The holiday season is in full swing, which means families are spending more time with one another and are huddling on the couch (or in the home theater) for a nice cozy movie night. And what better movies to watch during the holiday season than some Christmas flicks that can match the warmth of a cup of hot chocolate–or in the case of some action classics, a roaring fire.
There are, of course, an endless amount of holiday movies to watch with the family. From timeless Christmas classics to more modern films, here is a list of holiday movies for a perfect themed demo to test an AV system’s capabilities, or for your own personal enjoyment.
In no particular order, here’s a list of holiday movie favorites as curated by the CE Pro editorial team, chosen for their notoriety, quality, and value in showcasing the finer touches of a quality home entertainment system.
The colorful, whimsical visuals of Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to bustling New York City pop in 4K. The crisp audio lets viewers fully enjoy the comedic timing and festive soundtrack, especially in scenes like the chaotic toy store showdown. Like every film on this list, Elf features the trademark vibrancy of Christmas decorations, including lights, tinsel, trees and the like, so any screen will get a good workout with this dynamic.
For our purposes, Die Hard is a holiday movie. No further questions allowed.
Lightapalooza took place in late February, and the growth of the event has mirrored the rapid ascension lighting fixtures and controls.
We admit that it’s a bit unconventional as a holiday movie, but it is full of action that brings explosive audio to a home theater and easily makes it worth it to watch. The Christmas setting ties it to the season, but the high-octane effects make it a standout AV showcase in any season.
Why it’s perfect: This chaotic comedy about a father’s quest for the ultimate Christmas toy features bustling mall scenes, dynamic audio, and plenty of action to test a system. The movie stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, so your customers know there will be action scenes. One of them comes during the parade sequence, which features a mix of crowd noise and fighting that should flex a surround sound system.
The animated masterpiece is a visual treat, with detailed textures, snowy landscapes, and dazzling light effects. The immersive sound design matches the film’s sweeping score and magical atmosphere. The train’s arrival scene is a benchmark for seeing how a subwoofer performs, as the sound rumbles through a room. The subtle ambient noises add to the immersive experience.
A holiday movie must-watch, this movie combines humor, heart, and magical visuals. Like we said before, Christmas means bright colors, and many scenes in this film provide just that, especially when Tim Allen’s Santa is in the North Pole.
This classic family holiday flick balances comedic chaos and heartfelt moments, making it a perfect test for both sound and visuals and a must-watch in general. The dynamic booby trap scenes highlight sound clarity, while the festive holiday decor shines on high-end TVs and projectors. High-quality sound systems will capture every comedically timed crash, thud and yell, which is an underrated use case for sound systems.
Tim Burton’s beloved stop-motion masterpiece blends dark, moody visuals with festive cheer. The intricate animation is a showcase for HDR displays, while Danny Elfman’s iconic soundtrack is a joy for audio enthusiasts. As it’s a Disney picture, it’s full of songs and layered sound effects that will test any sound system.
Why it’s perfect: Nostalgia comes to life with this heartwarming tale, now available in 4K HDR. The cozy holiday settings and humor are ideal for family viewing, offering a movie watching experience that has long transcended generations. Look for subtle details in the scenes, like the textures of Ralphie’s snowy neighborhood, to test a display’s resolution.
The black-and-white classic has been beautifully restored in 4K, offering stunning contrast and detail, and giving a 4K display the opportunity to showcase its upscaling capabilities. Its emotional story and timeless holiday themes make it a must-watch. The contrasts between the snowy streets and the warmth of the Bailey home are perfect for OLED displays.
Jim Carrey’s Grinch brings vibrant, over-the-top visuals that shine in 4K. The whimsical set designs and holiday lighting make the movie a visual treat, while the playful score can work the range of an audio system. The abrupt transitions from the Grinch’s dark lair to the colorful Whoville also help to highlight the crisp colors and contrasts on a display.
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