20 Throwback Movies To Watch This Holiday Season

Chips, drinks, popcorn, and leftovers on the ready…

The Fumbling Generalist
5 min readDec 24, 2023

The holiday season is the perfect time to cozy up and enjoy some classic throwback movies. Here are 20 timeless films you and the gang can enjoy:

1. Home Alone (1990)

  • A classic family comedy about 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. He must defend his home from bumbling burglars Harry and Marv. The movie is filled with hilarious traps and heartwarming moments as Kevin learns the importance of family.

2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

  • This unique stop-motion animated musical follows the story of Jack Skellington, the King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes fascinated with the idea of Christmas. Jack’s attempt to bring Christmas to his own spooky domain leads to a series of misadventures and a heartwarming message about embracing one’s own identity.

3. The Princess Bride (1987)

  • A beloved fantasy adventure film that combines romance, action, and humor. The story follows the beautiful Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they navigate the pitfalls of the mythical kingdom of Florin. Filled with memorable quotes and iconic characters, this movie is a timeless classic for all ages.

4. Grease (1978)

  • This iconic musical romantic comedy is set in the 1950s and follows the love story between greaser Danny Zuko and good girl Sandy Olsson. Filled with memorable songs and electrifying dance numbers, the movie captures the nostalgia of the era and the timeless theme of young love.

5. Jumanji (1995)

  • A thrilling fantasy adventure about a magical board game that unleashes a world of wild jungle creatures and challenges for the players. Starring Robin Williams and Kirsten Dunst, the movie takes the audience on a wild ride as the players attempt to finish the game and restore order to their world.

6. The Addams Family (1991)

  • This darkly humorous film adaptation of the classic TV series follows the macabre and eccentric Addams family as they encounter a con artist who claims to be their long-lost Uncle Fester. The movie is a delightful blend of spooky and comedic elements, showcasing the family’s unique dynamics.

7. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

  • A beloved teen comedy that follows the misadventures of high school student Ferris Bueller as he skips school and embarks on a day of wild escapades in Chicago. Filled with iconic moments and a message of seizing the day, the film has become a cultural touchstone for generations.

8. The Land Before Time (1988)

  • An endearing animated adventure that follows a young dinosaur, Littlefoot, and his friends as they journey through a treacherous landscape in search of the fabled Great Valley. The movie is a heartwarming tale of friendship and resilience, set against the backdrop of a prehistoric world.

9. The Iron Giant (1999)

  • A heartwarming animated science fiction film about a young boy who befriends a giant robot from outer space. Set during the Cold War era, the movie explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the fear of the unknown. The Iron Giant has become a beloved classic for its emotional storytelling and stunning animation.

10. The Little Rascals (1994)

  • This charming comedy follows the mischievous adventures of a group of young children, including Alfalfa, Spanky, and Darla, as they navigate friendships and rivalries in their neighborhood. Filled with wholesome humor and heartwarming moments, the movie captures the innocence and joy of childhood.
Photo by Alexander Dummer on Unsplash

11. The Karate Kid (1984)

  • A classic underdog story about a teenage boy, Daniel LaRusso, who learns martial arts from a wise mentor, Mr. Miyagi, and must face off against his bullies in a karate tournament. The film is a timeless tale of perseverance, friendship, and the power of discipline, inspiring audiences for decades.

12. Hook (1991)

  • A fantastical adventure that imagines a grown-up Peter Pan, played by Robin Williams, returning to Neverland to save his children from the clutches of Captain Hook. Filled with swashbuckling action and heartfelt moments, the movie offers a fresh take on the classic Peter Pan story.

13. The Goonies (1985)

  • A beloved adventure film about a group of misfit kids who embark on a treasure hunt to save their neighborhood from being demolished. Encountering booby traps and dangerous criminals along the way, the Goonies’ quest is a thrilling and heartwarming journey of friendship and bravery.

14. The Mighty Ducks (1992)

  • A heartwarming sports comedy about a ragtag youth hockey team coached by a reluctant lawyer, Gordon Bombay, played by Emilio Estevez. The team overcomes various challenges and learns valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and the true meaning of success.

15. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

  • A delightful musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, featuring the beloved Muppet characters and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. The movie combines humor, music, and a timeless message of redemption, making it a beloved holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

16. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

  • A beloved fantasy adventure about a young boy, Bastian, who discovers a magical book that transports him to the world of Fantasia. As he reads the book, he becomes part of the epic tale and must help save the land from destruction. Filled with imaginative creatures and heartfelt storytelling, the movie has captivated audiences for decades.

17. The Sandlot (1993)

  • This coming-of-age sports comedy follows a group of young boys who spend their summer playing baseball and getting into mischief. Set in the 1960s, the movie captures the nostalgia of childhood and the timeless bonds of friendship, making it a beloved classic for audiences of all ages.

18. The Secret Garden (1993)

  • A heartwarming family drama about a young girl, Mary Lennox, who discovers a magical garden on her uncle’s estate and sets out to restore it to its former glory. The movie is a timeless tale of healing, hope, and the power of nature, based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

19. The Parent Trap (1998)

  • This charming family comedy follows twin sisters, Annie and Hallie, who were separated at birth and meet at summer camp. They hatch a plan to reunite their long-divorced parents, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming misadventures. The movie is a delightful tale of family, friendship, and the bonds that unite us.

20. The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter (1990)

  • A sequel to the beloved fantasy adventure, this film follows a young boy, Bastian, who must save Fantasia once again, this time from the evil sorceress Xayide. Filled with magical creatures and epic quests, the movie continues the timeless tale of imagination and the power of storytelling.

Enjoy these films with families and friends!

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The Fumbling Generalist
The Fumbling Generalist

Written by The Fumbling Generalist

I write about random things that I feel suddenly passionate about. And I’m man with many passions. (About 204,753 of them…and counting!)

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