Nostalgic Christmas films
Step into the enchanting world of Christmas with a lineup of films that evoke warm memories and holiday cheer.
From Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy to How the Grinch Stole Christmas, here are 7 nostalgic Christmas films to binge-watch that promise to transport you to a festive wonderland.
1. Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy (2013)
Video credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema via YouTube
If you like comedies and family-focused films, Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy is a film starring the one and only Vice Ganda, who portrayed four different characters, alongside actors such as Maricel Soriano, Joey Marquez, and Ruffa Gutierrez.
The film was also an entry in the 39th Metro Manila Film Festival and won the 2nd Best Picture and Gender Sensitivity awards.
Plot: After years of separation, quadruplets Girlie (girl/babae), Peter (boy/lalaki), Mark (bakla/gay), and Panying (tomboy/lesbian) reunite when Peter became in need of a compatible liver donor, in which case Mark is the compatible one out of the four. Meanwhile, the quadruplets’ parents, Pete and Pia, are being torn from getting back together by Pete’s current fiancée Marie, who’s adamant in getting them officially separated.
Genre/s: LGBT, comedy, parody
Watch it here.
2. Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To (2010)
Video credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema via YouTube
Part of the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival, Ang Tanging Ina Mo, Last Na ‘To is part of a dramedy film series that tells the story about a single mother raising her 12 children – emphasizing a mother’s unconditional love for her kids no matter what comes their way.
The film was able to win a number of awards, including Best Picture and Best Festival Screenplay.
Plot: After signing off as president of the country, Ina Montecillo, mother of 12, gets put back into the limelight when she released her memoir about going back to a simple life with her children. While she deals with the challenges that each of her children are facing, she’ll now have to deal with a challenge of her own – being diagnosed with cancer.
Genre/s: sequel, comedy, drama
Watch it here.
3. The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin (2014)
Video credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema via YouTube
The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin is another comedy film starring Vice Ganda, along with actors Richard Yap, Alex Gonzaga, and more.
Aside from being part of the 40th Metro Manila Film Festival, this film is also where you’ll witness Richard Yap bust some moves and the appearance of James “Bimby” Aquino Yap Jr., son of TV personality Kris Aquino.
Plot: Following the recognition that Praybeyt Benjamin “Benjie” Santos VIII gained in the last film (The Unkabogable Praybeyt Benjamin), this film starts off with a parody of Plants vs. Zombies where Benjamin and his troop defeat zombies on a mission in Paris, which moved his ranking to Colonel.
Back in the Philippines, he’s now assigned under General Wilson Chua, who’ll oversee his training. After a slip up on a mission involving terrorists, Benjamin is dismissed from service and is now tasked to look after the General’s son, Bimby.
Genre/s: action, comedy, parody, LGBT-related
Watch it here.
4. Puso ng Pasko (1998)
Video credit: ABS-CBN Star Cinema via YouTube
Puso ng Pasko is a blast from the past kind of a film. Starring Jolina Magdangal, the dramedy film is part of the 24th Metro Manila Film Festival, released on Christmas Day.
So if you like fantasy films with family-oriented themes, this is a film worth bingeing.
Plot: Revolving around the Carpio family, they were graced with the presence of Merry, a Christmas ball that came to life, who grants the family’s wishes, some of which, backfired. This is all happening while the family struggles to find permanent living arrangements.
Genre/s: comedy, drama, fantasy
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5. Home Alone series (from 1990)
Image credit: 20th Century Studios Family
The Home Alone series, especially the first two films, are some of the most watched films during Christmas season. Not only are they funny, but the films also convey the great performance of actor Macaulay Culkin, who’s famous for playing Kevin McCallister. They’re full of charm, comedy, and a hint of innocence that plays out quite well throughout the films.
Plot: Each film tells the adventure of children, who are left alone in their homes, protecting their home and themselves from thieves in the most creative ways.
Genre/s: adventure, comedy, action, crime, drama
Watch Home Alone & Home Alone 2Â on Disney+.
6. Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009)
Image credit: IMDb
If you’re into animated films, then you’d like Disney’s A Christmas Carol. It follows the journey of a grumpy man, voiced by actor Jim Carrey, who dislikes the concept of Christmas, but then changes his outlook over the course of being visited by three symbolic ghosts on Christmas Eve.
Plot: The film is about a man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who lives alone and despises celebrating Christmas. Three ghosts – Ghost of Christmas Past, Ghost of Christmas Present, and Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – visit Scrooge for three nights and show him crucial points in his life that made him realize the true meaning of Christmas.
Genre/s: fairytale, animation, children’s film
Watch A Christmas Carol on Disney+. It’s available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, & Vudu.
7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Image credit: IMDb
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is another film starring Jim Carrey, following the Grinch, who plans on taking revenge on Whoville by ruining their Christmas.
The film is a mix of comedy and drama, highlighting the spirit of gift giving and making someone feel a sense of belonging.
Plot: A green creature called the Grinch, living on the outskirts of Whoville, is set on getting revenge and ruining everyone’s Christmas. While his plans seem to be going smoothly, a young Whoville resident, Cindy Lou Who, made it her mission to convince the Grinch that celebrating Christmas isn’t so bad after all.
Genre/s: comedy, fantasy, musical, drama
Watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Amazon Prime Video. It’s also available to watch on YouTube, Apple TV, & Google Play Movies.
Christmas films to watch with loved ones
As the credits roll and the last echoes of holiday laughter fade, these Christmas films will, once again, leave us with a timeless reminder of the joy, love, and magic that define the true spirit of the season.
Whether it’s the heartwarming embrace of family or the whimsical antics of our beloved characters, these films continue to be cherished treasures, making every Christmas a celebration of everlasting memories.
For anything Christmas-related, go to The Smart Local Philippines.
Cover image adapted from: IMDb, IMDb
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