It's December, it's getting colder outside and Christmas is fast approaching. Between battling the crowds at the mall and attending Christmas parties, you may find some time to watch a couple of movies to really get you into to the holiday spirit. So grab and glass of eggnog and plate of gingerbread cookies, because I've got 10 films to make your holiday season a little brighter.
#10 The Santa Clause -1994
Although I'm not a fan of the sequels, The Santa Clause 2 (2002) and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006), I think this one is a solid movie. It's not perfect, but it's one of those films that the whole family can sit back and enjoy while having some hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening.
#9 Die Hard -1988
For those who want an action-packed holiday movie, nothing beats Die Hard. For anyone that hasn't seen this one, Bruce Willis plays a New York cop named John McClane who travels to Los Angeles to attend his estranged wife's Christmas party at Nakatomi Tower. But, a group of terrorists seize the tower, take hostages and it's up to McClane to save the day.
#8 A Charlie Brown Christmas -1965
For many people, myself included, watching this one has become something of a Christmas tradition. The Peanuts characters are iconic, and there are some funny moments, but what sets this this apart from so many other animated Christmas movies is that it directly addresses the over-commercialization of the holiday and reminds the viewer of the true meaning of Christmas.
#7 The Nightmare Before Christmas -1993
Love Christmas but sad Halloween is over? Then this is probably the go-to film for you. It's all the cheer and joy of one mixed with the spookiness of the other. The songs are great, and the movie is a ton of fun anytime of the year but particularly when watched during that 54 day span between Halloween night and Christmas morning.
#6 Elf - 2003
Elf is arguably the best Christmas movie to come out in the last 20 years. Will Ferrell plays Buddy the Elf, a wide-eyed, naive, man-child that travels to New York City to find his Dad. Buddy spreads Christmas cheer wherever he goes in this hilarious, modern Christmas classic.
#5 Christmas Eve on Sesame Street -1978
"I hate Christmas! And if you want the truth, I ain't so crazy about Thanksgiving or Labor Day either!" -Oscar the Grouch
Even though this one is aimed towards children, I surprisingly enjoy it just as much as an adult.
#4 Batman Returns -1992
Batman + Christmas, You can't go wrong. It's Christmas time in Gotham City and Batman is up against two iconic villains, the Penguin and Catwoman... Plus, Christopher Walken is in it. So, take a break from building that gingerbread Batcave, and pop in Batman Returns.
#3 Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! -
You can keep Santa, and Rudolf, and all the elves because when I think of great Christmas characters I immediately think of the Grinch. In a way it's the perfect Christmas story, because a lot of us are cynical jackasses throughout much of the year, but when the holiday season rolls around our hearts often grow a few sizes.
#2 The Muppet Christmas Carol -1992
Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is one of the most famous Christmas stories ever written, and there are a ton of film adaptations of that story. My favorite version just happens to be the one starring the Muppets. Michael Caine plays a great Scrooge, and that Muppet brand of humor blends surprisingly well with the story.
#1 It's a Wonderful Life -1946
I could have possibly moved around or swapped out a few films on this list but if there is one must watch film for me, it's this one. It's a timeless classic and it's not only a great Christmas movie, but one of my favorite films in general.
Have a Merry Christmas everyone.
Have a suggestion for a review or want to recommend a Christmas movie that didn't make it onto this list? Leave it in the comments below.
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