Worst2First: My Top Ten Christmas Films of All Time

Worst2First: 

My Top Ten Christmas Films of All Time

Tis the season for some heartwarming Christmas movies.  Christmas is my most favorite time of the year, and it's the only time I really watch Christmas movies, because who really wants to watch them in May?

I compiled a list of ten Christmas movies that are my favorites, and they span the gambit of styles.  Here they are, Worst2First.

**There could be spoilers throughout, so read at your own risk!**

#10

Black Christmas

Of course, I would have to include at least one horror-themed movie in the list.  "Black Christmas" (also known as "Silent Night Evil Night") is said to be one of the earliest slasher films, predating "Halloween" and "Friday the 13th" and centers around a group of sorority sisters who stay on campus during Christmas break, and are stalked and killed by an unknown killer.  Unlike most horror films, this one garnered critical acclaim for its use of music and atmosphere, and the search for the identification of the killer.  We won't talk about the subpar remake, that took all that was good with the original and threw it out the window.

#9

 

Jingle All the Way

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the few actors who can really do anything.  Even though he's most known for his "Terminator" roles, he's also delivered some great dramatic and even comedic performances, mostly in the 90s with movies like "Twins," "Kindergarten Cop" and the Christmas-themed "Jingle All the Way," which sheds light on the consumerism that's overtaken the true meaning of Christmas, as Schwarzenegger hilariously travels all over town to get the hottest new toy - Turbo Man - for his son.  Fun fact: the son is played by Jake Lloyd, who later came to prominence as a very young Anakin Skywalker in "The Phantom Menace."

#8

 Elf

Will Ferrell has had the most uneven career of any comedian as of late.  Either his films are huge hits ("Anchorman," "Step Brothers," "Talladega Nights"), or they're complete flops ("Blades of Glory," "Semi-Pro," "Bewitched").  "Elf," his soiree into the world of Christmas movies, is listed as one of his biggest hits.  Starring as a man who thinks he's an elf, Ferrell takes a surprisingly toned-down approach to his performance, making it one of his few truly family friendly films.  Plus there's so many quotable lines: "Santa!  Santa's coming!  I know him!  I know him!" "You sit on a throne of lies!"

#7

Scrooged

The modern take on the classic tale "A Christmas Carol" finds Bill Murray as a hilariously cynical TV executive who is visited by three ghosts who try to teach him the true meaning of Christmas and to be nice to his fellow man.  Filled with hilarious moments and even some heart-warming ones, "Scrooged" is a great Christmas comedy with a lesson at its core.

#6

The Grinch

Only Jim Carrey can bring the beloved children's character The Grinch to brilliant life in Ron Howard's superior tale of the lovable creature who detests Christmas, who later learns the importance of it.  From the stunning lighted cinematography to the dazzling set pieces to Carrey's unforgettable performance and a great soundtrack, "The Grinch" is a modern classic that will be loved for years to come.

#5

Home Alone

When you have Chris Columbus as director, John Hughes as the writer, and John Williams as the composer - not to mention the acting talents of Macaulay Culkin, who made a name for himself with this film - you've got a great Christmas comedy for the ages.  Culkin stars as young Kevin McCallister, who was left behind at home while his big family went on Christmas vacation.  He finds himself the home's only defense against a group of burglars (the ever hilarous Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), and booby traps the house in hilarious fashion.  The film just celebrated its 25th anniversary, and shows no signs of stopping.

#4

Miracle on 34th Street

Truly a Christmas classic, "Miracle on 34th Street" is the tale of a man who claims to be Santa.  He is deemed insane until a lawyer sets out to prove that he really is Kris Kringle himself.  Heartwarming, funny, and absolutely perfect, this film is a little miracle.  It also won three Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Edmund Gwenn), Best Screenplay and Best Original Story, as well as being nominated for Best Picture.

#3

A Christmas Story

Another Christmas movie about the consumerism of the season, "A Christmas Story" tells the tale of young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley at his finest), who wants a Red Ryder B.B. Gun for Christmas.  Even though everyone (including Santa) warns him that he'll shoot his eye out, it doesn't deter Ralphie's youthful desire for it.  The film has become a staple for Christmastime, appearing several times on television each year and still makes fishnet stocking leg lamps a fashion must-have.

#2

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Another Christmas favorite written by the late, great John Hughes, "Christmas Vacation" is the most well-known and most humorous tale of the ill-fated Griswold family, as they try to have the perfect Christmas - with of course failing results.  Filled with enough Christmas cheer to fill a toilet, "Christmas Vacation" is a must-see for any comedy fan, and one that will surprisingly warm your heart as well.

#1

It's a Wonderful Life

"It's a Wonderful Life" is THE Christmas movie.  It's the movie that's shown every Christmas, it's the movie that's heralded as the best Christmas movie of all time, and it's the movie that earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor.  The tale is as old as time itself: what would life be like if you weren't around?  For frustrated businessman George Bailey (James Stewart), he finds out when an angel (Henry Travers) shows him a world where he didn't exist.  Filled with heart, compassion and hope, "It's a Wonderful Life" is the movie that demands to be seen every December 25th, because it tells us what the true meaning of Christmas is all about.

So there you have it.  Ten great Christmas movies for you to watch over the next few weeks.  So start a fire, grab some eggnog, and curl up under the blankets with the ones you love and enjoy some great Christmas tales.