The Greatest Holiday Movies of All Time

I'm not the biggest holiday person in the world,  I'm listening to Christmas music on the regular—and catching up on my favorite holiday movies. There's just something about watching fictional characters solve their problems by hugging it out over a slice of pecan pie that melts my cold little heart. So snuggle up under a blanket and pick one to watch—you can't go wrong with any of these holiday-movie favorites.

Home Alone

Why was it the movie for '90s kids? It might have something to do with eight-year-old Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin). Sure, being left home alone is kind of scary—but truth be told, it's also every child's dream to have free rein in his home. Defeating a pair of silly burglars is just icing on the cake, of course. If you want to make a day of it, watch Home Alone 2 and Home Alone 3.

Elf

Will Ferrell could do no wrong in the eyes of America in 2003 when this silly tale of a giant man in an elf costume hit theaters. If you want to laugh for an hour and a half straight (and admire Zooey Deschanel's perfect bangs), then this is the movie for you. Bonus points if you scream out "You sit on a throne of lies!" at the same time Buddy the elf does it to a department-store Santa.

It's a Wonderful Life

If you're in the mood to ugly-cry in front of your parents, pop in this holiday classic. I've watched this movie more times than I can count, and I've cried every single time thanks to its moving, universal message about how everyone's life is valuable. And there's no better person to convey that than the quintessential everyman actor Jimmy Stewart, who makes you feel his despair and his joy when he triumphs at the end.

Bridget Jones's Diary

First of all, this movie stars not one but two of my fantasy boos (Hugh Grant and Colin Firth). Secondly, it features Renée Zellweger at her most charming. As the title character, she perfectly captures being a rough-around-the-edges and quirky singleton who has to deal with family members trying to set her up on dates—and an ill-advised relationship with her piggish boss (Grant). If you're still not convinced, you'll surely be won over by the perfect kiss a pantless Jones and Mark Darcy (Firth) share on the snowy streets of London. I'm swooning just thinking about it.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This movie aired in 1965 and is still shown on TV every holiday season. Not many other holiday films have those bragging rights. But this movie isn't popular because of luck—it has just the right blend of melancholy (Cheer up, Charlie!), whimsicality, and a childlike sense of wonder that makes it a favorite for everyone.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

OK, so this movie takes place during Thanksgiving, but let me break the rules. Why? Because it touches my heart thanks to John Candy's complex portrayal of Del, a slightly hot mess of a man without a family. Sure, he makes Neal's (Steve Martin) trip a disaster by causing a fiery car situation and that "pillows" incident (just watch it), but it doesn't matter in the end because a lifelong friendship is forged.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Freaky. Weird. Unexpected. That pretty much sums up this anti-holiday holiday movie from the fascinating mind of director Tim Burton. This stop-motion animated tale is probably the most original and visually stunning film on the list. There's no way you can watch this movie and not get sucked into the story of the Pumpkin King, who is bored with his job and life in Pumpkinland and takes a trip to Christmastown.

Trading Places

This movie packs in three holidays in one: It takes place during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. It also deals with a timeless fable—money is not important—in a dark comedy way. Throw in Eddie Murphy as a con man, Dan Aykroyd as a banker, and the awesome Jamie Lee Curtis and you've got one of the funniest holiday movies around.

The Bishop's Wife

I'm taking it back with another old-school entry: the Cary Grant classic The Bishop's Wife. Grant stars as Dudley, an angel who is called upon by a bishop (David Niven), who has been praying for guidance about how to raise funds for a new cathedral. Dudley has other plans—namely getting the bishop to realize that the guidance needed is not about money. It's a sweet, magical, and feel-good-all-over movie. If only we all had Dudleys in our lives.

Bad Santa

By far the raunchiest movie on the list, Bad Santa is still heartwarming (and really funny). Billy Bob Thorton stars as a con man, who, along with his partner in crime, pose as Santa and his little helper and rob department stores on Christmas Eve. Their plan hits a snag when they befriend a kid with a troubled life. Yeah, yeah, you know how the movie is going to end, but there's enough here to keep you interested, promise.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

The Griswolds are a cursed family. No matter how many trips they take, they have never managed to have a successful vacation thanks to a series of unfortunate events. Of course, their Christmas holiday is no different. Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) is the perfect disaster (maybe your family has its own cousin Eddie?).

A Christmas Story

This movie is simply iconic. From the leg lamp to Ralphie's tongue getting stuck on a frozen pole to that BB-gun incident, A Christmas Story has left its mark on all our brains, so much so that it sometimes feels like this story is our own.

Love Actually

This year marks the 10th anniversary of this beloved modern holiday rom-com—and whether you adore it or hate it, you can't deny that this movie, which follows the ups and downs of eight very different couples, is the go-to flick for feel-good moments. Plus, if you don't adore little Sam (Thomas Sangster), then you could potentially be lacking a soul.

My Favorite Road-Trip Movies

Here are 14 of my favorites—sad ones, silly ones, and everything in between, all of them perfect for sparking your wanderlust. (Gas ain't cheap, after all.)

Road Trip


I'm not saying it's a landmark work of cinema or anything, but it'd be pretty rude of us not to include it. Plus, Paulo Costanzo is adorable.

Little Miss Sunshine


Such a touching, funny adventure—and it all began with the yellow VW bus turning out of the driveway.

Y Tu Mama Tambien


How is this movie 12 years old already? It's almost old enough to watch itself! Not quite, though.

The Motorcycle Diaries


Gael Garcia Bernal really loves himself a road-trip movie.

Sideways


I wish we could all go to wine country with Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church.

Vacation

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The Griswolds' sojourn to Wally World is an American classic.

My Blueberry Nights

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This post-dumping escape flick is totally underrated—and Norah Jones is in it.

The Darjeeling Limited

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Watching this gorgeous, India-set Wes Anderson movie is better than actually taking a train trip, because your train would never be this color-saturated and Jason Schwartzman-y.

Almost Famous

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Stillwater never stays put for long, and there's nothing better than following Kate Hudson and Patrick Fugit as they follow the band.

On the Road

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Kristen Stewart and Garrett Hedlund are so magnetic in this dusky big-screen take on the Kerouac novel.

It Happened One Night

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Claudette Colbert and her gams make an excellent hitchhiking team—and teach Clark Gable a thing or two.

Eat, Pray, Love

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Any book/movie that reminds you to bring bigger jeans to Italy and embrace the carbs is A-OK by me.

Broken Flowers


I heart earnest Bill Murray's paternity-inspired quest.

The Labyrinth


OK, technically this isn't a road-trip movie, but I knew you guys wouldn't be mad.


What's your favorite road-trip movie?

10 Actresses Who Could Be Real-Life Disney Princesses

So, word on the street is that Emma Watson is in early talks to play Cinderella in a live-action Disney adaptation (with Cate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother—how perfect is that?). Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo! And just in case the folks at Disney are listening, I've made a few potential princess suggestions of my own.

Snow White

Kristen Stewart played Snow in Snow White and the Huntsman, but Selena Gomez reportedly auditioned for the role too. No offense to Kristen, but if I were making my own Snow White live-action flick, it'd totally go to Selena—she has a sweetness about her that I think matches up well.

Sleeping Beauty

Maleficent—the tale of Sleeping Beauty from the villain's point of view—is already in the works and starring Angelina Jolie as the wicked lady and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora. And you know what? I think that casting is perfect. No changes here!

The Little Mermaid

For Ariel, we obviously need somebody who can pull off a sassy attitude and fiery-red hair—for me, that's obviously Emma Stone. Somebody get the gal a dinglehopper!

Other suggestions: Isla Fisher, Jennifer Lawrence

Beauty and the Beast

If Watson weren't already in talks for Cinderella, I think she'd make a perfect Belle. But she can't play all the Disney princesses. Because Belle's bookish with a big heart (and my favorite), I think either Alexis Bledel or Leighton Meester would be perf.

Pocahontas

Vanessa Hudgens is of Native American descent, and after seeing her in Spring Breakers, she can definitely play somebody with a, um, wild spirit. And her boyfriend Austin Butler would make a damn good-looking John Smith, no?

Mulan

Brenda Song's recent guest appearance on New Girl has me convinced she needs more screen time, stat.

Aladdin

Princess Jasmine is arguably the hottest of the Disney princesses—I mean, that outift!—and Channing Tatum's wifey Jenna Dewan (who is of Lebanese descent) is well, stunning.

The Princess and the Frog

Tiana, one of the newest princesses, is hardworking, contemporary, and strong-willed: And badass Zoe Saldana comes first to mind.

Tangled

Rapunzel! Amanda Seyfried's already played a beautiful woman hidden away from the outside world (a.k.a. her character Cosette in Les Mis), and she's clearly comfortable in a period costume.

12 Nerdy-Awesome Movie Mashup Posters

Music mashups are old hat these days (sorry Glee, and various deejays)--but movie mashups. There's an idea. You've heard films describes as something meets something a million times over, but this takes it to the next level. Behold the posters:

Source: geektyrant.com via Leroy on Pinterest

This just makes me think Zoe Saldana and Robert Downey Jr. should do a movie together. Handsome pair.

Source: chzsomuchpun.files.wordpress.com via Jackie on Pinterest

But of course!

Source: unrealitymag.com via 10 A Week on Pinterest

There's

Source: geektyrant.com via Maggie on Pinterest

Maybe my favorite.

Source: sweetandnerdy.com via Nicole on Pinterest

No, scratch that, this is everything. PLEASE LOOK AT MR. POTATO HEAD.

Source: rukkle.com via Catch The on Pinterest

Sad, mini-Jason Segel makes it.

Source: Uploaded by user via Meredith on Pinterest

Whoa! Hey. My brain isn't ready for this.

 

 This one wins best tagline: "He's hip, he's slick and he's only 50 years old." 

Source: nydailynews.com via Amie on Pinterest

Jamie and LiLo should do this next Halloween.

Source: nydailynews.com via ItsontheGrid: on Pinterest

Daniel is cautious, but Meg is into it.

Source: rookery9.aviary.com.s3.amazonaws.com via Zach on Pinterest

Carrie makes a great Alice.

Source: empireonline.com via The Imagination on Pinterest

Hey, this one could actually get used.

Things Girls Always Do in INDIE Movies But NEVER Do in real life

Cue up your favorite twee tune and visualize your favorite angsty bang-rocking actress: it's time to talk things girls are always doin' in indie movies but never doin' in real life. Well, maybe they do these things in real life sometimes, but I doubt they could get away with 'em all at once.

They love vintage stuff, 'specially quirky props. A sixteen-year-old girl with a pipe? Preposterous!

All of their day jobs are either 1) bartender 2) bookstore employee or 3) office worker in an office where nobody knows the true them.

They never work out, but somehow they're super-skinny. (Also, pants are constantly off, but socks are perpetually on. Why?)

They always know the song/artist/particular lyric the cute guy is talking about. Often they'll even shout it out just when he does, then give a coy little smile. And it doesn't matter what it is, they've got it on vinyl.

And don't think they're listening to it via normal-sized headphones. HELL no.

I don't want to spoil any plot points, but they usually don't love weddings. Any weddings they do have or attend will be a) outdoors b) full of beards c) lit solely by paper lanterns and votives inside mason jars.

Not sure how I got this far without mentioning this, but: they ride bikes.

They attract men by the dozen without ever wearing a bra or washing their hair.

Which is weird--the aversion to hair-washing, I mean--because they definitely don't mind water. If there's rain, they're gonna laugh joyfully (life!) in it.

And if there's a pool, best believe they're going to spontaneously jump into it.

They draw. An indie movie heroine might already be an Artist, but it's more probable that she's just a SECRET artist and it's not until a guy comes over to her apartment, accidentally discovers some sketches ("What are these?" "Nothing!") and pronounces them "reeeeally good" that things start to take off.

And speaking of their apartments: they're always tapestry-strewn and full of whimsy. Now please get out because they need their space. 

They can't do this, OK? They just... can't.

Your Guide to Indie Valentine's Day Movies

I've got a great list of indies for you to try that are guaranteed to cure the over-indulgence of schmaltz—with or without a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

Before Sunrise and Before Sunset Double Feature
Hot off the premiere of Before Midnight at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival, we can’t help but recommend the two prior films in the series. The intelligent romance of Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) is completely accessible. Empty of sweeping moments, musical numbers, or epic battles to win the love of a damsel in distress, the film’s heart relies on the connection and conversations had by these two lovers. Their story is better than perfect—it’s realistic.

Monsoon Wedding
Almost every girl dreams of having the perfect wedding. And as we see in Mira Nair’s celebratory tale of an arranged marriage in modern India, the lives of the entire Verma household are turned upside down by the pending nuptials. From the wonderfully sweet story to the beautiful, bold colors of the wedding itself, you can’t help but feel like dancing a bhangra in your living room.

Ex-Girlfriends
The jungle that is the New York dating scene comes to life in this romantic comedy. Just when you think the city is full of strangers, you see how interconnected people’s love lives are. Graham (writer/director Alexander Poe) and his ex, Kate (Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter) are still friends, and he’s still in love with his other ex, Laura (Kristen Connolly). He tries to rekindle the romance with the now taken Laura, but he finds that getting back together with her is more than complicated than he expected. Just when we think our own dating lives are baffling, a movie romance comes along that can sympathize.

(500) Days of Summer
Uniting indie darlings Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Tom) and Zooey Deschanel (Summer), this movie tells you from the very beginning “this is a story of boy meets girl, but you should know upfront, this is not a love story.” Yet, you just can’t help but get caught up rooting for their romantic success. Despite their inevitable ending (Don’t worry, we won’t tell you how), this movie makes even the biggest romantic cynic convert to true believer: New romance can blossom anywhere—even at an IKEA.

Like Crazy
Young love always feels so permanent and flawless in today’s genre of teen romance films. But when reflecting upon our own life-changing loves, Like Crazy helps us reminisce the bliss as well as the heartbreak we’ve all experienced. Here, British exchange student Anna (Felicity Jones) and her American paramour (Anton Yelchin) find themselves in a transatlantic romance after she overstays her visa and gets banned from entering the U.S. Their emotions are so palpable you may find yourself in need of a second box of tissues by the end.

The Pill
Cheating is always wrong. Regardless, we found ourselves rooting for Fred (Noah Bean) to end up with “the other woman,” Mindy (Rachel Boston), after a one-night stand. Finding himself in a loveless relationship with Nelly (Anna Chlumsky), he makes a drunken error in judgment when he sleeps with Mindy. Worried he has gotten Mindy pregnant, Fred spends the entire next day feigning interest in her to make sure she takes the morning after pill. What he doesn’t expect is to fall in love with her. Despite the heaviness of their introduction, the characters’ story reminds us that sometimes the right person comes along at the wrong time—and in the most bizarre of circumstances.  

Rom-Com Movie Quotes I Love

I just love romantic comedies — whether I'm getting breakup advice from them or just listing my favorites by decade—just couldn't help feeling lovey-dovey with these rom-com quotes.

 What is your fave romantic comedy quote? :D Spread the love guys ;)

Things That Always Happen in Holiday Movies and Never Happen in Real Life

Don't mistake me: I am not bah-humbugging holiday movies. My life wouldn't be complete without them. But I think we all know that in exchange for our fix of tiny lights and romance, we give up a fair dose of reality. So as you journey to your holiday destination, remember: none of the below will be happening.

 

 
First things first: no one ever gets gift certificates.. (Hoho Sodexo!)
New significant others never seem to have their own family to go home to. They're all about staying at their boyfriend of-two-weeks for two weeks.

People take their New Year's resolutions way too seriously, and, more importantly, relative strangers care about them. In real life, Zac Efron woulda been less "Hey, I'll work it out with a Broadway theater so you can fly!" and more "Umm... do you want me to call someone? Can you just sign, please?"

 

 

You know how in non-seasonal movies, people are always saying "Hey, so-and-so? ... Thank you"? Well, in holiday movies, they sub in a teary, slow, emotionally-weighted "Hey, so-and-so?  
Merry Christmas."
 
Just a quick aside: you realize that if anyone other than Jude Law broke into the isolated hut you were staying alone in, that's a horror movie, right?
People getting places just in time to kiss someone/save someone from entering the wrong relationship/keep a date that whimsically shuns the use of modern confirmation technologies need to just stop. The last time anyone got anywhere on time during the holidays was at the turn of the twentieth century. Try scheduling your love-quests for a less hectic holiday. Arbor Day, perhaps.

 
Everyone wears cute hats but NOBODY EVER HAS HAT HAIR.
Though said hats seem to always be in play, no one's ever actually bundled to a realistic point. Cute always trumps cold. No one falls in love in a North Face.
 
But the slight inaccuracies of the outerwear are nothing compared to indoor outfits. It's slim-fitting cords, silky blouses and sexy sweaters as far as the eye can see. I don't know about you, but when I'm home for the holidays, it's 1999 Powder Puff team championship sweatpants 
and nothing else from minute ONE.
 
Colin Firth never shows up to save the day. Every year I wait. Every year he fails to show. It's frankly starting to get a little annoying.