What’s the meaning of the holidays for you? For some, it’s the season to give. For others, it’s a time for the kids. Then, there are those who say that it’s the time to go binge-watching. The cold weather is the perfect atmosphere to enjoy movies at home, perhaps while having hot chocolate in a cup? After all, what’s a PHP 399 standard Netflix subscription per month or a less than PHP 1,000 cinema ticket from a travel adventure to Europe that can cost you six figures?
Moreover, watching movies at home also helps improve your mood, reduce your stress, enhance your creativity, promote cardiovascular health, and you enjoy family time. So, what are the best movies to watch this holiday season? Let’s find out in this special MetroLinks list inspired by Toph10. It’s a mix of new movies, classic movies, and Pinoy movies.
Top 10
‘Home Alone And Home Alone 2: Lost In New York’
This film is always on the list of the best movies to watch every Christmas. It’s a cult classic, so apologies for ranking it on number 10 because the audience’s tastes for what’s appealing is changing, and you’ll see there’s a whole lot of other fine movies on this list.
But, this classic flick centers on Kevin McCallisters, played by the now grown-up Macaulay Culkin, who suffers a misfortune by being left alone at home while the rest of his family goes on vacation. Why did they do that? Still, he encounters everything fun, such as encountering burglars who make “friends” with Kevin. There’s also an exciting sequel that carries the brand of the first movie, except that he’s separated from his family and left alone in… New York City! While his family travels.
Top 9
‘A Christmas Miracle’
“A Christmas Miracle” is what you need to keep the spirit of Christmas burning. In this story, a family gathers around and their worlds stop when the community center hosting a Christmas jubilee loses funds, potentially canceling the festivities. Who they gonna call? Ghost… rather, a Christmas miracle. You can watch it on BET+.
Top 8
‘Nutcrackers’
The legendary Ben Stiller stars in this movie that’s titled “Nutcrackers,” but not your classic ballet performance. Its story tells about a movie who must leave his stable life in Chicago to take care of the four children of his late sister while they wait to be placed in a foster home. The light movie you need to enjoy your Christmas. Also stars Linda Cardellini, Tim Heidecker, and Edi Patterson.
Top 7
‘Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital’
Top 7 belongs to… a Pinoy movie! The title looks as if it’s lined with those like “Train to Busan,” but “Strange Frequencies: Taiwan Killer Hospital,” an official entry at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival, is of the meta found footage horror film. Curious what it is? It’s also known as an unscripted horror flick, so it’s a breath of fresh air from the waves of usual genres.
Starring Enrique Gil, Jane de Leon, and Alexa Miro, this movie tells about a group of amateur ghost hunters? “Scooby-Doo” vibes? Probably, but more official details on its plot will be revealed soon.
Top 6
‘Moana 2’
Of course, a Walt Disney movie. Well, there’s another Disney film showing this holiday season, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” but MetroLinks has chosen “Moana 2,” the other major Disney flick for Christmas, simply because the story of “Mufasa: The Lion King,” a live-action, does not deliver. “Moana 2” may not be live-action (but, it’s getting there), though it’s the sequel to the successful first “Moana” movie that tells the story and adventures of a brave Polynesian princess. The return of Nicole Scherzinger and Dwayne Johnson? You got it. In theaters November 27th.
Top 5
‘Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas’
Tim Burton has always created masterpieces. Mean, think of “Frankenweenie,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” and of course “Batman Returns.” Though he’s quite uniform in the theme and look of his movies, he does them all perfectly.
It’s animated, but even adults can watch it. It’s a stop motion Gothic animated musical fantasy movie, telling the story of Jack Skellington, the King of “Halloween Town”, who finds himself in “Christmas Town” and schemes to take over the holiday. A must-watch, right?
Top 4
‘A Christmas Story’
Yes, a generic title, but oh-so-stunning. Stream this movie whenever you want this Christmas. It’s dubbed as one of pop culture’s most inescapable movies. This 1983 movie follows a young lad and his family’s misadventures during Christmas time in the 1940s. It’s challenging the feels of “Home Alone,” to be honest, but it’s the movie that’s unique so it ranks higher here.
Top 3
‘Red One’
It’s all over town! Drive around your city and you’ll see billboards of “Red One” posted. At first, the posters will give you thoughts that it’s a Marvel flick, mean, there’s Chris Evans and Lucy Liu, but it’s not. It’s an original story not based on Marvel or DC Comics. The film follows the story of the head of North Pole security, portrayed by “The Rock” Johnson teaming up with a notorious hacker to locate a kidnapped Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. They’re not fully enjoying the feast on the eve of Christmas, but working to save Christmas. Quite heroic.
Top 2
‘Uninvited’
Why will a movie starring Vilma Santos and Aga Muhlach not make it to this MetroLinks list? Of course, not just on this list, but on Top 2! So, it begins with Muhlach’s character, a lavish billionaire with a dark secret. No other official details on its plot are available, so you better stay tuned for that!
Top 1
‘Wicked’
Behold, the number one movie of Christmas 2024… “Wicked!” From the hit Broadway musical by Stephen Schwartz, “Wicked,” it’s finally coming to the big screen! If you’ve watched the trailer campaigns, you know it’s visually stunning. Hey, it’s from “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu. And, it’s also expected to be a musical because Ariana Grande is there. Also starring are Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Bowen Yang, and the “Crazy Rich Asians” matriarch herself, Michelle Yeoh! Starts November 22nd.
That’s just MetroLinks’ take on the must-watch movies this year. For sure, the list could be endless and you’ll have your own choices. Feel free to share yours with us and be part of the community!