Christmas is the time of year when movie traditions come to life, with families gathering around their screens to enjoy festive favorites. While classics like Home Alone, Love Actually, and A Christmas Carol conjure the spirit of the season, the preferences of some notable figures can be surprising. Recently, it was revealed through various sources, including actor Brian Blessed, who portrayed Prince Vultan in the 1980s sci-fi adventure film Flash Gordon, about the late Queen Elizabeth II's unconventional holiday movie choice.
Contrary to what one might expect from the monarch, who could easily lean toward traditional holiday films, the Queen found joy each Christmas season watching the space opera. "The Queen, it’s her favourite film, she watches it with her grandchildren every Christmas," Blessed stated, ending speculation about the royal's cinematic palate. The Queen's choice may be startling, yet it certainly highlights the power of nostalgia and family traditions even within royal borders.
On the contrary, Prince William, her grandson, expressed his fondness for the beloved comedy Elf. During an interview on the Royal Marsden Hospital radio station, he declared, "I would have to say, probably Elf. It's very funny and I keep watching it every Christmas and it still makes me laugh." This aligns with the modern preference for comedic and feel-good entertainment during the holiday season.
The continued popularity of Christmas films propagates across the United States, with contrasting preferences surfacing among states. A recent study by the gaming platform GameTop analyzed online search data for holiday movie favorites through 2024 and unveiled the two most favored films: Elf and Home Alone. The report found outlandish results; Elf topped the rankings in 24 states, including Texas, where it was admired along with other classics.
For Texans, Home Alone came second, but what’s more intriguing is the emergence of Die Hard appearing on top-five lists alongside Edward Scissorhands and Gremlins. Popular discourse has increasingly embraced the notion of Die Hard as both a thrilling action film and festive movie, as the iconic line "Yippee ki-yay!" echoes among holiday conversations. So, does this film belong on the holiday list? For many, it has become traditional to include it, making this conversation ever-engaging as Christmas approaches.
The bond forged through cinema is strong, encapsulating universal themes of family, love, and holiday spirit. The delight stemming from these films is shared between generations, and it expresses itself through popular quotes. Classic lines resonate through holiday gatherings, with phrases like "Keep the change, ya filthy animal!" from Home Alone and "Oh Christmas isn't just a day. It's a frame of mind" from Miracle on 34th Street illustrating the sentiment of the season.
John Hughes’s classics and feel-good family movies dominate this festive lineup, yet there are films reflecting various perspectives on the holiday, creating emotional resonance with audiences. Love Actually showcases intertwining lives and love stories during the holidays, asserting the significance of togetherness. On the other end, films like Gremlins reveal darker undercurrents of holiday cheer, proving the broad spectrum of emotions conveyed by Christmas cinema.
Despite differences across regions and personal preferences, the biggest takeaway remains the enriching experience these movies provide during the holidays. Whether sitting down to share hearty laughs with beloved characters or immersing oneself passively as the season blooms, there's no denying the magic these stories impart.
The cultural impact of Christmas films stretches beyond enjoyment and nostalgia; they influence values and ideas surrounding familial bonds and societal connections, fostering heartwarming memories. The enduring reverence of movies like Elf continues to inspire productions, with newer adaptations and formats holding onto the spirit cultivated by initial classics.
This Christmas season brings together traditional and modern viewing selections, capturing the joy of connecting through shared stories, heartwarming moments, and laughter. The preferences of prominent figures such as the Queen and Prince William may reinforce personal tastes associated with familial traditions or signify broader society’s shifting desires for holiday films. The stage is set as people will gather once again, and this time with rich tradition interlaced with modernity showcasing what lies at the heart of Christmas cinema.
Indeed, the holiday season resonates deeply with audiences, creating bridges of joy through laughter, love, and timeless stories just waiting to be revisited annually.
