Top 11 Favorite Christmas Movies

This is a list of my Top 11 Favorite Christmas Movies. I chose 11, because I couldn’t do 10. I had to get my number 11 in here. Also this is a list of movies I have to watch almost every year. I didn’t include movies like Die Hard, though I like it better than some of these, I don’t watch it during Christmas time. Basically it is a list of movies that are really sentimental to me and I cherish with every viewing. Christmas is my favorite time of year, so here is a list of two of my favorite things. Christmas and movies.

11          The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express in my humble opinion is truly an astonishing piece of animation. Many were overwhelmed by the original real to life animation but for me it has lead to a staple of modern animation. It has a beautiful story with memorable music and voice acting. If I would describe The Polar Express in one word it would be beautiful.

10          The Santa Clause (1994)

It was upon revisiting The Santa Clause a couple years ago that I fell in love with this great Christmas movie. Tim Allen is hilarious in this movie, bringing a refreshing light to the man in the Big Red Suit. This film is very clever from start to finish as well as having a very heartwarming story.

9          How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

I have some great memories from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. I quote this movie more than any other film I have ever seen. It gets even funnier with each viewing. Not a well made film or story by any means. Just a guilty pleasure. If there is one Christmas movie I always watch every year, it is 2000s The Grinch.

8          A Christmas Carol (1951)

The essential and best adaption of A Christmas Carol I have ever seen. I grew up watching this and it is as haunting and memorable as ever. Sim plays Scrooge spot on. I love his take of the dialogue. A great film as well as Christmas Movie.

7         Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

One of my favorite movies to watch during Christmas. Meet Me In St. Louis is one of the greatest displays of near musical perfection. A great story that is very sentimental and fun at the same time. Who doesn’t love Judy’s heartfelt “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas?”

6          How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

There is something wondrously timeless about this Chuck Jones classic. Not only is it my favorite Christmas TV classic, but it a pitch perfect short film. It is beautifully animated as it is narrated by the great Boris Karloff. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love The Grinch. It is a perfect representation of all things that are are Christmas and what it should be.

I remember when I was really young watching this on VHS almost every morning during Christmas time. I hope my kids will do the same. I just watched this for the first time this year on a BluRay I got as a present from one of my friends and it was beautiful to see in the highest quality anyone has ever seen it. A perfect short Christmas Classic.

5          White Christmas (1954)

The most beautiful moment of White Christmas is its ending. I get choked up every time when the General enters for the start of the performance in his uniform and is greeted with a round of applause. White Christmas is a one of the great Christmas musicals.

4          Home Alone (1990)

This has always been a favorite film to watch not only during Christmas but all year round. It is a fun filled story that I was all was captivated by as a kid. Of course my favorite parts were during Kevin’s booby trapped house fight against the burgers Marve and Harry. This movie has a special place in my heart.

3          A Christmas Story (1983)

Part of me never wants to buy this movie because I have enjoyed watching it on TBS and only TBS almost every Christmas. This film may just be the best Christmas movie ever made. There is nothing not to love about this movie. It gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling, it makes me laugh at its hilarious hijinks during the funny tales of Ralphie’s past Christmas memories. No matter how matter how many times you watch it Christmas Eve or day, it never gets old.

2          Holiday Inn (1942)

One of my favorite musicals as well as my 2nd favorite Christmas film. There isn’t anything like this one. So much fun! So sentimental! I just think it sad that for years this has been overlooked by White Christmas, which I think is a beautiful film but I feel like Holiday Inn has something more. Plus it was the first time ‘White Christmas’ was ever heard.

1          It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

I was not brought up on It’s a Wonder Life for some reason or another. We had it on DVD, but during the Christmas season I always watch the Rankin & Bass Specials as well as Alistair Sim’s A Christmas Carol, White Christmas and Holiday Inn. But I can remember the first time I finally saw this film and fell deeply in love. It is everything a film should be and more. Not only is it a great Christmas film if not the best Christmas movie ever made but a great film for any time of the year.