The Best Christmas Movie Of The 2020s So Far

Several Christmas movies have stood out during the 2020s, but 2023’s The Holdovers is the best of the decade so far. During the holiday season, many audiences will often return to annual favorites. Films like Elf, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and It’s A Wonderful Life are frequently revisited to help viewers get in the festive mood.

It may be harder to find new Christmas classics within the streaming catalog, but there are some recent holiday flicks that are worth checking out. A few highlights from this decade include the 2020 romcom Happiest Season, the 2022 musical Spirited, and the 2022 action film Violent Night, featuring David Harbour’s Santa Claus dispatching a group of mercenaries.

However, The Holdovers is the best Christmas film from this decade and should become a holiday classic. It’s an award-winning film with praise from critics and audiences, but it also delivers the heart and themes that make other festive favorites so special.

The Holdovers Is An Award-Winning Film That Embodies The Holiday Spirit

Directed by Alexander Payne, The Holdovers stars Paul Giamatti as a disgruntled teacher at a New England prep school who is tasked with watching over students who remain over the holiday break. During this time, he forms a bond with a rebellious student with great potential and a school cook who is grieving her son’s death.

The film was nominated for five Academy Awards in 2024, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Actor for Paul Giamatti, and Best Supporting Actress for Da’Vine Joy Randolph, who won for her performance. It was also highly praised by critics, earning a 97% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Not every film needs awards to be considered great, but The Holdovers is deserving of its accolades. Randolph delivers an excellent performance in her role, along with Giamatti, portraying a complex character who becomes more likable, despite their stubborn and arrogant behavior.

Dominic Sessa is also a highlight of the film, as a frustrating but intelligent young adult. Each character has their own flaws, but they are understandable as they begin to open up with each other. While they initially feel alone for the holidays, they form a strong bond that becomes the heart of the film.

It also delivers the Christmas feeling that audiences want with holiday films. It’s littered with Christmas imagery throughout, including a snow-filled environment, and has a retro look that gives it a more classic feel. While there are many serious, dramatic moments, the comedy balances it out, making it more heartwarming than gloomy.

All of its themes come together in the film’s ending, where Giamatti’s Paul Hunham sacrifices his livelihood to support Sessa’s character. It’s impactful and fully completes the character’s arc while evoking the spirit of the season. It’s a moment of kindness and unselfishness that ends the film on a bittersweet, but uplifting note.

The Holdovers may not be the happiest film to watch during the holidays. However, it’s perfect for those who want a little bit more from their Christmas films. It includes brilliant performances, witty dialogue, and a balance of comedy and drama that make it the best Christmas movie of the 2020s so far.