Page , a busybodied advertising executive director who finds himself the unwilling move around associate of salesman Del Griffith as the two attempt to come back to Chicago for the Thanksgiving vacation . molest by bad weather and a continuing comedy of computer error in attempting to make locomotion plans , Neal and Del must work together , however unwillingly , to accomplish their share end . John Candy also star alongside Martin as Del.
InPlanes , Trains and Automobiles , Neal Page ( Steve Martin ) is try on to get home for Thanksgiving but gets stuck with the overly chatty and jolly obnoxious Del Griffith ( John Candy ) . As they contend to witness a way to travel across the country together , the pair face one disaster after another . If that does n’t vocalise like anElf - esque picture , nothing does .
For those still not sell on the idea , this Steve Martin and John Candy vacation classic became a streaming hit decades after its firing , proving its timeless appeal .
The 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually follows various couples as they explore their relationships throughout the Christmas season. With a star-studded cast composed of Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martin Freeman, and Martine McCutcheon, Love Actually has since become a Christmas staple for rom-com lovers.
Although not really a Christmas movie , Planes , Trains and Automobileshas the same smell of holiday mishap and warmth asElf . Its combination of slapstick humor and emotional moments makes it more than a worthy watch , Christmas or not . award , it ’s less innocent than Buddy ’s antics , butit still bid a similar blending of chaos and softheartedness . For those still not sold on the approximation , thisSteve Martin and John Candy vacation classic became a streaming hitdecades after its release , proving its timeless appealingness .
7Scrooged (1988)
Directed by Richard Donner
Scrooged is a Christmas comedy picture show by director Richard Donner , eject in 1988 . In this modernized take on Charles Dicken ’s A Christmas Carol , Bill Murray stars as a narcissistic and selfish telecasting executive key out Frank Cross , who wait to put on a great - budget Christmas show for his web while tread down anyone in his way . However , his plan are interrupted when three ghost of Christmas visit him to wheedle him to vary his way .
Marking one ofRichard Donner ’s good movies , Scroogedis a vacation staple you do n’t require to miss . It ’s a forward-looking and comedic gimmick on Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol , reflectingElf’sthemes of transmutation and personal relationships . Both Buddy and Frank Cross ( played by Bill Murray ) undergo meaning growth by the oddment of their respective account , at last becoming good versions of themselves just in clock time for Christmas .
The fourscore fetch out a mint of Christmas movies , but only a few have stood the test of time and are watched today , while others are best blank out .
to boot , both title feature some serious irreverent funniness . Frank ’s snarky attitude and the chaotic , humourous situations he faces with the ghosts add a subversive edge toScroogedwhile still ending on a confident , uplifting note . Despite its witty humour overflow , much likeElf , the motion-picture show also delivers a moving message about what really matters during the holiday . Scroogedis funny , heartwarming , and still manages to surprise , making it a perfect motion-picture show to watch afterElf .
6Bad Santa (2003)
Directed by Terry Zwigoff
Bad Santa revolves around Willie T. Stokes and Marcus Skidmore , professional thieves who disguise themselves as a plaza Santa Claus and his hob during the holiday season with the program to plume them at the end of the shopping season . Their latest job becomes complicated when Willie , already struggling from alcoholism , sexual practice addiction and oft swearing , begins forming an odd friendly relationship with dimwitted Thurman Merman , dating local bartender Sue and coming under the insomniac eye of the latest object shopping center ’s head of security system , Gin Slagel .
For those looking for a grittier , edgier version of Christmas with coloured humor , Bad Santadelivers . It ’s a cynical look at the holiday through the eye of a con creative person , but it has surprising instant of worked up serious-mindedness , much likeElf . With perhaps an unexpected amount of marrow , Bad Santamight be much raunchier thanElf , yet it still somehow captures the same holiday touch .
The emotional transformation at the heart ofBad Santavery obviously mirror Buddy ’s own ontogeny , make it exonerated why it ’s one of the best alternative to watch afterElf . The movie challenge traditional notions of holiday cheer , in the end delivering a message about redemption and the possibility of modification , even in the most unlikely characters . Both funny and surprisingly heartwarming , Bad Santastands out as an unexpected but meet vacation competitor forElfenthusiasts .
5Spirited (2022)
Directed by Sean Anders
The Charles Dickens classic , A Christmas Carol , get a modern musical makeover in Spirited , starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell . When the Ghost of Christmas Present visits the incorrect individual before Christmas , he amaze a work - up of his own from the charismatic Clint Briggs , who decides that it may be the ghost who needs more help than any other poor mortal this Christmas . Together the two will shoot the breeze present moment in Present ’s life story as they attempt to aid him figure out himself as the film is presented mainly through the eyes of the various ghosts themselves .
Another modern take on Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol , this time in a musical version , Spiritedalso shares a number of similarities withElf , especially in its portmanteau word of humour and heart . Much like Buddy inElf , Clint Briggs ( toy by Ryan Reynolds ) is initially resistant to exchange , selfish , and dismissive of the Christmas spirit . Both eccentric are placed in position where they have to present their own flaws and grow , makingSpiritedone of the best movies to bend to after you finishElf .
mark a full circle moment , Will Ferrell appears in Spirited as the Ghost of Christmas Present , which is ripe enough reason to turn it on after Elf .
Marking a full circle moment , Will Ferrell appears inSpiritedas the Ghost of Christmas Present , which is good enough reason to turn it on afterElf . The mavin convey a similar level of charm and warmth to hisSpiritedrole as he did with Buddy inElf , whileReynolds ’ key signature sarcasm absolutely mirrored Buddy ’s innocent but mirthful awkwardness .
4Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
Directed by Seth Kearsley
Those eager to flip it up after watchingElfwhile ride out on a similar holiday root , Eight Crazy Nightsis worth the watch . Despite not being the very best amongAdam Sandler ’s vivify movie , this underrated holiday title carries an underlying message of redemption , kindness , and kinfolk .
Animated Christmas movies combine the built-in magic of the festive season with magic visuals . The in force movies can be love year after year .
WhileEight Crazy Nights’humor is more mature and include more adult themes equate toElf , it still shares the subversive comedic approach of throwing an improbable graphic symbol into a holiday situation ( in this face , Hanukkah ) where he is forced to interchange and grow . Much like Buddy , Davey ( voiced by Sandler ) is quirky and full of flaws . However , at the same time , he is adorably earnest , which , paired with an infusion of Sandler ’s signature saucy humour , makesEight Crazy Nightsthe perfect sequel toElfin a Christmas marathon ( not one with niggling fry , though ) .
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.
3Red One (2024)
Directed by Jake Kasdan
After Santa Claus is kidnapped , the North Pole ’s Head of Security ( Dwayne Johnson ) must team up up with a notorious bounty hunter ( Chris Evans ) in a thrilling , orb - spanning delegation to save Christmas . This activity - pack holiday adventure mix clowning and festive trick , with an ensemble hurl that includes Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons .
In nastiness of its distinct tone and overture to storytelling , Red Onemakes for a famed contender to followElfduring the holiday . This action mechanism movie with a Christmas background took on a traditional holiday story and flipped it in a originative way , bringing to life a never - before - see Christmas adventure that parallelsElf’ssubversive appeal .
chair by Dwayne " The Rock " Johnson and Chris Evans , Red Oneis a full - shove along action movie you do not want to omit out on this Christmas season . The 2024 title seamlessly meld action at law , holiday cheer , and bodily fluid in an over - the - top risky venture that conduct its characters on an unforgettable Christmas mission . While it does n’t have the same level of sinless charm asElf , Red One’sclever humour and heartwarming undertone , paired with the inevitable cynicism of its main role , offer a refreshing take on holiday tales .
2The Ref (1994)
Directed by Ted Demme
The Ref , also known asHostile Hostages , is a dark comedy that make a surprisingly fitting follow - up toElffor holiday flick nights . While it ’s a utter departure from Buddy ’s broad - eyed optimism , The Refdelivers sharp , sarcastic humour along with a surprising speck of passion and redemption , reflecting some of the same themes found inElf .
Much like how Buddy helps remediate relationships in Elf , whether it ’s between his dad and family or with Christmas itself , The Ref point out how Christmas , even in the middle of chaos , can be a time to reflect and mend humiliated association .
LikeElf , The Refreimagines the traditional Christmas news report . alternatively of Buddy ’s upbeat joke , this 1994 title of respect brings natural language - in - boldness comedy through Gus ’ ( played by Denis Leary ) growing annoyance as he deals with a wildly dysfunctional family he takes hostage . However , beneath all the snark and bickering , The Refactually has a heartfelt core . Much like how Buddy helps repair relationships inElf , whether it ’s between his dad and category or with Christmas itself , The Refpoints out how Christmas , even in the middle of chaos , can be a prison term to think over and mend broken connections .
1Home Alone (1990)
Directed by Chris Columbus
Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McAllister , an eight - year - one-time who is leave behind in his Chicago home when his family fly to Paris for the holiday . Not only must Kevin keep himself secure while his mother flies back across the world , but he must protect his place from the Wet Bandits - serial burglars who are targeting the McAllister House . Kevin must use every joke in the record book to keep the Wet Bandits from stealing Christmas before his female parent returns .
Humor , heart , and the magic of Christmas — Home Alonehas it all , which makes it the ultimate holiday classic to look out afterElf . Both film discover the perfect balance between express mirth - out - meretricious moments and worked up heat , cementing them as two ofthe best Christmas movie of all time .
The Home Alone pic vary massively in timber , but at its best the franchise can produce some memorable quotes , both uproarious and heartfelt .
Directed by John Hughes, Planes, Trains and Automobiles stars Steve Martin as Neal Page, a busy advertising executive who finds himself the unwilling traveling companion of salesman Del Griffith as the two attempt to return to Chicago for the Thanksgiving holiday. Beset by bad weather and a continuing comedy of errors in attempting to make travel plans, Neal and Del must work together, however unwillingly, to accomplish their shared goal. John Candy also stars alongside Martin as Del.
Just likeElf , Home Alonecenters on the importance of mob during the holidays . Both movies apply humor and chaos to underline the devout message , fly high on over - the - top scenarios . Elffeatures Buddy ’s wild risky venture in New York City , whileHome Alonedelivers some of the most iconic slapstick drollery of all timeas Kevin McCallister defends his house from bumbling burglars , Harry and Marv . ElfandHome Aloneshare a timeless holiday appeal that has n’t been touch by most other holiday titles , which is exactly why we can ( and will ) watch them over and over again .
Elf follows Buddy , a human raised as an elf at the North Pole . As an grownup , he journey to Manhattan to find his biological father , a work - driven businessman . The motion picture explores Buddy ’s comedic seek to pilot human society and his pursuit to bring holiday liveliness to his family line .
Scrooged is a Christmas comedy film by director Richard Donner, released in 1988. In this modernized take on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray stars as a narcissistic and selfish television executive named Frank Cross, who looks to put on a big-budget Christmas show for his network while trampling anyone in his way. However, his plans are interrupted when three ghosts of Christmas visit him to coax him to change his ways.
Bad Santa revolves around Willie T. Stokes and Marcus Skidmore, professional thieves who disguise themselves as a mall Santa Claus and his elf during the holiday season with the plan to rob them at the end of the shopping season. Their latest job becomes complicated when Willie, already struggling from alcoholism, sex addiction and frequently swearing, begins forming an odd friendship with dimwitted Thurman Merman, dating local bartender Sue and coming under the watchful eye of the latest target mall’s head of security, Gin Slagel.
The Charles Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, gets a modern musical makeover in Spirited, starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell. When the Ghost of Christmas Present visits the wrong soul before Christmas, he gets a work-up of his own from the charismatic Clint Briggs, who decides that it may be the ghost who needs more help than any other poor soul this Christmas. Together the two will visit moments in Present’s life as they try to help him figure out himself as the film is presented mainly through the eyes of the various ghosts themselves.
After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole’s Head of Security (Dwayne Johnson) must team up with a notorious bounty hunter (Chris Evans) in a thrilling, globe-spanning mission to save Christmas. This action-packed holiday adventure mixes comedy and festive magic, with an ensemble cast that includes Lucy Liu and J.K. Simmons.
Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McAllister, an eight-year-old who is left behind in his Chicago home when his family flies to Paris for the holidays. Not only must Kevin keep himself safe while his mother flies back across the world, but he must protect his home from the Wet Bandits - serial burglars who are targeting the McAllister House. Kevin must use every trick in the book to keep the Wet Bandits from stealing Christmas before his mother returns.
