Whether you jump head-first into the holiday spirit or get seasonal depression and become a total Grinch, there's something about this season's movies that really hits a soft spot. They make us laugh, cry and want to re-watch over and over each year without ever getting old. They can be nostalgic, comforting and reminiscent of a special time and place in our lives that really hits home. Here's a mix of some of the best classic Christmas movies and new-age holiday flicks:
1. "It's a Wonderful Life"
It comes on TV every Christmas Eve and never gets old—even though it’s probably the most famous old Christmas movie of all. It's a Wonderful Life is that classic must-see movie to cuddle up at home and watch with loved ones. Since 1946, the black and white film has touched the hearts of millions while continually spreading it's important message: a reminder to be grateful for what we have, to never take anything or anyone for granted, and most of all, that life is oh so precious.
2. "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
One of the greatest animated Disney movies of all time. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas opens a door to the dark, gothic world of holiday spirit in the most amazing way. This one-of-a-kind Christmas story has left its mark in pop culture forever. A quirky story with a romantic twist, it even lives on through song lyrics like Blink 182's I Miss You: "The unsuspecting victim, of darkness in the valley, we can live like Jack and Sally if we want."
3. "The Santa Clause"
A cute, funny and heart-felt 90s classic that could never get old. The Santa Clause is another movie with a hilariously quirky and goofy storyline that makes you laugh and say awww all at the same time. An epic man of the 90s, Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story and star of TV series Home Improvement, is hilarious throughout his unwarned adventure replacing the job of Santa.
4. "Home Alone"
Another 90s gem that could never get old. Macaulay Culkin's legacy as Kevin McCallister touched the hearts of so many with both hilariously adorable Home Alone movies. Screw the third one. This is one of the few movies where the sequel is actually just as amazing as the first. With so many classic scenes between the battle with the Sticky Bandits to the scary yet symbolic pigeon lady in the park, we could watch it again and again and just laugh and cry the entire time.
5. "How The Grinch Stole Christmas"
There's basically nobody as perfect as Jim Carrey to portray the classic part of the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas. As the first Dr. Seuss book to be adapted into a full-length feature film, this classic Christmas story about the fictional town "Who-ville" is one of the most creative children's story turned family comedy that people of all ages will forever love.
6. "Bad Santa"
Transitioning into adult holiday movies, you have to admit that Billy Bob Thornton as the raunchy and hilarious Bad Santa makes one of the best holiday films to give you some laughs. 13 years later and they are finally coming out with a Bad Santa 2 which is currently in theaters. We can only hope it can live up to the original. One thing for sure is it won't be the same without Bernie Mac.
7. "Elf"
You can’t list the best adult Christmas movies without including Elf, one of Will Ferrell’s funniest roles. This is one of those movies with catchy lines and phrases that can apply to anything in daily life and it's always hilarious. You sit on a throne of lies!
8. "The Night Before"
With a hilarious cast and quirky storyline, this 2015 movie is an excellent modern-day Christmas story that's just corny enough to love. Three life-long friends, played by Anthony Mackie, Seth Rogan and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, reunite for one crazy adventurous night of debauchery in New York City on Christmas Eve. The Night Before will most definitely get you in the holiday spirit.
9. "New Year's Eve"
Can't have a holiday movie list without including a cheesy rom-com and New Years Eve is one of the cheesiest—yet cutest—that has come out in recent years. This one even has a superstar cast and a cute storyline that just all adds up in the end conveying a special message with holiday spirit. So adorable.
10. "A Christmas Story"
Concluding the list with an ultimate classic that never gets old (they literally play it on repeat for 24 hours on Christmas), A Christmas Story is a vintage tale that takes place in 1940s middle-class America. Hilarious, touching and memorable, Ralphie's Christmas story will forever be one of the most iconic of all time.
