My Christmas Movie Watchlist

As Christmas rolls around every year, people began to name their favorite Christmas movies ranging from classics, like It’s a Wonderful Life, to the unconventional, like Die Hard, and everything in between. Although I have seen and enjoyed most of these, I find myself coming back to these movies every year. I don’t know why it’s these five but Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without them (no particular order).

Elf

A modern, Christmas classic, Elf showcases Will Ferrell in all his comedic glory. From his young days at the North Pole to his first encounter of the city life, Buddy the Elf (Ferrell) knows how to keep the laughs coming over and over again. Extremely quotable and surprisingly heartfelt, Elf will go on to become one of the classics.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

The only sequel on this list, Christmas Vacation continues the story of Griswold family. Chevy Chase reprises his role as a classic suburban dad who wants to make sure his family has the best Christmas ever, including the tree, the lights on the house, and even that pool in the backyard. Christmas Vacation presents a very realistic family as I’m sure most can relate to the troubles the family gets into as they try to survive this Christmas.

Christmas with the Kranks

Perhaps the least critically successful film on my list, Christmas with the Kranks could be described as my guilty Christmas movie pleasure. The movie is could be considered an anti-Christmas movie with the two main characters, played by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, trying to skip Christmas in order to save money. But their suburban town won’t let them get off that easy as hilarity and hijinks ensue.

Polar Express

I still remember sitting in the theater as a kid and seeing the trailer for Polar Express come on the screen. It’s quirky animation style mixed with its intrigue and mystery led me to become excited for this movie and it did not disappoint. With perhaps my favorite Christmas song, Hot Chocolate, combined with a trip to the North Pole, Polar Express makes its way onto my TV screen each year. But not only does Polar Express make you smile, it also tugs on the heart strings as you make the journey with the main character to realize the magic of Christmas fades for many over time.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A classic in every sense of the word, A Charlie Brown Christmas excels with its rewatchability and potent message (and clocking in at just 25 minutes there is no reason not to watch it this year). Christmas is not about how big your tree is but rather about spending time with those you lose. And as the characters get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season as many of us do, it takes Linus to deliver the real meaning of Christmas not only to Charlie Brown and his friends but also to us as the audience members. Either watch this movie or read Luke 2 this Christmas season.

I hope I gave you some good Christmas movies to pop in and watch this season with those you love and a cup of hot chocolate. Comment below with your favorite Christmas movies that I may have left off the list.