The holidays are a time for warm-fuzzy feelings, both the literal kind caused by wearing festive knit sweaters and sitting by the fireplace, and the figurative kind caused by the phenomenon known as "Christmas spirit." There's just something about the holiday season that makes the world feel a little sweeter than usual, and people embrace this by baking cookies, singing carols, making snow angels, and all sorts of other magical activities. For a millennial, one very necessary activity is watching (and rewatching) the most heartwarming '90s Christmas movies out there.
As for why, it's simple: for starters, nothing conjures up the feeling of Christmas magic quite like watching the same things that you used to watch back when you fully believed in Santa Claus and had no understanding of the cost of Christmas presents. Besides, these movies are just awesome. There's no CGI, no dubstep in the scores, and no use of phrases like "on fleek" or "I can't even." Instead, what you get is simple animation, genuine acting, and a hearty chuckle at some of the '90s fashions. So grab a cup of cocoa and curl up in front of one of these sweet '90s Christmas movies, ranked here from most heartwarming to least.
1. Home Alone
It feels weird to use the term "classic" to describe a movie that was made the year I was born, but this gem is close to the heart of any '90s kid. Macaulay Culkin reminds us all that the most important part of Christmas is spending it with the people you love.
2. The Wish That Changed Christmas
This made-for-TV special about a little orphan who just wants a family and a Christmas doll is sweeter than a snickerdoodle.
3. A Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppets have perfected the formula of taking any story and making it 24829 times more heartwarming through the use of puppets. Not to mention, this movie's sly humor makes it just as funny to watch as an adult.
4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
This is the rare sequel that's as funny and heartwarming as the first. Also, Kevin's room service order at the Plaza is the stuff of Christmas sugar-coma dreams.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Only Tim Burton could create a movie that features an unsettling mash-up between Halloween and Christmas, yet still manages to be totally charming and has a happy ending.
6. Annabelle's Wish
Annabelle is a little cow who wants become a reindeer and fly with Santa's sleigh. I sobbed hysterically every time I watched this movie as a seven-year-old, and I don't want to try to watch it again for fear of the same outcome.
7. Jack Frost
Nothing says "heartwarming Christmas film" quite like a parent dying and then coming back to life as snowman, right? No?
Even when it's cold outside, '90s Christmas movies are guaranteed to make you feel all warm inside. So no matter what the weather is out your window, you can have a cozy Christmas curled up in front of the same movies that you loved as a kid.
Image: 20th Century Fox
