Since Christmas is almost here, I thought i'd make a top 10 list of Christmas movies. These are my all time favorites. Of course my list isn't quite like anyone else's (as you'll quickly see). I like some more than other people do. And some, I like less. You'll find that some most deem "classic" aren't even on my list. Anyways, here's my top 10! Enjoy!
1. Jingle All The Way What can I say? I grew up with this film and have been in love ever since the first time i saw it. I'm sure this will never be anyone else's all time favorite, and that's ok with me. That makes it even more special to me. Who didn't want their own Turbo Man after seeing this? It's fun to look back on this movie now as an adult and kind of see how relate-able it is. Like, last year those Hatchimals were so popular they couldn't keep them on the shelves. People were so desperate to buy them that scouts could snatch one up and charge double for it. People would actually go for it. So all these years later, I understand this classic story in a real world way. I love that!
2. Christmas Vacation This movie to me, is a classic! I didn't really grow up with this one like I did some of the others on this list. Somehow, I guess I never really knew much about it. It's strange, I know lol But seeing this some years back made me realize what I had been missing out on. The humor is top notch and the story telling is incredible. It's cohesively, perfect (in my opinion). Sure there's minor flaws. No movie is truly flawless. But they're so minor in this that it's almost not even noticeable. To me, if you can sit down and watch a movie and genuinely feel strongly about it (in a good way) at the end, it did it's job. I relate so much to Clark in this one. I am the cheerful one always trying to keep traditions alive and be extravagant around the holidays. My family, not so much. They don't realize how much we "extra" people put into these kinds of things and what they mean to us. And let's be honest here, Chevy Chase was made for this role (or any from this franchise). He is stellar!
3. Home Alone I'm not sure what i can say about this one that no one else has. I'll just say that Christmas is pretty much not complete without it. It's a "must see" every year for most people and I can see why. It kind of just speaks for itself. Little Kevin is devious and smart as heck. The kid has talent! The buglers get what they deserve in such a fun and unusual way. It's great! And what kid at some point in their life hasn't wanted to have the house to themselves like that? it was a dream I never got to live lol
4. The Santa Clause
I'm not sure why these films get heat. I really enjoy them. All of them. But this one will always be my favorite. It's a cool take on how the role of Santa is handled if the other comes to an unfortunate end. The whole sequence of Scott becoming Santa is entertaining. My only actual complaint about this film is Charlie's mom and stepdad basically saying that it's wrong for him to believe that much in Santa. Uh, he's still a pretty small child. That's normal. And it's not like his obsessing over Santa is hurting anyone or showing ACTUAL signs of some mental illness (as they make it seem). I don't know, i just find this part absurd.
5. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated)
This one has that heartwarming feeling Christmas movies should have. It gets you excited for Christmas and tells such a sweet story. The animation is great (for it's time), and it pairs perfectly with the book. This is one families will watch with their children for ages. It's one my children will always watch.
6. A Christmas Story
I know, I know, why did I put this one so low on my list? Most people would easily put this at number one or at least in the top 3. To me, this one just doesn't have that thing that sticks with me. It doesn't make me feel the same level of warmth and cheer (like some of these others do). It's a great movie, it really is. I love the setting. I love that it has that old movie feel to it. I love how well the narrator tells him story and how great it is all played out. The leg lamp is and forever will be memorable. Just last night I prepared a package to be sent out. In doing so, I put a fragile sticker on it. Instantly my mind went to this movie and I blurted out "fra-gee-lay.' And who can forget the triple dog dare or the Red Ryder BB gun? I can see why so many love this film. It's great. But I guess it just isn't a top contender for me.
7. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas (live action)
Say what you want about this one, I still adore it! It's another one I have to watch every year or so. Carrey brings the Grinch to life. He's funny, HIGHLY relate-able, and a perfect representation of everyone who hates Christmas. I admit, some of it is a bit much. Too over the top, if you will. The first half is kind of "meh". It strays from the book and original cartoon. It is cool to see more of how the Grinch came to be. I'll give them that. The weird love triangle isn't all that necessary, though. I could have lived without that part lol Little Cindy Lou is adorable. Which, makes it even stranger to see where Taylor Momsen is nowadays o.O (Look it up if you don't know). But if you want to just see the Grinch as he should be, just watch the second half of the movie. That part holds up perfectly to the original story.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas The same can be said about this one as I said about the animated Grinch film. It's one that families SHOULD watch every year. Especially the kids. Many generations have grown up with these Charlie Brown specials. They're humerus, relate-able, and unique. There's no doubt in my mind that this could easily be one of the best holiday films EVER. It's just not a top favorite for me.
9. Ernest Saves Christmas In my opinion, there's no better representation out there of Santa than the one in this film. He looks authentic. He acts that way too. It doesn't seem like he was just put together in a way to pander to the people in yet another holiday movie. This one just feels, real. Of course you have Ernest there being well, Ernest. But Jim Varney always does that in a fun way. This story just gets you in the feels every time. If by some chance you haven't seen this one yet, you should now!
10. Elf Ever wonder what it's like to be raised at the north pole with Santa? Well this movie answers that. Buddy the Elf is energetic, child-like, and all Christmas all the time. Basically, he's the perfect embodiment of people who love Christmas. I am one of them. It's funny seeing people in the "real world" react to him. And even more so seeing him react to the way they live. Elf is a holiday movie i'm sure people will love for decades to come.
Honorable Mentions: Gremlins, Santa Baby, A Nightmare Before Christmas & Bad Santa.