Normally we don’t share an exclusive holiday movie list from a former Kwantlen Polytechnic University student on these pages, but we’ll make an exception for someone who knows a lot about them – storyteller, entrepreneur and life-long learner Ryan Reynolds. Even if he left KPU before completing his studies, we’re still fans because he has shown that every experience is a learning experience. Now if we can just get him to return his copy of “Martinis & Mayhem” to the school library...it's remarkably overdue.
Ryan Reynolds' Dirty Dozen Christmas Movie List
At their best, movies are communal experiences that take audiences across the world on a journey together. And at no time is that shared experience more powerful than the holidays, when we all reflect on the year that passed, the adventure ahead, and our loved ones who fill our lives with joy. While we can’t all get together to exchange gifts, we can all watch, laugh, cry, and love movies together. Here’s 12 of my holiday favorites to watch in order before Christmas. I think you’ll see a common thread: each one takes us to a unique destination in the Holiday Cinematic Multiverse. So, without further adieu… ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring (except maybe a Merc with a mouth…).
- Ryan Reynolds
1. Buried (2010)
The holidays are a time to get cozy around the fire, buried in your favorite blankets, connecting with long lost loved ones. This movie lets you experience that feeling… and a bit more.
2. R.I.P.D. (2013)
If ‘Jeff Bridges riding you as a horse while you both fall off a sky-scraper as he says one-liners' isn't on your Christmas wish list, you need to rewrite the one you currently have. But don’t actually watch it because it’s damn near unwatchable.
3. Spirited (2022)
Two words: Good Afternoon. Ok now that’s four words. We’ll be at nineteen by the time this is over.
4. Just Friends (2005)
Nothing says Christmas quite like New Jersey. Or horror, depending how you view your highschool sweetheart coming back into your life after a few years… And I swear you don’t want to skip over the toothpaste scene.
5. Free Guy (2021)
Guys in bunny suits. Taika Waititi as the evil guy. And Guy. Most importantly, it has Fantasy by Mariah Carey. Which qualifies it as a Christmas movie by association.
6. Self/less (2015)
Ben Kinsgley pays for a new body. Sadly he gets me. It’s a really complicated White Elephant gift allegory, but a fun watch!
7. The Change-Up (2011)
I just realized Self/Less is the exact same plot as The Change-Up. And that one made this list so I guess this one should too.
8. Deadpool 2 (2018)
At its heart it’s a family film, and isn't that what the season’s really about? Happy Holidays from the jolly man in a red suit. Ho ho ho.
9. The Adam Project (2022)
A favorite of mine that has kept me warm and fuzzy all year. It gives me the holiday feelings of love and family. But being punched by Mark Ruffalo was the real gift.
10. The Amityville Horror (2005)
I know, I know. Most of you think this is a Thanksgiving movie. But with all the ghosts, to me this just screams Christmas.
11. Mississippi Grind (2015)
Unlike the other films on this list, this isn’t a Christmas movie at all but Ben Mendelsohn is just pure brilliance and right for any time of the year.
12. Planes, Trains And Automobiles (1987)
With all due respect to Empress Carey, this is the official kick off to the Holiday Season.