Most Christmas movies are an interesting combination of magic, family, and romance. Seems like the holiday can inspire some intense feelings, which is only natural. But everyone has their favorites, and here is a look at mine:
10. Christmas Vacation
At number ten on this list is the Griswold family. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo are in typical form as the Griswold’s host an encompassing family Christmas. For all the brash and crazy things that tend to occur when this family gets together, you have to wonder why anyone tries large Christmas gatherings. Still, this movie can bring a smile to just about anyone’s face.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tim Burton and the folks at Disney brought Jack Skellington to life, or at least animated life, in an interesting tale that shows how empty life can feel when someone is stuck in a rut. Jack tries to bring Christmas to a town dedicated to Halloween with disastrous results. The tale is warm and interesting, and is truly one of my favorites.
8. A Christmas Carol (Scrooge)
Many different variations exist on this classic Dickens story, but the 1951 movie is a touch above the rest. Ebenezer Scrooge learns about generosity and compassion from visits from three spirits. This is a classic redemption tale, which proves no matter how far out people seem to be, they can always come back.
7. Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
Jim Henson and the Muppets check in at number seven with Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas. While Emmet Otter and his mom risk everything for a chance to win first prize at a music competition, they learn a little something else about life and family.
6. White Christmas
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and company still light up the screen in White Christmas. From way back in 1954, the movie is still as charming as ever, and the dancing and music are still instantly recognizable more than fifty years later.
5. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen and Disney prove to be a great combination for the number five slot on this list. A way to busy father gets tossed into role of Santa Claus. While the movie has a number of great moments, check this out with your tween and they will almost certainly catch a familiar face.
4. A Christmas Story
Poor Ralphie. A Christmas Story has more hilarious moments than any Christmas movie should be allowed to have. However, the tender touching moments are still here as well. This is just a great movie, and shows pretty much everything Christmas is supposed to be.
3. Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street or any of its remakes is one of the greatest Christmas stories told. The movie shows the power of just taking a moment to consider the impossible. I mean who doesn’t need a miracle every now and then.
2. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Sorry, Jim Carrey fans, not the movie you are thinking about. While Dr. Seuss’s tale of the Grinch is a made for television movie (okay, maybe I am stretching that a bit), it belongs on the list of Christmas lore. The Grinch learns a little about himself and a lot about the holiday itself.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonder Life can still bring tears out in people that have seen it fifty times. James Stewart and company put on one of the finest performances of their careers. This is the classic redemption story about doing the right thing, and never giving up. But the gist of people being able to change and being there to help others out, which may just be what Christmas, is all about.
Sources:
personal experience
www.imdb.com
