Entertainment
Anxiety-Inducing: 20 Movies That Will Completely Stress You Out
15. The Polar Express
The Polar Express leans heavily on nostalgia, with its magical train ride and believing in the spirit of Christmas. However, compared to other animated holiday films, it doesn’t quite hold up – there are plenty of noteworthy animated pieces of cinema to bring that festive magic to life. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
14. The Nightmare Before Christmas
While the movie is great in its own right, the title says "before Christmas", so why not save it for Halloween? Everything about this movie speaks it's not for a winter holiday, from creepy characters to the overall spooky vibe. | © Disney
13. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic, but at two hours long, it’s a tough sell for anyone with an attention span ruined by TikTok and Instagram. While many adore its heartfelt story, others find it boring to sit through. If it didn’t hook you the first time, it won’t get any better on repeat viewings. | © RKO
12. Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation has earned iconic status thanks to the lighthearted humor and consistent replayablity on national TV. However, for many, its over-saturation has worked against it. After seeing it countless times, the charm and laughs are starting to transform into anger. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
11. Jingle All The Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger tries his best, but I'll still count Jingle All The Way as a "pass" during the Christmas season (and any other time of the year). The movie awkwardly swings between satirizing holiday materialism and chaotic comedy, which results in an uneven tone that feels more like a scrambled mess than a holiday classic. | © 20th Century Fox
10. Love Actually
Love Actually is a Christmas movie made for romantics, with nearly every celebrity imaginable navigating love during the holidays. This makes it feel too perfect and predictable, crossing into cheesy territory more often than not. | © Universal Pictures
9. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol is a nostalgic favorite for many, but not everyone shares the same love for this festive retelling. The classic story itself can feel dull to some, and Muppets’ jokes don’t always hit the mark. If you didn’t enjoy it as a kid, chances are it won’t suddenly charm you now. | © Disney
8. Miracle on 34th Street
Old movies can be difficult to watch for modern audiences, and it's exactly for Miracle on 34th Street. Its pacing can feel awkward and slow while acting leans toward the exaggerated, a holdover from the stage performances of its time. | © 20th Century Fox
7. A Christmas Story
While A Christmas Story is packed with iconic moments and quotes that have cemented it as a holiday classic, it’s not everyone's cup of tea (especially considering that the story is centered on children in pain). Coming to the film after years of relentless hype can leave it feeling more overrated than magical. | © MGM
6. Klaus
Klaus is a visually breathtaking journey and a well-deserved nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. However, the story leans heavily on a typical and predictable formula, feeling overly simple and childish. | © Netflix
5. The Santa Clause
It's hard to believe it’s been 28 years since Tim Allen first donned the red suit in The Santa Clause. While the movie still holds nostalgic charm for many, the old-fashioned storytelling feels dated for viewers expecting something more fresh. | © Disney
4. Fred Claus
Fred Claus is a predictable one-time movie with a fun performance by Vince Vaughn as Fred. While the story is heartfelt (exactly what you need for Christmas), it significantly lacks logic, which makes the movie feel more like a kids' than a family favorite. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
3. Four Christmases
Four Christmases was quite a success in 2008, but it may not be the heartwarming film it promises to be. The lack of chemistry between stars Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon, combined with a glaring absence of humor and warmth, drains anything you'd normally watch a Christmas movie for. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
2. Elf
It's no secret that Elf, while initially charming and packed with feel-good holiday spirit, might wear out and become annoying after a few viewings. While fans continue to consider this film as a Christmas must-watch, there's no denying that Buddy the Elf is downright cringe-worthy. | © New Line Cinema
1. Home Alone 3
While the original Home Alone movies were the holiday classics, the third installment in the series sadly doesn't manage to capture that same magic. Home Alone 3 strays even further from the charm of the first two, trying to recycle the same gags and traps but without the spark Macaulay Culkin brought to the screen. | © 20th Century Fox
