Top Ten Holiday Movies

McAulay Culkin stars in 1990 Christmas classic ‘Home Alone’ (Hughes Entertainment/20th Century Fox)

Juan Viruet, Entertainment critic

  1. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)

Starting off we have Disney’s 3 part Christmas themed anthology styled series that revolves around the central Disney characters and their struggles during the holiday season. Each tale tells a warm- hearted story and sends a very clear message of cherishing others and giving back during Christmas time. While it isn’t the best that Disney has to offer animation wise, it is still an enjoyable piece of work that will get anyone in the holiday spirit.

  1. A Christmas Story (1983)

Based on writings from author Jean Shepherd comes a holiday tale that follows a young boy named Ralphie Parker. Throughout the film he spends a lot of his time avoiding bullies and thinking about his dream Christmas gift. This leads him on adventure up to Christmas day and leaves the viewer to tag along with him in this family comedy.

  1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This Charlie Brown classic is an inspiring special from the series as it represents the epitome of Christmas spirit. The animated short centers around a holiday play, leading to a fun and heartwarming 25 minute experience. Everyone from parents to kids can enjoy this short as many adults may remember it from their time in their youth

  1. National Lampoon’s Christmas (1989)

Chevy Chase stars in yet another installment in the National Lampoon series from the 80’s, this time tackling the most wonderful time of the year. Clark desires a perfect family Christmas and tries to keep everything in order. When his other family members show up unexpectedly, things start to get a little out of hand for the Griswold’s.

  1. The Santa Clause (1994)

When a divorced father accidently knocks Santa off his roof, he gets magically taken to the North Pole where he learns he must become the new Santa after killing the old one. This film takes a different approach to learning the Christmas spirit, but it does so in a very entertaining and over top way that viewers can’t help but keep their eyes on the screen.

  1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s a Wonderful Life is a Christmas classic cherished by many. It takes a dive into a man’s life and really shows the struggles he endures while also being set in the holidays. This tale is still being enjoyed in several households today, even after being released just over 70 years ago.

  1. Elf (2003)

A toddler accidently transferred to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves, follows the journey of Buddy to search for his biological father. Will Ferrell knocks it out of the park yet again with his colorful and hilarious portrayal of Buddy the Elf. This one is sure to get chuckles out of everyone during the Christmas time.

  1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Based on the children’s book by no other than Dr. Seuss, comes the animated television short about the Grinch who has a heart “two sizes too small”. Becoming fed up with all the holiday spirit that he hears from the top of his mountain, he embarks on a mission to steal Christmas from the people of Whoville and end Christmas once and for all.

  1. The Polar Express (2004)

Director Robert Zemeckis and frequent collaborator Tom Hanks take on a story of a little boy and a train headed straight to the North Pole. What this movie does so well is testing the characters’ will and beliefs all throughout the night on the Polar Express, leaving some to question if there is even a Santa Claus at all. The journey to the end of the film is exhilarating and frustrating all at the same time; gripping you in for a fun ride on Christmas Eve.

  1. Home Alone (1990)

Coming in at number 1 we have Home Alone. Anyone who is anyone has seen this at least once or twice and for good reason. This story of a boy being forgotten at home by his family during the holiday season is a sure delight. Not only is he at home alone, he also has to fend off a couple bandits trying to rob all of the goods that reside in his home. This film has all of the Christmas feels to it and throws in a big chunk of comedy spread throughout to make this an instant classic and a must watch every Christmas.