By: Virginia Riddle  

The holiday season inevitably comes with a long and well-deserved break for Thiel students. It’s about that time of year when we’re all ready to hunker down and get into the seasonal spirit with a warm blanket, some snacks, and, of course, a great movie. Luckily, the Thielensian has prepped some choice movie picks for you are yours this holiday season. 

5. Die Hard 

Who says Die Hard is not a Christmas movie? Just because it’s a bloody, action packed, and full of violence, doesn’t mean it can’t also be full of holiday spirit. This movie features an NYPD officer whose life goes South when he encounters a group of German terrorists at an annual Christmas party. Join Bruce Willis as he works to save Christmas and his marriage.  

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Full of heartwarming characters who are both whimsical and creepy, this movie gives a whole new meaning to Christmas. It features Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, as he attempts to discover holiday cheer. That is, he quite literally discovers Christmas Town, and attempts to bring the traditions back to his terrifying home. The confusion that ensues is fun for the whole family! 

3. Scrooged  

Scrooged tells the classic story of A Christmas Carol and rewraps it in a funny, modern-day package. Bill Murray plays a selfish television executive and just as the classic story goes, is haunted by three spirits. Will these spirits change his mind and his heart?  

2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer  

If you are looking for a heartwarming Christmas classic, look no further! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved film, for its cute style, family friendly tone, and hilarious characters. This movie shows the adventure of Rudolph, a reindeer born with a glowing red nose. He is forced by his parents to hide who he is for much of his life, and eventually journeys to find friends who will accept him just the way he is.  

1. Mixed Nuts 

If you’re looking for a Christmas movie with murder, friendship, and an array of extremely eccentric characters, look no further! Mixed Nuts is certainly as strange as it sounds, as it follows the Christmas events of a group of friends who run a crisis hotline and close to getting evicted from their office. All the while, a serial strangler is on the loose. The main character, played by Steve Martin, simply does his best to juggle it all.  

So, now that you’ve heard these recommendations, what will you binge watch this holiday season?