Every Christmas is filled with an atmosphere of miracles and magic, and the movies that accompany the holidays only enhance this effect. Among them are true classics that have not lost their relevance over the years. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Home Alone, and Christmas Vacation - these films have become symbols of Christmas, bringing a festive mood to generations of viewers.
UNN "interviewed" several neural networks, including ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama 3, and Claude, to compile a Christmas list of movies that will immerse you in the holiday atmosphere.
What to see:
"Home Alone" (Home Alone) is a classic of Christmas cinema, which was released in 1990. The film tells the story of 8-year-old Kevin, who is accidentally forgotten by his parents when they go to France for Christmas. While his family is enjoying the holidays, Kevin is forced to defend the house alone from two robbers, setting up various traps. This film impresses with its simplicity, humor and warmth, which makes it a must-see during the holidays.
"A Christmas Story" (A Christmas Story, 1983) is an ideal choice for those who want to laugh and feel the atmosphere of Christmas through the prism of children's dreams. The main character, Ralphie, tries to convince everyone that a gift in the form of a Red Ryder gun is exactly what he needs. However, all the adults around him convince him that it is dangerous. This comedy conquers with its ease and funny situations. If you want to relax and plunge into the festive mood, this movie is just what you need.
Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 film that tells the story of a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus. After he is hired to work as Santa in a department store on 34th Street in New York City, his claims become the basis for a lawsuit that calls into question the very existence of Santa. This is a touching tale of faith in miracles that tells not only about Christmas, but also about the importance of believing in the kindness and magic of the holidays, despite the doubts of others.
The Polar Express is an animated film released in 2004 that tells the story of a boy named Stephen who lives in a modern world where almost no one believes in Santa Claus. The boy manages to go on a magical journey to the North Pole on the Polar Express train. The main message of the movie is "you won't see a miracle if you don't believe in it".
Elf (2003) is one of the most famous Christmas comedies. The main character, Buddy, was raised among elves at the North Pole. When he finds out that he is actually a human, he travels to New York to find his biological father. Buddy's ridiculous situations and naivety create a contrast with the real world, and his good-heartedness helps to reveal the holiday spirit even among the gray city everyday life.
A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) is a colorful adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic novel A Christmas Carol featuring the popular Muppets. The film opens with one of the most famous Christmas stories about a stingy old man Scrooge, who receives visits from three ghosts on Christmas Eve, who help him change his life. The Muppets add a lot of humor and lightness, giving the movie a fun and fairy-tale look, but important moral lessons remain at the center of the story.
"The Addams Family Christmas: A Christmas Story" (The Addams Family Christmas, 1965) - in this film, The Addams Family celebrates Christmas in their own way. They live in their own unique, dark and unusual world, and holiday traditions for them are a completely different reality, where there is a place not only for laughter, but also for black humor and atypical approaches to holidays. This is the perfect choice for those who want to look at Christmas from an unusual angle.
"Child of Christmas" (The Family Stone, 2005) is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a family coming together to celebrate Christmas. During this celebration, one of the family members brings his girlfriend, and conflicts begin to develop between them and other family members. The film explores complex family relationships, love and acceptance, which gives it a touching and dramatic touch, even against the backdrop of a festive mood.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) is part of a series of comedies about family disasters. The protagonist, Clark Griswold, tries to organize the perfect Christmas for his family, but everything goes wrong. Despite his failures, he continues to fight for his holiday ideal. The movie is full of humor and physical comic situations, making it perfect for those who like funny, sometimes absurd, but very exciting moments.
"Christmas miracles" (Jingle All the way, 1996) - this film revolves around a father trying to find a popular toy for his son at Christmas. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Against the background of the festive rush, he will face many obstacles. The film actually makes fun of Christmas shopping, showing how people sometimes forget about the true meaning of the holidays, trying to get everything they can.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018) is a modern Christmas adventure in which two children help Santa save Christmas after they accidentally fall on his sleigh. Filled with incredible stunts and comedy, the film also offers an interesting interpretation of holiday magic and shows that Christmas is about family and faith, not just gifts.
"Another Cinderella Story" (A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish, 2019) is a new version of the old fairy tale about Cinderella, but with modern elements. The main character, played by Sofia Carson, wants to fulfill her dream of performing at a Christmas concert. There are songs, dances, and even a fairy-tale prince who helps the heroine achieve her goals. The movie adds a new note to the traditional story, making it relevant to young people.
"The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, 2005) is a fantasy film based on the book by C. S. Lewis, where a group of children find themselves in the mysterious world of Narnia, where winter lasts forever. Their goal is to help the lion Aslan drive out the witch and bring back spring. Although this movie is not traditionally a Christmas movie, it is still filled with magic and miracles, and its winter atmosphere and the struggle between good and evil make it perfect for holiday viewing.
The Moominvalley and Christmas (Moominvalley in November, 1980) is a cozy animated film about how the Moomins celebrate Christmas. Based on the books by Tove Janson, the cartoon highlights the importance of family values, friendship and mutual support. The movie reminds us how important it is to appreciate those around us.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) is a film by Tim Burton based on the famous Roald Dahl fairy tale about a boy named Charlie who wins a contest and gets to work at an unusual chocolate factory. Here he and his companions learn about the fascinating world of magic and miracles. Despite the "scary" moments, this movie is filled with a festive mood and wonderful lessons about family and loyalty to oneself.
"It's a Wonderful Life " (1946) is a classic of American cinema in which George Bailey, a simple man working in a bank, is on the verge of suicide on Christmas Day. However, thanks to an angel who shows him what the world would look like without him, George understands his significance. The film combines the magic of Christmas with a deep meaning about how important it is to live and help others.
A Christmas Carol (1951) is one of the many adaptations of A Christmas Carol that remains the most recognizable because of the touching story of Scrooge, the old miser. The film emphasizes the importance of kindness and mercy, reminding us that even the saddest people can change.
"Santa Claus" (1994) - the film tells the story of an ordinary man who accidentally kills Santa and is forced to replace him. After he gains strange powers and gains weight, the hero realizes that his new purpose is to bring joy to people during the holidays.
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1966) is a classic animation adaptation of the popular Dr. Seuss book that tells the story of the Grinch, a grumpy creature who tries to ruin Christmas in a small town. Despite his evil intentions, the Grinch eventually realizes the true spirit of the holiday and becomes part of the community. This cartoon has become a symbol of Christmas thanks to its charming moral tale.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) is a classic Christmas story. Charlie Brown struggles to find the true meaning of Christmas as his friends become increasingly obsessed with the material aspects of the holiday. His quest and touching desire to make the holiday real make this film especially important for those who seek to appreciate the spiritual side of Christmas.
"Arthur Christmas" (2011) is an animated film that tells the story of Santa's son Arthur, who clumsily tries to save Christmas. After he accidentally leaves one child without a present, Arthur embarks on an adventure to deliver the gift and prevent the holidays from being ruined. The movie is ideal for family viewing.
"The Last Christmas" (2019) - this romantic comedy starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding tells the story of a woman who loses faith in Christmas, but changes her life after meeting a mysterious stranger. The film combines romance and festive mood, teaches you to believe in miracles and find new opportunities for happiness.
The Advent Calendar (2018) is an original romantic comedy from Netflix, where the main character is a photographer who has received an old Advent calendar that seems to have the magical ability to predict her future. The movie is full of festive atmosphere and warm moments that help the characters find love and realize their dreams.
Love Actually (2003) is one of the most popular romantic comedies, which intertwines several love stories against the backdrop of Christmas. Its characters have different relationships, but they all change due to the festive mood. A huge number of actors and a sensual plot make this movie a great option for those who want to watch something light but with meaning.
Klaus (2019) is a touching animated film about Jesper the postman who meets Klaus, a master toy maker, in the remote town of Smirensburg. Together, they accidentally start a tradition of giving gifts, changing the lives of the townspeople and creating the legend of Santa Claus.
Whether it's a classic comedy or an animated fairy tale, each film offers something special. So choose your favorite, find some comfortable company, and enjoy a festive viewing!