A tribute to some of the greatest holiday movies of all time.
Artwork By: Hayden Johnson
The holidays are creeping ever closer, and while the big guy in the red suit might take care of some of one’s holiday needs, many people need a little something more for their stockings. What better gift than a good ol’ holiday movie? Designed to turn even the darkest Scrooge into a large, rosy cheeked, cheerful old man, holiday movies can make the weather outside less frightful.
However, there is many-a-movie to pick from, and some are less than fulfilling. Never fear, for I have compiled a list of ten great movies to choose from. So sit back, relax, and slide up next to a warm fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa, because here are the Top 10 Greatest Holiday Movies!
#10: Bad Santa
Okay, this movie might not embody the most heartwarming aspects of Christmas, but never before have I laughed so hard at a holiday movie. Billy Bob Thornton (Faster) plays a drunken, disgusting, foul-mouthed mall Santa whose only purpose is to rob the stores blind during the Christmas season. However, he meets a troubled young boy who teaches him the true meaning of Christmas. Regardless of how lame it is, this movie is so hilarious I had to include it, simply for its comedic value.
#9: Home Alone
This movie isn’t exactly about the holidays, but it sure does its part for being an entertaining work. Everyone knows the story of poor young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin, Home Alone) who is left alone as his family flies to France for Christmas and has to fend off two bumbling thieves, but what is surprising about this movie is that it draws out a bit of pity for the kid. I mean, if one is the runt of the litter, that person would probably feel as relieved as Kevin is that to get some free space. But since the holiday season is all about family, it’s almost painful to watch him take care of himself. It’s that tug of emotion that makes this movie worthwhile, and there are laughs aplenty – especially with the clumsy burglars – for the whole family.
#8: Eight Crazy Nights
Yes, this is an Adam Sandler movie, and yes, there certainly is Sandler’s characteristic bawdy sense of humor everywhere, but this movie capitalizes on a heartwarming tale that I would never have imagined. Though Davey Stone (Adam Sandler) is down and out of luck, as well as full of hate, he learns to turn his life around through the kindness of a little old man. Shockingly crude, but ultimately touching, Eight Crazy Nights brings more than a smile to any face.
#7: A Christmas Story
Possibly one of the most iconic holiday movies ever, A Christmas Story coined the phrase, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” This comedy of errors has it all: a nerdy main character Ralphie, a tongue stuck to a flagpole, a bunny suit, a creepy Santa, Christmas Carols sung by Chinese waiters, a leg lamp, and an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot-Range Model Air Rifle! This movie is a classic, and easily deserves a spot on any holiday list.
#6: The Polar Express
This animated train ride took off in 2004, and it has been capturing the magic of the book ever since. Though there truly is no comparison to the iconic book, The Polar Express does a pretty good job of staying true to the formula. However, it takes some minor detours to make the movie longer, that really have no purpose. Yet, it capitalizes on the “seeing is believing” vs. “believing in what one can’t see” motifs, and is visually amazing. It almost feels too real for animation. When one is in need of a little more Christmas spirit, all one needs is a trip on The Polar Express.
#5: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Back when Tim Burton wasn’t a sellout, he created a movie that arguably became his greatest film: The Nightmare Before Christmas. Stuffed with exciting artwork, catchy songs, a haunting story, and a Pumpkin King who just wants a little something new, The Nightmare Before Christmas is Burton’s most amazing production. It incorporated dazzling clay animations that had never really gained a place on the big screens before, and is just plain fun. Plus, the Halloween twist on Christmas is a most hilarious affair. So if the cheesy cheer of most films isn’t enough, a haunting nightmare might suit one’s holidays better.
#4: Miracle on 34th Street
Even the most bitter of cynics cannot help but smile at Miracle on 34th Street. It was this movie that helped me believe in Santa for years after most of my friends had stopped. The story focuses upon an old man (Edmund Gwenn, The Trouble with Harry) who fills in for Santa in the Macy’s parade. He then claims to be Kris Kringle, the actual Santa Claus, and turns the world of cynical mother Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara, The Quiet Man) and her daughter Susan upside down. The whole film reeks of forties-era charm and cheesiness, but it’s just so uplifting that it’s not the same old rehashed cliché. It ends in a trial over whether he really is Santa or just insane, and it is a nail-biter until the very end. This movie is a staple of the holidays, and I highly recommend it.
#3. It’s a Wonderful Life
This movie has become as connected to Christmas as Santa himself. One of the most depressing, and yet inspiring movies of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life has been deterring any dark thoughts since I was a child. Everyone knows the story of George Bailey (James Stewart, Rear Window) who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve after his uncle loses an $8,000 bag of cash, keeping the skinflint Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore, Key Largo) from taking over the town. However, a gentle angel named Clarence (Henry Travers, It’s a Wonderful Life) shows Bailey just what life would have been like without him ever in it. This movie is arguably the best Christmas movie of all time, and I’d be the first one to argue that.
#2. The Muppet Christmas Carol
This movie is my all time favorite adaption of Dickens’ classic; I mean, what’s better than Michael Caine (Inception) as Scrooge with Muppets? I’ll admit, the Muppets are my guilty pleasure. I’ve loved all their movies since I could walk, and I will never get tired of Kermit, Gonzo, or Rizzo the Rat. The Muppet Christmas Carol is the first Christmas movie I can remember ever watching, and it has held a dear place in my heart ever since. This has all the wondrous storytelling of Dickens’ Scrooge, but with the zany humor of the Muppets for some much improved comic relief. Sure this movie isn’t as true to the whole story as the original, but who can’t love the Muppets? I have made it my tradition to watch this movie every year, and it will never get old.
#1 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 remake)
Is the live action Jim Carrey remake as good as the original cartoon?
No.
Is this movie the greatest holiday movie of all time?
Certainly not.
In fact, compared to other icons, it’s pretty low on the list. But this version is undoubtedly my guilty pleasure Christmas movie. It’s so lame and cheesy that it’s fun, and that’s what I love the most about it. Sure, Jim Carrey (Yes Man) is just silly as the Grinch, but that’s the whole point. The ridiculous shenanigans of the actor add to the ridiculous atmospheric shenanigans of the set and the characters! Another thing I love about the movie is the intricate sets and makeup. It’s the most makeup in a movie since the Wizard of Oz, and it really feels like I’m being pulled into a separate world. I’ve been watching this movie every year since its release, and by now I know every line by heart. Though some critics may not agree, I absolutely love this film. You have to admit, Carrey makes a pretty creepy Grinch.
Well folks, there you have it. Any of those movies easily put one in a festive mood. Heartwarming, cheesy, clichéd and silly as they are, it’s impossible to be a Scrooge when a good holiday film is filling the air with cheer. So Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good night!
