Article Overview
Elf ranks as the second most popular movie on the Max streaming service as of November 1. A second Christmas movie, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, ranks at number five.
Elf, directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, follows the journey of a North Pole elf who ventures to New York City to reunite with his biological father. Even after two decades, this film continues to captivate audiences and stand as a beloved Christmas classic. Ferrell's outstanding portrayal, along with a talented ensemble cast, delightful humor suitable for all ages, and touching messages, contribute to its enduring charm.
Will Ferrell's Christmas classic, Elf, is already trending on streaming platforms just days after Halloween. From its release in 2003, the film follows Ferrell's character, Buddy, an oversized elf working with Santa at the North Pole. Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to meet his biological father. Directed by Jon Favreau, Elf was a huge success at the box office and continues to be a popular choice during the holiday season.
According to ComicBook.com, Elf currently stands as the second most popular movie on the Max streaming service as of November 1. The only film that surpasses it is the horror movie The Nun II, which was released in September. Notably, Elf is not the only holiday-themed movie to make the list, as National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, starring Chevy Chase, holds the fifth position. The complete list can be found below:
Movie | Rank |
|---|---|
The Nun II | 1 |
Elf | 2 |
The Devil Wears Prada | 3 |
Justice League: Warworld | 4 |
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation | 5 |
Pitch Perfect 2 | 6 |
Legally Blonde | 7 |
Meg 2: The Trench | 8 |
Major League | 9 |
The Pyramid | 10 |
Why Elf Has Stood The Test Of Time
There are only a few Christmas classics that remain popular choices during the holiday season, regardless of their original release date. Films like It's A Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Christmas Story, and Home Alone are undoubtedly part of this list. However, Elf is also included. This movie resonated with audiences, earning a whopping $225.1 million at the box office upon its release and likely many more millions in subsequent years through digital and physical media sales (although don't expect Elf 2 anytime soon).
Ferrell's starring performance is a significant factor in the film's enduring success. At the time of its release, Ferrell was gaining recognition as a talented comedic actor, thanks to his previous roles in films like Zoolander and Old School. Although Ferrell's earlier comedy work catered to a more adult audience, Elf revealed his ability to captivate audiences of all ages with his delightful and amusing portrayal. The film undoubtedly contributed to Ferrell's increasing popularity following its release.
The entire cast of Elf, including Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhart, and Peter Dinklage, also deserves credit for their exceptional performances. While the movie is appropriate for younger viewers, its humor resonates with people of all ages. The combination of stellar performances, humor, and the charming Christmas atmosphere in New York City, along with heartwarming themes, all contribute to Elf's impressive longevity.
Source: ComicBook.com
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I'm thrilled to see that Elf is already trending on streaming platforms just days after Halloween. It's a testament to the film's enduring popularity and its status as a modern Christmas classic. Will Ferrell's portrayal of Buddy the Elf is truly iconic, and his journey from the North Pole to New York City is both heartwarming and hilarious.
I also appreciate the film's positive message about family and belonging. In a world that can often feel divided, Elf reminds us that it's important to embrace our differences and find common ground. Whether you're a fan of Christmas movies or not, Elf is a film that the whole family can enjoy. I highly recommend checking it out this holiday season.
