Every holiday season I see all of these movies at least once. This is just one man’s opinion, so if you have favorites that didn’t make the list please add them in the comments section.
10. Love Actually: (2003) This warranted inclusion because Mrs. Phil and a certain Justice o’ The Peace who follows my Facebook page wanted it. Around the holidays the ladies get what the ladies want.
9. Scrooged: (1988) A modern re-telling of the Charles Dickens classic starring Bill Murray. I think that even Dickens would agree that this is way better than the original.
8. The Family Man: (2000) It’s a kind of It’s a Wonderful Life for a new generation. It takes a man down the road not taken. It’s the best acting both Nicholas Cage and Tea Leoni have ever done.
7. The Santa Clause: This 2004 movie starring Tim Allen screamed instant classic the first time I saw it. Also, any movie that includes Judge Reinhold is a must watch.
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas: (1993) To be honest, which I always am of course, I’ve never seen this, but so many people talk about it, so I added it to the list. Is it good enough that I should make time to watch it this year?
5. The Polar Express: (2004) Tom Hanks is a great actor even as a cartoon character.
4. Elf: (2003) Starring Will Farrell, this is the most quotable of all holiday movies. “I just like to smile. Smiling’s my favorite.” or “Buddy the Elf. What’s your favorite color?”
3. Miracle on 34th Street: (1947) I’ve never watched the crappy newer version and I don’t plan to. I’ve loved this one since I was a kid, especially the brilliant court scene when Santa’s lawyer wins the case by having the postmen bring in the letters to Santa. Officially, that was the last time the post office delivered anything on time for the holidays.
2. A Christmas Story: (1983) It is right and just that TBS plays this movie for 24 hours straight every year.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life: (1946) Yes, I’m an old sentimental fool. I still love it everytime when Mary is hidden in the bush and has lost her robe and George says, “Now this is a very interesting situation.” Who doesn’t wonder where the movie might have gone had his friends not pulled up in the car at that moment. Bow bow chicka chicka… Also it’s pretty cool to me that the town of Bedford Falls is based on a small town in upstate New York that I drive through all the time.
Ok, that’s my list. What do you agree with or better yet, disagree with? What movies would you put on the list? Have a great Tuesday and Happy Hanukkah! ~Phil
Love the list! However, I would add in a Muppets Christmas Carol too… Me and The Bloke watch that every year…
You should definitely watch Nightmare before Christmas. I’m with you on most of the above but my list would include Holiday Inn (black & white version Bing Crosby & Fred Astaire), the Holiday (total overacting by Kate Winslet but it’s Christmas so can be forgiven), and Arthur Christmas which is absolutely fabulous!!
I do like Holiday Inn, but when I limit my list to 10 some good ones don’t always make the cut. I think I’ll make a point to watch Nightmare this year. I feel like I’m missing out on an American Classic.
I’m with Suzie, as far as the ‘Muppet Christmas Carol’ goes. Also, a great British comedy film by the name of ‘Nativity’.
This is a GREAT list. I would add ‘Bad Santa’ although it is not exactly for the kiddos. 😉
Perfect choices.
Almost watched Love Actually again last night but ran out of time. Soon! 🙂
Once again, I am a hater of “Love Actually”, even when I was in love. Totally would replace that with “Muppet Christmas Carol” Then I would replace “Polar Express” (creepy eyes!) with “Christmas Vacation”. Not that I’m particular about lists or anything like that 🙂
It’s a Wonderful Life” definitely 1st, then “Miracle on 34th Street” the original only!, “A Christmas Carol” with Allistair Sim, a version that seems to have disappeared from the film world. Reginald Owen was ok, but never as good as Sim, then “Muppet Christmas Carol” 🙂
I love the oldies: White Christmas (my all-time favorite), The Bishop’s Wife, It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, The Grinch. We also watch The Santa Clause, Love Actually, Gremlins, and Die Hard every year.
Yes! Die Hard! I’ve heard debates about whether it should be considered a Christmas movie
Mt dad always put it in our family Christmas lineup. 🙂
All these movies of which you rave
Christmas Story is my fave.
Love actually is ,my pick form your list, but I haven’t seen many of them, or I can’t remember if I have!
Well give them a try! Tis the season!
Anything Tim Burton is number one for me.
And as much as Love Actually induces lovey dovey feelings it also makes me want to poke my eyes out with a spoon.
Gremlins… Oh how I love that moofie!
Hmmm….I may have to add Gremlins to the list. It’s nice to see you. Headed to your blog now
Haha my last few posts have been pretty dreary!
Gremlins is an awesome xmas moofie! I approve of adding it to the list. 😉
I think both The Muppet Christmas Carol and Nightmare Before Christmas are superb: Touching and poignant, with excellent music and lyrics. I hope you, too, really enjoy the latter, Phil.
Just remembered another favorite, only half-an-hour long. Think you might like it: Santa vs. The Snowman.
Thanks Babe!
You’re welcome, Phil : )
I like this list and I have watched most of them. Sad not to see Home Alone on there – it’s not Christmas until I’ve watched that. Also, if your interested in some “British” type X as movies other than Love Actually check on the Nativity franchise of movies. They’re awesome!
Good call on Home Alone. I completely agree that should be on the list. My wife and I will definitely check out the Nativity movies. We love our UK movies and shows
You won’t be disappointed. The guy from the UK office is in the first one and David Tennant is in the second one!
My wife has a crush on David Tennant so I suppose we’ll have to watch them
Well he’s only in the second one
Am I pathetic for not having seen “It’s A Wonderful Life” till now? 🙁 I’ve seen AAALLLL Christmas movies that have ever come out but never gotten the chance to see this one :/
Thank you for reminding me what I’ll be watching with my family this Christmas <3
Let me know what you think after watching it!