1.) National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: We added this because of the comedy that it brings. It is a hilarious holiday film that follows the Griswolds trying to have the perfect Christmas. From a gigantic tree to some wild family members, they have their work cut out for them.
2.) The Grinch: This is a nice heartwarming movie that shows what Christmas is about. This movie is about a rude, miserable Grinch who overlooks the town of Whoville. The Grinch hates Christmas and wants to find a way to take away the holiday from everyone. Eventually, the Grinch’s heart changes and grows as a result of a young girl who shares her joy and Christmas spirit.
3.) Elf: We put this here because this is an amazing movie, and it makes the season feel so Christmasy. Elf is a comedy about Buddy, young boy who grows up at the North Pole with Santa and his helpers. Buddy eventually learns that he was not born as an actual elf, and that he is a human. He begins to go on an adventure to find his dad in New York City. When Buddy meets his dad, his father is not what Buddy expects, and Buddy’s playful and funny personality causes many challenges within their relationship.
4.) A Christmas Story: We like the fact that this movie is told through a kid’s perspective on Christmas. This is a comedy film that follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker. Ralphie dreams of a Red Ryder, and the story follows his desire to get it. The movie is light-hearted, yet it shows the inside of a child’s mind during the Christmas season.
5.) Christmas with the Kranks: We love how funny this movie is. This is another comedy film, and it is about how a married couple decides to skip Christmas and go on vacation. The parents are disappointed that their daughter is away for the first-time during Christmas. Although they face complaints from their neighbors for their decision about not putting up lights and celebrating the holiday, the couple is happy with their plan. This changes when they learn that their daughter surprisingly is coming home.
6.) A Charlie Brown Christmas: Charlie Brown has been a classic go-to Christmas show to watch since before our parents were born. This movie follows the iconic cartoon character, Charlie Brown, on the adventure of directing their school Christmas play. Along the way he tries to discover the true meaning of Christmas with the help of his friends.
7.) Home Alone: We love how smart the young boy is, and we love knowing his thoughts. Home Alone is a movie that follows Kevin, a young boy who is accidentally left behind from his family’s vacation. While trying to navigate life on his own, he must fight off two known burglars with nothing but his creativity and smarts.
8.) A Christmas Carol: It is cool to be able to see the man’s past, present, and future. This movie is about a grumpy old man who wants nothing to do with Christmas or people. On Christmas Eve night, he is visited by three ghosts, and they show him his past, present, and future. Eventually, the old man realizes how he should embrace the Christmas spirit and enjoy having redemption for his actions.
9.) Frosty the Snowman: Frosty and his magical hat shows the magic of Christmas itself, but it is an older film. This older animated film is the story of a magic snowman who comes to life from a simple hat. A group of children follow him around and help him run from a magician who wants to return Frosty to water. It is a heartwarming tale about friendship, and everyone knows the famous song.
10.) Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: This movie is super old, and now since there are more popular Christmas movies, this movie isn’t a huge favorite. This film is about a reindeer named Rudolph who has a bright red nose. Rudolph gets made fun of by all the other reindeers for his nose, but Rudolph is then asked to guide Santa’s sleigh. Rudolph goes from being the reindeer who gets made fun of for his red nose to being a hero for his red nose.