My second favourite part of Christmastime (besides the music, of course!) are the movies! There is honestly nothing better than snuggling up with your loved ones under a warm fuzzy blanket, drinking hot chocolate and watching your favourite Christmas movies. There just isn't. Okay. So, here we go with another list of my all time best Christmas films for your enjoyment.
Again, the top 5 are my absolute favourites. The movies following the top 5 are in no particular order, and are all totally awesome films you should watch as well.
1. The Holiday(2006)
Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, this film is almost on repeat in my house during the holiday season. For some reason or other, I can never get sick of it. I know it didn't get great reviews or whatever, but if you watch it without looking for the flaws, you might find yourself to be thoroughly entertained.
Watch the trailer here.
2. The Santa Clause (1994)
This is one of those films that I grew up watching (I was 4 years old when it was released in theatres) and it's probably one of the best Christmas movies of all time. It's so cute and so christmassy and I have to watch it at least once every holiday season.
Watch the trailer here.
3. Home Alone (1990)
One word: Classic. Another film that doesn't get old, and one the entire family can enjoy. Get the hot chocolate a-brewin' and the fleece blankets ready. You cannot go wrong with this fun family feature.
Watch the trailer here.
4. It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
When choosing Christmas movies we can't forget the oldies. As a huge Jimmy (or James) Stewart fan, I'm in love with him in this movie. Also, just my personal opinion, but it's important to show the youngsters of today a film that came out more than 30 years ago. Watch it, and watch it in black and white. The colour version is sadly not the same.
Watch the trailer here.
5. White Christmas (1954)
The songs in this film are phenomenal. The classic train scene in which Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney sing the beloved song, "Snow," is unforgettable, and the film itself is moving. It's no wonder why this film has stood the test of time, and is still a favourite among families today.
Watch the trailer here.
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
I never watched The Muppets growing up, so I was extremely skeptical when I first watched this surprisingly great film. I had always found other versions of the Charles Dickens' Classic, A Christmas Carol to be... well... rather boring. But this film surprised me. It may be made for children, but I think adults of any age can enjoy this clever twist on a beloved story.
Watch the trailer here.
7. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
"You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch." Probably everybody living in North America knows the words to this Christmas classic. There's nothing to say except that Dr. Seuss is a genius and this cartoon is not to be forgotten during the holiday season.
Watch a clip here.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
As a huge fan of the Peanuts, this movie is absolute perfection. Charlie, Snoopy and the gang are at their best in this holiday classic. A must watch and listen.
Along with How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Frosty the Snowman, this film is usually shown multiple times on television specials throughout the month of December.
Watch the trailer here.
9. It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
This film snuck up on me, as I had never heard anybody talk about it before. I watched it, fell in love with it, and now I can't live without it during Christmastime. The ending is just heartwarming and captures the Christmas spirit (I daresay) better than any film on this list.
Watch a clip here.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Santa is real people! This movie proves it. I've always believed. Never stop believing.
Watch the trailer here.
11. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
I just watched this movie again last night and I laughed harder than any of the previous times. There's so many small quips that Jim Carrey makes, you tend to miss them, but each time you re-watch it, it becomes funnier and funnier. I thoroughly enjoy this modern take on a Christmas classic and so should you!
Watch the trailer here.
12. A Christmas Story (1983)
To be quite honest with you, I never liked this movie. UNTIL I had appendicitis last December and couldn't really do much besides lay on the couch watching movies. I decided to watch it again and thought to myself, "What was I thinking? Not only is this movie hilarious and charming, it's actually pretty darn good." So if you're like me and didn't really like this movie when you were younger, give it another try and see how you feel about it now.
Watch the trailer here.
13. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Another film that I watched during "The Great Appendicitis Battle of 2012" and fell in love with. Hilarity ensues when this family gets together for the holidays. Chevy Chase is the epitome of comedic timing and you will laugh your pants off watching this Christmas Classic.
Watch the trailer here.
14. Elf (2003)
I will admit I'm not a huge fan of Will Ferrell, so I didn't see this movie in theatres or even have any interest in it whatsoever. I had no choice but to watch it when someone gave it to me for Christmas and it actually turned out to be a pretty good movie and captured the essence of the season very nicely. Fun film for all the family to enjoy.
Watch the trailer here.
15. Four Christmases (2008)
This movie is bad... in the best way possible. I must say I do enjoy a terrible movie every now and then, and this is one of them. I get made fun of a lot for being a film student, and then liking terrible movies like this, but sometimes you just gotta throw away that critics hat and enjoy something for what it is. I like Reese Witherspoon and I tolerate Vince Vaughn in this laughable Christmas comedy.
Watch the trailer here.
16. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Ahhhh Frosty. Another children's classic. I haven't seen this one in a while but I do remember it fondly. Watch this and watch the song accompanying it get stuck in your head for the rest of the day. You're welcome.
Watch the movie here.
17. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Fun for the whole family and another film with a catchy theme song. The stop-motion animation gives this movie a retro feeling. A heart-warming tale that teaches children they shouldn't judge by appearances and roots for the underdog. Way to go Rudolph!
Watch the trailer here.
18. Holiday Inn (1942)
This movie is sort of a mish mash of all the holidays, but focuses on Christmas a little more than most. Apparently the film White Christmas was actually a remake of Holiday Inn. Both star Bing Crosby and both are equally enjoyable. (The one thing I really do not like about this movie is the small scene in which they use blackface. The times were different back then, but it makes me feel awkward when watching it.)
Watch the trailer here.
19. Last Holiday (2006)
Starring Queen Latifah, this movie is bittersweet as she spends her last few weeks alive, living her life as she never has before. Latifah finds out she has a terminal illness and decides to blow all her money on a vacation before she "kicks the bucket." It's a very enjoyable film and the supporting cast is great.
Watch the trailer here.
20. Jingle All the Way (1996)
If you're a '90s kid, there's a pretty good chance you know this movie backwards and forwards. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. Schwarzenegger gets himself into the most hilarious of situations trying to get his son a toy for Christmas that is sold out everywhere. Another great film for the entire family to enjoy.
Watch the trailer here.
That's it for my Christmas movie recommendations. Let me know what your favourite Christmas movie or if I missed an important film to put on this list. And remember to keep that Christmas spirit alive! Ho Ho Ho.
