Just in time for Christmas, I share with you my top 10 Christmas movies. This, and other lists, can be found in the Hardcover or Paperback version of Everyone Else is Wrong (And You Know It): Criticism/Humor/Non-Fiction.)
10. The Family Stone (2005)
A dysfunctional family at Christmastime rears its ugly head in this movie, which I think is worth a second look.
9. The Santa Clause (1994)
For my money, the mythos of Santa Claus was never explained better than in this flick, which is funny and enduring. Those miserable sequels should go to the dogs, but this one is a keeper.
8. The Nightmare before Christmas (1993)
Perfect for Christmas and for Halloween!
7. The Lion in Winter (1968)
While not a Christmas movie per se, this film is the perfect holiday film about another dysfunctional family. The family, however, happens to be the Plantagenets and their reason for holiday jeer is who will ascend to the throne after King Henry II (Peter O’Toole) dies. Back then, it wasn’t necessarily the first born, though Anthony Hopkins (in an early role) is certainly vying for it. Based on the classic James Goldman play and about as well acted as any movie ever (Katherine Hepburn shared an Oscar for Best Actress), this movie is worth putting in your queue.
6. Home Alone (1990)
This is one of the most successful movies ever made and it’s easy to see why. When I was a kid, what I loved were the sight gags and physical comedy. Over time, what the movie has to say about family and togetherness has become what is really touching. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, while sillier, can be fun too.
5. Elf (2003)
This film was almost an instant classic. Will Ferrell’s most accessible movie (for non-believers) creates something quite unusual in movies: pure, unadulterated joy.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It may not always feel like the truth, but Frank Capra’s classic film makes you believe it really is a wonderful life. With a strong performance by James Stewart at its center, this movie is a reminder that you matter.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
I would argue this and Mickey’s Christmas Carol are the best versions of Dickens’ tale. They get right to the heart of the story. Michael Caine is superb and Paul Williams’ song “It Feels like Christmas” deserves to be a holiday standard.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The new holiday tradition for everyone I know: sit around with the family and watch this movie (muting curse words occasionally for the kids) and mutter to each other, “It feels like we just watched this.”
1. Love Actually (2003)
I can hear you groaning already, but this one really does tug at my heartstrings. An epic romantic comedy set at Christmas time, featuring terrific performances by Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and just about half of the talent in the U. K. The “Juliet, Peter, and Mark” story with Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Andrew Lincoln is enough to melt even the iciest heart.
Merry Christmas, Everybody!
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