I absolutely love Christmas. One of my favorite parts about the holiday season is being able to watch the movies that go along with it (without the weird looks for watching them in July or something). Here are my Top Five Favorites, as well as one Honorable Mention.
Honorable Mention
Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
This one is an old family favorite. Regrettably, I have not seen it in years since the only version we owned is VHS. I love most versions of A Christmas Carol, but there is something extra special about the old animation and Mister Magoo. Ironically someone referenced Mister Magoo a few days ago, and he was shocked that I knew who that was...
#5
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
I will be the first to admit that I have absolutely no idea what the appeal is of this movie. The stop motion animation may be odd, but the characters are lovable and the soundtrack is fun. This movie never fails to get me in the Christmas spirit, and I also find myself hoping that none of my toys ended up on the Island (of Misfit Toys)... Please don't tell, but Spike is getting an Abominable Snow Monster plush for Christmas. It is already in his stocking, and I just hope it makes it to December 26th as Spike tends to be hard on stuffed toys.
#4
Love Actually (2003)
Yes, there is a movie from this Century on the list. This is another film with a stellar soundtrack, actually one of the best in years, that can legitimately be listened to all year round. I really enjoy how this movie follows a number of plot lines, yet manages to tie everything together. There are some wonderful performances from Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant, just to name a few. I will probably never forget my parents walking in on me watching this movie at exactly the wrong moment - there is a scene of questionable content. To this day I am not sure they have ever seen it all the way through. I also saw this movie for the first time with one of my best girlfriends at the Highland Town Theater, which makes it extra special (especially since we got cake at intermission).
#3
Die Hard (1988)
Well, this movie developed the reputation of being the "Killmer Family Christmas Movie" when my Dad referenced it in one of his Christmas letters. Those letters had developed quite a reputation - perhaps he will start writing them again... I digress.
Die Hard (the first one) does take place on Christmas Eve, which is probably the only thing "Christmasy" about it. There are some classic lines that include off-color language, but never fail to make me laugh. Plus you can see some really bad 80s hair/clothes, and Bruce Willis when he was quite attractive. I have never seen the sequels, and so I cannot speak to their merit. The original for me will always be the way to go.
#2
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Now, I grew up watching (and loving) classic movies. So, it is quite odd that it took until my junior year of high school and a math extra credit assignment for me to see this well-known Christmas classic. I was hooked from the moment I watched it. Of course that could be because I have always been a sucker for Jimmy Stewart, or perhaps I just love the idea that things tend to work out in the end. It is also interesting to think how life would be different if you had never been born... When I bought the VHS copy of this movie it came with a bell ornament that still hangs on my tree today. Sadly, I do not have the DVD yet. *Danny - Christmas hint*
#1Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
What is your favorite Christmas movie? I would love to consider adding yours to my annual repertoire (perhaps even in July).
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