Christmas is almost here and just like my ten favorite horror movies list I did during Halloween, here are my ten favorite Christmas movies to watch during the holidays. Don't be upset when you don't see some of your favorites (such as Elf which has honestly transcended a Christmas film) but rather give a chance to some you may not have heard of before.
#10 Trading Places (1983)
I put this at number ten mostly because I don’t know if it’s technically a Christmas movie but there is Christmas in it and reminds me of the holidays so it is to me, dammit!
#9 Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys (2001)
Yes, not the first Rudolf but the second one to me is so much more of an iconic and enjoyable Christmas story.
#8 Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas (1977)
Here’s the first of many that will make it to my list mostly due to my dad’s constant replaying of it. However, I’m not sure if I enjoy the movie itself more or the fantastic bloopers.
#7 The Year without a Santa Clause (1974)
I’ll be honest with you, I really only enjoy this movie to the extent I do because of Snow and Heat Miser and their scenes. Also probably my favorite version of Mrs. Clause.
#6 The Homecoming (1973)
The second one on my list I get from my dad. I never really enjoyed this movie until I actually took the time to sit through and watch it rather than catching pieces of my dad constantly replaying it everyone morning of November and December.
#5 Jack Frost (1979)
Literally the only telling of Jack Frost that ever did the character justice in my opinion. Between the facts the story is being told by a groundhog and the badass ice powers he has, this movie has everything.
#4 It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
The third movie that I at least know came from my dad. When he wasn’t playing Emmet Otter or The Homecoming, it was surely ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Probably one of the only movies period that caused such an emotional response. I think I could cry each time I see everyone coming together in the end and that’s not exactly common for me.
#3 Polar Express (2004)
The top three movies on this list were when it really started getting hard to organize. I remember seeing this movie for the first time in first grade while my teachers handed out hot chocolate during the hot chocolate scene in the movie, which by the way, is by far my favorite scene. I think I just love hot chocolate.
#2 Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992) / Scrooged (1988) / Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
I couldn’t figure out which retelling of a Christmas Carol I enjoyed more so I just included my favorite three. In reality, there are very few retellings of this story that I didn’t enjoy. Even the original is one I could watch on repeat during the holidays.
Honorable Mention
A movie I thought was going to make it to my list but just didn't make the final cut is Unaccompanied Minors (2006). Not the greatest or most critically acclaimed Christmas movie but an enjoyable and adorable one none the less.
#1 A Christmas Story (1983)
Not only is this probably the greatest Christmas movie of all time, I’m pretty sure I’ve relived some of its most iconic scenes in my own life. Between saying “fudge” while my dad worked on the car and begging for a Red Rider BB gun that I got for my birthday rather than Christmas, this movie resonates with me more than any other.
