Top 20 Christmas Movies

Last night, the family and I broke the Christmas movie seal. We started with Love Actually, a first-of-the-season tradition. And so now is the time to begin watching all of the other wonderful Christmas movies over and over and over again. So, I'll begin unveiling the Top 20 Christmas Movies today and continue over the next few days.




20. Jingle All The Way (1996)

This one squeaks onto the list because of its portrayal of seeking after the 'must-have' gift of the year. Think Tickle-me Elmo. Sure, the acting is terrible, it stars the Gov-enator, and he is supported by none other than Sinbad. Still, it gets some elements of the Holiday spirit right. Don't stop reading this list - don't judge me just on number twenty.


19. Santa Clause Is Coming To Town (Claymation, 1970)

The lesser of the stop-action TV specials, this is the story of who Santa is and, if my memory serves me right, taught me my first words of German -Burgermeister (it means mayor). He's the bad guy, and Winter Warlock, he's bad too, but so cool at the same time. It's a long plot, and a bit complicated, but it's great to see one version of Santa Claus lore played out. And I haven't seen it in probably ten years, but it clearly has stuck with me.

18. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

Most folks haven't heard of this one, or at least forgot about it. This is the tale about a village focusing on the clock maker, Mr. Trundle and his house mouse, Father Mouse. They are restless and it stems from the fact that Santa is angry at the residents of Junctionville, returning all their letters without even opening them. The reason? Somebody wrote a letter to the editor of the paper saying that he doesn't exist. In an attempt to fix the situation, Mr. Trundle comes up with a plan to lure Santa into town with having the town hall clock sing an enchanting song at midnight. When the clock doesn't work on its first test, the townsfolk lose all faith in him. Turns out the cause of all the trouble is Albert, a book-smart young mouse who thinks he knows the truth about Santa Claus. There are some great, memorable songs.

17. Polar Express (2004)
Maybe with time, this one will move up. It is a great book, and here it is presented with groundbreaking technology. At times the animation is a little creepy, and the story can drag at times. But overall, it is worth watching. Stacey and I saw it in IMAX 3-D a few years back. This one just doesn't have the emotional attachment that so many above it have.


16. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This is fun, but by no-means comprable to the cartoon version. Jim Carrey does a remarkable job and bringing to live-action the slimy, writhing, over exaggerated faces and mannerisms of an inimmitable Dr. Seuss character. Some good chioces by director Ron Howard, some bad ones. But overall, well done.



15. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Many groans are certain to come with this one. Sure, it's even more contrived than the first one, with a laughable plot and questionable acting - but come on. There's the bag lady, the hotel hi-jinx, the music. Okay - let's be honest, it's just the sentiment of watching when I was young. Very few redeeming qualities, but it's the sentiment that counts.



14. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
What a classic. Great voice work. Great animation. Great music. Great characters. There really aren't any parts of this show that I don't like. The Santa voice is perfect, as are teh rabbits' sound effects. That is only 14 is a bit of a surprise to me - perhaps because it is only a half-hour. But I definitely look forward to it each year.


13. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Few Christmas TV specials have an entire soundtrack that is worthy of being an album - this one does it. With the help of Burl Ives, 'Holly Jolly Christmas became a standard in it's own right. From Herbie who "wants to be a dentist," to Yukon Cornelius, to the bouncing bumble (The Abominable Snowman), these are some of the most memorable Christmas characters from any movie. Don't forget 'Papa,' Santa Claus who miraculously puts all of his winter weight on between two scenes! Again, this one is surprisingly low. Too many great shows I guess. This is a must watch on CBS every year.

12. White Christmas (1954)
The song is a classic, and the movie may be a bit too old-fashioned for most folks, but it's just so classy. It's hard to beat Bing Crosby, especially when he is tap-tap-tapping with Danny Kaye. Rosemary Clooney pipes away as one of the "Sisters, never such devoted sisters." The final scene is just so picturesque and makes me want to own a bed-and-breakfast so that can put on a Christmas pageant and open the giant doors to a fresh snowfall. And yes, truth be told, I am dreaming of a White Christmas (even though this isn't where the song originated).


11. Love Actually (2003)
We usually start each Christmas season by watching this one. It's certainly not for everyone (especially because of a few scenes that may be awkward in group settings). But there are some fantastic moments - none better than the performance of "All I Want for Christmas." Excellent performances are turned in by Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, and Laura Linney.