As Christmas creeps closer, people sit down in front of the TV, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, drink some hot chocolate, and watch some of their favorite holiday movies. There are so many good ones to choose from, but in case you’re stuck on what you want to watch, here is a list of the top ten Christmas movies of all time.
10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Coming in at number 10 is the 1989 tale of a family that just wants to have the perfect Christmas. The Griswold’s are a mess, to say the least, so their holiday festivities never really go to plan. Clark Griswold also has a tendency to go over the top, for instance, in one scene, he buys a Christmas tree so big it breaks the windows of his living room. However, it is still entertaining to watch, as all of these escapades bring the family closer together and make them realize what really matters on Christmas. I would definitely suggest checking it out.
9. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Number nine is the 1964 TV movie version of the classic story of Rudolph, an outcast reindeer with a nose that glows bright red. Because he isn’t like the everyone else, the other reindeers bully him relentlessly and leave him out of their fun and games. It is hard not to love this underdog character, who goes on to help Santa Claus in his time of need. Other versions of this story have come out, but this claymation version is the best one by far. Though the animation is not what we are accustomed to these days, it still has a great storyline, a catchy song, and is a can’t miss movie.
8. It’s a Wonderful Life
Everyone knows that no Christmas movie countdown is complete without talking about this one. This black and white classic has managed to stay relevant, even though it has been over seventy years since its original release. This movie features a man who wishes that he had never been born, and an angel shows him how the world would be if he had never been in it and how much he has affected the people around him. Though it failed when it was originally in the box office, it has now transformed into a staple of the Christmas season. If you still haven’t seen it, it might be time to give it a try.
7. A Year Without a Santa Claus
This one is another claymation TV special, made by Rankin Bass Productions, the same company as Rudolph. The 1974 story engages audiences by depicting what it would be like if Santa almost couldn’t come one year. When Santa wakes up sick before Christmas, he sends two elves out into the world to find some people who still believe in Santa Claus, but not everything goes to plan.
The storyline is good, but the songs are better, because they are the most memorable part of the movie. It’s probably most well known for the Snow Miser and Heat Miser song, which is extremely catchy, and if we’re being honest, we’ve all been caught singing that one once or twice. If you’re looking for a good ol’ classic Santa Claus story, this is the best one there is.
6. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The live-action version of the children’s story about the mean, green monster who hates Christmas came out in 2000, and far surpasses any other previous rendition. An outcast that suffered as a child because of his differences does anything he can to keep Christmas from reaching Whoville, a town that takes Christmas to a whole other level.
There’s one Whoville girl, Cindy Lou Who, who is determined to stand in his way and make him realize what Christmas is really about. With great acting, including Jim Carrey as the lead role of the Grinch, and several other charming characters, it will make you laugh and get you excited for the holiday season.
5. Home Alone series
There are five movies in this series, but most people have only ever seen the first two or three, which are the best ones, because the other two were just TV movies, with smaller budgets and different actors.
The first two feature a little boy named Kevin McAllister, who is always losing his family or getting left behind, once when they leave for vacation without him, and again when he gets on the wrong plane and winds up in New York City by himself. Each time, he finds himself in troubling situations with criminals. For instance, when two robbers plan to attack his house next, he decides to try to stop them. He has to find ways to set up traps and outsmart the criminals.
The other three movies switch up the main character each time, but follow a similar plot line. If you are looking to laugh at unorthodox booby traps and crazy childhood antics, one of these is the movie for you.
4. Polar Express
This 2004 cartoon stars a boy who is doubting what Christmas is about and lacking the holiday spirit. In the middle of the night, a magical train appears in front of his house on Christmas Eve that whisks him and a bunch of other kids away to the North Pole. Along the way, he drinks delicious hot chocolate, has an interesting conversation with a homeless man, makes great friends, nearly falls off of the train, sings some good songs, and much more, as he travels to meet the legendary Santa Claus and see the North Pole.
His extraordinary journey shows him that you’re never too old to believe in Christmas and the holiday spirit. So, if you’re having trouble finding your Christmas spirit this year, this one might be a good choice.
3. The Santa Clause series
The three The Santa Clause movies are some of the most popular Christmas movies of all time and has a great cast, starring Tim Allen. The first one is about Scott Calvin, a divorced man fighting for custody of his son, Charlie. On Christmas Eve, Calvin is forced to take over the role of Santa Claus, after he scares the old Santa off of his roof.
He and his son are taken to the North Pole, where Scott learns he has a lot of work to do in preparation for the next holiday. The next two movies continue his crazy adventures, as he tries to handle being Santa Claus and learning the ropes of his new home in the North Pole, while also balancing his son and love life back at home. The holiday season is truly not complete unless you’ve watched this trilogy.
2. A Christmas Story
This 80s movie showcases a young boy named Ralphie Parker, as he navigates the Christmas season. Along the way, he has to continuously dodge bullies, try not to anger his cranky father, and keep his glasses from breaking, all while he dreams of receiving a “Red Ryder” air rifle for Christmas.
His mother, his teacher, and even a department store Santa Claus all tell him no and give him the same warning about his dream present, saying “you’ll shoot your eye out, kid.” If you’re looking for a funny and quotable movie, you should give this one a try.
1. Elf
I think everyone saw this one coming, because it’s so popular. Everyone’s favorite Christmas movie is about Buddy the elf, who was accidentally brought to the North Pole when he was a toddler. When he grows up and discovers that he’s not actually an elf, he decides to travel to New York City, in search of his dad.
However, the city doesn’t take a liking to this man-boy in a full elf costume, and his dad is not a fan of having him around either. His adventure is filled with ups and downs, as he tries to fit in and also bring back the holiday cheer to New York. If you haven’t seen this one yet, it’s time to cuddle up on the couch and watch.
