It’s the time of year again and those of us who are longing to feel the Christmas spirit are pulling out the lights, making hot chocolate, and roaming through their DVD collection for something sappy we can watch to resurrect our belief in the human race and fill our hearts with joy. Although there are new Christmas movies that come out each year, we have chosen our top 15 favorites below. Whether you want a little romance, to laugh, or to cry, we hope you will find what you are looking for to get you geared up for the holiday season.
1. 
A Christmas Story (1983) – Most of us out there can probably recite this movie word for word. We all can relate to the story of young Ralphie’s legendary saga to get his Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle for Christmas. You will never forget any of these memorable scenes as Ralphie is faced with many obstacles and the constant phrase coming out of every adult’s mouth, “You’ll shoot your eye out”. Between hilarious family shenanigans, tongues stuck to frozen flag poles, and a sexy leg lamp, this is a classic tale of a nostalgic American Christmas.
2. 
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – This is the film that proves there really is a Santa Claus! This is the tale of a man who claims to be the one and only Kris Kringle himself and the lawyer and little girl who have to overcome the urge to think sensibly long enough to believe he really could be Santa Claus. Edmund Gwenn, who plays Kris Kringle in the film, epitomizes the traditional image of Santa causing you yourself to have to think twice. This is truly a great holiday story about opinions that we have and the faith to believe in things that we can’t see with our own eyes.
3. 
White Christmas (1954) – After being released from the Army after World War II, Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye head out into the world to become famous song and dance performers. Danny Kaye gets acquainted with two sisters named Betty and Judy who have their own act and introduces them to Bing. They travel with the sisters to a lodge in Vermont to test out their skills in a Christmas show and are surprised to find the lodge owner is their previous General. With a series of romantic mishaps and wonderful holiday tunes, you’ll find yourself with a warm feeling in your heart as you watch the memorable finale as they all raise their glasses and toast “May your days be merry and bright; and may all your Christmases be white.”
4. 
Holiday Inn (1942) - With his partner Ted Hanover setting out with his dancer girlfriend, Lila Dixon, on his own, Jim Hardy decides it’s time for retirement. He buys himself a farmhouse and settles down for a life in the country. Enjoying the life but still wanting a little excitement, Jim decides to open up his farmhouse as an inn to the public. The catch is the inn is only opened on major holidays. have been vaudeville partners for many years but when Ted announces that he and Jim’s girlfriend, dancer Lila Dixon, are going to set off on their own, Jim decides the time has come to retire. He buys himself a farmhouse in New England and settles into the country life but soon realizes that he has an opportunity to do something special. He decides to open his inn to the public, but only on major holidays. Everything is going great until his former partner Ted shows up and tries to woo Jim’s new lady friend, Linda Mason. The film introduced the song White Christmas, which came to be the famous Christmas film we listed prior.
5. 
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Charlie Brown has been in our lives for years and will most likely be around for years to come. This was the first look of the gang around the holidays. Charles Schulz brought his comic strip to life, by writing a made for T.V. movie focusing on the Peanuts gang and what they go through during the holiday season. Although animated, the gang seems real with the children’s voices being used instead of the adult voices that previously dominated the industry. There are also some biblical sources used that makes the true meaning of Christmas the predominant theme. This is a great film for the kids, especially if you want them to understand Christmas is not just about what presents you receive.
6. 
A Christmas Carol (1938)- This story has been recreated dozens of times but we like the original black and white version the best. There is the Patrick Stewart version, and even more recently, Scrooged with Bill Murray. Despite this, we still like think the traditional version tops them all. Written by Charles Dickens, this film tells of an old miserly man whose life revolves around cold hard cash. To become rich, he gives up everything, including family and friends. He is then haunted by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future in the hope of getting him to change his ways during his little time left. This will always be one of the most beloved Christmas stories as it reinforces the importance of supporting one another on Christmas and all year round.
7. Home Alone (1990) – As with A Christmas Story, Home Alone is yet another wonderful family holiday movie where normal family occurrences are transformed into hilarious scenes. Those of us with big families are well aware of the disorganization and chaos caused by leaving for a trip with a truck load of kids. When Kevin is left behind, it makes this story even more inviting. Watching him perform daily house duties and still defend his home against burglars who are trying to rob it will keep you in stitches. Who doesn’t love witnessing Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern getting an old-fashioned Christmas beat down? With all this going on, the movie still ends with lessons of the importance of family and the people you hold dear to your heart.
8. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – A must see film for anyone during Christmas. , It’s A Wonderful Life is the story of a man going through hard times who wishes he was never born. An angel approves his wish, and for a brief period of time he is able to see what life would be like without him. Jimmy Stewart stars as George Bailey and gives a heartfelt performance. The movie is about hope and the feeling that we can all make a difference. No matter how minute, it may be a big deal to someone else. This being the reason why It’s A Wonderful Life has made several lists of one of the best films that have ever been made.
9. The Polar Express (2004) -The big screen version of Chris Van Allsburg’s Caldecott Medal winning children’s book. In addition to others, Tom Hanks plays a conductor of an enchanted train bound for the North Pole. This is a tale of a boy who is at the age where he is beginning to have doubts about Santa. On Christmas Eve, The boy is awoken and jumps from his bed to see a train in the middle of his street. He embarks on an exciting adventure with other children on the train, like a mister know-it-all, a resourceful little girl, and a poor boy. During the trip to the North Pole, they face many problems that they have to overcome. When they finally get to their destination, they meet Santa and the boy receives the very first present of Christmas which is a bell right off of Santa Clauses sleigh. After getting home safe and sound just in time for Christmas, the boy finds the bell under his tree. This is a genuine Christmas movie that will bring out the kid in you no matter what age you are.
10. Babes in Toyland (1961) - This Disney classic stars Annette Funicello who plays Mary Contrary. Tommy Sands plays her fiancé Tom Piper. With their wedding coming soon, a wicked man named Barnaby arranges for Tom to drown and Mary’s sheep to be stolen all in an effort to get her to marry him. Unbeknownst to Barnaby, the two accomplices he hired to kill Tom can’t do it and end up selling him to gypsies, in which he is able break free. Mary and the children of the town realize Tom is alive and embark on a search and find him. On the way before getting back to their village, they have to journey through a dark forest; help the toymaker in Toyland make toys for all the children for Christmas, and finally confront the evil Barnaby.
11. Die Hard’ (1988) - Even though this is not a typical feel good Christmas movie, we still thought it to be list worthy. There’s no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than watching Bruce Willis annihilate a skyscraper full of terrorist all by his lonesome. This action packed film will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat as well as instill some holiday cheer.
12. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Chevy Chase stars once again in the relentless tales of the Griswold family. In this film, they are celebrating Christmas at home with all of their crazy, eccentric relatives. Out of all the Griswold vacations, this one is by far the funniest. For some strange reason, we still seem to be finding ourselves in tears from laughing so hard even though we’ve seen it hundreds of times before.
13. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Another story redone a few times, but we prefer the traditional Dr. Seuss version. The made for television animated feature covers the antics of a character called “The Grinch”. With his Christmas spirit lost, his main mission in life is to free the world of Christmas delight but starts out in a small town called Whoville. While this movie appeals to the younger audience, we can all enjoy it during the holiday season.
14. The Santa Clause (1994) – In this movie, Tim Allen’s character suddenly has to take on the role of Santa Clause after he has a mishap in order for Christmas can carry on as usual. He is doubtful of being able to step into the man’s shoes but gradually he starts to grow a white beard and a big old belly! Although the reason for this transformation is a bit depressing, it does bring humor to the holiday season and promotes the Christmas spirit and all things that encompass it. Whether the scenes are silly, heartwarming, or forthright, it is surely one of holiday family movie that shouldn’t be missed.
15. Elf (2003) – Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the elf in this zany Christmas movie about a child who has been brought as an elf in the North Pole . Realizing that he is more than half the size of his brothers, he sets out on a quest to find his father who happens to live in New York City. His hopes are shattered when he finds out that his long lost dad is actually a mean scrooge and his stepbrother doesn’t even believe in Santa Clause. Still moving forward, Buddy manages to bring the true Christmas spirit back to his new found family and spread cheer throughout the whole city. This is going to be a holiday classic for the newer generations to come.
Christmas is the perfect holiday for spending time with the ones you love. So when you’re ready to get the fire going and sit down for some quality moments, reach for one of these holiday classics that the whole family can enjoy.
