It's the most wonderful time of the year again! The holiday season is once again upon us, where we can make hot cocoa, wear as many ugly sweaters as we want, and most importantly, watch all of our favorite Christmas movies. So, in an attempt to jumpstart everyone's holiday spirit, here is a list of the 10 best Christmas movies/TV specials of all time, in no particular order:
1. The Polar Express
I remember watching this movie as a child and being completely captivated by the hot chocolate scene on the train. What is there not to love about this movie? From beginning to end, this feel-good movie is a holiday classic today. It can make anyone a believer in the Santa Claus, putting a smile on any face that watches it.
2. Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Animated)
The animated television special is a Christmas staple. It’s hard not to love the innocent Cindy Lou Who and her ability to change the grumpy Grinch so that his abnormally small heart grows three sizes larger by the end.
3. Home Alone
I won’t lie- Kevin McCallister was my role model growing up. Every kid watching this movie wished at one point that they could live out his adventure while being accidentally left at home without his family. Home Alone is a funny, yet heart-warming movie revolving around the Holiday season with incredible one-liners and popular moments. People today can say “Keep the change, ya filthy animal” and everyone will immediately know what they are referring to.
4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
I couldn’t put Home Alone on the list without including one of the greatest movie sequels of all time. Home Alone 2 puts an interesting twist on the classic Kevin McCallister story by having him get on the wrong plane, which leads him to the Big Apple during Christmastime. Watching Kevin explore Manhattan on his own made for a movie just as hilarious as the original.
5. Frosty the Snowman
How could this not be included on the list? Frosty is one of the ultimate Christmas icons along with Rudolph, (look at #7, below) capturing the hearts of children everywhere. From stuffed animals to ornaments to clothing, Frosty seems to be everywhere during the Holiday season, and this television special is what started it all.
6. The Santa Clause
This movie is a personal favorite- I watch it every Christmas Eve. It’s fun to watch Scott Calvin’s transformation into Santa Claus, with him being able to win back the heart of his son Charlie at the same time. It’s a funny, but ultimately sweet movie that taught me: “Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing.”
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Rudolph is the other Holiday icon that goes hand-in-hand with Frosty. Everyone, everywhere adores the cute little Reindeer with a glowing red nose that eventually helps Santa deliver his presents on Christmas Eve. With countless sequels and movies, nothing can compare to the original TV special that will always be a favorite.
8. A Christmas Story
Playing for 24 hours straight on TBS during Christmas Day, this movie is probably considered the ultimate Christmas classic. From Ralphie’s dreams of getting an A+ to his excitement over decoding the message from Little Orphan Annie all the way to shooting his eye out with the “Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle,” every scene in this movie is a favorite.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
In this TV special, the whole Peanuts gang is together to celebrate Christmas. This heartwarming Peanuts special has Charlie Brown trying to find what Christmas really means to him, which is something so many people can relate to. It has a great message along with some classic Charlie Brown and Snoopy antics all throughout. Let’s not forget Charlie Brown’s iconic Christmas tree, either. It has even been trademarked- you can go out and buy an actual Charlie Brown Christmas Tree today.
10. Elf
This movie has become the most recent Christmas classic. It has everything a Holiday movie would require. It is humorous, yet feel-good. It has Santa and a lot of candy. It has New York City and ice-skating. I love Buddy’s explanation of the food groups, his belief in where the best cup of coffee is, and his blind optimism in his biological father. This movie is all I need for a quick pick-me-up; I will instantly be in a better mood after watching it.
Now, go ahead- wrap some presents, drink some eggnog and watch one of these movies!
