‘Tis the Season!
Christmastime is well underway and we’ve compiled a list of the best Christmas Movies to get you in the holiday spirit. These are movies that bring the warm and fuzzy feelings that Christmas is known for.
The Santa Clause (1994)
The Santa Clause, starring Tim Allen, is one of my favorite Christmas movies to watch during the holidays. Although it spawned two sequels, the original remains the best. The sequels become increasingly campy and cartoon-ish, even for a movie about Santa Claus. I mean, the original was so grounded in having the main character go through a crisis as the people closest to him think he’s losing his mind by trying to become Santa Claus!
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 74% Certified Fresh Tomatoes
Jingle All the Way (1997)
Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jingle All the Way is definitely my favorite Christmas movie of all time. The subject matter is something many people have actually gone through– trying to find a particular Christmas present that is sold out everywhere! It doesn’t feel like Christmastime at my house unless Jingle All the Way is playing!
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 16% Rotten Tomatoes (Don’t let that sway you!)
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
For the sake of being timely, I’m including the Jim Carrey version of The Grinch. However, in case you were wondering, the original animated version has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100% Fresh Tomatoes.The live-action version is faithful to the original, funny and Jim Carrey plays the part perfectly.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 52% Rotten Tomatoes
The Polar Express (2004)
Featuring the voice talents of America’s sweetheart, Tom Hanks, The Polar Express quickly became a holiday classic. At the time of release, the animation was state of the art and thought to be incredibly realistic. It didn’t age very well. BUT, the story is great and Josh Groban sings the main song on the soundtrack, Believe.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 56% Rotten Tomatoes
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Christmas Vacation is obviously a holiday classic that movie channels play constantly. It’s pretty much about dealing with the in-laws during Christmas. If not for the laughs, it has a decent story and it’s a good sequel to the other Vacation movies.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 64% Fresh Tomatoes
Elf (2003)
Look. I’m going to level with you. I’ve never seen Elf. I am not a Will Ferrel fan at all. He plays the same obnoxious character in almost every movie or show he’s in. It’s funny the first time but the routine grows old. The only reason I’m including this is because everyone I asked insisted I include this movie on my list. So here it is. Also, Zooey Deschanel looks weird in it.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83% Certified Fresh Tomatoes
Home Alone 1 & 2 (1990-1992)
I love both Home Alone movies equally, although people seem to think the first one is superior. There’s no denying that Macaulay Culkin was the greatest child actor of all time. Christmas just doesn’t feel the same without watching Home Alone. Also, it really looked like Marv got hit in the head a real brick in Lost in New York!
Rotten Tomatoes Score:
1- 63% Fresh Tomatoes
2- 30% Rotten Tomatoes
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Arguably one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas has been seen by everyone on the planet. Probably. This original tale is unique, fun and has some of the best movie songs ever written.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95% Certified Fresh Tomatoes
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
You may be wondering why I’m including an old Peanuts cartoon but left out the old Grinch cartoon. The reason is that A Charlie Brown Christmas doesn’t have a modern remake. Plus, the classic has a wholesome and classic feel. The Vince Guaraldi Trio soundtrack is definitely a classic Christmastime playlist-must.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93% Fresh Tomatoes
A Christmas Story (1983)
Finally, the holidays aren’t complete without watching A Christmas Story at least once. It’s usually being broadcasted in marathons on cable, so you’re in luck. The movie follows Ralphy, who only wants an air rifle for Christmas. It features multiple side-stories that make up the entire movie in a unique way.
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89% Certified Fresh Tomatoes
Aaron is a writer from California who loves Christmas and Christmas movies. He will die trying to convince people that Jingle All the Way is a classic. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
