Move over, Freeform—the movie buffs at ANDERSON have created our own “25 Days of Christmas” watch list. Adri, Austin, and Carson have picked their favorite holiday classics and hidden gems that hold a special place in their hearts. So grab that remote and cozy up by the fire with a blanket, hot cocoa, and popcorn, and enjoy the show!
“Chaos, wit, one-liners, heart, bizarre moments, and memorable characters make up the perfect recipe for a movie you can watch on repeat every year. I triple dog-dare-ya!” -Adri
#2 – Office Christmas Party (2016)
“If you thought ANDERSON’s 2019 Holiday Party was crazy (and it was), this might just top it. As a determined CEO threatens to shut down her brother’s branch, an outrageous office holiday party is planned to impress a critical client. With crude humor, plenty of booze, drugs, street racing, and Mary from HR involved, what more could an office holiday party need?! Perhaps we have 2025’s holiday video already written for us?? (jk)” -Austin
#3 – Klaus (2019)
“Netflix’s first original animated feature, Klaus, is one of the most charming and beautifully crafted holiday films I’ve ever seen. This film combines a unique storybook-style animation with groundbreaking 2-D lighting techniques. And with J.K. Simmons voicing Santa, how can you go wrong?” -Carson
#4 – Gremlins (1984)
“Gremlins is the most iconic holiday creature feature ever made, and while the puppetry and practical effects might seem dated, everything about this movie is genuinely charming. If you claim you’ve never wanted a little Gizmo of your own, you’re just lying to yourself.” -Carson
#5 – Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
“This movie feels like wearing the coziest sweater while drinking a cup of hot chocolate. And Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is just…everything. It is the perfect watch for curling up under a blanket and transporting yourself back to a simpler time.” -Adri
#6 – The Holdovers (2023)
“Though it’s one of the newest movies on this list, The Holdovers became an instant classic for its fantastic holiday vibes. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa, and an Oscar-winning Da’Vine Joy Randolph are absolutely phenomenal in this movie about a found family getting stuck in a boarding school together during the holidays. This movie will make you burst out laughing one minute and deeply contemplate life the next.” -Carson
“What happens if you accidentally kill Santa Claus? If you don’t read the fine print, you might find yourself taking on his job. This movie is both funny and heartwarming, reminding you of the magic of Christmas and what it feels like to be a kid again. Plus, I go hard for Bernard!” -Adri
#8 – Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
“Inspired by a line from Adam Sandler’s famous “The Chanukah Song,” this animated musical pays homage to A Christmas Carol, as the main character is given a final chance at redemption through community service. This film features classic Adam Sandler humor while tugging at the heartstrings. Plus, we get Part 3 of The Chanukah Song.” -Austin
“This is one of the best OG holiday horror movies, featuring some of the most iconic, terrifying scenes with amazing low-budget 70s charm. And in terms of remakes, the 2006 version is surprisingly fun, but STAY AWAY from the 2019 version, I beg of you.” -Carson
#10 – Little Women (2019)
“You might not think of this classic piece of literature as a holiday story, but Greta Gerwig’s wonderfully gorgeous adaptation makes it the perfect wintertime watch. The cozy, heartwarming, and often sad vibes are present throughout this film, and the performances by Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, and my boy Timmy Tim make this a remarkable film.” -Carson
#11 – Spirited (2022)
“If A Christmas Carol and La La Land had a baby—and that baby spent far too much time in an improv class—you’d get Spirited. This musical/comedy is delightfully ridiculous, and I am here for every moment of sarcasm and sass…plus, Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds being…well…Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. This movie is super heartwarming and so extra, making it a perfect watch for the season. And if you don’t have this on your annual watch list, then GOOD AFTERNOON!” -Adri
#12 – It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
“It’s a Wonderful Life is my absolute favorite holiday movie of all time and is truly unbeatable when it comes to magical movie status. Jimmy Stewart was a gift to this era of film history, and the iconic “I’ll Give You the Moon, Mary” scene truly makes my heart grow three sizes.” -Carson
#13 – Four Christmases (2008)
“One Christmas is already enough. But four?! Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn sure do have it in for themselves as their plans for an exotic vacation fall apart. Through different family dynamics and situations, this movie tells us that family is the best holiday gift. But watch out for Cootie Kate!” -Austin
#14 – The Holiday (2006)
“I don’t know how this movie gets better every year, but it does. It is charming, romantic, and funny—and the best part is it serves amazing looks, locations, and sets per Nancy Meyers’ impeccable eye and style. And Jude Law. Need I say more? He is a majah weepah.” -Adri
#15 – Home Alone (1990)
“This movie has EVERYTHING. Baby Culkin brothers. Catherine O’Hara. Robbery. Battle Plans. It’s no wonder why this movie is on the list! Join Kevin McCallister as he hilariously navigates Christmas alone while his family flies to France. You can even enjoy a double feature with the sequel, which is one of the best sequels ever. And the best part? It’s set in New York City!” -Austin
#16 – Better Watch Out (2016)
“Looking for a festive home invasion horror movie? Who isn’t?? Better Watch Out is a must-watch this holiday season. It’s a ridiculously fun and VERY twisty thriller with some of the best child performances I’ve ever seen in a movie. I’m such a sucker for unique, one-location horror stories, and clocking in at under 90 minutes makes this movie a necessity.” -Carson
#17 – Miracle on 34th St. (1947)
“This movie is honestly timeless. The themes about kindness and the power of believing in something greater than yourself are definitely things we could use right about now—just to remind ourselves that sometimes miracles really can happen.” -Adri
#18 – Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
“Based on the novel Skipping Christmas, this film follows Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who decide to skip Christmas while their daughter is away. However, their plans quickly change when they must throw together a last-minute celebration. From bad spray tans to grown women fighting over honey-baked ham, this movie will make you reconsider skipping Christmas altogether.” -Austin
#19 – Unaccompanied Minors (2006)
“Paul Feig has worked with some of the funniest modern movie stars, but Unaccompanied Minors may be the most underrated film of his career. This comedy follows a group of kids flying home for Christmas who get stuck in an airport, causing chaos. It’s a hilarious and fun movie that captures the spirit of childhood wonder during the holidays. And for all you Abbott Elementary fans, Tyler James Williams is such a BABY in this one.” -Carson
#20 – Elf (2003)
“Buddy the elf, what’s your favorite color? Wholesome holiday magic with an iconic A-list cast. No notes. Actually, one note: More Mr. Narwhal.” -Adri
#21 – White Christmas (1954)
“This is a timeless holiday classic filled with heartwarming charm, dazzling musical numbers, and unforgettable performances by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. This story of friendship, romance, and the spirit of giving is set against a snowy, festive backdrop, making it the perfect feel-good movie for the holiday season. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema or just looking for a cozy, uplifting film, White Christmas is a must-watch!” -Austin
#22 – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
“Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid are all absolutely hilarious in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. This movie has some of the raunchiest yet funniest holiday movie quotes of all time and is such a comedy gem it must be enjoyed each and every year.” -Carson
#23 – Krampus (2015)
“I am the world’s biggest fan of campy horror, and Krampus fits the bill, holiday style. This holiday horror movie is absurdly entertaining, featuring everything from poorly rendered CGI gingerbread men to genuinely committed performances by Adam Scott and Toni Collette. This scary tale is an insane movie full of great practical effects and some of the corniest horror writing ever…and I honestly wouldn’t have my Christmas movies any other way.” -Carson
#24 – The Night Before (2015)
“This movie is sooooooo underrated and beyond hilarious. Three friends are wrapping up their annual holiday tradition (while rapping to Run DMC) and Kanye West, and for their final celebration, they go all out in R-rated style. This one will give you all the feels about friendships and adapting to change and growing up. The cameos are epic, and the quotes you walk away with are even better. Hallelujer!” -Adri
#25 – The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
“The humor, the music, the Michael Caine of it all…this insanely accurate adaptation is absolute perfection. We all know Kermit the Frog is a Christmas-style icon, but Gonzo as Charles Dickens and Rizzo the Rat (who is here for the food) are truly the shining stars of this holiday classic. The Muppets embraced their roles in true Muppet fashion, and if you don’t agree…“no cheeses for you meeses!” -Adri and Austin
