Paste's favorite holiday movies

Page 2 of 8

Jeremy Medina, Editorial Intern -- Elf (2003)
Nothing represents Christmas cheer better than Will Ferrell in yellow tights, a green parka and cone-shaped cap. Even if the movie devolves into a formulaic, race-against-the-clock flick in the last 30 minutes, its myriad gifts outweigh its problems. From endlessly quotable nuggets like "cotton-headed ninnymuggins"; the hysterical fruit spray scene; Zooey Deschanel showcasing her pre-She & Him singing chops; Mr. Narhwal and the arctic puppets (a band name if I ever heard one); to, finally, Ferrell's infectious enthusiasm, Elf is my go-to pick for holiday merriment.