I’m such a sap for Christmas movies. In the few days leading up to the big day, only Christmas movies are playing on my TV. I will admit that there is a mix of the classics as well as those cheesy TV movies. I wanted to compile a list of the classics so I asked my readers and friends to send in their favorite Christmas movies to put together the best Christmas movie watchlist. Here are the results counting down to the number one movie:
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
Great feel-good movie to watch with the family. Tim Allen is hysterical and after laughing your way through this movie, you can watch the second one…and the third one!
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
My best way to describe this movie would be something along the lines of…Jack the Pumpkin King kidnaps Santa and then runs around a creepy world while a love story is intertwined in the plot. Disney’s description was a little better… “Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere.”
8. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The classic illustrated children’s story turned movie is a must-watch during Christmas as The Grinch (played by Jim Carrey) tries to ruin Christmas for the citizens of Whoville.
7. Love Actually (2003)
I love this movie! Several different stories all revolving around love take place around Christmas in England.
6. Miracle On 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
Six-year-old Susan no longer believes in Santa Claus after her mother told her the “truth” a long time ago. But after meeting a special department store Santa who is convinced that he’s the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all – something to believe in – reminding us all that dreams really do come true if you believe.
5. The Holiday (2006)
One of my favorite movies of all time and therefore an absolute must during Christmas. Cameron Diaz plays Amanda, a Hollywood exec who after a breakup decides to switch homes with the love sick Iris in England, played by Kate Winslet.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This old classic has become a tradition in homes during Christmas. The story goes something like this… After George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes he had never been born, an angel (Henry Travers) is sent to earth to make George’s wish come true. George starts to realize how many lives he has changed and impacted, and how they would be different if he was never there.
3. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell plays Buddy who was raised in the North Pole among elves – thus believing that he himself is an elf. He then heads to New York City in search of his father all while wearing his full elf suit and causing complete chaos in the city.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The third movie in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, the Griswold family is at it again! One thing after the next goes wrong for the family despite their efforts to have the perfect family Christmas.
1. Home Alone (1990)
This movie topped everyone’s list. No Christmas is complete without watching Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) cause total mayhem for two crooks trying to burglarize his house.
Surprisingly enough A Christmas Story did not make the list. I personally think the film is rather boring and overhyped at a classic Christmas story. What do you think?
