Every Christmas season, I love celebrating by watching my favorite holiday-themed movies. They help bring the magic to the center stage and reflect on the memories of Christmases past. But why am I mentioning Christmas when it's July? When it's scorching in three-digit temps with even higher heat indexes, you'd want to stay inside where it's cool. However, if you want a fun activity, why not watch Christmas movies?
The holiday season is not until November 1st, but that doesn't mean one has to wait until then. To help you decide on what movies to watch, here are five, well-thought out suggestions to guide you.
5 Christmas in July movies to spend your warm weekend in
Gremlins (1984)
Considered "the greatest Christmas movie of all time," Gremlins tells the story of a teenager named Billy getting a rare Chinese Mogwai for Christmas. His family names the adorable creature "Gizmo," and he soon becomes attached to the family. However, with tiny Gizmo comes with a big responsibility. You can't get the furry dude wet nor feed him chicken, as the former comes with a wicked repercussion—he multiples, but not in carbon copies of himself. But in the form of strange, scaly creatures with sharp teeth and claws who terrorize the city. It's up to Gizmo and Billy to stop the Gremlins before destruction sets.
As a fun fact, Gremlins is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and it's still as frightful and wonderfully amusing.
Where to stream: Prime
A Christmas Story (1983)
Another1980s classic, A Christmas Story, takes you back in time to the pre-WWII era of the United States, focusing on nine-year Ralphie Parker. All he wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun, the dream toy for all little boys in the 1940s. Despite objections from his mother and teacher, Ralphie gets his Red Ryder. The film is packed with 1940s trivia with a blend of 1980s irony, which makes A Christmas Story memorable and an annual holiday tradition.
Where to stream: Prime
Christmas Inheritance (2017)
Eliza Taylor sheds her The 100 Wanheda persona and goes full "Princess" in Netflix's holiday comedy and family film, Christmas Inheritance. Taylor plays a spoiled, party-loving heiress named Ellen, who is about to take over her family's card company. Before she can take that step, she is sent to a small town to deliver a letter, only to discover the true meaning of the holidays and find something warm within herself. Ellen additionally finds love within the town and, in pure holiday light, brings out the magic of the film.
Clarke didn't have her endgame love on The 100, but Ellen Landford did.
Christmas Inheritance is family-oriented, cozy, and depicts the humorous, softer side of Taylor.
Where to stream: Netflix
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
If you thought the Kardashian family was filled with drama, then you haven't met the Griswold family. The patriarch, Clark, plans the perfect "Griswold Family Christmas" with presents, the ultimate tree, and hopes to cash his bonus check for a backyard swimming pool. Things go way off plan, as there's destruction, an explosion, and a cheeky squirrel supposed to be in hibernation runs amok in the house on Christmas Eve. According to my financial research, the cost of house repairs would exceed $1 million in today's economy, but that's not the point. Clark did have his family affair and received his bonus in a shockingly high amount.
A Christmas Vacation turns 35 this year.
Where to stream: Max and Prime
Jingle All The Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a successful businessman but absent-minded father named Howard in this 1990s holiday fun-filled comedy. After missing his son Jamie's (Jake Lloyd) karate match, Howard sets off to get Jamie his dream gift- a Turbo Man action figure that has been sold out for weeks, as it's the It Christmas Toy for the 1996 season. Through his mission, Howard meets the eccentric mailman, Myron (Sinbad), who's after the exact toy, and together, both he and Howard get into a share of hilarious hijinks. Then, there's the annoying neighbor, Ted (Phil Hartman), who rubs his "Father of the Year" attitude in Howard's face. With the comedic synchronization of Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, and Hartman, with cameos by Jim Belushi and the late Martin Mull, Jingle All The Way will deliver all of the laughs.
For those who experienced Christmas in the 1990s and remember what it was like to go shopping in the malls to buy all your gifts, the film provides excellence in nostalgic value.
Other Christmas in July movie suggestions
Once you finished this list, here are a few more choices to get ready for the holiday season.
- Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1990 and 1992) (Disney+)
- Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever (2014) (Disney+)
- A Christmas Carol (1984) (Tubi)
- The Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire (1989) (Disney +)