Take your holiday classics to the Max this year with a collection of iconic Christmas movies on the streaming service. These films, cherished by audiences worldwide, encapsulate the spirit of the season, each leaving a unique imprint on the holiday genre. From animated adventures to heartwarming comedies, these classics streaming on Max offer something for everyone during the holiday season.
A Christmas Story
It’s one of the season’s most cherished classics and anyone who’s ever watched it knows why. “A Christmas Story” takes viewers to a beloved setting of a 1940s American Christmas through Ralphie Parker’s eyes. The film revolves around Ralphie’s singular holiday wish – to receive a Red Ryder BB gun as a Christmas gift. Amidst his earnest efforts, the movie humorously navigates through various family antics and seasonal escapades, offering a relatable and charming portrayal of a family Christmas. From Ovaltine to Santa visits, this treasured classic hits all the nostalgic high notes.
The film has become a cultural phenomenon, particularly noted for its annual marathon on television during the Christmas season. Its appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal experiences of childhood anticipation and family dynamics during the holidays. Praised for its humor and authenticity, “A Christmas Story” has become a staple in holiday movie line-ups, symbolizing the timeless charm and nostalgia of the Christmas season.
Arthur Christmas
A newer entry into the classic collection, “Arthur Christmas” reimagines the Santa Claus tale with a delightful and modern twist. The story follows Santa’s less famous but big-hearted son, Arthur, who embarks on an urgent mission to deliver a forgotten present. The film creatively explores the logistics of Santa’s operations, blending traditional holiday elements with innovative storytelling.
Critically praised for its originality and humor, “Arthur Christmas” stands out for its unique portrayal of a well-known legend. The film’s cultural significance extends beyond its animation, offering a heartwarming narrative that appeals to both children and adults. It’s celebrated for reinvigorating the Santa Claus mythos with freshness and wit, making it a contemporary classic in holiday cinema.
Elf
You’d be hard-pressed to find a grinch who doesn’t like “Elf”. This instant classic is a delightful tale of Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who ventures to New York City in search of his biological father. The story combines Buddy’s naive charm and childlike wonder with the cynicism of the city, creating a humorous and heartwarming fish-out-of-water narrative that explores themes of identity, family, and belonging.
Will Ferrell’s performance as Buddy has been widely praised, and the film has become a holiday favorite, known for its perfect blend of comedy and sentimentality. “Elf” has gained recognition for its joyful spirit and has become a staple of holiday movie marathons. Its critical success and popular appeal have solidified its status as a modern Christmas classic, cherished for its uplifting message and festive cheer.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Standing out among other entries in the National Lampoon catalog isn’t easy, but “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” quickly hopped to the top of the list upon release. This quotable classic offers a humorous take on the family holiday experience. The film follows the misadventures of Clark Griswold as he strives to create the perfect Christmas for his family, leading to a series of comical and relatable disasters. It’s a story that captures the often chaotic but heartwarming nature of family gatherings during the holidays.
The film’s enduring popularity stems from its humorous yet authentic portrayal of the holiday season. Critics have lauded it for its witty and relatable depiction of family dynamics during the most wonderful (and stressful) time of the year. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has carved out its niche as a Christmas comedy classic, resonating with viewers who see their own holiday experiences reflected in the Griswold family’s hilarious misadventures.
The Polar Express
“The Polar Express” is an animated adventure that takes viewers on a magical journey to the North Pole aboard a mystical train. The story, centered around a doubting young boy, elegantly weaves a tale of belief, wonder, and the spirit of Christmas. The film’s stunning animation and heartwarming narrative bring to life a beloved children’s book, creating an immersive and enchanting experience.
Critically acclaimed for its innovative animation and storytelling, “The Polar Express” has become a significant part of modern Christmas culture. It’s celebrated for its ability to instill a sense of awe and magic synonymous with the holiday season. The film has not only been a commercial success but also a cultural milestone, inspiring viewers to rekindle their sense of childhood wonder and belief in the magic of Christmas.
About Max
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The “With Ads” plan is priced at $9.99 per month or an annual fee of $99.99, offering a 16% savings on the yearly subscription. The “Ad-Free” option costs $15.99 monthly or $149.99 for the year, saving subscribers over 20% on annual billing. For those seeking the most comprehensive experience, the “Ultimate Ad-Free” plan is available at $19.99 per month or $199.99 yearly, providing a savings of over 16%. It’s important to note that these prices do not include applicable taxes.
All Max plans offer the same extensive content library and are compatible with all supported devices, but they differ in certain features. The “With Ads” plan allows streaming on two devices simultaneously and offers Full HD 1080p quality. The “Ad-Free” plan also permits streaming on two devices, with the added benefits of Full HD 1080p and the ability to download 30 titles for on-the-go viewing. The “Ultimate Ad-Free” plan elevates the viewing experience further by allowing streaming on four devices at once, offering 4K UHD quality with Dolby Atmos on select titles, and providing 100 downloadable titles for offline viewing.