I realize that I'm about to say something that may make a lot of people mad, but here it goes... I'm not a fan of Elf . Sure, it's cheerful and Will Ferrell can be funny (in small doses), but it's become so overplayed. Compared to other Christmas movies, it probably ranks as my least favorite. I know I sound like such a scrooge, but I just don't think it's that funny. Before you stop reading, bear with me! Even if you're the biggest Elf fan in the world, chances are you can only watch it so many times before you get sick of it. Same goes for A Christmas Story (which for the record, I actually enjoy).
Instead of falling into the habit of re-watching the same holiday classics again and again, I've decided to round up a list of alternatives. If you don't want to completely replace your beloved story of Buddy the Elf, think of these as added bonus movies to watch in-between. To enhance the experience, make a mug of hot chocolate (or one of these spiked winter beverages) and curl up on the couch with some delicious Christmas cookies.
Trust me, you'll want to add these festive flicks to your next holiday movie marathon!
How The Grinch Stole Christmas
This is what I call a Christmas movie. When I was younger, I loved the cartoon version. But when the one with Jim Carrey came out, I enjoyed it just as much. Plus, it stars little Jenny Humphrey (or Taylor Momsen, to all you non-Gossip Girl fans).
Stream How The Grinch Stole Christmas here.
Holiday in Handcuffs
If you haven't seen this ABC Family movie, watch it ASAP. I'm not sure why I love it so much, but my sisters and I watch it every December. Here's the premise: Melissa Joan Hart's character kidnaps Mario Lopez and pretends he's her boyfriend. You can find it on Netflix!
Stream Holiday in Handcuffs here.
Christmas With the Kranks
Admittedly, I didn't expect to like this one as much as I did, but it's actually pretty great! It's heart-warming too.
Stream Christmas With the Kranks here.
To Grandmother's House We Go
Relive your childhood with this Mary-Kate and Ashley classic! It may not be laugh-out-loud funny, but you'll probably chuckle at quips from the Olsens. If you're a true MK+A fan, you probably still have it on VHS. If not, you can find the full movie on YouTube.
Stream To Grandmother's House We Go here.
Bad Santa
Any movie that features Lauren Graham has to be good, right? Oh, and you get to see Billy Bob Thorton play a thief posing as a mall Santa Claus. Hilarity ensues.
Home Alone
Sure, we've all seen this one too many times to count. But when was the last time you watched it? Chances are it's been way too long.
Ted
Does this count as a holiday movie? It's iffy, but Mark Wahlberg's character gets the giant teddy bear as a Christmas gift when he's a kid. For that reason, I'll allow it, especially since it's so funny.
Images: Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers
