It’s the most … wonderful time … of the year. That’s right! It’s Christmastime. And with the holiday season comes, perhaps, my favorite thing about this festive block on the calendar: Christmas movies.
There are many I like. Some that come close to being in the category of best of the best, like It’s a Wonderful Life and Four Christmases. And then there are others that, if I’m being honest, I’m not sure are actually good flicks but I still enjoy them, such as Love Actually and The Polar Express. However, none of those films made the cut for my list of Top 12 Christmas Movies.
For the twelve nights of Christmas, these are the gems that bring the most joy, one for each night. Here now are the films that have earned playback in my home once all the Thanksgiving fixin’s are put away and the Christmas decorations are taken out of storage. Let’s see how many of my selections you agree with.
12 — Gremlins
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.6
Imagine me listing as one of the best Christmas movies ever a film that, as a 6-year-old, scared the ever living chestnuts out of me. Yes, that would be Gremlins.
But I don’t let that stop me from appreciating its holiday mayhem … err, magic. And while it didn’t quite crack the Top 10, it’s most definitely holds firm in the top dozen. Indeed Gremlins embodies all the elements of a Christmas feature: Christmastime throughout the entirety of the plot, decorations, gifts, snow, caroling … all the things.
Sure, there are a bunch of murderous creatures running around causing havoc. But aside from that minor detail, tell me what’s missing. I’ll tell you. Nothing. And, of course, it has the most critical attribute of any Christmas story — a happy ending.
11 — Bad Santa
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.2
There’s no question Bad Santa is the holiday film dedicated to those on the naughty list. What’s more, it makes for the perfect back half of a Christmas double-header: after you watch The Santa Clause with the kids, you can put them to bed and watch a more cynical, sinful Santa do his thing.
This is perhaps Billy Bob Thornton at his finest. Who knew a drunken, foul-mouthed, sex-crazed Santa could get you into the holiday spirit. But he’s a nice counter-balance to typical season’s greetings, swapping Yuletide with “You’ll never believe what Santa is doing.”
Bad Santa isn’t for everyone. For some, this type of fare is fine, but just not this time of year … they’re the ‘time & place’ crowd. For others, they’re too puritan to enjoy it anytime of the year, which is fine. But for everyone else, go throw some whiskey in your egg nog and lock in. Because Christmas season is a good time for Bad Santa.
10 — Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.5
Is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York just a regifting of Home Alone? Yes. Yes, it is. A damn good one though!
They took everything done right in the first film and either rebuilt it - brick by brick, but still with the same fun, heartwarming results - or elevated it, as is the case with actor Brenda Fricker aka Pigeon Lady, played as a stand-in for the late Roberts Blossom, the old neighbor from the original (I prefer Pigeon Lady; her performance was much more endearing).
Also, forgive me for being biased, but as a native New Yorker, having New York City as a backdrop is a nice addition to the story. Everything from the Plaza hotel to Rockefeller Center, and all things in-between. If you know anything about New York, you know it’s a special place during the holiday season. It’s a fun city year-round. But it really comes alive once Thanksgiving arrives … all the way through New Year’s. There’s a magic present that’s undeniable. That fascination, thankfully, makes its way onscreen in Home Alone 2.
I guess if you’re only ripping yourself off, then it’s okay. Particularly when you do it so well. The only thing that matters is Kevin is back, the Wet Bandits (um, Sticky Bandits) are back, and the holiday spirit is back in this now classic Christmas sequel.
9 — A Christmas Story
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.6
Let me start by writing I think A Christmas Story is overrated. It’s not a top five holiday film, let alone number one, as many people have it.
But I won’t deny it its place as one of the true Christmas movie staples, especially on Christmas Eve. There’s just something about having it on the TV on the last night while you’re wrapping the kid’s gifts from Santa. Call me sentimental (maybe even overly) but that’s when A Christmas Story hits best.
I’ll also grant A Christmas Story this: it has some of the most iconic scenes and quotes from any holiday film. Whether it’s the tongue on the pole or the dogs running through the house, and from “You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” to the - now somewhat problematic - Asian staffers caroling at the Chinese restaurant.
A Christmas Story shouldn’t be near the top of the best Christmas flicks list. But it SHOULD be on your screen at some point through every holiday season.
8 — Scrooged
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.3
In recent years I’ve been noticing the Scrooged bandwagon starting to pile up. I’m not sure what to attribute that to. A growing cynicism in our society? Perhaps just a natural appreciation for things as they age? But I’m proud to say I was on the Scrooged hype train from the very beginning. And I’m happy to see so many others starting to come onboard.
Personally, I think the more famous and traditional telling of the Charles Dickens classic is quite boring. What Scrooged accomplishes is taking the essence of the story and pairing it with a zany script, an inspiring cast, and - most importantly - Bill Murray’s incredible talent, charismatic onscreen presence, great comedic timing, and unmatched ability to transition from deadpan to over-the-top humor in a blink. It all works.
Plus, Scrooged manages to keep the underlying sentiment of A Christmas Carol, which is about finding the true meaning of Christmas. Not to mention this rendition offers the hallmark of any holiday feature: tearjerking moments. If you haven’t seen Scrooged, do yourself a favor and check it out. If you have seen it but it’s been awhile, I think it’s time for a rewatch. Because I promise you this film ages like fine wine.
7 — The Holdovers
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 4.2
The Holdovers is a charming & heartwarming story that isn’t just set over half a century ago, it also offers the same classic cinematic vibes of that period. And for a 2023 release, it’s a testament to the reality that the entertaining, well-executed, high-quality holiday comedy-drama is not dead.
Call me nostalgic, but the best way to describe my mood throughout watching this film is comfy. While 1970 is a bit earlier than the start of my own timeline, it’s close enough that I can still vividly recall many of the aspects of the film from personal memory. Through that lens The Holdovers, if nothing more, is an incredibly inviting experience. And, personally, I miss this type of filmmaking.
Beyond private sentiment alone, I love every beat of this movie. The setting, texture, acting, soundtrack, and dialogue. The Holdovers is a very well-crafted film in just about every phase. Especially the dialogue. There’s so many great quips, it’s difficult to quote them all. Just know anytime you can use the word “troglodyte” or the phrase “penis cancer in human form”, you’re doing your thing. That’s a fun script right there. While it might not be typical Christmas commentary, it still makes for a hilarious time of the season.
6 — Klaus
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 4.1
The words “instant classic” can get thrown around too often and needlessly, especially in the world of films. But for an industry that’s been high on the number of Christmas flicks of late but low on quality offerings, Klaus is not only the rare good one, but a true instant classic.
The computer animated nature of the film helps drive a lot of the heart, hysterics, and happiness of the story. Hijinks are more easily accomplished and, weirdly, more believable because you’ve already suspended belief as the viewer recognizes that its animated content. But there’s also just a supremely endearing quality in the plot and characters that works whether it’s drawn or live-action.
It only took 10 minutes to settle into this tale. After that, I watched Klaus with child-like amazement, breezing through its just-over 90-minute runtime. Once done, I immediately wanted to watch it again. That quick desire to return to this world is aided by the very powerful and sentimental one-two punch from the film’s final line (“But I do know … is that once a year, I get to see my friend”) and the end title song, Invisible by Zara Larsson. Like I said, instant classic.
5 — Elf
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.4
Few Christmas classics offer the magic and charm Elf brings. Some, like Home Alone, emit the fun & spirit, but not the wondrous fantasy. Others, like Jack Frost are loaded with imagination, but fall far shorter on laughs. Elf has it all. I can no longer imagine not seeing it during the holiday season, whether I watch it from front to back or simply catch a scene or two on TV as I’m cleaning, decorating, or what have you.
While it doesn’t come in at #1 on my best-Xmas-flicks list, it may have my fave holiday scene from any film. When Santa & Buddy are trying to escape the Central Park Rangers, and Michael orchestrates the crowd and home viewers to share their Christmas spirit in order to make the reindeer fly the sleigh is A+ holiday material. That, to me, is why we make Christmas movies.
4 — Home Alone
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.8
While I don’t think Home Alone is the best Christmas movie, it’s pretty damn close … and in my opinion it’s the truest theatrical representation of Christmastime — that is to say there isn’t a film that means Christmas more to me; I think that mostly has to do with the moment in my life [1990] when Home Alone came to exist (I was 13 and at the crossroads of the holiday season still being magical to me but I was also starting to have a more profound social and cultural awareness).
It helps that the quality of Home Alone has stood the test of time, as well. That even a film about a 10-year-old kid could fascinate both children and adults 34 years ago on its release and still offer joy & wonder to children/adults today. Now, that’s the true definition of timeless classic.
3 — National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.5
Christmas Vacation is the signature must-watch-at-Christmas movie; a classic top five all-time holiday film. Not to mention it has a couple of the funniest scenes you’ll find in any comedy (no matter the time of year).
While the supporting cast does a good job from one character to the next, this is Chevy Chase having his Michael Jordan double-nickel at Madison Square Garden moment. Just clear out and let Chevy cook. Everything about him is utterly hilarious in this role. No matter how many times I’ve seen the scenes or I’ve heard the lines, I never tire of his schtick in Christmas Vacation. A top three holiday performance for a top three holiday movie.
2 — Trading Places
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 3.6
Who would’ve thought 'one dollar' could offer so much enjoyment? Maybe the most famous wager to ever grace the screen, Trading Places is one of my all-time favorite films regardless of the time of year; but it’s particularly entertaining during Christmas. Whether it’s watching Jamie Lee Curtis decorate the Christmas tree or seeing a drunken Dan Ackroyd dressed up as the original ‘Bad Santa’ (apologies, Billy Bob), there’s a ton of holiday fun and laughter in this movie.
Beyond its festive appeal, while Trading Places isn’t necessarily the funniest movie ever (Coming to America wears the crown), it is the best comedic film. The plot is more creative and elaborate than star Eddie Murphy’s other monster hit, but only a hair less humorous. Hell, even one of the most iconic and funny scenes from Coming to America is literally taken from Trading Places (the Easter egg of all Easter eggs), which speaks to the overall influence of this film.
On its own, Murphy’s rags-to-riches pairing with Dan Ackroyd is Hollywood gold, from start to finish. And it even has the added benefit of packing in the New Year’s celebration, too, making it a great watch before AND after Christmas. Now, say it with me: “Lookin’ good, Billy Ray! … Feelin’ good, Lewis!”
1 — Die Hard
Currently holding a Letterboxd score of 4.1
The quintessential action title … and the most essential Christmas movie (Don't think it’s a holiday entry? — well, you’re wrong). Die Hard is not only one of the best cinematic experiences ever, it’s also one of the most rewatchable films in history. And guess what time of year it most often comes on TV. That’s right! Christmas time.
Beyond it being just a constant during the holiday season, Die Hard features the most charismatic, engaging, humorous, terrifying, and well-acted ‘Grinch’ we’ve ever seen in Alan Rickman’s Hanz Gruber. Talk about a mean one.
Die Hard also set the standard by which all other action movies would be judged. Post-release, every studio was trying to replicate the formula ("Die Hard" on a bus, "Die Hard" on a plane, "Die Hard" on a boat ... even "Die Hard" in a hockey arena). But, to date, there’s never been another. Die Hard is all four faces on the Mount Rushmore of action films; rightfully so. As soon as John McClane hears the first terrorist gun shot in Nakatomi Plaza, I dare you to find a scene not filled with intensity or suspense. I’ll save you some time. You can’t.
Die Hard will live on for the ages. Because it’s one of the best movies to come along. Because it’s the best action flick of all-time. And because it’s the best Christmas movie ever. Now, tell Argyle to turn up that Run-D.M.C. (“This is Christmas music!”)
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