Jingle all the way: my (potentially controversial) top ten Christmas movies
By Emma Hardesty, Editor-in-Chief
One thing about me and my family is that we love Christmas movies. The Thanksgiving turkey will still be warm on our plates, and we’ll be throwing on a variety of holiday movies, from the great ones to Hot Frosty.
Yes, I sat through that movie. Yes, it was as bad as it looks.
All this to say, I consider myself quite the expert when it comes to holiday-related media. So much so that I decided it’s time I fully cement it – what are the top ten Christmas movies of all time?
Honorable Mention: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
Though this absolute classic may not break my top ten, I had to at least bring it up. It may be anti-Christmas not to.
In all seriousness, this cute and cozy Rankin-Bass special has been a staple in my household for years. The “why weren’t you at elf practice?” scene puts me in hysterics every time.
10. “Prep & Landing” (2009)
I don’t want to hear anyone whine about how this isn’t a movie because it’s only twenty minutes. It’s my list, and I say “Prep & Landing” belongs here.
With that out of the way…
This short was one of my favorites growing up, and I still hold it dear to this day. It provided a new look at Santa Clause operations that I had never seen before as a child, and in addition to quirky characters and a good, fast-paced story, this was an instant hit for my child self.
I don’t always rewatch this, but when I get to, it’s a delight.
9. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
Another classic film, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” never fails to make me feel all warm inside. Perhaps this film radicalized me as a child, because I too often find myself sad around the holidays and full of disdain for the hyper-consumerism I’m surrounded with.
Aside from Mr. Charlie Brown’s intense relatability, I love seeing the rest of the gang messing around. Of course, Snoopy is always a standout, but I’m also partial to Linus and his insistence on the incorporation of his emotional support blue blanket into the play. I would also do anything for my emotional support weighted dinosaur, so I respect it.
All in all, this special is a delightful time and full of all the nostalgic coziness you need around the holidays.
8. “Christmas Vacation” (1989)
My family and I quote this movie religiously. No family function is complete without a snide, “I don’t know, Margo.” For the quotability alone, it deserved a spot on this list.
But since I have the floor, I get to finally voice my biggest gripe with this movie. Clark Griswold’s constant desire to cheat on his actual bombshell of a wife is insanity, and feels so icky to watch. The infamous pool scene always makes me cringe and look away. Maybe it was funny twenty years ago, but it’s certainly not funny to me now.
Thankfully, the majority of the movie doesn’t have much to do with that. It’s full of goofy slapstick and kooky characters that leave you cackling at the antics. All-in-all, this is a thoroughly enjoyable, highly-quotable flick that I am more than happy to watch again and again.
This is a certified White People Classic, and as a certified White Person, “Elf” had to make its way onto my list. I’m admittedly not fond of this interpretation of Santa (more on that later), but there is nothing like Christmas in New York.
I think. I don’t know. I haven’t experienced it. Yet.
Jokes aside, the setting really does sell this movie. Seeing New York through Buddy’s fresh eyes puts a new level of magic on the city.
Not only is the setting great, but the story is wonderful. Buddy’s romance with Jovie is so cute and innocent. When Buddy isn’t swooning over Jovie, the audience gets to witness the budding relationships between him and his family. The scenes with Buddy and Michael might be some of my personal favorites.
And again, the humor in this is perfect. If you can’t tell, I like my Christmas movies with a good dose of comedy, and Elf finds this balance perfectly. Each emotional moment is offset with a quick remark that keeps the audience easily entertained.
“Elf” may be a bit overdone, but it’s such a hit for a reason.
6. “Daddy’s Home 2” (2015)
Is this a hot take? Is this crazy? I don’t care, it’s my list!
My family and I all thoroughly enjoyed the first “Daddy’s Home” movie, but the release of the second one changed the trajectory of our Christmas watchlist forever.
The cast of the first movie was already hilarious, but the additions of John Lithgow and Mel Gibson take it to the next level. The four male protagonists are hysterical together. The entire cast shines throughout this movie, especially in the amazing Nativity scene.
“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is now a staple in my Christmas playlist.
5. “Arthur Christmas” (2011)
My family only recently stumbled onto this movie a few years ago, and Oh. My. God?! It’s so good?! Why did no one share this movie with me before?
To begin with, it’s actually hysterical. During my first watch, there were multiple times I actually laughed out loud. It has a certain dry humor that I absolutely adore – it’s subtle, and makes you want to pay attention to catch anything that might go over your head.
The characters are absolutely delightful. The titular character Arthur is actually such a sweetheart. At no point in the movie do I ever find him, or any of the other characters, annoying or irritating. Despite the goofiness of the story, they all feel surprisingly realistic.
If you were like me and hadn’t heard of this movie, please go watch it. It’s an absolute hidden gem in the world of holiday movies, and needs more attention brought to it.
4. “The Santa Clause” (1994)
Now THIS. THIS is the best representation of Santa Clause, the elves, and the North Pole in any Christmas movie.
When Scott Calvin finally fully embraces becoming Santa Clause, he becomes exactly who my child self pictured as Santa, from the demeanor down to the look. The North Pole is a delightful hub filled with so much joy, toys, and sweet treats. The elves, played by children, are all cute, sweet – and occasionally hilariously sarcastic. They are thousands of years old, after all.
Aside from being the pinnacle of what I imagine Santa and everything surrounding him to be like, this movie is just fantastic on its own. We get to see the drab corporate man become a beacon of joy to children around the world, which warms my heart on every rewatch. Bernard the Elf was everyone’s childhood crush, because, of course he was. Neil wears some fantastic sweaters.
I absolutely love this movie, and have loved it since I was little. So many nights did I go to sleep dreaming of the North Pole and Santa Clause, seeing exactly the world this movie created.
Before I begin, let me say – while not my most favorite, this is objectively the best movie on this list.
I first watched this movie in a high school Agriculture class. I think I can speak for all of my classmates when I say that I expected very little from this movie. I assumed it would be another lame Disney Channel-esque movie, as most teacher-picks are.
Twenty minutes in, and my classmates and I were all quickly proven wrong.
This movie is visually a masterpiece. It was animated using a combination of 2D hand-drawing techniques and 3D animation, for aspects like the lighting, to create the uniquely gorgeous end result. It’s absolutely eye-catching, and feels like a warm hug.
I cannot even begin to describe the amazing story, and in case you haven’t seen this movie, I almost don’t want to. Just looking at the journey Jesper goes on alone is absolutely amazing. The amount he has grown by the end of the movie always makes me smile.
Speaking of the end of the movie… tears. Every time. If you haven’t ever seen this absolute masterpiece of a movie, do yourself a favor and go watch it. You won’t be sorry.
I honestly don’t even know if I can explain my deep attachment to this movie.
Of course, I have to talk about the visuals. The intentional, repeated use of green and red make the whole movie feel so cozy and festive. The McCallister house is an absolute dream.
Again, it’s one of those movies that hit a perfect balance between heartful storytelling and humor. It makes you laugh, before hitting you with thought-provoking scenes.
The scene in the church in particular always makes me think and reflect. When I was a child, the idea of the Old Man being scared to talk to his son always confused me. To me, it was obvious the son would love to hear from his dad. As I have grown, I’ve come to sympathize with the Old Man. There have been so many times I’ve felt that similar fear – a fear of being rejected after allowing yourself to be vulnerable with someone you value so deeply.
Maybe that’s why I love this movie so much. At its heart, it's a movie about family, and how even despite your complex relationships with them, the love you share will prevail.
1. “Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)
I DON’T PLAY ABOUT THIS MOVIE.
Okay. Okay. Calming down.
I absolutely LOVE “Muppet Christmas Carol”. If you’ve seen any interpretation of a Christmas Carol, you get the general gist of this movie.
I. Freaking. Love. The. Muppets.
They are absolutely DELIGHTFUL in this film, along with lead Michael Caine as Scrooge. They are up to typical Muppets antics in between important parts of the story. It still makes me laugh seeing Kermit’s legs.
The music in this movie might be what makes it an absolute staple. “Marley and Marley?” Banger. “Scrooge”? Triple platinum in my household. “It Feels Like Christmas?” Might be unashamedly bumping this in April sometimes.
If you like Christmas Carol, and you like the Muppets (and even if you don’t like either of those), you should absolutely give this movie a watch.
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