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Will Ferrell and Bob Newhart star in “Elf.” “Elf” is a Christmas movie made in 2003 and set in New York City. Photo permission from Alan Markfield/KRT/TNS.

[Review] ‘Elf,’ ‘The Grinch’ and ‘The Polar Express’ are the best holiday movies for the winter season

Kaylee Williams, Reporter • December 15, 2025

Excitement fills the air as the smell of warm baked cookies filters through the house from the oven. Families search for cozy holiday movies to watch together, hoping to find something enjoyable for both adults and children alike. Here are a few cozy, family-friendly holiday movies perfect for the winter season.

Elf

Made in 2003, “Elf” is a comedic Christmas movie set in New York City, starring popular actor Will Ferrell as the main character Buddy the elf.

The movie begins with Buddy, an average baby, crawling into Santa’s sack on Christmas Eve, being taken to the North Pole. Buddy then grows up with elves his whole life, believing that he is one of them. When he reaches the age of 30, he figures out the truth and wants to travel back to where he came from to find his family. Having been raised in a different way than other kids, though, Buddy acts strange.

Thankfully, he finds his biological father at his workplace and, even though they have a rough first encounter, they manage to build a good relationship by the end of the film.

“It was a ten out of ten for me,” freshman Juliana Zapata said. “‘Elf’ just gets me in the holiday spirit.”

The Polar Express

“The Polar Express” is a 2004 animated fantasy-adventure film set during Christmas time and directed by Robert Zemeckis. It was based on a children's book that goes by the same name. The events of “The Polar Express” occur on Christmas Eve, when a young boy takes a train to the North Pole.

This young boy had doubts about Santa’s existence and did not really believe that Christmas was real. He is surprised when a train appears outside his house, taking kids to the North Pole the night before Christmas. He then embarks on an adventure along with a few new companions in Santa’s headquarters. This adventure causes the boy to learn about the true spirit of Christmas.

“I remember watching this movie in school when it was Christmas time,” junior Ece Yildiz said. “It’s a really nice movie and it brings back so much nostalgia.”

The Grinch

Released in 2018, “The Grinch” is a popular animated film based on a book written by Dr. Seuss, called “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The titular character is voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch.

The movie is set in a small city named Whoville, where all the people, or Whos, are always ecstatic when Christmas rolls around, except for one person: the Grinch.

On Christmas Eve, a little girl named Cindy Lou Who has an encounter with the Grinch, who is perceived as a cold-blooded creature. The Grinch was planning on trying to “steal Christmas” by taking everyone's presents from them before they woke up on Christmas Day. After he meets Cindy Lou Who, however, his plans are interrupted and he falls victim to her kindness after she catches him stealing.

“It was so good, it’s probably one of my favorite Christmas movies ever,” freshman Erielle Kogan said. “I would recommend it if you’re looking for a good Christmas movie to watch with your family.”

Before the holidays roll around, families will be able to get in the spirit by watching these three films. After all, sitting down with family and friends, drinking a cup of hot chocolate and watching a universally enjoyable movie is nothing if not a trademark of the holiday season.

About the Contributor

Kaylee Williams, Reporter

Kaylee Williams is a freshman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She enjoys drawing and swimming during her free time.

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