With Christmas break coming up soon, you’ve probably started thinking about what movies you are going to watch. Well why waste time searching for a movie when you can just read this article!

Animated

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

It’s a story about a reindeer who runs away from home after being made fun of for his red nose, joins an elf who wants to be a dentist and a prospector looking for silver and gold, then saves Christmas by guiding Santa’s sleigh through the foggy night. It’s a classic, so it deserves #1.

2. Klaus (2019)

I watched this movie with Alexis Mae Bacani last year, and I have to say I was impressed. Since Alexis Mae is the one who introduced me to this movie (it’s one of her favorites), I let her do the honors of writing the description, “Klaus is a wonderfully heart warming and refreshing take on the traditional Christmas story narrative, as it encapsulates a new meaning for why we give each other gifts, not just to get something, but to give and bring people together because of it.  My first viewing of it left me awed in terms of how well the story flowed together and in disbelief when I saw the characters in motion.  The animation and production of this film is absolutely stunning—From the fluid movements of the characters to their design—, I loved every detail and story beat.  I would recommend this movie to anyone who has a a love for animation wants to watch a satisfying and enjoyable story unfold about a mailman bringing together a society divided.”

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charlie Brown directs their school’s annual Christmas play in order to get into the Christmas spirit, but doesn’t feel the true meaning of Christmas until he buys a small, real tree that brings him joy. I just love this movie, no explanation needed.

4. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Santa Claus wakes up with a cold before Christmas, and after his doctor convinces him that no one cares about him anymore, he decides to take a break instead of delivering gifts. Mrs. Claus enlists elves Jingle and Jangle to find proof that people still believe in Santa. A lot of people hate on claymation movies, but this one is really good! The Heat Miser & Snow Miser song is so catchy…honestly you could watch the movie just for that song.

5. The Polar Express (2004)

It’s a movie about a young boy who, on Christmas Eve, boards a train called the Polar Express going to the North Pole because he has begun to doubt the existence of Santa Claus. When I was younger, this movie was a lot lower on my list because I found it to be creepy, but over time I grew to really like this movie. Honestly I still think the movie is a little creepy, and I don’t understand why they made the elves and some of the other characters mean for no reason, but I watch is every December anyway. Fun fact: Tom Hanks voices five of the characters in this movie.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

It’s the classic story of how the Grinch steals Christmas, but with the help of Cindy Lou-Who, he learns that Christmas is not only about material possessions, but spending time with friends and family as well. Although it’s not my favorite Grinch movie made, it still deserves to be on the list.

7. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town (1970)

After Burgermeister Meisterburger, the ruler of Sombertown, has a baby with the name tag “Claus” dropped at his doorstep, he takes him to the orphanage and the Kringle Elf family adopt the orphan and name him Kris. Kris volunteers to deliver the elves’ toys to Sombertown and comes up with creative ways to get around Sombertown’s toy ban. I think the movie is really creative, especially since it explains the tradition of Santa coming down the chimney.

8. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Arthur, the son of Malcolm Claus, the current Santa Claus, goes on an adventure to bring a little girl her gift that was accidentally left out of the sleigh. I think it’s a sweet movie, since (spoiler) Arthur is named the successor of his father when his elders realizes he cares so much more than his brother. I just happen to prefer the classic cartoons better, which is why this is so low on my list.

9. Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Frosty the Snowman comes to life after a magician’s hat blows on this head, then he goes on a journey to the North Pole to avoid melting. I loved the movie when I was younger, but now I can’t watch the whole thing without getting a little bored.

Popular

1. Elf (2003)

When Buddy the elf learns that he is actually a human, he goes on a trip to New York to find his real dad, and forms a relationship with his stepbrother, stepmom, and fellow employee, Jovie. I LOVE this movie! The way that they portray Santa’s Workshop and the North Pole is so fun…I mean who doesn’t smile when they see Mr. Narwhal. One of my favorite aspects of the beginning of the movie is that Leon the Snowman resembles Sam the Snowman, the narrator of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. 

2. Home Alone (1990)

When the McCallister family leaves eight year old Kevin home alone while they travel to Paris for their Christmas vacation, Kevin has to protect his home from Harry and Marv, two burglars who have been robbing the homes in the neighborhood. There have been many Home Alone remakes, but to me this one is the best.

3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Clark Griswold has a crazy Christmas where everything seems to go wrong: he can’t get the Christmas lights on his house to turn on, the Christmas Eve dinner is a disaster, Uncle Lewis accidentally burnt down the Christmas tree with his cigar, and Clark’s boss hasn’t given him his Christmas bonus. But like in most Christmas movies, everything works out in the end. I just have to say that the Christmas lights scene is iconic.

4. The Santa Claus (1994)

Divorced dad Scott Calvin wants his young son Charlie to maintain his belief in Santa Claus. After Calvin accidentally kills Santa Claus, he put on the suit, therefore making him the next Santa. Calvin takes his son with him to the North Pole, and Charlie’s mom and step-dad are convinced that Calvin kidnapped him. Scott is arrested, but he is able to prove that he is Santa and is then released. I still don’t understand why Santa Claus had to fall off a roof in order for Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) to replace him, but I will ignore this weird part of the plot and continue to think it is a great movie.

5. A Christmas Story (1983)

Adult Ralphie Parker reminisces on the Christmas from when he is nine years old, telling stories about the neighborhood bullies, the time when his father won a leg lamp, and more. This is a really good movie, there is no denying that. But since it is my dad’s favorite Christmas movie, and he plays it way too much during the month of December, I am simply tired of it.

6. Santa Buddies (2009)

Puppy Paws and the Buddies work together to save Christmas. I just had to add this movie because it’s the reason why five year old me asked Santa for a talking dog.