During the holiday season, one of the most important decisions is what movie to watch with the family. People have very strong opinions about Halloween and Christmas movies. From Nightmare Before Christmas to Home Alone, Hollywood producers and directors have spent millions creating movies for you. But the question is what genre do people want?
Each movie genre has its memories and qualities. Christmas movies tend to be happy and upbeat, always with a happy ending. Senior AnnaSophia Bolzan grew up watching sappy Christmas movies as a kid and loved how they made her feel.
“I like Christmas movies because they have a happy theme and always have a good moral. Watching a movie when it is snowing with hot cocoa and a warm fire makes me happy,” said Bolzan.
The idea of being transported into a Christmas movie, especially at Christmas time makes the whole experience almost magical.
“Every year we unpack our DVD Christmas movies that we would watch. These moments with my family are my favorite, and I look forward to them each year,” said Bolzan.
On the other hand, senior Danielle Hargraves grew up watching Halloween movies as a child. “Growing up, I watched The Nightmare Before Christmas every year, ” said Hargraves. “I love being on the edge of my seat and wondering what will happen next.”
Unlike Bolzan, she enjoys jumpscares rather than sappy and loves the adrenaline rush she can get from scary Halloween movies.
“I have a couple of favorite movies but I absolutely love Scream. It’s basic but an absolute classic,” said Hargraves.
Band director Jared Cassedy disagreed with Hargraves. He believes that if he can watch something pure and sweet, rather than scary and stressful, he will pick sweet.
“I’m totally more of a Christmas movie kind of person. The movies are directly focused on family, relationships, and the spirit of the season – I find them comforting and positive,” said Cassedy.
The stereotype that Christmas movies are all about being overly sentimental and wholesome isn’t always accurate; however, they often end with a happy ending.
According to Cassedy, the epitome of a classic Christmas movie is Christmas Vacation.
“It’s a classic and the chaos/hilarity of family dynamics, a father’s goal of having the “perfect” holiday, and the insanity of each character – it’s non-negotiable,” said Cassedy.
Most Christmas movies have been branded classics, including Christmas Vacation and Bolzia’s favorite, A Year Without Santa Clause.
“I love A Year Without Santa Clause because the snow miser and heat miser song is awesome,” said Bolzan.
This movie is relaxing and feel-good, making it a perfect Christmas movie.
However, for Hargraves, Scream is her ideal Halloween movie and by far, her favorite.
“I absolutely love Scream. It’s basic but an absolute classic. The characters are so dynamic and funny, and the first time I watched it I had no idea who the killer was. I watch it all the time, and there are so many iconic scenes and lines that I love to watch,” said Hargraves.
Both movie genres have their classics and are loved for different reasons. Whether sappy or scary, both fans can agree that nothing is better than a good movie.