The Top 10 Best Christmas Movies
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Griswolds just can’t seem to catch a break when they hit the road, so it makes sense that they might want to enjoy a staycation every once in a while. However, since the Griswold’s aren’t going anywhere, that means the problems have to come to them and what ensues is a Christmas movie that shows just how much can go wrong during the holidays. Poor Clark is faced with raucous family members, budgetary cutbacks, electrical issues, and more as he tries to give his family the perfect Christmas. While Clark might be focusing on the festivities of it all in the beginning, he slowly learns that the true meaning of the holiday thanks to Murphy’s law. Hopefully, you don’t have to go through everything he did in order to learn the same lesson.
4. A Christmas Story
We all tend to look back fondly on the holidays of our youth and A Christmas Story is here to tell you to knock it off. The film tells the tale of one young boy trying to navigate the holiday the best he can. It turns out that it’s just as stressful a time for kids as it is for adults and little Ralphie has a hell of a time dealing with bullies, embarrassing family members, and getting his request for gifts to jolly old Santa before the deadline passes. Of course, it’s one of those Christmas movies that reminds us to be thankful for all the little things, but A Christmas Story doesn’t sugar coat all the garbage we go through every year just because of the meaning of the season. Ralphie is a trooper though and another inspiration when it comes to surviving through the final holiday gauntlet of the year.
3. Die Hard
People have been arguing over whether Die Hard deserves to be called a Christmas movie for years. Well, I’m here to tell you that the argument can end since the film’s writer, Steven de Souza, has officially declared that it is. That means that Santa doesn’t even appear in one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, and I’m actually ok with that. Let’s face it, if you’ve seen one Christmas movie, you’ve pretty much seen them all. However, Die Hard offers a much-needed break from the monotony of learning the lesson behind the true meaning of Christmas. Instead, Die Hard lets us sit back and watch Bruce Willis in his prime picking off bad guys. You know who could have stood to watch a few of the other flicks on this Christmas movies list? Hans Gruber.
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1967)
Unfortunately, the newest Grinch movie doesn’t make this list, nor does the Jim Carrey remake from 2000. Instead, I’ve decided to go with the old school animated movie from 1966. I know that I don’t usually include movies that didn’t include theatrical releases on Stars & Popcorn’s top 10 lists, but it felt wrong not to include this faithful adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic. There are no extra characters, no gimmicky little scenes, just the Grinch being the very definition of, well, a Grinch. Don’t get me wrong, the remakes are acceptable Christmas movies to enjoy, but there’s no substitution when it comes to this classic. If you really want to teach your kids the true meaning of the season, this is the movie to do it.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
Coming in at number one is the most innocent and uplifting of all the Christmas movies of all time. It’s the movie that really reminds us to be thankful for everything we have in life. Jimmy Stewart is thinking about ending it all when good old Clarence appears to show him just how awful things would be if he had never existed. It’s the most infectious of all the Christmas movies out there because no matter how many times you watch it, It’s a Wonderful Life will always leave you feeling refreshed and ready to face the holidays again. This is a movie that captures the very best of the spirit of Christmas. So don’t be a Scrooge or a Grinch this year and make sure you take a moment to watch this movie with your loved ones this year.
Honorable Mention: The Muppets Christmas Story
Like I said before, Dicken’s really did write the perfect Christmas story and ever since then, Hollywood has been making the most of it. One of the more unique versions of it features the likes of Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fossy Bear. The Muppets’ take on the tale is a hilarious film that the entire family can enjoy. Unfortunately, it didn’t feel right to include two versions of the Dicken’s classic on this list of Christmas movies, but that doesn’t mean the Muppets don’t deserve a shout out.
Of course, there are dozens and dozens of other Christmas movies out there. So, if your favorite didn’t make this list, be sure to leave a comment below. As always, I’ll be adjusting these rankings as new Christmas movies premier (or I uncover forgotten gems out there). Until then, Happy Holidays from Stars & Popcorn and don’t forget to sit back and enjoy the real reason for the season.