Top 10 Comfort Movies in Time of Celebration

By Jennifer Loughman

This is what some Normo girls have said and based on studies, you may disagree. 

10 At the bottom of the sleigh ride, Noelle.

“If this is about Christmas spirit, I think I’ve got some of that.”

Santa’s daughter, Noelle Kringle (Anna Kendrick) has always been full of Christmas cheer, just not full of responsibility. But when her brother (Bill Hader) runs away before his first Christmas Eve as Santa, Noelle must save the season herself. With humor, heart, and reindeer antics, this Disney gem proves that anyone, even Santa’s sister, can lead with kindness and courage.

9 Next up, Family Switch

“It’s Christmas Eve, and we’re all just trying to survive each other!”

When a wish upon the stars goes hilariously wrong, the Walkers wake up in each other’s bodies right before Christmas. From teenage drama to parental chaos, this festive body-swap comedy serves up laughs, lessons, and a reminder that walking in someone else’s shoes, or sneakers, can bring a family closer together.

8 Sliding in at eighth place… The Christmas Chronicles

“Nobody’s perfect. That’s why pencils have erasers.”

Siblings Kate and Teddy Pierce accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve and find themselves racing against time to save Christmas. With Kurt Russell’s cool, rock’n’roll take on Santa Claus and a story full of adventure and redemption, this Netflix hit delivers fun, family bonding, and true Christmas spirit.

7 Then we’ve got… Gremlins

“Don’t expose them to bright light. Don’t get them wet. And never feed them after midnight.”

A young man receives an adorable pet called a Mogwai for Christmas, but when he breaks the rules, all chaos breaks loose. What starts as a heartwarming gift turns into a small-town monster invasion. Equal parts comedy, horror, and holiday charm, Gremlins is a delightfully weird Christmas classic with a mischievous twist.

6 Coming in at six… The Polar Express

“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.”

A sceptical young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, discovering the magic of belief along the way. With Tom Hanks voicing multiple characters and breathtaking visuals, The Polar Express captures the wonder of Christmas through the eyes of a child, and reminds us to keep believing, no matter how old we get.

5 Adding a touch of nostalgia… The Santa Clause     

“We’re your worst nightmare. Elves with attitude.”

When divorced dad Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally causes Santa to fall from his roof, he finds himself magically, and reluctantly, taking over the role. As he transforms (physically and emotionally) into the new Santa, Scott learns that family, faith, and a little bit of North Pole magic can make anyone believe again. A perfect blend of comedy and Christmas heart.

4 Falling in love (actually)… Love Actually

“If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky feeling you’ll find that love actually is all around.”

From London to the airport, Love Actually follows eight intertwining stories about love in all its forms, romantic, familial, and festive. With an all-star cast and a blend of humor and heartbreak, this modern classic reminds us that Christmas is less about presents and more about the people we hold dear.

3 Taking the bronze spot… Elf

“SANTA! OH MY GOD!”

Buddy is a human raised by elves in the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his father. Over the course of the film, he brings unabashed Christmas cheer, naïve wonder, and comedic absurdity to the big city. A modern favourite for its silly humour and uplifting message.

2 Stealing hearts (and Christmas)… How The Grinch Stole Christmas

“AHHH! The-the-the THE GRINCH!”

High above Whoville lives the Grinch, a grouchy green recluse determined to ruin Christmas for everyone below. But when he meets the kind-hearted Cindy Lou Who, his heart grows (literally and figuratively). Whether you love the 2018 animated version or Jim Carrey’s live-action chaos, The Grinch is a timeless story of redemption, joy, and the power of kindness.

1 And at the very top of the pyramid… Home Alone

“Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!”

One of the very famous festive comedies, Home Alone. Young Kevin McCallister accidentally gets left behind while his family flies to Paris for Christmas, and he must defend his house from bumbling burglars. This movie is filled with fun, chaotic, heartwarming moments and the joy of turning the underdog into the hero.