This post is originally written on 12/23/2011.
Since I am not one to favour one above the others the order I am listing this has no real significance (maybe on a subconscious level it does....let's keep it simple shall we)! I do like to add that in this time period (even weeks before and to some extent weeks after) that I more susceptible when it comes to everything that has to do with Christmas. So very likely there are much more movies and specials I have skipped on that deserve to mentioned as well. But I have to start somewhere don't I?
Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra at their best. If this film is not on your list then you should be ashamed of yourself. This is the Christmas movie that obliterates many other ones. Why? Because despite it's age it's one that is so real and relevant. This is about everyman.
From all the versions (adaptations and remakes) of A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens this one still remains very strong. Maybe it is the combination of black humour and little drama that makes this one unique. Or we simply have to credit Bill Murray for being an excellent "Scrooge".
3. Home Alone (1990)
Come on it's a blast to see Kevin outsmart Joe Pesci (You think this is funny? Funny How? I amuse you?) and Daniel Stern. At one point you even feel sorry for them. You have to admire their spirit though that they keep trying to break in. Like Sylvester trying to eat Tweety or Wil E. Coyote trying to catch the Road Runner. Hopeless but oh so fun!
4. Santa Clause the Movie (1985)
This movie remains magical.
5. Die Hard (1988)
This is a Christmas movie believe it or not. Only not your typical one. From the start until the end there is this whole Christmas vibe going on. Add to that pure adrenalin and you have yourself one of the greatest actions movies ever made.
6. Gremlins (1984)
The antics of the Gremlins themselves is hilarious enough. But there is more to it than that. Gremlins is an example of horror can successfully be combined with comedy. Some scenes really can be considered scary or creepy if they had not been toned down with the humour. The addition of an incredible cute creature named Gizmo put against his evil twin Stripe make this whole adventure so much more interesting.
7. Gremlins 2 (1990)
For some reason this sequel is considered to be the lesser one of the two Gremlins movies. I don't understand this. Since to me this was one was just as good and maybe even better. There is so much more going on here. Gremlins are even more destructive and much funnier as in the first one. Even Gizmo has changed his game and is more badass. One scene (a tribute to Rambo) in particular that made me laugh so hard. Which was just one of the movie references and jokes that appear on your screen. There was even a moment in the movie that I thought it was my rental video tape was malfunctioning. (Yes, I am that old). Then a Gremlin appeared. Gremlins 2 was full of surprises like this. And like the first all in a Christmas setting.
8. Santa Clause (1994)
Another fine example of comedy and Christmas magic.
9. Miracle on 34th street (1947) and (1994)
When I had written this post I hadn't seen the original yet. I have now and in hindsight that film also belongs on this list. So that is why it's added. Do I have a preference? I think both films have their merits. I guess it depends on the mood you are in.
Some people think the original is superior and it many ways it is. However the pro faith approach of the remake is incredibly effective. Even more so now in these darker times. It had a larger impact on me than the original emotionally speaking.
10. Life of Brian (1979)
Call it satire or blasphemy. I think it does a good job of showing how some elements of religion are downright ridiculous and that you should not always take things literally. However it also doesn't negate the fact that you can and should believe if you choose to do so. It is Monty Python at it's best.
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