Christmas movies have always been a staple for the holiday season from as far back as we can remember. There have been many good movies, and just as many bad ones, but in the spirit of the holidays, we'll stick to the good.
Here are the Top 10 Christmas movies that will get you into the holiday spirit.
1. Elf
Considered the ultimate modern Christmas classic, Elf, stars Saturday Night live alum Will Ferrell, whose comedic genius shines in this hilarious tale about a human who was raised as an elf in the North Pole and travels to NYC to find his biological father.
2. Miracle on 34th Street
Whether it’s the 1947 or 1994 version of the film, Miracle on 34th street is everything you’d want in a heartwarming Christmas movie—a non-believer has her dream come true when she finds that a certain Santa Clause might just be the real deal.
3. A Christmas Story
Chances are you won’t have to look this one up on Netflix—A Christmas Story is always shown on TV this time of year, and for good reason. Released in 1983, this movie became an instant classic while it was still in theaters. A must see—especially if you’ve ever begged mom for a BB gun.
4. Nightmare Before Christmas
If you’re looking to snuggle up with an indie chick this Christmas, putting on this unique Christmas flick will be sure to score you some points.
A favorite amongst the hipster variety, a Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the most brilliant works by Tim Burton about Jack Skellington (king of Halloweentown), who discovers Christmas but doesn’t quite understand the concept of what makes it so special.
5. It’s a Wonderful Life
Get ready to bawl your eyes out. Arguably the best Christmas movie of all time, this 1946 film directed by the great Frank Capra tells the story of an angel who helps a lovable, crisis-stricken businessman by showing him what life would be like if he never existed.
6. Home Alone
Ever wonder what you’d do if robbers broke into your house and you were the only one home? Or what if your entire family forgot you on their way to their Christmas vacation?
This feel-good comedy released in 1990 answers these questions in the most creative way by taking you back to your childhood and reminding you about the value of family during the holiday season.
7. Joyeux Noel
Although it earned an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film in ’05, you probably haven’t heard of this film. Perfect for history buffs, this film is about a legendary Christmas Eve between French, German, and Scottish soldiers during World War I, a truly remarkable story.
8. National Lampoon’s ‘Christmas Vacation’
If you’re having relatives over for the Christmas season, pop this one in the DVD player. You’ll never be quite as thankful for your dysfunctional family after watching the Griswolds, especially with Chevy Chase's dorky mishaps bringing you nonstop laughs.
9. Love Actually
Chances are, if you’re a 20-something year old chick, you’ve seen this movie “like a million times!!” In my experience, it's actually one of the few guy-approved romcoms, which is refreshing, especially since the story line is tremendously heartwarming without being too corny.
The intertwining romantic tales in Love Actually each give you someone to root for and they prove that love means different things for different people.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
A grumpy hermit who plots to steal Christmas from the residents of Whoville, this beloved Dr. Seuss book turned Christmas classic is a Christmas staple—and a must-watch for those who are not feeling the holiday spirit this year. Also, perfect for stoners, as the Grinch resembles a man made of the best stuff on earth.
Jess Palomo | Elite.
