LISTICLE: Top 10 holiday movies of all time
Holiday movies are an age-old tradition. Various networks have holiday movie marathons that play non-stop this time of year. There are so many films that encapsulate the holiday spirit. However, these 10 are the best of the best.
10. “The Muppet’s Christmas Carol”
This 1992 adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel is a fun time for the whole family. Most interestingly, is this time around the film is a musical. This and the Muppet aesthetic breathe new life to this classic Christmas tale. Michael Caine’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge captures the icy exterior of the character and the later warmth that surfaces as the story goes on. This film is certainly not a humbug.
9.“Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town”
Most of us are familiar with this 1970 stop-motion classic. Mostly due to ABC family, now known as Freeform airing the special every year. This film is essentially an origin story of old Saint Nick. It stars Fred Astaire as the narrator S.D. Kluger, Mickey Rooney as Kris Kringle/Santa Claus. Rooney definitely captures the spirit of Santa Clause as his jovial performance practically carries the whole film. With simple song numbers for the kids, talented vocal performances, and a charming tone, it is among one of the original Christmas classics.
8.“Home Alone”
This 1990 comedy is a pop culture staple. The plot centers around Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, a kid who is left behind by his family while they go on their Christmas vacation. Hilarity ensues as Kevin basically acts out every kid’s wildest fantasy. This film skyrocketed Culkin to stardom and the iconic mirror scene is one of the standout moments in recent holiday pop culture memory. This one is absolutely a must-see.
7.“Elf”
A 2003 comedy starring Will Ferrell as the titular character is an entertaining, lighthearted family film. Ferrell gives a strong performance as Buddy the elf. He discovers that he is actually a human raised by elves and goes to New York in search of his true family while holiday hijinks follow him wherever he goes. In today’s world of increasing cynicism, this film is a great reminder of just how fun the holidays can be.
6.“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”
This 1966 animated TV special of the timeless Dr. Seuss book is classic. The animation is a love letter to the illustration style of the original book. This film is also the debut of the classic song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” The film takes the entire script of the book and adapts with very minor changes. Repeated airings throughout the years have made this film a holiday classic.
5.“It’s a Wonderful Life”
This 1946 film is widely regarded as one of the most beloved films in American cinema and one of the quintessential holiday classics. The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man on the verge of committing suicide after giving up on his dreams but is stopped by his guardian angel, and taken on a journey to see how the life of people around him would be like if he never existed. What more can be said about this film? The film is such a classic that is has been parodied by countless TV shows throughout the years. The moving performances of the lead characters and the touching nature of the plot have made it a Christmas icon.
4.”Gremlins”
This 1984 horror comedy is proof that the holidays can have some edge to them. The film centers around a young man named Billy, who gets a pet mogwai named Gizmo, which then spawns the titular monsters. This film was so dark for its time, that along with “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” brought about a revision of the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) rating system for films. Despite all the controversy, its black comedy tone and creature effects help make this film a cult holiday classic.
3.“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
This 1989 film is the third installment in the Vacation film series. It stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, head of the Griswold household, as he prepares to host Christmas. The hilarity and chaos the follows is something that most families can identify with, which is the reason why this film has gone to be one of the most memorable holiday classics of the modern era.
2.“Miracle on 34th Street”
This 1947 is considered by many to be the holiday film of all holiday films. The story takes place between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day in New York City, and focuses on the impact of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa. The film is so significant that the Library of Congress has selected it for preservation by the National Film Registry. The comedic elements of the film and the heartwarming performances of the lead characters captures the holiday spirit so successfully that its no wonder that it is widely regarded as one of the best holiday classics of all time.
- “A Christmas Story”
This 1983 comedy classic is the best holiday film of all time. The plot follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker as he does everything he can to get the one thing he wants for Christmas: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. This film completely captures the feeling of being a kid and wanting that must-have gift of the year. The commotion and chaos definitely helps that spirit as well. The film also has some charming moments too that balance the more rambunctious parts of the film. The film has gone on to be aired for 24 hour loops every Christmas Eve and day on TBS since 1997. The Library of Congress has also selected the film for preservation in the National Film Registry. Is there any doubt that this is the holiday film to set the standard for all holiday films?
