The holiday breeze is definitely here to spread the chills, especially to the members of the SMP (Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pasko) or as I’d like to call them, the Solo Clause. Some are forced to be alone on Christmas due to the current situation but don’t you worry fam. We got you!
Most of us are currently browsing the endless titles of Netflix, desperately finding something to make us feel things while you’re surrounded by your snacks and pillows. As a couch potato, this is a regular Saturday night for me but being that solo rider during the holidays brings a little melancholy to your heart, whether you admit it or not.
Luckily for you, the movie industry has enough content that can suffice that half-empty heart of yours with kilig, laughter, and embrace the whole holiday spirit.
Feel a little less cold and be full of warmth with this list of anti-SMP movies for you this holiday season:
1. Home Alone
Let’s begin with a classic that’s been 30 years since it was released and still manages to be entertaining. The only giveaway that it’s a 90’s movie is the lack of smartphones but that’s totally understandable.
Our protagonist, Kevin, is considered a quarantine icon. When he realized he was left alone on Christmas, his first instinct was to do everything he wants because no one is there to tell him not to. But the true gem of this film and the sequel that followed was the climax. We witnessed how the antagonists would fall into a billion booby traps along with the fun cat-and-mouse chase sequences between the characters.
It’s a movie that was definitely played during a sleepover with your cousins and it brought good memories to you cause the film might remind you of the simpler times. You know, when adulting wasn’t all bills and 9 to 5. It also taught us to make the best out of unfortunate circumstances, even when you have to do it alone.
Watch the trailer here:
2. Klaus
This Oscar-nominated animated film tells a delightful story of a spoiled postman named Jesper who was sent to a snowy town at the North Pole and tasked to post 6,000 letters within a year or else, he will lose everything.
Unbeknownst to him, there also lives a mysterious man who used to bring toys to the children and delivers them through their chimneys at night. These two odd pair became partners eventually and worked together in keeping the magic happens until it became a myth and a tradition every Christmas.
This movie will teach you that a simple act of kindness always sparks another, even when you have a feud with your neighbor or you’re not the kind of person to take a look outside to check what’s happening. Available on Netflix, get ready to laugh and bawl your eyes out with this instant classic!
Watch the trailer here:
3. Mamma Mia!
Is this a Christmas movie? Maybe. Can you still enjoy it this holiday season? You definitely can!
This musical film holds a special place in my heart and I want you to experience the magic of this film full of songs from the iconic ABBA and the wonderful Meryl Streep playing everyone’s favorite Mom – Donna Sheridan.
Filled with an exceptional cast, it’s a feel-good movie that will make you sing along and be infected with LSS (Last Song Syndrome) where the soundtrack may live in your mind rent-free!
It also has a sequel, Mamma Mia!: Here We Go Again”, where the fabulous Cher joined the party! But I’m warning you though, bring a box of tissue for some of the most emotional sequences in musical history!
Watch the trailer here:
4. Ang Tanging Ina ‘Mo (and its sequels)
Yes, a Filipino film for a change. You cannot deny that this film series made you laugh for some of its unforgettable lines delivered by Ai Ai delas Alas. Who could not forget “Behind the clouds, are the other clouds!” or “When all else fails, follow the instructions.” Some of the lines definitely made you LOL even when you claim you’re not a fan of the local film industry.
Would you believe that one of its sequels (the third one) won Best Picture along with the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress award at the Metro Manila Film Festival? I also think that the third one, comically titled “Last na ‘To!” was the best one out of the bunch. It’s the perfect movie to reflect the unending love of our mothers or the nonsense fighting with your siblings. Most importantly, it will remind you of home. Especially if you’re celebrating Christmas away from your family. Consider this as a guilty pleasure and enjoy the corniness and quirkiness of the film at your own comfort.
You can watch the full movie on Youtube!
5. Holidate
Haters will say it’s cringe, but the SMPs would definitely want someone to bring home for the holidays, even if it’s just for the holidays *wink*
The film centers on Sloane, a workaholic who hates the holidays due to the judgment she receives from her family for not being in a relationship. Sounds likes a normal dinner in the PH household, eh?
The other protagonist, Jackson, has no interest in pursuing a serious relationship with someone. In other words, afraid of commitment. In simpler terms, that one guy who left you over a text.
Through a “Holidate” agreement, Sloane and Jackson became each other’s date so he can avoid running from commitment and Sloane would hear nothing but praise and envy because of her hot date.
What would happen if you break the agreement and be each other’s date everyday?
Is that even possible?
Stream it on Netflix to find out!
Watch the trailer here:
Honorable Mentions:
Any holiday movie with Vanessa Hudgens in it ‘cause she’s just delightful!
The Princess Switch, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, The Knight Before Christmas
How The Grinch Stole Christmas is another classic that is relatable to the demographic of people who does not feel the holiday spirit – and may have a reason why.
A Bad Moms Christmas is a funny movie mainly targeted at Moms who just want to take a break with their amigas.
The Christmas Chronicles and its sequel portrays the joyful and silly pair of Mr. and Mrs. Claus
The coming holiday break can give you enough time to binge-watch these recommendations and I hope you feel better after. No more SMP feels, okay? What other films did I miss? Share your thoughts in the comments!
