Between streaming services and cable, it can feel as though there are more holiday movies than names on Santa’s list! It’s no wonder that trying to pick the perfect flick can be overwhelming enough to turn even the jolliest watcher into a real-life Grinch. So leave the selection to us (and your zodiac sign). This year, we’re using astrology to cut through the options, picking the perfect film to get you into the holiday spirit without the hassle.
Even around the holidays, it’s hard to keep an Aries glued to the couch. Luckily, Die Hard (1988) packs all the action and adventure needed to hold the fire sign’s attention. As the main character fights to save his estranged wife from terrorists on Christmas Eve, the holiday classic also tells the perfect Aries love story – a power couple teaming up to save the day.
Lovers of beauty and romance, a Taurus needs a holiday movie that brings on the glam while tugging at our heartstrings. Balancing the two, Netflix’s Falling for Christmas (2022) features an ambitious heiress (Lindsay Lohan) who seemingly has it all until, you guessed it, fate brings a handsome “average Joe” into her life to teach her the true meaning of Christmas (and love). As the story unfolds in Aspen, curl up with some hot cocoa and enjoy the majestic snow-covered scenery from the comfort of your couch.
GEMINI (May 21 – June 20)
It’s double trouble for Gemini as burglars Harry and Marv take on 8-year-old Kevin McCalister in Home Alone (1990). This movie never gets old, packing laughter and heartwarming moments into every scene. Witty and curious, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) may just be a Gemini himself, taking on the challenge of protecting himself and his home through one innovative plan after another.
CANCER (June 21 – July 22)
Under that hard shell, Cancerians are deeply emotional, loving a romantic comedy that makes them laugh as much as cry. So it’s hard to beat the movie, Love Actually (2003), packing in almost a dozen tales of love, portrayed in uplifting and heartbreaking ways. As the characters navigate their imperfect relationships in the weeks leading up to Christmas, it’s the perfect movie to get into the holiday spirit and celebrate your own love stories.
LEO (July 23 – Aug. 22)
A Leo’s not one to follow the pack and neither is our movie recommendation, Bad Santa (2003). In this irreverent holiday movie, Billy Bob Thorton stars as a down-and-out mall Santa, Willie, surviving on cheap thrills, booze and burglary to get him from one holiday season to the next. As he approaches rock bottom, a chance for redemption comes in the form of a young boy, giving Willie a reason to live for something larger than himself.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22)
Hardworking Virgo may see a little of themselves in Scott Calvin of 1994’s The Santa Clause. After accidentally killing Santa, Scott (Tim Allen) is forced to take his place, slowly transitioning into the beloved character as his son cheers him on. As any practical-minded Virgoan hero would, Scott struggles with his new reality but ultimately embraces his new role and the opportunity to spread joy and love around the world.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22)
A Libra never fails to see the good in others, willing to give people a second chance even when no one else will. In Spirited (2022), a modern version of “A Christmas Carol”, the Ghost of Christmas Present (Will Ferrell) feels the same way about Ebeneezer Scrooge (Ryan Reynolds). Bringing new life and laughter to the classic story of redemption, this inclusive film is perfect for any group.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21)
Just because you don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, it doesn’t mean your heart is two sizes too small. For Scorpio, like The Grinch (2018), a tough exterior can sometimes hide a sensitive and loving soul from being seen by the world. Misunderstood and ostracized, the Grinch hid away from Whoville society until a chance encounter with little Cindy Lou Who reminds him that kindness and love are the things we all need most.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21)
Even for the globe-trotting Saggitarius, the movie Elf (2003) may be the closest you’ll ever get to the North Pole. Full of whimsy and adventure, this movie tells the story of Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised among Santa’s elves until he sets off to New York City in search of his birth parents. As Buddy struggles to find his place in the modern city, he and his newfound family discover all the things Sagittarius holds most dear; positivity, love and a small slice of peace on Earth.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19)
While other signs snuggle up to watch the most recent adaptation of a holiday classic, Capricorn prefers to side with tradition. Of all the films passed down for generations, there might be none as iconic as It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). Hardworking Capricorns will appreciate George Bailey’s (James Stewart) non-stop grind, putting his dedication to his community and family before his own dreams. As an innocent mistake threatens to destroy everything he’s worked for, an angel steps in to prove that friendship and love are the most valuable “riches” a man could ever hope to have.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18)
Progressive Aquarius loves to look at the world through the eyes of others, learning about their journeys and advocating for the greater good. The Happiest Season (2020) begins with Harper (Mackenzie Davis) bringing her girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) to her parent’s home for the holidays. Admitting that she hasn’t yet come out of the closet to her family, Harper discloses the first of many secrets the family is keeping from each other. As truths start coming out, the family must choose between maintaining their public personas or loving each other openly and unconditionally.
PISCES (Feb. 19 – March 20)
For dreamy Pisces, the ideal holiday movie has to be rooted in fantasy and filled with Christmas magic. Centering around a boy (Hero Boy, voiced by Josh Hutcherson) who no longer believes in Santa, The Polar Express blurs the line between dreams and reality, whisking the boy away on a magical train ride to the North Pole. Following the night’s adventure, the boy is faced with the same decision we all must confront; do we place all our beliefs in practical science or allow our hearts to believe that some magic does exist?
