Every time I see a list of the top Christmas movies, they are almost all the same. Home Alone, Elf..Movies we’ve all seen.
Although I just watched Home Alone for the first time this past year. Same with Forest Gump..But I digress.
Here is MY list of the best Christmas movies according to..ME.
Some you may have seen, some you may not have..Some you may debate as to whether they are Christmas or not.
Here ya go:
10. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.
This 1987 film directed by John Hughes stars Steve Martin and John Candy. Both men are trying to get home for the holidays. Both men are complete opposites. This is one of those movies that I quote constantly because it’s got so many memorable lines. “You’re going the wrong way.” “How do they know where we’re going?” “Where’s your hand?” “Between 2 pillows.” It never gets old and I always stop and watch. You should too.
9. Gremlins
This film came out in 1984. It’s about a dad who is looking for a special gift for his son, and ends up buying a mogwai in Chinatown. You can’t expose him to bright light, water, or feed him after midnight. The son ends up breaking the rules concerning his new pet, and ends up unleashing a horde of gremlins on a small town. This movie takes place at Christmas time. Santa is there, and so are carolers. Lots of Christmas elements, so to me, this is a Christmas movie.
8. Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It came out in 1972, and even though there have been remakes, nothing compares to the original. This is a fantastic holiday film and even though there are a few Christmas elements in it, I think Wonka can be compared to Santa Claus. I feel Slugworth is Krampus, and the Oompa Loompas could be elves. No, I’m not reaching. Watch it today.
7. Die Hard 2
This 1990 film is not often considered a Christmas movie. The original Die Hard usually gets the Christmas debate, but I like this one better. The movie takes place inside Dulles Airport in DC, and I find it much more edge of your seat entertainment. There is snow, it takes place around Christmas once again..And for those reasons, I put it on my list.
6. You’ve Got Mail
Meg Ryan is a struggling bookseller when Tom Hanks and his corporate book store move in across the street. The two begin an intense and anonymous relationship on the internet (in its infancy). The best scenes occur during Christmas, and just like Sleepless in Seattle, another Nora Ephron movie, the Christmas themes are there!
5. Castaway
Keeping with the Tom Hanks theme, this 2000 film is about a dude that works for FedEX and gets stranded on an uninhibited island when his plane crashes. The plot focuses on him trying to get home. Chuck Noland (Hanks character) is called away on Christmas Eve and promises to be home by New Years, so with these elements as a backdrop to the story, it qualifies as a Christmas movie for me.
4. Jingle All The Way
This 1996 film stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and the incomparable Sinbad as they struggle to find the Turbo Man action figure. This is probably the most Christmasy movie on my list, but few people watch this movie and I can’t understand why. Phil Hartman plays the creepy neighbor, and there are multiple laughs throughout. I always watch this with my kids, and it needs more people to experience its cinematic greatness.
3. The Christmas Chronicles
This 2018 film starring Kurt Russell was quite the surprise for me. Number one, it was released on Netflix, and number two, it has Kurt Russell in it. It is about two kids who notice Santa Claus in their home and end up jumping into his sleigh with his reindeer. They accidentally cause the sleigh to crash and the presents are lost. It then is up to the kids and Santa to correctly deliver all the presents before Christmas morning. Great plot, the colors are warm and seasonal, and it’s a great film to watch with everyone.
2. The Holiday
Now we’re getting to some of my all-time favorite movies that just happen to be centered around the holidays. This 2006 movie starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet is about a woman in England who decides to swap homes with a woman in California. Both ladies need a break from their lives and relationships. The music is incredible, the tears plentiful, and the storyline unique. I insist that Steph and I watch this a few times a year.
1. Serendipity
Not only is this movie my number one Christmas movie, it is also my number 2 favorite movie of all time (Behind Titanic). This 2001 movie stars John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. The two meet at a department store right before Christmas, and decide to allow fate to bring them together. It is the perfect Christmas movie, since the setting is in New York City. The music is great, the storyline is about watching out for signs in life that can alter your path, and Kate…I mean, she’s quite easy on the eyes. This is another of those movies where I laugh and cry, and I have made our 16 year old daughter watch this, as well. Excellent movie, and deserving of my number 1 spot.
Well, that’s it. Do you agree or disagree? What would you add to the list?
Merry Christmas and happiest of holidays to you and your family
XOXO Glenn