Written by Adam Lewis

Christmas, a time of giving and happiness that people have enjoyed for years, is a time to gather the whole family together and sit down on the sofa and watch Macaulay Culkin burn Joe Pesci’s hair off. In an industry that is filled with atrocious rom-coms and bad action flicks, it is always nice to enjoy the Christmas classics during the season of giving.

But before the countdown starts, it is necessary to mention the abominations of Christmas movies.

Dishonorable Mentions:

– Bad Santa (2003)

This Christmas comedy crime film is a disgrace to the film industry with a terrible screenplay and a sub-par Christmas connection/message.

– Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Another terrible Jim Carrey performance in this kid’s Christmas movie. What was thought to be a good representation of Seuss’ Grinch turned out to be a creepy display of a hater of Christmas scarring children around the world. Dr. Seuss’ books should stay as books.

Annnd now on to the real “presents” of Christmas time.

10. The Polar Express (2004)

A powerful story of a kid with the message of “believing”. This movie sends the message of believing in Santa Claus’ existence and truly demonstrates the Christmas Spirit. The movie is carried by Tom Hanks who plays the conductor and Santa Claus. Hanks’ character instills faith and the power of believing in the kids on the train. This film shows the power of a child’s faith in something as well as true Christmas spirit.

9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

This Christmas comedy has numerous amounts of one-liners and demonstrates the stressful and chaotic time that Christmas can be for many families. This Griswold’s misadventure features a crazed,broke cousin Eddie and the rest of the rambunctious Griswold clan. Overall, this movie displays a man trying to make the Griswold’s Christmas the best Christmas ever! A very solid John Hughes Christmas film.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

This 1947 Christmas Classic is ranked 8th on our list. Miracle on 34th Street is another movie on this list that promotes the idea of a child’s power of believing. When a man by the name of Kris Kringle gets the job of Santa Claus at the New York Macy’s Department Store, the manager is unhappy with his presence. However, Kringle befriends the manager’s daughter who has no Christmas spirit left as a nine year old. This movie brings back the Christmas spirit in you no matter what age you are and always finds a way to put a smile on your face.

7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

2014 it marks the 50th anniversary for the clay-mation TV movie that is a perennial classic on network TV stations during the Christmas season. This Christmas special has spawned many common phrases like “the Island of Misfit Toys” as well as good child characters and a solid Christmas message. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is ranked 7th on our list for its message that misfits and outcasts can aid in making the best Christmas possible.

6. Elf (2003)

Elf is a fantastic kid comedy featuring the Saturday Night Live great Will Ferrell as the lead role as Buddy the Elf. Again, Elf is another movie that spreads the Christmas spirit and faith in the existence of Santa Claus through a childish, yet humorous character in Buddy the Elf. This film ranks 6th on our list with its connection to spreading Christmas joy.

5. Home Alone (1993)

Home Alone is an innovative and unique story of a kid who is left all by himself over Christmas vacation. Although this movie really does not have too much to do with Christmas, it ranks 5th on our list and is considered one of the best Christmas movies of all-time by many people. This movie shows a violence side of Christmas with Macaulay Culkin defending his home against Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern by hitting them with irons and burning their hair off. Home Alone is not truly a Christmas movie, but its setting and solid performances by the aforementioned Hollywood stars makes this film one of the best flicks for all ages during the holiday season.

4. Holiday Inn (1942)

Many people have not seen this Christmas flick, however, Holiday Inn still ranks 4th on our list. The film centers around a hotel that only opens its doors during holiday seasons. Two men, one a dancer and the other a singer, compete for another young performers’ love. In a movie that features controversial items like blackface for the common era, the movie still displays the Christmas theme during its main scenes on Christmas Eve and day along with original songs like “White Christmas.”

3. A Christmas Story (1983)

Originally a box office flop, A Christmas Story turned into one of the biggest Christmas movies of all time. It is mostly remembered for its marathon on Christmas day on TBS, the leg lamp, and its scenes with the Red Ryder BB gun. The movie includes unique ideas through items like the leg lamp as well as being centered around numerous child-catered themes like bullies, “sticky situations” with friends on the playgrounds, and getting in trouble. A Christmas Story is truly a Christmas movie.

2. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This TV short was an instant classic. The Charlie Brown series is one of the main symbols of Christmas making this TV movie number 2 on our list. A Charlie Brown Christmas gives numerous appeals and items to the Christmas season like his crappy little christmas tree with one ornament plus sharing the over-commercialism that is now Christmas. This film also preaches the true meaning of Christmas through reciting bible passages from the Gospel of Luke. This “made for TV movie” provides a true meaning of Christmas through the peanuts’ antics and dialogue.

A movie everyone should watch at least once in their lifetime. It’s a Wonderful Life tops our list for its fantastic plot and positive message. Now by saying watch at least once, I mean watch it in its original black and white format. This film displays many aspects of Christmas through its setting and situational predicaments. However, the film also displays a deeper meaning as well. One of the main messages in the movie is that everyone’s life has a purpose which is seen through Clarence the Angel’s vision quest for James Stewarts’ character, George Bailey. Just like A Christmas Story, this flick was also originally a box office flop, however it has developed into one of the most famous (Christmas) movies of all time.