Its the most wonderful time of the year! A few of us here at Je-Ree Reviews Media thought we would share our favorite movies to watch during the Holiday Season! Take a look and let us know your favorites in the comments and Happy Holidays!
Rise of the Guardians
From: Kae
To pick a favorite holiday movie, one could easily have gone the classic Christmas route, and chosen the perennial winner, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” or even with a more recent cult favorite, like “A Christmas Story.” Yeah, I am not into that TBS 24-hour Christmas Day marathon on that one, either. Instead, I believe it’s time to call attention to the underrated cinematic offerings to get you into the spirit. One of THE most underrated holiday movies in recent times would have to be “Rise of the Guardians.”
The animated fantasy film, first released Thanksgiving 2016, centers around a group of legendary figures we all know and love, who have made it their mission to protect hopes and dreams around the world. The central story follows Jack Frost (voiced by Chris Pine), as the mischievous spirit who has always felt like an outsider. When the evil spirit, known as Pitch Black (Jude Law), comes on the scene and threatens to engulf the world in fear and darkness, the Guardians, whom we all know better as Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman, come together to fight against him and save the innocence of children everywhere. With Jack’s unique powers and connection to children, the Guardians enlist his help to join their ranks to inspire belief and restore hope — for things not seen and those yet to come. Along the way, and through the Guardian’s camaraderie, we get to connect with the familiar characters on a deeper level and understand their sense of purpose, as well as to witness up close Jack’s journey to self-discovery.
The movie is magical in the way that it reminds us of all the reasons we wanted to believe in the Guardians ourselves, as children, and secretly wished to still do so today, as adults. To capture that sense of hope and wonder from a time not so long ago when your greatest worry was whether or not you would have more than socks and fruit in your stocking. Seriously….who thought of fruit?!
As each vibrantly designed scene unfolds, the work of the Guardians’ efforts to save the hope of humanity reveal the importance of friendship, courage, and the power that comes with believing in the unseen. There is a lesson in the narrative for young and old, alike. And, while the youngest among us may not readily see this when they watch for themselves, the film explores, in the most subtle and not-so-subtle ways, important themes of identity, belonging, and the magic of childhood.
And, is that not what we all want for our own holiday watch list — the opportunity to leave the cares of the day behind, and bring to mind the hope, peace, love, and joy we still believe exists at this most wonderful time of year.
Can I get an “amen!”
If that’s a “yes,” then I encourage you to watch Rise of the Guardians again, for yourself — only this time, do so through the eyes of your inner child.
Vanessa Williams’ A Diva’s Christmas Carol and Ebbie
From: Ashley
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but it’s also the season when Scrooges seem to emerge. One of my favorite traditions during this time is watching A Christmas Carol. But it’s not the original story that I love the most—it’s two particular adaptations that I must watch every December: Vanessa Williams’ A Diva’s Christmas Carol and Ebbie, starring Susan Lucci. Two legends in their own right.
Both of these versions put a unique spin on the classic tale. A Diva’s Christmas Carol tells the story of a talented singer whose life took a dark turn after losing her brother and facing other hardships, transforming her into a modern-day Scrooge.
Meanwhile, Ebbie follows a successful businesswoman who lost her sister and, through her own struggles, became hardened and self-centered. Both characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, learning the true meaning of Christmas, reconnecting with the people in their lives, and letting go of selfishness.
These stories resonate because they remind us not to let past pain and trauma define us. Of course, I know that three ghosts visiting someone overnight isn’t going to spark an instant transformation, but it can plant the seed for change. It’s a story of hope and the possibility of becoming a better version of yourself—a process that often requires time, effort, and maybe even therapy.
That’s what I love most about these adaptations. They’re a reminder that, despite the challenges we’ve faced, there’s still room to enjoy the life we have and the people we cherish. Change is possible, and so is joy. I can’t wait to watch my favorites this month, especially on Christmas Day.
A Paris Christmas Waltz – Netflix
From: Barbara
This is a Christmas Movie worth a watch. I was interested in finding something different this Holiday Season to add to my loved movies.
A search of Christmas movies found Paris Christmas Waltz. It has a mix of reality, kindness, joy, travel, romance and love! This one checked all the boxes and added dancing and a Feel-Good Feel, too.
Interestingly, this story introduced the two main characters in mini stories first, and didn’t bring them immediately face-to-face until later. In addition, the shocker was how Emma Harris, one of the main characters, gave up her normal successful life to help another and find her real joy.
This was a story where a person literally changed their life. With a slight push from her best friend, Emma made her dream come true, against the backdrop of the Christmas Season. She took a chance, met and surpassed a challenge, and found her true self, happiness and unexpected love with Leo Monroe.
This movie begins in New York City and ends in Paris, France. It also has lovely views of some well-known sights, French fashion, ballroom gowns and dance. The sets are lovely, too. The friendships formed were true and for a lifetime.
The story is a dream of a dream! It’s a cutesy, lovely romantic holiday movie that one can just sit back and enjoy. Oh, did I say the scenery is fantastic? It IS! It is definitely a new Family Christmas Fave!
Side Note: It was interesting to learn that the actors Jen Lilley, Emma, and Matthew Morrison, Leo, learned and performed the dance numbers themselves. They had never done ballroom dance together before.
Christmas with A Kiss
From: Barbara
This was a moment of curiosity for me checking for a holiday flick. Okay, I love Holiday Movies. This was recommended, and what a breath of fresh air it was. It also came with a generational tradition and a touch of history.
The story takes place in a small town. It is about a family who has a Christmas tradition of hosting an Annual Christmas Fair for their town. The family’s parents continued the Christmas Fair and Dance Tradition started by their grandparents. Now they were getting older and wanted to do other things in their lives. This Christmas, they asked if one of their two daughters wanted to step up and take over.
The oldest was a military spouse, and said she’d help but couldn’t guarantee she and her family would always be there. The younger daughter was a social media influencer whose business was taking off, but she lived in NYC. She loved living there and couldn’t see herself ever returning to her family’s small town. It’s a cute, lighthearted family Holiday story. It also has a little bit of twists and turns, with a strong thread of history intertwined. This was a Wonderful Movie that showed how deep a family’s roots and traditions run. It can be a little corny, but a lot sweet. I’m glad I watched it!
The Family Man
From: Zakiyyah
The Family Man is one of those films that taps into a deep, almost universal fantasy: the idea of choosing a different path in life and seeing how things might have turned out. Nicolas Cage’s character, Jack Campbell, gets a glimpse of what his life could have been if he had made different choices—specifically, the choice to settle down with love instead of chasing career success. It's a feel-good holiday movie because it combines a personal journey of growth with a message about love, family, and what truly matters in life.
The fantasy at the heart of the film—stepping into a parallel life where you’re able to experience the "what could have been"—is something a lot of people might wish could be real, especially during the holidays. The idea of seeing your life unfold differently, experiencing what it might have been like if you'd made different choices, is a compelling thought. And there’s something magical about the way The Family Man blends that fantasy with the warmth and joy of the Christmas season, making it feel like a perfect wish for a better, more connected life.
In the end, what makes the film so heartwarming is the realization that no matter how you imagine your life could have been, the one you’re living—when rooted in love and connection—is the most meaningful of all. That’s a message that hits especially hard during the holidays. It’s a reminder that family, love, and the moments that make life rich are the things that truly matter.
A December Bride
From: Zakiyyah
a December Bride is one of those Hallmark holiday movies that’s pure cheesy fun, and honestly, that’s what makes it so enjoyable. The story has all the ingredients we love: romance, family drama, and a little bit of holiday magic. The connection between Seth and Layla is clear from the start; they're both so obviously smitten with each other, and watching their relationship unfold is like wrapping up in a cozy blanket. Their story is simple, but sweet, and it’s easy to root for them.
The tension between Layla and her cousin Jessica adds a bit of conflict that keeps the story from feeling too predictable. It’s a solid plot point, because it’s not just about the romance, it's about Layla rediscovering what really matters, especially when it comes to family. That dynamic gives the movie a little more heart, even if it’s not the most original storyline.
As for Jessica Lowndes playing Layla, I can see how some might wish she brought a bit more energy to the role. Layla is supposed to be the type of character who’s a little more lively and outgoing, but Lowndes’ portrayal is a bit more subdued. A little more spunk might have made her character pop a bit more. Still, despite that, there’s something about the movie that works. It’s the kind of film you can watch over and over during the holidays, knowing exactly what to expect but still feeling comforted by it every time.
At the end of the day, A December Bride isn’t about being groundbreaking or perfect. It’s about the feeling it gives you: that cozy, warm holiday vibe, the love story, and the reminder of what really matters during the season. It’s cheesy, sure, but it’s the kind of cheesy that just feels right when you want something lighthearted and heartwarming to enjoy.
A Christmas Story
From: Aaliyah
YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!!!
While it's hard to pick out of all the Christmas movies, my favorite has to be the all time classic, A Christmas Story. There is a reason why it plays for 24 hours every Christmas. And It’s not just the movie itself, but the tradition I have around it. I’ll admit that my family and I don’t normally sit down and enjoy a movie together, but for every Xmas no matter what, me and my sisters sit in the living room with our mom and enjoy this classic movie. The best thing about this movie is that it’s enjoyable no matter the age. It’s still as funny now as it was when I first watched it as a kid. And you can’t deny all of the iconic moments. From the bunny suit to the leg lamp, you can’t help but feel the nostalgia every time it’s on your TV. The happy memories I have associated with this movie. Everytime I hear the ending song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” as Ralphie falls asleep, I can’t help but get a little teary eyed. It’s the perfect way to end the day, making you feel sad that Christmas is now over, but excited for next year.
Did your favorite make our list? Drop a comment!
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