Top Ten Tuesday: Christmas Movies

10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Everyone should at least know of the Grinch, but many probably are more familiar with the Jim Carrey movie from 2000 than the original. Both could have claimed the final spot on the list, but it’s tough to beat the TV special from over 50 years ago.

 

9. A Christmas Carol (1951)

Based off the famous book by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol has several different versions—including plays—but the 1951 movie is probably the top version to hit the big screen.

 

8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Although it’s just a 25-minute short, A Charlie Brown Christmas deserves a spot on the list, as it truly is a classic that teaches kids (and adults) the true meaning of Christmas.

 

7. The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express is one of three movies from this century to make the list, and it might be the most debated. Some people think it’s a little too dark or the animation is unsettling, but it was an ambitious holiday adventure that should remain popular for years to come.

 

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

A TV movie that was ahead of its time, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has some really charming animation for the 1960s, and the story of Rudolph and his friends just wanting to be accepted is touching and relatable to many.

 

5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

The most accomplished film (five Oscar nominations) on the list, It’s a Wondeful Life is actually the oldest, too. The holiday classic stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a good-hearted businessman that loses his way in life, which causes an angel to be sent from Heaven to show him what life would be like if he never existed.

 

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

Who doesn’t love this Christmas hit starring Tim Allen? The family movie starts off with Santa Claus getting inadvertently killed on Christmas Eve, but Scott Calvin (Allen) takes his place after some reluctance and with the help of some magic that causes him to gain weight and have a big, white beard. Calvin certainly makes a unique Santa Claus, but the movie has a really good message.

 

3. A Christmas Story (1983)

A Christmas Story is played all morning, day, and night if you turn on the television on December 25th, and it has plenty of unforgettable scenes throughout. Whether it’s Flick getting his tongue frozen to the pole or Ralphie cursing in front of his father, A Christmas Story is probably in the top three on any Christmas movie list.

 

2. Home Alone (1990)

Kevin McCallister is basically a Christmas legend when it comes to movie and TV characters. The eight-year-old is accidently left home on Christmas, and he must pull out all the stops to defend his home from burglars, which he successfully does, and even helps reunite Old Man Marley—who he perceived as some sort of monster—with his family.

 

1. Elf (2003)

While the other movies on the list are great, the top choice isn’t really up for debate. Elf stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, a man that was raised in the North Pole after finding his way into Santa’s bag at an orphanage as a baby, and when he finds out the truth, he goes to New York to find his real father (played by James Caan). Buddy’s naivety creates some hilarious scenes, but the story is still serious enough to have a really good message. Elf is a must-see every holiday season.