It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And Christmas movies are the best way to get in the holiday mood. Here is a list of my top ten favorite Christmas movies of all time.
- Last Christmas
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This movie is at the top of the list strictly for the number of times I can watch it and never get tired of its storyline. The movie is inspired by the song of the same name and the overall music of George Michael. Starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, the viewers witness a true Christmas love story develop. Clarke’s character, Kate, works in a Christmas shop and meets a strange young man, Golding’s character, Tom under seemingly coincidental circumstances. The pair slowly start to spend more time together, falling in love when a devastating plot twist changes the course of the love story.
- A Christmas Story
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A true classic. This movie is a staple in my family’s household during the holidays, despite my mom’s disdain for it. An older Ralphie Parker narrates his younger life, recalling a certain Christmas when all he wanted was a specific model of an air rifle and he is disappointed when he realizes he hasn’t received the gift for Christmas as his mother had warned he would shoot his eye out and when he does actually get the air rifle he does indeed shoot his eye out which leads to a series of lies to his mother.
- The Santa Clause Triology
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A perfect Christmas movie series. In the first movie, Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, has custody of his son, Charlie, on Christmas Eve when they are both awoken by the sound of Santa and his reindeers on their roof. Scott calls out to the man on their roof, resulting in the death of Santa, when Scott puts the suit on he is transported to the North Pole where it is explained to him he must take on his new role of Santa Claus. After almost eight years of carrying on the role of Santa Claus, in the second movie, Scott struggles to marry before Christmas, risking his role of Santa, and confronts the issue of his son making the naughty list. Finally, in the last movie, another legendary figure, Jack Frost, is introduced who creates a masterful plan to take over the North Pole and become the new Santa.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
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Personally, my second favorite Christmas movie of all time. Clark Griswolds wants and desperately tries to have a perfect family and a perfect Christmas. He bothers both his wife and children to make sure everything is all in place as the holidays approach. And yet, things never quite go as planned.
- The Holiday
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Who doesn’t love a classic romantic comedy? And starring Kate Winslet? Enough said. When two heartbroken women, Iris and Amanda, agree to swap homes in an attempt for a much-needed break. The pair quickly meet local men and are able to get back in the romantic swing they needed.
- The Polar Express
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A very controversial pick. Many people seem to be divided on the decision if this movie is actually good or not. While the animation can be a little unsettling for its oddly very realistic qualities, it is always a typical Christmas movie. The story follows a young boy who is skeptical of the existence of Santa Claus when he has the opportunity to board a train directed to the North Pole, where he confronts his suspicions and learns the spirit of Christmas.
- While You Were Sleeping
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Possibly debated as being a Christmas movie, but personally, I do indeed believe it can be considered a Christmas movie. When Lucy, played by Sandra Bullock, saves her long time crush, Peter, from an accident, the doctors state that he is in a coma. And when a misinterpreted comment leads Peter’s family to believe they are engaged. Lucy goes along with the notion of being Peter’s fiance as his family welcomes her in. She then finds herself falling for Peter’s brother, Jack.
- Christmas Shoes
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A beautifully sad Christmas tale. The movie tells the story of the song by the same name. A young boy with a terminally ill mother finds a pair of shoes that are perfect for his mother’s last Christmas when he falls short of the amount of money due. A lawyer, portrayed by Rob Lowe, lends a hand to the young boy that gives him a different perspective on Christmas.
- Eloise at Christmastime
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A film I most remember from my childhood, it is adorable and family-friendly. Eloise is a young girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City and is really looked out for by the staff of the hotel. The main focus of this movie is an arranged marriage that is occurring between the hotel owner’s daughter, Rachel Peabody and Brooks Oliver. As Eloise tries to uncover Brooks’ suspicious plans and pushes for Rachel to actually marry her true love Bill, a room service waiter at the Plaza.
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
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Magical. This movie is so beautiful with its cinematography and follows a young girl on her journey to not only find a deeper connection with her mother but also stability in the realms of the land. Clara, the protagonist, is in need of a very specific key to unlock a box that holds a gift. When the gold thread seemingly leading to the key disappears. Clara finds herself making friends that hold knowledge as to how to venture to the other realms needed to restore the peace and obtain the key.