Today marks the 21st anniversary of the beloved holiday classic Elf, released on November 7, 2003. Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell in one of his most iconic roles, Elf quickly became a staple of Christmas movie marathons, bringing laughter and heartwarming moments to fans around the world.
The film follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf in the North Pole, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. Ferrell’s portrayal of the naive yet lovable Buddy, with his infectious joy and childlike wonder, remains one of his most endearing performances. From Buddy’s over-the-top enthusiasm for Christmas to his awkward adjustment to the cynical big city, the film is packed with hilarious, memorable scenes. Who can forget Buddy’s exuberant shout of “Santa! I know him!” or his disastrous attempt to spread holiday cheer by adding maple syrup to spaghetti?
Elf also features a stellar supporting cast, including James Caan as Buddy’s gruff father Walter, Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, Buddy’s love interest, and Bob Newhart as Papa Elf. The combination of quirky humor, heartfelt emotion, and timeless holiday spirit makes it a movie that resonates with audiences of all ages.
