How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 version)
The Jim Carrey version of this movie is great, don’t get me wrong, but the original can’t be beat. This movie is no frills, unlike the modern adaptations. Not to mention, You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch is one of the best Christmas songs around.
Elf
This movie is Will Ferrell at his best! It’s super cute, absolutely hilarious, and very quotable. It’s definitely a staple of the holiday season.
Santa Claus is Coming to Town
This may be my favorite Christmas movie of all time. It’s definitely a little weird, but sentiment softens the stop-motion. With characters like Fred Astaire (mailman version), Winter Warlock, Burger Meister Meister Burger, and a beautiful, young Mrs. Claus, you know you’ve got a great origin story.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Hands down, this is a classic. This movie is often seen as too sappy, but I think it has darker and more realistic themes than most of the Christmas movies out there. James Stewart does an incredible job in his role as George Bailey, humanizing a character who lashes out as his world crumbles around him.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
Honestly, when I was younger I hated this movie. The Ghost of Christmas Future still haunts my dreams. But my mom made me watch it with her every year, because it’s her holiday favorite. Once I got a bit more of a backbone, I warmed up to this slightly creepy Christmas movie. It really is a wonderful story of redemption.