'Tis the season for Christmas movies! They are an American tradition. Every family always tunes into the Hallmark channel or any other movie channel they can find just to watch some jolly holiday flicks. These are some of my must-see favorites.
"Nightmare Before Christmas"
What's this? A Tim Burton film on a Christmas list? I listed this first for a reason, mainly because calling this one a "Christmas movie" is a bit of a stretch. However, it is a classic, and it has "Christmas" in the title and as part of the plot. Plus, the music is amazing. Such as the famous opening song, "This is Halloween." ...Yeah, maybe this isn't a Christmas movie.
"A Christmas Carol"
This story is a classic with classic characters like Mr. Scrooge (Humbug!), the ghosts of Christmas and Tiny Tim. There have been several incarnations of this famous story, but I personally believe the one starring George C. Scott is the best. It has aged wonderfully. George C. Scott really brings Scrooge to life. The same goes for everyone else in the cast. But if you're not a fan of live-action Scrooge, the Mickey Mouse version is a close second.
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
You know Rudolph. Everyone knows Rudolph. It's impossible not to know him and it's impossible not to like him, even though those other dumb reindeer didn't like him at first. But then they found out he was useful, so they ended up liking him! It's a Christmas classic that I always need to see every year. It's been around for years and it's still just as enjoyable now as it was when I was a little kid.
"A Charlie Brown Christmas"
Good grief! Did you really think I was gonna forget this one? This is the perfect definition of a Christmas classic. Often imitated, never duplicated and always entertaining. Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang sang and danced their way into our hearts with this touching story of finding out what Christmas is all about. Families everywhere have been watching this Christmas special since 1965 and it's still going strong. Other Peanuts specials have popped up throughout the years, but none of them will top the classic Charlie Brown Christmas. Lights please.
"The Santa Clause"
This movie would have to be my favorite take on Santa and how the North Pole works. You put on the suit, then you're Santa. Despite how whiny the kid (Charlie) is in this movie, it's still one of my all-time favorites. It's wonderfully magical and heart-warming. It's also hilarious, thanks to Tim Allen. I honestly don't remember watching the two movies that came after this one. All I know is that this one is great.
"Elf"
One of the best. "Elf" tells the tale of Will Ferrell playing a human who was raised by elves who goes to New York City to find his real dad. That idea alone is hilarious. The movie is the exact same way. I need to watch this movie every year. I even know some people who watch it year-round, because it's that good. It's so entertaining and so quotable. Definitely a must-see for every family.
I know there are some I left out, but these were some of my favorites. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go watch every single one of them right now.
