There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than watching Christmas movies! Here are a few of my personal favorites, along with my rating (out of 5 stars) for each of them:

The Year Without A Santa Claus

A stop motion masterpiece! The Year Without A Santa Claus is a unconventional take on Christmas, with many plot twists and a happy ending.

Highlights: The Heat Miser and the Snow Miser

Rating: ***

Elf

A wonderful, feel-good movie to really get you into the Christmas spirit! Follow Buddy the Elf on his quest to find his dad, and to save Christmas. Its modern day setting and original plot make Elf a holiday essential.

Highlights: Buddy’s interesting spaghetti breakfast and the New York filming locations

Rating: ****

The Polar Express

A truly magical Christmas movie. The Polar Express is a perfect embodiment of the mystery and hope that surround the holiday. The children’s adventure on the train and eventual encounter with Santa are what makes this film an essential. It reminds you to always believe and have faith in the unknown.

Highlight: The famous hot chocolate scene

Rating: ****

Home Alone

Set during Christmas, Kevin McCallister is left behind while the rest of his family travels to Paris. Follow Kevin as he hilariously tricks the robbers that attempt to break into his house. I am personally amazed every time I watch Home Alone by Kevin’s cleverness and quick thinking.

Highlight: Kevin vs. the bandits that try to rob him

Rating: ****

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The original Grinch (not the live action… don’t get me started on that one) is a must-watch. Everyone has seen it, but when you watch it next, focus on its important lesson: love is greater than hate.

Highlight: Max the Dog

Rating: ****

It’s A Wonderful Life

A Christmas classic! The movie, set during the Great Depression, is dark at times. However, in the end, it makes you think about the people in your life, and it compels you to appreciate what you have, even if everything seems to go wrong.

Highlight: The angel Clarence

Rating: ****

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

THE Christmas movie, period.

Highlights: Hermey, Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman, and the Island of Misfit Toys (I could go on)

Rating: ***** 

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

A hilarious take on a modern family’s Christmas. The Griswold family’s antics are sure to make you laugh. The Christmas tree accident, uninvited relatives, and Christmas surprises add unexpected plot twists. I highly recommend watching this movie with friends and family; it will add to the viewing experience.

Highlight: The Griswold family’s Christmas lights display

Rating: *****

A Christmas Story

In my opinion, A Christmas Story is the greatest holiday movie of all time. It perfectly encapsulates all the different sides of Christmas in a charming and authentic way. The dysfunctional family and Ralphie’s clumsiness and misfortunes all add to its appeal. The movie shows that although the holidays may not be perfect for most families, they are still a memorable and fun time in their own ways.

Highlights: Ralphie and his BB gun

Rating: *****

Photo Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolph_the_Red-Nosed_Reindeer_(TV_special)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_a_Wonderful_Life

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072424/

Jim Carrey Was The Original Buddy And Other Facts You Might Not Know About Will Ferrell’s ‘Elf’

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Polar_Express_(film)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Home_Alone

https://www.biography.com/news/national-lampoons-christmas-vacation-cast-where-are-they-now

https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/11/how-a-christmas-story-became-an-american-tradition