5 Holiday Movies That Deserve to be Watched in a Home Theater

Tuesday, 28 October 2025

From Animated to Action, These Films Were Made for the Big Screen

The holidays are all about gathering family around something everyone can enjoy. Movies are a holiday tradition, and they're even more enjoyable in a proper home theater. When it comes to films, everyone has opinions about what they like or dislike, so finding something that everyone enjoys is sometimes easier said than done. We're recommending a few here that bridge that gap beautifully, and they all happen to showcase what a home theater can do. Some deliver stunning visuals, others have soundtracks that demand quality speakers, and a few do both. Here's what's worth queuing up this season.

The Polar Express (2004)

Robert Zemeckis designed this film for theaters—after all, streaming wasn’t a thing then—and it shows. When that train barrels across the ice or arrives at the North Pole with bells echoing everywhere, you feel it. The orchestral score swells and dips with incredible range—quiet enough to hear a hot chocolate ticket punch, powerful enough to rattle your walls during the roller coaster sequences. Kids get totally absorbed in the adventure, while adults appreciate Tom Hanks playing about seven different characters. It's the rare holiday movie that actually benefits from volume.

Home Alone (1990)

The paint cans. The tarantula. That iconic scream. Physical comedy plays bigger on a big screen, and you catch details you've missed in previous viewings—the elaborate production design of the McCallister house, the perfectly timed visual gags. John Williams' score deserves better than a run-of-the-mill soundbar. This one's perfect for families with older kids, and it holds up remarkably well. Your holiday tradition probably already includes it, but try watching it properly this year.

Klaus (2019)

This Netflix original deserves way more attention than it gets. The animation looks hand-painted, with lighting and texture that make every frame gorgeous. The story—a fresh take on Santa's origin—works for kids but feels sophisticated enough for adults who've seen every other Christmas movie. Jóhann Jóhannsson's haunting score was his final work, and it deserves speakers that can handle its subtlety. If you haven't seen it yet, you're in for a treat.

Die Hard (1988)

You might not think this is a Christmas movie, but it is. After the kids are in bed, this is your reward. Explosions, shattering glass, gunfire echoing through Nakatomi Plaza—it's basically a home theater stress test disguised as entertainment. The contrast between Alan Silvestri's tense score and "Let It Snow" playing in the background is perfection. This is the original of the series, and with Bruce Willis in his prime, it is also the best.

Elf (2003)

When you can't decide what to watch, put on Elf. Everyone agrees on Elf. Will Ferrell's physical comedy comes alive on a bigger screen, the bright colors of the North Pole pop beautifully, and Zooey Deschanel's shower rendition of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" showcases what good speakers can do with vocals. It's quotable, rewatchable, and somehow never gets old. This is the movie that everyone enjoys watching every year.

These films are best enjoyed with a proper home theater setup. You'll catch details you've missed, hear layers in the soundtrack you didn't know existed, and create the kind of holiday memories that stick.

Want to spruce up your home theater for the season? Contact us today to get started. The holidays are around the corner!