Let’s talk about the best Christmas movies. Megan has a long list of her personal favorites, movies that she works her way through every year without fail. There’s almost an equally long list of movies she doesn’t care for at all. (Sorry Scrooged and It’s a Wonderful Life, you don’t make this list.) The best part about most of the movies on this list is that they’re family friendly. (Most, not all. Sorry kids, Christmas Vacation won’t become a family tradition until you’re in high school.) And finally, this list is in no particular order because I just can’t choose.
1. Elf – You wouldn’t think one-liners like, “You smell like beef and cheese,” would put me into the holiday spirit, but they do every single time.
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas – Oh, Charlie Brown. The Peanuts gang telling the story of Christmas is straight up perfection.
3. Home Alone 1 & 2 – Still holds up! But also, what is wrong with those police who simply knock on the front door, decide the kid isn’t home, and tell her to just count her kids again? NO, SIR.
4. Christmas Vacation – Go ahead and judge, but this became the decorating the tree movie in our family many years ago. I love it because it’s funny, but also because I can’t watch without imagining my dad and brother cracking each other up, and my mom good-naturedly shaking her head behind them.
5. The Polar Express – Unfortunately my kids are now asking when they get to ride the Polar Express, and could they please have the first gift at Christmas?
6. The Santa Clause 1 & 2 – This is one of the few movie sequel situations where I can’t choose which one I prefer – the original or the second. (Sorry Santa Clause 3, you’re not in this race.) Scott Calvin as Santa Claus? More, please!
7. Love Actually – Oh sure, I’ve read the hilarious criticism of this movie and I say NAY. This movie is the greatest. Of course, every time I watch I hope Laura Linney won’t answer that damn phone. She can still be a great sister AND find love!
8. Fred Claus – Fred Claus would get a spot on this list for its depiction of the North Pole alone.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas – The original animated version, of course. Also, it’s short so it’s a pretty great before bedtime movie that still gets everyone in bed at a reasonable hour.
10. Hallmark Countdown to Christmas – This year Megan finally brought Wendy around to the dark side of watching the entire Countdown to Christmas lineup and we’re even reviewing one movie a week as a bonus episode of the podcast!
11. *New addition* The Christmas Chronicles – This Netflix original is a new addition to our annual lineup. We love Kurt Russel as Santa. While we thing that the original is far better than the sequel, the sequel does boast a truly beautiful North Pole.
What are your favorites? Let us know in the comments below!
