10. Fred Claus. I first saw this magical little movie as a wee freshman with my lovely roommate. I'm not sure why it hasn't become more popular. Starring the always hilarious Vince Vaughan, Fred Claus tells the story of Santa's older brother and complete opposite, Fred, when he spends a Christmas at Santa's workshop trying to earn $50,000 to build a casino. Jail, gambling, Chirp-Chirp and a trip to Siblings Anonymous? Yes, please.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4LCqnxIsmI&feature=related
9. Miracle on 34th Street (both versions). Natalie Wood and Marla Thomas both play the little girl, Susan, who is too smart to get duped into believing Santa Claus is real. When a man shows up claiming to be the real Santa, it forces Susan and her equally cynical mother to re-evaluate what they believe in. Slightly corny, but always delightful, Miracle on 34th Street raises the question: what do you believe?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IZr_SvCcXc
8. It's a Wonderful Life. I cannot believe I did not see this movie until I was 12. George Bailey, played by my all-time favorite actor Jimmy Stewart, is a down-and-out businessman contemplating suicide. The angel Clarence is assigned to save George's life. As Clarence shows George what the world would be like if he had never existed, George is forced to ask himself: should I really throw it all away? I'm pretty sure I cry every time I see this movie. I can't help asking myself, what would I do if I was in George Bailey's shoes? (for the 5 people in America who haven't seen this movie: spoiler alert)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErrzjGCi3gY
7. Holiday Inn. Say what you will about White Christmas being the best Christmas movie of all-time: I disagree. Holiday Inn exceeds it in everyway. 1. It has a much better plot. 2. It has Fred Astaire dancing. Bing Crosby is a performer looking to retire in the country with his sweetheart singing partner. When his lady leaves him for long-time friend Fred Astaire, Crosby goes to the country and discovers...he hates it. So, he decides to open up an inn, that's only open on holidays.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3k_q_UMI3tQ
6. The Nativity Story. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke of Twilight fame (weird), The Nativity Story is an angsty look at the birth of Christ. It's probably pretty accurate too, when you remember that Mary was probably only 16 when she gave birth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G78OdmY32IM
5. A Christmas Story. Deck the hall with brough o horly fa rah rah rah rah, rah rah rah rah. This is one of my favorite movies to quote. I was trying to think of a favorite scene, but they are all so, so good that I just couldn't pick one. Plus, I totally relate to Ralphie's desire to get a Red Rider BB Gun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mjruvE310Y
4. A Christmas Carol. The story that supposedly made Christmas the largest holiday in the world. There are so many good versions of Ebenezer's midnight visits, but my personal favorite is the Mickey version.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLQWq26G2q8
3. Elf. Buddy is a human raised by elves in search of his real father. Do you need any more?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvtmsqyOkhc
2. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen, but Rudolph is by far my favorirte reindeer because he taught me what it meant to be myself, even though I may be a misfit. A very good lesson, indeed. Rudolph pairs up with fellow misfit Hermie the elf on a self-imposed exile in the tundra. But then the storm of the century comes, and Santa needs a shiny nose to save the day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xqACmJvqaU
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (cartoon). This is probably my favorite movie of all time. I can quote it from beginning to end (songs and music included). All the Whos down in Whoville like Christmas a lot, so the Grinch decides to steal it and ruin their fun. Will he be successful or will he have a change of heart?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYRnwWmteac
How could "A Christmas Story" not be on ANY list of top Christmas movies?! Crappy Consumer Reports: Best Christmas Movies of All Time
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