11 holiday classics for the ultimate movie marathon

The Holidays are usually jammed packed with things to do and people to see. That’s why planning a movie marathon night can be a family tradition everyone will appreciate. The tricky part can be navigating the television schedule and having access to a variety of channels.

You can solve both of these problems by using CenturyLink’s Prism TV, which offers Whole Home DVR and Prism on the Go.

Here’s a list of movies to help you plan the perfect holiday movie marathon:

The Muppet Christmas Carol

This movie gives a child-like spin on perhaps one of the most well-known Christmas stories, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and the Muppet Crew offer appeal to viewers of all ages. Sit back and relax as you watch Scrooge learn his lesson and Tiny Tim get what he’s always dreamed of for Christmas.

Miracle on 34th Street

Originally airing in 1947, this Christmas comedy-drama has stood the test of time. In 2005, the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Whether you watch the classic version or a more modern remake, all are accessible through major broadcast networks on CenturyLink’s Prism TV.

It’s a Wonderful Life

“It’s a Wonderful Life” is one of the most acclaimed films ever made, praised particularly for its writing. It was nominated for five Academy Awards and has been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 best American films ever made. The film has been remade and adapted many times, but die-hard fans still watch the original black and white version with joy.

White Christmas

Romance lovers swoon over Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney in this 1954 American musical romantic comedy directed by Michael Curtiz. Even if there’s no snow on Christmas Day, it’s a great way to unwind from holiday stress by enjoying this classic movie with the whole family.

Home Alone and Home Alone 2

You can watch all the Home Alone movies, or just stick with the Macaulay Culkin ones. The first two will provide a somewhat connected storyline to follow as Kevin McCallister gets his final revenge on Marv and Harry while his parents are out of town for a family vacation.

Elf

When it comes to funny holiday movies, there’s little that can beat the undying holiday cheer of Buddy the Elf. The hilarious cast made up of Will Ferrell, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Zooey Deschanel and many others make it easy to see why this film was nominated for over nine awards including the 2004 Teen Choice Award, Kids Choice Award and MTV’s Movie Award.

The Santa Clause

The first of three films started in 1994 with The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen. Fans demanded more and got The Santa Clause 2 in 2002 and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause in 2006. Tim Allen plays a divorced advertising executive who seems to have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas and life. He quickly gets a wake-up call when he accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall from his roof on Christmas Eve and learns he must become the new Santa and convince those he loves that he is indeed Father Christmas.

Remind yourself of what the holidays are really about with this movie and keep yourself from getting too wrapped up in the holiday frenzy.

Frosty the Snowman

This holiday classic first aired on Dec. 7, 1969 and still remains a popular hit with kids of all ages. Iconic voices of comedians Jimmy Durante and Jackie Vernon make the characters really come to life as Frosty learns to sing and dance along the way. In fact, Frosty was such a hit, he appeared in several sequels such as Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July, Frosty Returns, and The Legend of Frosty the Snowman.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Originally published as a children’s story in 1957 by Dr. Seuss, the 2000 live action-feature film starring Jim Carrey has become a holiday favorite with kids and adults alike. If only to have “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” playing in your home this holiday season, give this one a watch. You’ll be thrown back to days of childhood wonder and nostalgia.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This Christmas classic, based on the 1939 poem “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” first aired in 1964 and remains the longest running Christmas TV special in history. Die-hard fans know it’s just not Christmas without watching Rudolph and his shiny nose.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

This animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz made its debut in 1965. In the special, Charlie Brown finds himself depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season.  The story touches on the over-commercialization of Christmas and reminds us of the true meaning of the season.

After all is said and done, the holiday season is about doing the best you can with what you’ve got and enjoying life’s simple joys.

So, whether you plan a night in or have the movies qued up for a road trip with Prism on the Go, this collection of heartwarming holiday films will help you reconnect and relax during this special time of year.

Find the list of Holiday movie classics and when to watch at SeePrismTv.com