The Rise and Fall of the Golden Age of Christmas Movies
As the holiday season approaches, it’s clear that the festive spirit is already in full swing. From the bustling aisles of supermarkets to the ever-growing list of streaming platforms, signs of the season are everywhere. One of the most obvious indicators is the surge in popularity of classic holiday films. Movies like Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express have already climbed the charts, reflecting a trend where many of these films were released in November to maximize their exposure during the peak of the holiday season.
This strategy isn’t new. I remember the disappointment of watching The Muppet Christmas Carol on December 26, 1992. It was a great movie, but the timing felt off. Holiday classics tend to be time-tested, while newer, made-for-streaming movies come and go quickly, much like the chocolate in an advent calendar. However, what stands out is how many of these enduring favorites were released in the mid-2000s. Is this the golden age of Christmas movies?
Looking back, Ron Howard’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas opened just over 25 years ago, and it was a massive hit. The success of that film led to attempts to replicate its formula, such as Mike Myers’ The Cat in the Hat. Unfortunately, this movie didn’t live up to expectations, despite the star power of Myers and the Seuss brand. Other studios, perhaps lacking the rights to Dr. Seuss books or the budget for big-name stars, focused on the Christmas aspect instead.
In 2003, within weeks of each other, Elf, Love Actually, and Bad Santa all arrived. While Bad Santa may not have been inspired by Dr. Seuss, it still carried some of the same themes—like a bad guy dressing as Santa and bonding with a child. This mix of humor, heart, and nostalgia created a memorable year for Christmas films.
It’s hard to imagine a better Christmas movie year than 2003. Even if you’re not a fan of the treacle in Love Actually, it still offers a variety of flavors. The film features an impressive cast, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, and others. Pairing this with the darker comedy of Bad Santa and the family-friendly charm of Elf made for a truly special year.
But the pattern wasn’t consistent. Movies like A Christmas Story (1983) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) followed a once-a-decade rhythm. However, 2013 and 2023 didn’t follow suit. The 2000s saw more releases, such as The Polar Express (2004) and The Family Stone (2005), but they also brought along less successful films like Christmas with the Kranks and Deck the Halls. These movies often failed to capture the magic of the earlier classics.
By the 2010s, the Christmas movie genre seemed to lose its luster. Films like Four Christmases and The Kranks were hits, but Hollywood appeared too embarrassed to imitate them. This trend mirrored the decline of romantic comedies around the same time. Even after the pandemic, the genre struggled to regain its footing. The only notable wide-release holiday film in 2013 was A Madea Christmas, and in 2023, it was Silent Night, an action movie directed by John Woo.
So, what made the mid-2000s movies so special? They had a unique blend of star power, comic cynicism, and genuine sweetness. Even Bad Santa, which was extremely vulgar, ended with a sense of dignity. In contrast, later films often adopted a dismissive attitude toward the holidays without offering anything meaningful. They tried to mimic the success of the earlier classics but fell short.
Was there something unique about the first half of the 2000s that contributed to the success of these films? Or was it the cultural climate post-9/11? Love Actually opens with a monologue about 9/11, and Elf captures a gleeful sense of wonder for New York City. Bad Santa reflects a certain black-comic hopelessness that feels fitting for that era. Streaming movies today don’t seem to capture those moments. They often focus on just getting attention during the holiday season.
JINGLE BINGE – 2025 EDITION
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or just enjoying some quiet time, there’s always something fun to watch. Let us be your guide to all things festive this holiday season.
Jesse Hassenger (@rockmarooned) is a writer living in Brooklyn. He’s a regular contributor to The A.V. Club, Polygon, and The Week, among others. He podcasts at www.sportsalcohol.com, too.
