Top Ten Christmas Movies

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 3 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #334 in Movies & TV, #7,802 overall

Pass on Some Cinematic Tradition this Season!

One of the most wonderful things about the Christmas season is sharing traditions with friends and family members. Though there are thousands of different ways to make the holidays special, many families always make time for some classic Christmas films and television specials.

In this selection of top Christmas movies, we will showcase some of the best and most loved holiday favorites of all time. You can view them over the 12 days of Christmas, or try to fit them all in when the family is together for the day. Either way, you're sure to enjoy these classics that only come around once a year.

Reindeer

Browse Films 

Read on to learn what film made the number one spot!

All films will be rated on the following qualities:

Family Friendly - 5 stars means that kids and grown-ups will enjoy them equally.
Sentimental - 5 star movies should be viewed with tissues handy.
Fun Factor - 5 stars means you'll be laughing all the way!

#10 Frosty the Snowman 

A great holiday special from CBS, this cartoon was first broadcast in 1969. Based on the Christmas song, this is the story of a snowman who magically comes to life, and spends a memorable day with some of the friendly neighborhood children.

Frosty



This classic short is narrated by Jimmy Durante, and directed by Arthur Rankin Jr., who has directed and produced some of the most memorable children's programs of the 20th century. With the message that "Christmas Snow never disappears completely", we learn that our fondest friends will always be with us in our hearts, no matter where they are.

 

Frosty the Snowman

Amazon Price: $11.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * *
Sentimental: * * *
Fun Factor: * * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#9 Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer 

This delightful stop-motion animated special was first broadcast on CBS in 1964. The memorable characters of Rudolph, Hermey and Yukon Cornelius have been charming kids and families ever since.

Santa Riding Reindeer, Illustration



When Donner the reindeer and his wife discover that their new fawn has a glowing red nose, they do all that they can to hide it from the other reindeer at the North Pole. Feeling like an outcast, young Rudolph runs away with his friend Hermey, an outcast elf who wants to be a dentist. During their exciting adventure, they learn that everyone is special, even if they don't always fit in. Their travels help bring together some unlikely friends, and saves Christmas for everyone.

 

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * * *
Sentimental: * * *
Fun Factor: * * * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#8 Home Alone 

It's been 18 years since the release of this holiday comedy, which is plenty of time to forget how funny Macaulay Culkin's scream seen really was. Now that all of the copy-cats have moved on, we can all enjoy this film the way we did in 1990.

Unlike other films that are set at Christmas, but have a separate story, Home Alone is surprisingly warm and sentimental. Although the adventures of Kevin McCallister are zany, there's still plenty of room for thoughts about Christmas spirit and family values.

With great performances by Catherine O'Hara, Joe Pesci and John Candy, this movie is worth watching with the kids during the holidays.

 

Home Alone: The Complete Collection

Amazon Price: $25.49 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * *
Fun Factor: * * * *
Sentimental: * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#7 The Muppet Christmas Carol 

Everyone's favorite puppets come together in this fun retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol". Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat entertain us with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, with the Muppets taking many of the classic roles. Bob Cratchit is played by Kermit, with Robin as Tiny Tim. With classic Muppets humor, this film delivers "A Christmas Carol" that everyone can enjoy year after year.

Starring Michael Caine as Scrooge, and directed by Brian Henson, this film was given the Fantafestival award for best director in 1993. It is the first production starring Kermit the Frog to be made after the death of iconic entertainer Jim Henson. It is dedicated to his memory.


Regency Family Christmas Scene

 

The Muppet Christmas Carol - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition

Amazon Price: $10.49 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * * *
Sentimental: * * *
Fun Factor: * * * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#6 The Nightmare Before Christmas 

Is it a Christmas movie, or a Hallowe'en movie? Whichever holiday your family thinks of when they see this Tim Burton classic, there's not doubt that it's a fun film for the whole family.

The Nightmare Before Christmas helped bring back stop-motion animation in a time when computers threatened to take over. Audiences were delighted with this musical masterpiece in 1993, and it's still one of the most popular holiday movies year after year.

Legendary composer Danny Elfman provides the voice for Jack Skellington's musical numbers, with other fantastic performances by Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Reubens and Greg Proops.

 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (2-Disc Collector's Edition + Digital Copy)

Amazon Price: $15.49 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * *
Fun Factor: * * * * *
Sentimental: * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#5 How The Grinch Stole Christmas 

It just wouldn't be Christmas without an appearance by the Grinch. Voiced by the legendary Boris Karloff, the grouchy, green Grinch attempts to ruin Christmas for all of the Whos in Whoville. Although his plans to remove all of the noisy Christmas toys are successful, he discovers that the spirit of the holidays can never be defeated.

This animated version of the Dr. Seuss tale is a production of Chuck Jones, who also brought us Bugs Bunny and all of the Merry Melodies characters. The trademark Seuss rhymes are a fun holiday treat for kids of all ages, and help to teach us all about the true meaning of Christmas.

Family Friendly: * * * * *
Sentimental: * * *
Fun Factor: * * * * *

Visit Amazon to learn more about The Grinch on DVD!

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#4 Little Women 

This 1994 version of the Louisa May Alcott novel is a favorite any time of the year. With themes of love and hope, this story is perfect for Christmas viewing. The story of the March women and their affection for each other is touching, and has been a cherished favorite for nearly 100 years.

The cast of Little Women bring the characters of this classic novel to life so well, that the film was nominated for several awards, including two wins for Winona Ryder and Kirsten Dunst. With even more great performances by Gabriel Byrne, Claire Danes, Susan Sarandon, Samantha Mathis and Christian Bale, this film is a treasured favorite for many families.


Merry Christmas, Children Dancing by Fire

 

Little Women (Collector's Series)

Amazon Price: $13.49 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * *
Sentimental: * * * *
Fun Factor: * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#3 One Magic Christmas 

It's easy to fall completely in love with this 1985 classic about finding one's Christmas spirit. Children will enjoy the journey of little Abbie Granger, who needs Santa's help to show her mom what Christmas is all about. Parents will be touched by the Granger parents, and how their love keeps the family together, even in tough times. Though the ending is a happy one, due to a Christmas miracle, it's still certain to bring out tears in everyone who believes in the meaning of Christmas.


Christmas Stories



Starring Mary Steenbergen and Harry Dean Stanton, this Disney classic is a must watch for anyone who enjoys a good family story during the holidays.

 

One Magic Christmas

Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 12/24/2009)Buy Now

Family Friendly: * * * *
Sentimental: * * * * *
Fun Factor: * * *

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#2 Scrooged 

This modern retelling of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is a comical delight for adults and older children. Bill Murray plays a selfish and cynical television executive that needs a lesson in the true meaning of Christmas. He doesn't care who he hurts, as long as he gets plenty of viewers for his holiday broadcasts. After visits from the Christmas ghosts, he realizes that life is too short to waste on greed and grudges.

Scrooged also stars Carol Kane and Bob (Bobcat) Goldthwait, who gives one of his best performances as the nerdy and meek assistant. Danny Elfman provides the music, and was honored with a BMI Best Film Music award in 1989 for his work.

Family Friendly: * * *
Sentimental: * * *
Fun Factor: * * * *

Visit Amazon to learn more about Scrooged on DVD!

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

#1 It's a Wonderful Life 

This Christmas classic needs no introduction, as it is possibly the most watched holiday film in Hollywood history. James Stewart has been charming us with his performance as George Bailey since 1947. Although color versions of the film have since been released, many families prefer the original black and white masterpiece that teaches us how special and precious we all are.

The story of a man who would rather die than shame his family is a wonderful lesson in looking on the bright side of life. Although George Bailey's future seems bleak, he learns that without him, the world would be a much darker place. And thanks to the love of the people he has helped over the years, he is able to overcome his troubles and continue being the great man that?

Family Friendly: * * * *
Sentimental: * * * * *
Fun Factor: * * * *

Visit Amazon to learn more about It's a Wonderful Life on DVD!

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Honorable Mentions 

These holiday films almost made it to the top ten, but not quite! Which one is your favorite?

Die Hard

Die Hard

Bruce Willis stars as New York City Detective John more...1 point

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

A poor little boy wins a ticket to visit the insid more...1 point

The Santa Clause

The Santa Clause

Superstar comedian and Golden Globe(R) winner Tim more...1 point

Barbie in The Nutcracker

Barbie in The Nutcracker

This modern adaptation of the holiday classic cast more...1 point

Miracle on 34th Street

Miracle on 34th Street

Six year old Susan has doubts childhood's most end more...0 points

A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story

This delightfully funny holiday gem tells the stor more...0 points

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Make merry as Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy more...0 points

White Christmas

White Christmas

Two talented son-and-dance men (Bing Crosby and Da more...0 points

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

Alastair Sim's tour-de-force performance as the ul more...0 points

Bad Santa

Bad Santa

Hollywood favorites Billy Bob Thornton (THE ALAMO) more...0 points

Holiday Friends 

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More Christmas Fun 

You can decorate, celebrate and spread even more Christmas joy with some of these great ideas and tips:

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by Mortira

My top ten lists showcase the best of the best, classics and my personal favorites.

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