7 Best Christmas Movies to Watch in November Before December Arrives
Action With Christmas Spirit
Die Hard, directed by John McTiernan, follows New York City detective John McClane, played by Bruce Willis, during a Christmas Eve visit to Los Angeles. He faces a group of criminals led by Hans Gruber, played by Alan Rickman, after they take over an office building where McClane’s estranged wife Holly, played by Bonnie Bedelia, is among the hostages.
The 1988 thriller offers an early-season option for viewers who want action rather than traditional holiday sentiment. Its story also centers on McClane trying to reconcile with his wife and children, while its status as a Christmas movie remains an enduring debate.
Elf Brings Early Cheer
Jon Favreau’s comedy Elf follows Buddy Hobbes, played by Will Ferrell, a human raised by Santa’s elves after arriving at the North Pole as a toddler. Once he learns the truth about himself, Buddy travels to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs, played by James Caan.
The film’s playful humor and North Pole imagery suit the transition from autumn to winter, making it a choice for families before December plans fill up. Its appeal reaches children and adults, including viewers drawn to Ferrell’s physical comedy and the movie’s handmade, Rankin/Bass-inspired style.
A Bears-Themed Holiday Romance
Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story moves the Hallmark Channel’s football-themed Christmas romances to Chicago. Lyndsy Fonseca plays Avery Clark, a freelance reporter sent to profile lifelong Chicago Bears fan Darlene Donnelly, played by Marsha Mason, as she approaches her 500th game.
Avery knows little about football, so Darlene’s grandson Matt, a local firefighter played by Robert Buckley, introduces her to Bears Nation. The film draws on the team’s stadium traditions and the autumn-to-winter football season as Christmas approaches.
Key points
- Die Hard offers an action-focused early-season choice and fuels debate over its Christmas credentials.
- Elf blends comedy, family viewing and holiday magic for audiences of different ages.
- Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story brings a Chicago football romance to the lineup.