As a kid, when December first arrived, that always meant one thing: it was time for Christmas movies. Digging up the videos from the basement, dusting them off, and plopping them into the VCR to see Rudolf sing with the misfit toys, or Frosty come to life again and again made Christmas so memorable. Here are ten that made our Christmases magical every year:
1. Frosty the Snowman
Frosty wasn’t the only one melting during the movie. This classic can never be replaced.
2. Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
Rudy and his red nose, misfit toys, and a snow monster make for a legend that gets better and better every year.
3. Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Tina the Talking Tabby’s theme song is still stuck in my head.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
The Who Hash, the rare Who roast beast, the little Cindy Lou Who, the heart that grew three sizes in one day all made for a timeless tale of love, forgiveness, and the true meaning of Christmas.
5. The Year Without a Santa Claus
Remember that one time Santa Claus got sick, and thought he wouldn’t be able to make his annual trip around the world? *Spoiler alert* he does end up making the trip because he doesn’t want to let the children down. I think the best part of this movie were the two brothers: Heat Miser and Cold Miser.
6. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas isn’t Christmas without Charlie Brown. Enough said.
7. Annabelle’s Wish
The most underappreciated Christmas Cartoon of all time: Annabelle’s Wish. The heartwarming tale about a cow who wishes to fly and be one of Santa’s reindeer is one that will always be cherished.
8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
The legend of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus was always a joy to watch.
9. A Christmas Carol (Disney version)
It would never be Christmas without Mickey and the gang. It’s the sweetest story of Dickens classic…but there were terrifying aspects that made it unforgettable. The devil of Christmas future? It still haunts me too.
10. The Polar Express
The movie that made us want to believe in Santa Claus forever, and made us stay up ALL night in hopes of hearing a train from the North Pole.