I am totally one of those people: I love Christmas. Blame it on a wonderful childhood maybe – or on my love of all things sparkly – but everything about Christmas just makes me smile. One of my favorite parts of Christmas is the movies. During December, if I am home, you can be sure that I will have the TV on and tuned in to one of the many Christmas movies that is bound to be on at any given hour. As a Christmas movie connoisseur, I thought I’d put together a list of my top 10 favorites, in no particular order. If you asked me on a different day, some of the flicks on the list would likely change, but I’ve done my best. If you haven’t seen all of the following movies, get on it. And deck some halls while you’re at it.
The Santa Clause
Let it be doubly noted that I mean ONLY the first one. I don’t know what sort of drugs happened to bring about The Santa Clause 2 and 3, but they are certainly not up to the standards of this 1994 classic. Tim Allen is hilarious, and the boy who plays his son is the cutest thing ever.
Elf
If you don’t love this movie, I’m not sure we would be able to relate on anything. Will Ferrell’s personality makes for a perfectly hilarious Buddy the Elf, with quotable lines to spare. Add in a really great and original storyline, and you’ve got one of the best Christmas films ever created (yeah, I said it).
White Christmas
How can you not adore a musical romance? I love the songs and dances (hello, Bing Crosby) in this movie equally as much as I love the old-timey dialogue and beautiful scenes. Until I’ve seen this movie, it just doesn’t feel like Christmastime.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
I grew up watching this movie. When I watch it now, I sort of miss the accidental bits of commercial that were recorded into the VHS tape that we had of it in my childhood. This movie has a sweet message and great one-liners. It’s Peanuts at their finest.
A Christmas Carol
I couldn’t begin to know how many movie versions of this tale exist. One of my absolute favorites, however, is the 1984 version starring George C. Scott. Scrooge, Cratchit, and all of the other characters are perfect (except that the David Bowie-haired ghost of Christmas past creeps me out a bit). Phooey on the new Jim Carey one.
Miracle on 34th Street
I know that many will disagree, but I just love the 1994 version of this film. The storyline is so cute and Christmasy (spellcheck approved) that I’d like any version, but this one strikes a chord with me. I’m sure that little girl would annoy the piss out of me if I had to spend the whole day with her, but she’s adorable in this film.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
This one is another childhood classic – and it goes back even to my parents’ childhoods. I don’t recall ever watching Mr. Magoo cartoons, but I just adore this movie. The original songs are brilliant, and the whole thing just feels so sincere.
Love Actually
This movie is a more recent favorite. The myriad love stories are great, the cast is incredible, and that stupid Christmas song kind of grows on you. Plus, duh: Hugh Grant.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
And, again, I don’t mean the one with Jim Carey. I do enjoy that one, but this original tops it by far. Anyone who knows me knows that I love Dr. Seuss artwork. The scenes in this are Seuss-y and perfect, and the songs are unforgettable.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
If this movie doesn’t make you laugh, nothing will. Although “Cousin Eddie” gets a bit tiresome, the holiday season just wouldn’t feel right without Chevy Chase’s antics.
Honorable Mentions: The Nightmare Before Christmas (I like watching this more around Halloween though), The Polar Express (growing on me every year), It’s a Wonderful Life, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and my recent new fave Prep and Landing.
There is one glaring omission to this list, but I suppose you’d shoot your eye out.
Knew I’d catch flak for that one!
Wonderful choices Tiffany. I also love Christmas Vacation – it is surely Chevy Chase’s best character.
Interesting that you choose the George C. Scott version of A Christmas Carol but good choice anyway. I’m a particular fan of Scrooged myself – I like the alternative nature of it, despite it returning to the schmaltz of so many Christmas films by its final reel.
Nice to see some love for Tim Allen in the hugely enjoyable The Santa Claus. Shame about the sequels though.
A couple there I have not seen, but three that I would add (though they are not actual Christmas films are Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Matilda… I can watch them over and over again!
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