My Favorite Christmas Movies

Christmas is a special time of year filled with warmth, joy, and really good movies. Like pretty much everyone else that celebrates it, I absolutely adore the Christmas season. It's definitely my favorite time of year, not only for the giving and receiving of gifts, but also for the coming together of family. Movies are also one of my favorite things. So, Christmas movies are right up my alley. I just wanted to take some time out of the holiday season to talk about some of my absolute favorite Christmas films. These are the movies that I love to watch during this time of year, and have a special fondness of as a result. These are in no particular order, and some of these picks I wouldn't necessarily call good movies; I just enjoy them because of the memories I have watching them with family and friends during the Christmas season. That being said, a lot of them I would call genuinely great movies as well. So, here they are:

A Christmas Story (1983)

This is one of the most unique films I've ever watched. There's a distinct nostalgic tone to it that I haven't encountered anywhere else. All the performances are wonderful, particularly from young Peter Billingsley, who plays the eminently relatable Ralphie. This is a movie that I will never get tired of watching, but it only feels right to watch it right around Christmas. An undisputed holiday classic. 

Elf (2003)

This is a particular favorite in my house. My family and I make sure to watch it every Christmas season. Will Ferrell gives one of his funniest performances as Buddy the Elf. Every scene he's in is pure comedy gold. James Caan plays off of him quite nicely, and Zooey Deschanel is also very good. Elf has an undeniably potent Christmas spirit as well, and there are some surprisingly heartfelt moments. All in all, it's a consistently entertaining comedy that also has a big heart and plenty of Christmas cheer to go around. 

The Santa Clause (1994)

This is one of those movies that I really enjoy watching during the Christmas season, but I wouldn't quite call it a good movie. Tim Allen is definitely my favorite part of the movie; he's a funny guy, and generates plenty of laughs. I also think the whole premise is pretty cool; a guy that doesn't have any Christmas spirit ultimately becomes Santa and must perform the duties of the big man in the red suit without any real experience. And the transformation of the character's physical body can be entertaining. It can feel a little hokey at times, and there are some jokes that just don't land, but I still like to watch it around this time of year. I don't care for the sequels at all. 

The Polar Express (2004)

This one is a particularly special pick. Sometime many years ago, my family started the tradition of watching this film every Christmas Eve. I really don't remember how it began, but now we do it every year, and as a result, I equate The Polar Express with that feeling of anticipation that comes on the night before Christmas. The animation can be a little creepy at times, granted. But, it has tons of Christmas spirit, and plenty of quirks along the way to keep things interesting. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're hesitant because of the uneasy animation. For the most part, it's impressively animated. 

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

This is definitely my favorite of the National Lampoon series. While there are some dry spells in the humor, it's quite often a hilarious ride with clever gags and effective slapstick. Chevy Chase shines particularly bright as the not very bright family man Clark Griswold. There are a number of classic moments and scenes in Christmas Vacation, and it's a film that is very much worth watching around the Christmas holiday. 

Die Hard (1988)

Is it cheating counting this as a Christmas movie? Maybe. But it's set in the holiday season and it's one of my favorite action films of all-time. So, it gets a place on my list. Some of the most tense and suspenseful action scenes ever put to film coupled with a smoothly charismatic performance from Bruce Willis, it doesn't get much better than Die Hard. This is really what catapulted Willis' career into stardom, and it remains today one of his best films. A must watch. 

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Films don't get quite more magical or resonant as this. Powered by a terrific performance from the great Jimmy Stewart and an unabashedly passionate Christmas spirit, It's a Wonderful Life presents a powerful message that still holds as true today as it did when it was released. If you don't get at least a little emotional while watching this movie, you may need to get checked out. A suitably wonderful holiday classic that will remain as such for many years to come. 

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and a holiday season filled with joy and comfort. Thanks for reading!