Whether you are stuck in traffic, searching frantically for a last minute gift online, or going to see Twilight for the fourth time in the theatre, you are sure to encounter movie ads of all shapes and sizes. And while some posters make me feel particularly Scroogey inside (cough cough New Years Eve) it’s important to look upon the Posters of Christmas Past for a little added holiday cheer.

Therefore, I give you my personal Top 10 favorite Holiday Posters.

Let’s call it My Grown Up Christmas Poster List!

 
 

Baby Macaulay Culken. A stalkerish Joe Pesci with an possibly creepier sidekick. Loads of pun-filled copy. What’s not to love? This poster is a classic that screams (literally) of the early 1990s. It speaks to me in particular because as a young child I too was accidentally left at our house alone, so it really hits close to HOME. The irony of being home alone on the holidays is evident in this poster— and it’s scary. But not scary enough that you can’t have some butt-kicking fun in the meantime! The title alone subtly tells you that though Kevin is a figurative lower case “e” in a world of uppercases, the light is still on, and something big is about to happen. Cue slapstick comedy, a heartfelt family reunion, and Joe Pesci replacing his profanities with gibberish in order to make it rated a PG-rated film that’s fun for the whole family (except for those you accidentally leave at home…).

I give it: 3.5/5 Reindeer

 

 

Few things make me more pleased than a hand-drawn movie poster. Time and effort just makes it that much more impressive. While you might instantly conjure up images of the classic green and red colors when you think of the holidays, the yellow of this poster makes it stand out from others. In addition to the cheery hue, the smiles on everyone’s faces let you know you are in for a feel-good film. It’s likely to have you envisioning warm fireplaces and stockings hung with care. In the center of the poster is a child and a Santa-figure. Whether you believe or not, you can’t help but have some faith in this design. Miracle is an old-fashioned poster that truly makes it feel like the most wonderful time of the year.

I give it: 3/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

This poster is so bad it is good, which perfectly describes the crazy nature of this film. A man dressed up as a woman, a boy dressed up as a murderous bunny, and a decapitated leg are the stars of this poster. Sounds like my Friday night. The only normal signs that it is a holiday flick (obviously aside from the title) are Santa and a wreath. Other than that it’s gritty and totally weird, which only makes it stand out. You really don’t know what you’re in for, but you can’t help be intrigued.

I give it: 3/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

While your mind might not jump to Tim Burton when you think of the holidays, this haunting poster is as dramatic as dinner at your in-laws house. In fact, this poster could double as a favorite Halloween-time poster of mine as well. It’s purple, yellow, black and orange: nothing close to green and red. The grass is always greener on the other side for Jack Skellington, who longingly looks over a fence that separates his home in Halloween from Christmas. While the ghoulish pumpkins are happy, Jack is clearly feeling slightly emo. In some ways it’s more symbolic of Christmas than the usual merry poster; You think you want something big and new under the tree from Santa, but in the end it’s the people that surround you every day that make your Christmas wishes come true.

I give it: 4.5/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

Ebenezer hated this poster, so obviously it has to be good. Snow lines the streets, tops the houses, and falls from the sky, but the Muppet’s faces are far from being frigid. In fact, they are bright and warm. And though the Muppets generally promise a good time for younger audiences, the realistic surroundings and a darkly-dressed Scrooge give the appearance that this will be enjoyable for older audiences as well. A fancy calligraphy font is used on the title, which makes gives me that authentic Dickens feeling. The poster stands out as a creative spin on a classic that’ll have you saying “please sir, I want some more”.

I give it: 3.5/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

Only a Cottenheaded Ninny Muggin wouldn’t appreciate this piece of work. Dead and center of both the poster and the main title is star Will Ferrell, which implies that he is will be the center of the film as well. Fine by me! Will dons overwhelmingly extravagant elf garb, giving him a child-like quality. Not only does it advertise finding your inner elf, but I think it promises to please your inner child as well. The simple white background makes the title pop. Clever copy is the cherry on top. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the season, and I predict this poster will have a lengthy and successful shELF life.

I give it: 4/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

There’s nothing like being home for the holidays, which is where we journey on this Christmas Vacation. It’s an electrifyingly clever poster for an electrifyingly silly movie. I think the mention of Chevy Chase can further attest to that. And with this poster you know what you are going to get: A slapstick comedy wrapped in Christmas paper. Topped with copy so punny it makes you groan, it’s a poster that yule surely love.

I give it: 3.5/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

You better not pout, I’m telling you why: The Grinch is coming to town. With a spin on the evil witch from Snow White, this poster captures the mean and nasty nature of our favorite Christmas villain. I love the minimal display of the customary Christmas colors: red, green, and white. On top of a black background instead of the standard white shows that this movie has a dark presence. Mention of Jim Carrey promises a goofy nature to this Dr. Suess classic. It’s simply does not stink, stank, or stunk.

I give it: 4.5/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

This poster proves to me that sometimes simplicity goes a long way. Does anybody else think that Dirty Dancing may have ripped off their signature move from this? It’s romantic, it’s happy, and…in full color! Though it may not have any obvious signs of being a holiday poster, I think it is obvious that this joyful movie brings out those jolly feelings associated with Christmas. Another reason why I love this poster is its classic old-timey type that’s clearly hand-drawn. It’s bouncy and simple, giving the poster a fun feeling. It’s one wonderful poster that you never would want to just throw away.

I give it: 3/5 Reindeer

 

 

 

 

 

 

While you may not think of Little Women right away as Christmas movie, this poster clearly proves otherwise. Snowflakes are falling, a warm house is lit up in the background, and it guarantees to come out on Christmas Day. Though only Winona got the special title treatment, we can also spot stars Claire Danes, a young Kirsten Dunst, and Susan Sarandon. These actresses are not little women by any means, so you know you are in for excellent performances in this family-centered flick. The seafoamm green hue layered on top of the poster mixed with the bright red of these women’s’ lips is a subtle way of adding in some Christmas flare. This poster gives a slight modern edge to a Louisa May Alcott’s classic tale, and is just as warm and inviting as chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

I give it: 4.5/5 Reindeer

 
 
 
So hopefully while you are out and about this time of year

You’ll be filled with holiday poster cheer

For as I leave this blog and go out of sight

I wish you all happy holidays, and to all a good night!