Modern Classic
Love Actually (2003)
The rom-com follows eight intertwined couples juggling romance and relationships during the holidays. Gordon says it’s about “what love represents and what love means in community.” Among the big-name cast are Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Liam Neeson.
Tear Jerker
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
An angel helps a troubled businessman see the good in himself on Christmas Eve in this black-and-white classic. “Every time I watch that movie, it makes me cry. That is my Christmas jam right there.”
Nontraditional Option
The Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)
Gordon describes the high-octane thriller, which takes place during the holidays, as “part Die Hard, part mystery, and part ’90s adrenaline.” It follows a suburban single mom who discovers she’s actually an assassin—not your typical Christmas fodder.
New Must-Watch
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
An embittered toymaker rediscovers his festive spirit with help from his precocious granddaughter. Gordon chose this film, which came out during the pandemic, for its sense of “humanness” and the way “it gives you some level of hope.”
For Holiday Haters
Scrooged (1988)
This remake of A Christmas Carol features a ruthless television executive, played by Bill Murray, who learns a lesson after firing an employee on December 23. Despite the familiar story, Gordon says, “it’s done in a way that’s smart. It’s still funny, and it aged well.”
Holiday Soundtrack
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
When a small-hearted grouch puts on a Santa costume to steal gifts, he ends up stumbling on a warm sense of community. The standout song in this animated feature? “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!” Gordon sings.
Movie stills by Everett Collection.
This article appears in the December 2025 issue of Washingtonian.
Dara T. Mathis is a journalist and nonfiction writer who joined Washingtonian in Fall 2025 as an Editorial Fellow. A 2024 recipient of the American Mosaic Journalism Prize, she resides in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
