Let’s get ready to debate.
The top 5 Christmas movies of all time. With hundreds of movies to choose from, it’s difficult to narrow them down to just five. However, these are five that I watch every Christmas season.
5. A Christmas Story (1983)
Who doesn’t love the story of little Ralphie Parker and his quest for the Red Ryder 200-shot BB gun? Throw in the side story of Old Man Parker’s infamous leg lamp (“Fra-geel-ay–must be Italian”) and Flick sticking his tongue to the cold flag pole, and you have comedy gold.
My wife doesn’t think too highly of this movie for some reason. Maybe because it’s set in the 1940s, but I think that just adds to the charm. Throughout all the trials and tribulations of the Parker family (including the turkey for Christmas dinner), in the end, the movie shows how much of a loving family they are.
4. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell in his prime. The story of Buddy the Elf, a human who was adopted by Papa Elf after Buddy slipped into Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve, is both hilarious and sweet at the same time. It’s really the story of how Buddy’s dad, played by the late James Caan, goes from the Naughty to the Nice List.
But am I the only one who doesn’t like the end, where New York sings “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” to get Santa’s sleigh powered up?
3. Home Alone (1990)
Kevin! Poor Kevin McAllister, left home alone by his absentminded parents, foils the Wet Bandits and learns that he does indeed need his family. As viewers, we remember more the way Kevin defends his home than anything else in the movie. But by doing that we miss the bigger messages: Don’t believe everything your brother says about your neighbor, and although our family gets on our nerves, we need them and love them in the end.
By the way, I read something about Kevin’s traps. They probably would have killed a person in real life. (And how could an 8-year-old boy devise these traps?)
2. Die Hard (1988)
Let the debates begin! I believe wholeheartedly that Die Hard is a Christmas movie. The wife, not so much.
What makes it a Christmas movie? Well, it’s set on Christmas Eve, and Hans Gruber’s plans only work because there’s a Christmas party when the rest of the building is empty. Oh, and don’t forget the excellent Christmas music: “Christmas in Hollis” by Run-DMC.
Let’s not forget the Christmas message Hans gives us: “It’s Christmas, Theo. It’s a time for miracles,” the miracle being John McClain reuniting with his estranged wife Holly (holly, get it?).
1. Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Christmas comedy movie to end all Christmas comedy movies. There may be better Christmas drama and/or romance movies, but none of those surpass the comedy of Christmas Vacation.
What parent among us can not relate to poor Clark Griswold and his quest to make the Christmas holiday the best he can for his family? In-laws (Cousin Eddy, Uncle Art and Aunt Bethany, anyone?) and the best intentions can ruin any holiday. Clark perseveres through all the hijinks and comes out on top at the end.
Honorable Mention: Scrooged (people either love or hate this movie)
All of these movies are at least 20 years old. Have there been any classic Christmas movies released in the last 10 years? I can’t think of any I would watch over and over again.
