What is CW's Best Christmas Movies Ever! about? Everything to know

How the Grinch Stole Christmas ( Image via Youtube/@ Universal Pictures)
A still from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. (Image via Youtube/@Universal Pictures)

The holiday season is approaching, and The CW is ready with the special Best Christmas Movies Ever! This two-hour special is from Mark A. Altman, who has also worked on fan favorites such as Castle. Written by Altman himself, the special will explore what makes people watch these particular movies every year as a familial tradition during holidays across the world.

Best Christmas Movies Ever! is set to premiere on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 8 pm EST on The CW. This documentary closely examines classics like Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Clause, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. This lineup has something for everyone from heartfelt comedies or action-oriented Die Hard.

Executive producers of Best Christmas Movies Ever! are Mark A. Altman, Thomas P. Vitale, and Michael Broder. It is produced by Radioactive Fishtank, Vital Signs Productions, and Galaxie Productions.


What is CW's Best Christmas Movies Ever! about?

Best Christmas Movies Ever! is a two-hour special burrowing into the movies everyone loves to binge during the holiday season. Mark A. Altman has directed the documentary underlining what makes these films timeless. By examining classic titles like Home Alone, Elf, The Santa Claus, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, the documentary offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

American film critic Scott Mantz confirmed two most iconic questions would be answered on the special. These questions are why Mantz dislikes Love Actually and why is Die Hard a Christmas movie.

"For this special, we talked to 60 people, TV journalists, film critics, tv personalities, directors," Scott Mantz said during an interview on KXAN.
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The special isn't just about telling the stories behind these iconic films, but it allows fans to peek behind the curtain through interviews with creators, critics, and actors who made them unforgettable.


What are the movies that will feature in Best Christmas Movies Ever!?

1) Home Alone (1990)

This classic comedy follows the misadventures of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is inadvertently left behind when his family embarks on a vacation. Alone in his house, Kevin's ingenious traps will be used to defend his home against two blundering burglars. The film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the hapless burglars.

2) Elf (2003)

Buddy, an orphan raised by elves at the North Pole, goes to New York City to find his father, who is on Santa's naughty list, and establish an identity for himself. The innocence and childlike enthusiasm that he possesses make others happy, too. Will Ferrell has done a great job with Buddy, while James Caan and Zooey Deschanel are great supporting characters.

3) The Santa Clause (1994)

Scott Calvin accidentally kills the original Santa because he startles him, causing him to fall off the roof. Now Scott is forced to take his place. Funny and touching, Scott's transformation into the new Santa is a delight. Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, Judge Reinhold, and Wendy Crewson also star.

4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

In this live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss's beloved fable, the Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for the joyous residents of Whoville. The plot is prevented by sweet Cindy Lou Who. Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who plays Taylor Momsen, and Jeffrey Tambor plays Mayor Augustus May Who.

A still from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. ( Image via Youtube/@Universal Pictures)
A still from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. ( Image via Youtube/@Universal Pictures)

5) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Clark Griswold is bent on having a perfect family Christmas, but things go comically off the rails with surprise guests and one calamity after another. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark, Beverly D'Angelo as his wife Ellen, and Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie. Best Christmas Movies Ever! will reveal facts and trivia regarding this flick.

6) Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This is a heartwarming tale that involves Kris Kringle, masquerading as the real Santa Claus, and his fight for recognition in a court of law. The film gives a feel of faith restored in the magic of Christmas. The film stars Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, Maureen O'Hara, and a young Natalie Wood.

7) It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

George Bailey, worn down by the hardships of life, is visited by a guardian angel, Clarence, who shows him just how important his life is. This is a classic that displays the value of every individual's life. George is portrayed by James Stewart and Donna Reed plays his wife Mary.

8) Die Hard (1988)

NYPD police officer John McClane fights off a group of terrorists who take over a skyscraper in Los Angeles during a Christmas party. The film contains both action and holiday elements and has become a point of controversy as to whether it is a Christmas movie. Bruce Willis stars as McClane, while Alan Rickman plays the villain, Hans Gruber.


Viewing options for the Best Christmas Movies Ever!

CW Network logo ( Images via CW network)
CW Network logo ( Images via CW network)

The Best Christmas Movies Ever! premiers on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 8 pm EST on CW.

The special will air on the broadcast television network of The CW. For those who can't get a chance to watch the live telecast of the show, it may be made available for on-demand streaming on digital platforms belonging to The CW, including the website and mobile application.

It may also be made available on any other streamers offering The CW, like Hulu or Max. To confirm availability and streaming options, it would be best to check The CW's website or app closer to the premiere date for confirmation.


Stay tuned for more updates on the Best Christmas Movies Ever!

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Edited by Niharika Dabral
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