SAN ANTONIO — Though the weather is finally cooling down enough that many are looking to enjoy the South Texas outdoors, this holiday week means many families will also be reuniting and looking for something to watch together (or else to play for the kids while the Cowboys are on).
The multiplex is offering many options this week, including "Wicked," "Gladiator II" and "Moana 2." But for those looking to watch something at home, we rounded up some of our staff members' go-to holiday movies.
Read on for our picks as well as where to stream them. Most are also available to rent on digital platforms.
Jeremy Baker, meteorologist/multimedia journalist
I would have to pick the ultra cheesy “Falling For Christmas,” starring Lindsay Lohan and Chord Overstreet. I’ve seen it at least five times already this season, and want to visit the lodge in the movie, and fancy hotel. If it is real.
Stream it on Netflix.
Zack Briggs, multiskilled journalist
"The Apartment" because it's rich with a range of emotions felt by many during the holidays.
Stream it on Amazon Prime and Freevee.
Andrea Carden, digital content producer/social media specialist
“It’s a Wonderful Life." Have watched it every year since I was a small child back in the 1960s. I love the message of the movie, that one person’s life touches so many other lives in ways you can’t begin to imagine. "No man is a failure who has friends," said angel Clarence to George Bailey at the end. That shot at the end of the movie showing the inscription on the book Tom Sawyer gives me goosebumps and tears in my eyes every time.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Jon Coker, audience engagement specialist
My top three, in this order, are "The Grinch," "Jingle All the Way," and "Home Alone 2."
Rent "The Grinch" on VOD. Stream "Jingle all the Way" on Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Hulu. Stream "Home Alone 2" on Disney+.
Sarah Forgany, anchor
I love "Home Alone." I grew up watching it and remember crushing on Macaulay Culkin. I already have it on my list to watch it with my daughter this year. I also love "Jingle All the Way." It’s just funny and the struggle to find the right toy is real!
Stream "Home Alone" on Disney+ and "Jingle All the Way" on Amazon Prime, Disney+ and Hulu.
Gilbert Gomez, producer
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles."
Stream it on Paramount+.
Richard Gutierrez Jr., chief editor
"Die Hard."
Stream it on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Peacock and AMC+.
Meredith Haas, multimedia journalist
"It's a Wonderful Life."
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Mike Humphries, chief photographer
It’s not original, but "It’s a Wonderful Life" is the only Christmas movie I ever watch.
I like it for the story (I nearly always get a little weepy at the end) but I also like it for the story of the film itself. Despite having a major star as the lead and a proven director at the helm, it was a flop at the box office and didn’t recoup its production costs. Decades after its release, though, it’s become a beloved motion picture.
Watching it each year also reminds me of how far I’ve come in my career. The first year I worked in television, I was the only employee who worked on overnight on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. My boss, who was going out of town to visit family, let me stay at his house because I didn’t actually live in the city where I worked, but commuted an hour each way and he didn’t want me to have to sleep on a couch at the office.
Because "It’s a Wonderful Life" had entered the public domain years before, it seemed that every single cable channel showed the movie, all night long on Christmas Eve and all day long on Christmas Day. I’m not sure that I’d even heard of the film before 1988, but spending Christmas completely alone that year, I became well-acquainted with it by Boxing Day.
And I still say George Bailey’s brother, Harry, is a self-centered jerk.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Mike Jimenez, multimedia journalist
I love "The Grinch" with Jim Carrey. For one, I love the Grinch’s character. We share a lot of the same characteristics, including living in solitude with my dogs. I also love the movie because my dad loves it, and loves to quote the movie. I enjoy watching it with him around the holidays.
Rent it on VOD.
Jeffery Johnsey, photojournalist
"A Christmas Carol." As a child, I couldn’t understand why Scrooge was so mean. Then I grew older and realized it was a choice. It never grows old, every time he changes.
Stream it on Hulu.
Jill Manuel, director
"The Santa Clause" (the original!).
It was probably one of the first true feel-good movies I remember watching as a kid and it still makes my inner child happy. It feels timeless, even though it's now 30 years old. I think my favorite part in the entire movie (spoiler alert!) is when the adults receive the gifts they never received as children.
And it always makes me want hot cocoa.
Stream it on Disney+.
Mingo Marques, marketing producer
"Last Holiday." It’s a wonderful holiday movie staring Queen Latifah. It’s a story about determination, love and strength. It’s also a great reminder to live life now and to not wait to do what you want until it’s too late.
Stream it on Amazon Prime, Paramount+ and AMC+.
Kat Moore, editor
"Die Hard 2" because Christmas, a little violence and airplanes go a long way for me. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" because it is Chicago and the low-key jokes keep me in stiches.
Stream "Die Hard 2" on Hulu and AMC+. Stream "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on Hulu and Max.
Alicia Neaves, anchor/multimedia journalist
"The Holiday" is my favorite because of the epic cast and fun storyline. It serves as a fantasy of sorts for me: either living it up in an LA mansion or “tranquil English cottage just minutes by train to exciting London.”
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Darcy Ramirez, digital multimedia journalist
"Violent Night" (2022). I went to see this movie in theaters with my boyfriend two years ago during Christmastime. It was just supposed to be something simple to watch where I could turn off my brain and pass the time, but I actually really enjoyed this film. It's full of gore, action and comedy, and by no means is it an Oscar-worthy movie but it does a great job of keeping me entertained and adding a new Christmas movie to my list of holiday traditions.
And, Santa Claus may be beating up the bad guys in this movie, but don't fret: You'll still see some reindeer, presents and candy canes (possibly used as weapons, but still).
Stream it on Starz.
Jakob Rodriguez, producer
"Goodfellas." Most pivotal part of the film happens around Christmastime. I wrap gifts to it every year.
Stream it on Max and Paramount+.
Isis Romero, anchor
My favorite holiday movie is the original 1966 version of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" I never saw snow as a child growing up in South Texas, so I loved watching the whimsical settings and snowy scenes. I have such fond memories of watching this with my siblings every Christmas season!
Stream it on Peacock.
Lorena Rodriguez-Rivera, Great Day SA producer
"The Family Stone" and "Elf."
Stream "The Family Stone" on Amazon Prime, Hulu and Peacock. Stream "Elf" on Hulu and Max.
Megan Reyna, multimedia journalist
"The Holiday," because it's a true rom-com and I love Jack Black.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Hannah Tiede, multimedia journalist
"Home Alone" 1 and 2 are my absolute favorite Christmas movies. We've already watched both again this year. There's something so nostalgic about them, and I used to watch "Home Alone" with my family growing up. It's a Christmas tradition.
This is probably a less-popular Christmas movie option that my husband Brett got me into, we love watching the "Harry Potter" movies (especially "The Sorcerer's Stone") leading up to Christmas. This is a very recent tradition I have included because of him. But you could argue there's something warm and comforting about the first few HP movies, and several have Christmas scenes.
Stream the "Home Alone" movies on Disney+ and the "Harry Potter" series on Max and Peacock.
Roxy Van Ruiten, meteorologist
“Last Holiday” with Queen Latifah!
Stream it on Amazon Prime, Paramount+ and AMC+.
Vinnie Vinzetta, sports multimedia journalist/anchor
"A Christmas Carol" starring George C Scott. It’s just perfect! The message is beautiful! It’s the best movie version of Charles Dickens' classic novel, in my opinion. It’s very well acted for a 1980s made-for-television movie. Your heart will be full with Christmas joy by the end!
Stream it on Hulu.
Sean Walraven, technical director
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." We always make jokes about being like Cousin Eddie in his trailer or the lights at the peak of the movie blinding people. Especially as my brother started a popular lighting show back home.
"Scrooged." A personal favorite of mine due to the pure 80s and funny version of "A Christmas Carol" it tells.
"The Muppet Christmas Carol." Love the Muppets and love this movie. I think I watch it every holiday or every other holiday because it is my favorite telling of "A Christmas Carol."
"Home Alone." A classic, I even rewatch it after many years and still loved it.
Stream "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" on Hulu and Max. Stream "Scrooged" on Amazon Prime and Paramount+. Stream "The Muppet Christmas Carol" on Disney+. Stream "Home Alone" on Disney+.
Luke Whitney, digital content producer
Mine is "Elf!" It's my favorite because it's the main movie my family would get together and watch every year growing up. (P.S. Might've had a crush on Zooey Deschanel as a kid lol.)
Stream it on Hulu and Max.
April Young, senior producer
"It's a Wonderful Life!" It will change your life, you'll love it forever.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
Molly Zuber, executive producer
"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation."
Stream it on Hulu and Max.
