Harsh Vardhan
Directed by Robert Tinnell, ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ is a cinematic celebration of Italian-American Christmas traditions. Set in 1983 in a charming West Virginia town, the film revolves around the Santalino family’s lively preparations for their annual Feast of the Seven Fishes. Skyler Gisondo plays Tony, who, smitten by Madison Iseman’s Beth, introduces her to the chaotic yet endearing holiday customs of his close-knit family. The film artfully weaves together the comical intricacies of love and family dynamics against the backdrop of a mouthwatering seafood feast.
The ensemble cast, featuring talents like Joe Pantoliano and Paul Ben-Victor, brings the quirky characters to life, adding a layer of authenticity to the festive tale. ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ not only serves up a visual feast of delectable seafood but also captures the essence of the holiday spirit, blending humor and romance in a delightful narrative. This heartwarming film is a gateway to the warmth of Christmas traditions and is the perfect concoction of cultural richness mixed with festive cheer. Here are 10 more movies like ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ to keep your holiday spirits up and running
10. Four Christmases (2008)
Directed by Seth Gordon, ‘Four Christmases‘ is a comedic holiday film that explores the challenges of juggling multiple family celebrations. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as a couple attempting to visit all four of their divorced parents in a single day, the film captures the humorous chaos of the holiday season. Much like ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ ‘Four Christmases’ taps into the dynamics of family gatherings, providing a comedic take on the complexities and joys that come with navigating festive traditions across different households. Both films offer a lighthearted yet relatable exploration of the holiday experience.
9. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Directed by Clay Kaytis, ‘The Christmas Chronicles‘ is a festive adventure film that follows two siblings, Kate and Teddy (Darby Camp and Judah Lewis) as they team up with Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) to save Christmas after accidentally causing Santa’s sleigh to crash. The film is filled with heartwarming moments, magical escapades, and a spirited performance by Russell as a modern and charismatic Santa. In contrast to the family-centric focus of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ adds a dash of fantasy and action to the holiday genre, creating an entertaining and joyous cinematic experience. Both films share a commitment to delivering holiday cheer with a unique twist.
8. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is a timeless classic that tells the story of George Bailey (James Stewart), a man on the brink of despair who discovers the profound impact of his existence with the help of an angel. Directed by Frank Capra, this heartwarming tale explores themes of selflessness, community, and the true meaning of life. Fans of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ may appreciate the similar emphasis on family, love, and the transformative power of holiday traditions. Both films capture the essence of the holiday spirit, making ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ a poignant choice for those seeking a timeless and emotionally resonant Christmas experience.
7. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
For fans of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ ‘The Best Man Holiday‘ is a delightful watch, directed by Malcolm D. Lee. This film reunites college friends for Christmas, weaving a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships and enduring bonds during the festive season. Much like the former, ‘The Best Man Holiday’ combines humor, emotional depth, and a celebration of enduring connections, making it a resonant choice for those seeking a touching portrayal of the joys and challenges of Christmas and holidays. The stellar cast, including Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, and Nia Long, delivers compelling performances, adding to the film’s charm and relatability.
6. Let It Snow (2019)
For enthusiasts of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ the charming ensemble film ‘Let It Snow‘ offers a refreshing take on holiday cheer. Directed by Luke Snellin and based on John Green’s novel, the movie weaves together three interconnected stories of love and friendship unfolding on Christmas Eve in a small town during a snowstorm. With its youthful exuberance, witty humor, and heartfelt moments, ‘Let It Snow’ resonates with the festive holiday spirit and captures the magic of unexpected connections. The film boasts a talented cast, including Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush, and Kiernan Shipka, ensuring an amusing and relatable holiday experience for those who enjoyed the familial warmth of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes.’
5. Noel (2004)
‘Noel,’ directed by Chazz Palminteri, intertwines lives during Christmas in New York, much like the familial connections explored in ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes.’ The film follows five New Yorkers, each grappling with personal challenges, whose paths converge in unexpected and heartwarming ways on Christmas Eve. Susan Sarandon plays a lonely widow, Penélope Cruz is a pregnant and homeless woman, and Paul Walker portrays a police officer seeking solace. As the characters navigate their struggles, the film beautifully captures the transformative power of compassion and connection during the holiday season. Both ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ and ‘Noel’ share a thematic resonance, exploring the bonds that form in the midst of Christmas chaos and emphasizing the significance of love and understanding.
4. A Christmas in Vermont (2016)
In Fred Olen Ray’s ‘A Christmas in Vermont,’ an uptight corporate executive’s holiday takes an unexpected turn when he finds himself in the charming landscapes of Vermont. Directed with a touch of authenticity, the film unveils the protagonist’s transformative journey as he encounters small-town traditions and discovers the genuine spirit of Christmas. Starring Abigail Hawk and Chevy Chase, the narrative skillfully blends festive elements with a genuine exploration of human connections. Much like the familial warmth in ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ ‘A Christmas in Vermont’ immerses viewers in a unique holiday experience, emphasizing the magic found in unexpected places and the true essence of the season.
3. The Holiday (2006)
Nancy Meyers’ ‘The Holiday‘ is a romantic comedy that ventures beyond clichés, offering a refreshing take on holiday escapades. The film unfolds as two women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet), swap homes for Christmas, leading to unexpected encounters and personal revelations. Meyers, known for her nuanced storytelling, crafts a narrative that transcends typical romantic tropes. With stellar performances and a narrative that navigates the complexities of love and self-discovery, ‘The Holiday’ stands out. Much like ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ it goes beyond traditional holiday narratives, intertwining genuine human connections with the magic of the festive season.
2. Love the Coopers (2015)
In Jessie Nelson’s ‘Love the Coopers,’ familial chaos unfolds during a Christmas Eve gathering, providing a genuine portrayal of the quirks and connections that define holiday reunions. The film, like ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes,’ delves into the intricate dynamics of family life, steering clear of predictable clichés. With a standout cast, including Diane Keaton and John Goodman, the narrative weaves through humorous and poignant moments, offering a nuanced exploration of the messiness and magic that make up the holiday season. ‘Love the Coopers’ is a compelling watch for those seeking a holiday film that goes beyond the conventional, embracing the complexities of family bonds.
1. The Family Stone (2005)
‘The Family Stone,’ directed by Thomas Bezucha, invites fans of ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes’ into an authentic exploration of familial dynamics during the holidays. The film weaves a captivating narrative around the eccentric Stone family as they navigate the chaos of Christmas. Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Meredith, adds an outsider’s perspective to the family’s quirky traditions, reminiscent of the outsider-love interest dynamic in ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes.’ With a studded cast, including Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, and Luke Wilson, ‘The Family Stone’ is a must-watch for its raw and often humorous portrayal of the messiness inherent in family gatherings, creating an emotionally resonant experience that echoes the genuine charm and tenderness found in ‘Feast of the Seven Fishes.’
Read More: Best Christmas and Holiday Movies
