It's a Wonderful Life (1946)Perhaps the most iconic of all the films listed here. This one stars Jimmy Stewart as everyman George Bailey who stumbles upon bad times for himself and his family. Wishing he was never born, an angel grants his wish and allows Stewart's character to see what the world would have been like without it. The world turns out not to be such a great place without George Bailey. Wishing he could have his old life back, Bailey ... well, I don't want to give anything away. You've got to see this one. It touches the heart.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This flick has been remade numerous times, including a version that's a Broadway musical, but I always preferred the original starring Maureen O'Hara and John Payne. Who could ever forget Santa Claus having to prove his own existence in court, and all the letters from children that were used as evidence?
A Christmas Story (1983)
This classic film didn't catch on immediately when it was released to theaters in 1983, but over the years it has been a huge holiday favorite thanks to VCRs, DVDs and cable television. Funny, funny, funny, and family friendly all the way through. This one is good for adults and children alike, giving both plenty to laugh about throughout. My favorite moment? It's difficult to pick just one, but I guess I'll go with the pink bunny suit. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you need to see this film.
Scrooged (1988)
It's another re-telling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but this one is updated (at least to the late '80s) and features Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a modern-day Scrooge. One of Murray's greatest roles, this film features plenty of great comedic moments, and as can be expected it has a happy ending.
Die Hard (1988)
So you're asking yourself how in the world did this blockbuster action movie make the list? Well, the truth of the matter is ... this is a Christmas movie. Despite all the gunblasts and explosions, this is a tale that takes place during the Christmas season. Heck, the whole plot is set up with the main character, Bruce Willis, attending a Christmas party at his wife's workplace. And Christmas trees and music and ornaments and more can be seen throughout the film. If you don't think it belongs on this list, fine. That's you opinion. I think it goes here. If nothing else, it's a change of pace.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
In my opinion, Chevy Chase's funniest film role ever (though Cady Shack comes darn close), and definitely the best of the Vacationmovies. Here the Griswold family gathers at home for the holidays and antics run rampant. The cat gets fried by the Christmas tree cord. Clark gets locked in the attic. And don't forget Cousin Eddie and his clan showing up, including their Mississippi Leg Hound. Brrrp!
Home Alone (1990)
Remember when Macaulay Culkin was a big kid star? This wasn't his first movie, but it was his first big starring role, and he showed he deserved it. Plenty of family-friendly fun in this one as a kid is left at home alone during the holidays while burglars try to break in and rob the join. The outcome? Let's just say this was one eight-year-old who could hold his own.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
You've got Michael Caine as Scrooge. Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and Gonzo the Great as Charles Dickens. What more could you ask from another family-friendly flick about the holidays? How about Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, Robin the Frog as Tiny Tim and many, many more muppets. Muppets galore!
The Santa Clause (1994)
Currently there have been three movies in this series starring Tim Allen as Santa, but I think the first one is the best. In this flick, the story is told of how a modern man, played by Allen, takes over the role of Santa Claus. But there's more to it than that. The new Santa has to deal not only with problems at the North Pole, but he also has a son, an ex-wife and his ex-wife's new husband to cope with. It all comes together with some fine funny moments.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The original Dr. Seuss book and television cartoon are always holiday favorites, but Jim Carrey (with plenty of help from his makeup department) truly made the Grinch come alive in this live-action film of the Christmas classic for kids. Carrey gave perhaps the performance of his career as the green terror of Who-ville, and his misanthropy and later love of all are quite believable and funny.
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell truly had the Christmas season in mind when portraying Buddy the Elf in this one. What character has been as innocent and as funny? Few others, if any. With Zooey Deschanel as the love interest, Ed Asner as Santa Claus and James Caan as Buddy's Grumpy dad in New York City, this movie offers plenty of great actors and comedic moments. Worth seeing, and friendly enough for the whole family.
Bad Santa (2003)
Let me say right up front, this is not a Christmas movie for the kiddies. Adults only please. There's some nudity, drinking and tons of cursing. But despite all that, it's still funny as heck with Billy Bob Thornton playing a drunken department store Santa who is trying to rip off the very store where he works.
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