Among the many holiday movies that exist, whether it's a classic or a recently made movie, there are tons of reasons why these make the Top 10 of them all!
1. "Elf" - “Elf” is the epitome of a holiday movie. It is easily the most quotable holiday movie in existence, and it has Will Ferrell as the main character. There is nothing better than the story of a man finding his father, but what really sweetens the deal is the son singing to the father in the middle of his work day. Add in the fact that Buddy answers the phone with “Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” and eats pasta coated in candy, chocolate, and syrup. He also manages to win the girl in the end and save Santa from the police. It’s a great movie for the whole family, and it makes you wish you had claymation friends and the stamina to walk to New York when the Christmas spirit is calling you.
2. "Holiday Inn"/"Little Women" - I’m a sucker for old movies (if that’s not already obvious), and these two definitely take the “fruit” cake. I know I listed “It’s a Wonderful Life” as well, but as stated, it just is not the best “old-fashioned” movie out there for the holidays. “Holiday Inn” stars the amazing Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby (who is the father of Christmas music) as they both compete for the attention of a woman. It’s got everything you could ever want in a movie: musical numbers, amazing singing, and corny romances. It’s tied with “Little Women” (my favorite is the 1949 film - no hate Winona, just love the classics) because of how the movie makes you feel throughout the story and it really is a true holiday movie. If you have not seen it yet, I highly recommend watching it with your family during the holiday season and it will really make you appreciate everything you have.
3. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” - Jim Carrey. That’s just about it. Jim Carrey and a very iconic Christmas melody. This is by far the best interpretation of a Dr. Suess work ever and the cast performances really made it top notch. It makes you really feel while also making you laugh at the pretty hilarious jokes. Oh, and it also supplied endless memes that almost anyone can relate to.
4. “It’s a Wonderful Life” - George Bailey really knows how to amp up the holidays. While this might be a shock to some people, his role is not the reason this movie made it to the top five. Clarence is the true star of this movie, as the angel who reminds George of the good in the world and the happiness in the little things. Let’s all be honest, George was too narrow-minded and pessimistic to ever see that himself. The movie still gives you that sense of everlasting hope though and for it blesses us with the ever stated phrase “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.”
5. “A Rugrat’s Chanukah”/”A Rugrat’s Kwanzaa” - “Rugrats” is a staple of 90’s kids memories. It was the coolest television show about babies ever and it even spawned two movies and countless video games. But there were two specials that always aired around the holidays that outshined the other childrens specials: “A Rugrat’s Chanukah” and “A Rugrat’s Kwanzaa." These two specials told a story not just for children to enjoy, but also for adults. In the Chanukah special, Tommy learns about half of his family’s religious heritage from his grandfather who doesn’t live with them. In the Kwanzaa special, Suzie and her family get a visit from her Great Aunt who teaches them about the greatness of her African heritage. It really is heartwarming to see that the rest of the Rugrats prove to her that she is just as amazing as everyone in her family and that she is the best friend to celebrate “Kwonzo.” Definitely a great learning lesson for the younger ones!
6. “The Holiday”/”The Santa Claus” - What’s better than Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Kate Winslet? The movies above it on this list, but a Tim Allen family comedy ties with it. “The Holiday” is a cute rom-com that centers around Christmas time, and separately but jointly tells the story of two women who have their lives torn apart only to find them complete again when they trade places for a vacation. It’s cute, a little cheesy, and is one of those “I-saw-that-coming-movies,” it has the happy ending you’re looking for. Pair it with “The Santa Claus” and you’ve got a winner. Everyone knows the premise of this movie, but there's nothing better than watching someone take out Santa and then come to terms with the fact that he now is him. Plus, the scene at the park where the kids all start lining up is just too precious.
7. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”/”Frosty the Snowman” - Two of the biggest classic staples of your holiday season. Some might be wondering “why is this so low on the list?” Well, I will tell you why - they tend to be a little annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I love the magic of the movies and the stories that created the whole mystical air that surround c\Christmas, but is there actually a reason why Rudolph’s nose sounds like that? Does Frosty always have to say “Happy Birthday” every time he comes to life? If there is only like four toys on the Island of Misfit Toys, why do they sound like an entire children’s choir? So many questions, literally no time.
8. “Die Hard” - As the sassy sister film to “Working Girl” (praise you Bob’s Burgers writers for that amazing analysis), Die Hard is not something most people would pick as their favorite Christmas movie, but it takes place during a Christmas party. Plus, it’s got Bruce Willis and the late and great Alan Rickman as the villain and, I mean, a cast doesn’t get any more badass than that. It’s got friendship, family, romance, and action, which is everything you would get at the family dinner table but packed away on a screen that won’t spill cabernet on grandma’s vintage table cloth.
9. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” - If your parents were Peanuts fans, then you definitely have seen this movie. You might not have realized it as a kid, but this Christmas story is witty and heart-warming at the same time. Charlie is essentially every 20-something who cannot afford anything for Christmas but still wants to try to make the best of it. The best part about this movie: just when everything seems to be going downhill, it gets better. Charlie’s tree becomes what it was always meant to be and everyone is happily celebrating together. It’s a movie you can afford to skip if need be, but it never disappoints.
10. “Love Actually” - Alright let’s be honest: everyone has seen this movie, and if you haven’t, you have definitely heard about it. It’s got basically the entire cast of Harry Potter minus the kids plus Mr. Bean, and it’s all set around Christmas. It literally doesn’t get any better than that! Except for the fact that Keira Knightley’s Juliet is so annoying and totally unfaithful to her brand new husband and I am just not the biggest fan of Hugh Grant (Bridget Jones fans may understand my reasoning). Also, can we talk about the fact that they changed Olivia Olson’s amazing voice because they thought she sounded too good? I mean she still sounded beyond perfect with the autotune, but just let the girl sing!
