Join hosts Laura and Stephen on 'Midday Movies' as they dive into the first half of the American Film Institute's list of top 21 holiday films. From the beloved 'A Christmas Story' and 'Home Alone' to lesser-known gems like 'Crossing Delany', this episode covers movies for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. Listen in for lively discussions, personal anecdotes, and holiday cheer. Stay tuned for Part 2 where they reveal the top 10 films on the list!

00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast

00:08 Exploring the American Film Institute's Holiday Movie Guide

00:37 Meet the Hosts: Laura and Steven

00:59 Diving into the AFI Holiday Movie List

03:14 An American Tail: A Childhood Favorite

05:25 The Best Man Holiday: A Reunion Story

06:27 The Black Candle: The Story of Kwanzaa

07:17 A Christmas Story: A Classic Debate

10:40 Crossing Delancey: A Hanukkah Love Story

11:58 Die Hard: The Ultimate Christmas Action Movie

13:20 Elf: A Modern Holiday Comedy Classic

15:32 Discussing 'Happiest Season' (2020)

18:09 Holiday Inn (1942) - A Classic

20:40 Home Alone (1990) - A Timeless Comedy

22:46 It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - Not Number One?

27:26 Wrapping Up the First Half of the List

For more Laura and Stephen, follow us at ⁠@middaymoviespod⁠, ⁠⁠@umbrellapodcastcollective⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠@facehuggersandfriendspod⁠⁠

For more Jen and Sara follow them at ⁠@moviesanduspod⁠ and ⁠@tvanduspod⁠

Ep 280: AFI's Top 21 Classic Holiday Movies to Celebrate a Festive 2025 (Part 1)

Midday Movies