If you aren’t quite in the holiday spirit yet, here are the top ten Christmas movies of all time that will put you in a great mood.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
This one is at the very top of the list for being the most loved and most watched movie according to the national media. If you’ve watched it, you know why it’s such a winner; if you haven’t, prepare to be enchanted from the beginning to the heart-warming end. Fans of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed count on this Christmas classic as a treasured and integral part of their holiday experience.
2. Miracle on 34th Street
This movie is a time honored treasure on Thanksgiving Day; it opens with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and follows the journey to Christmas. It stars Maureen O’Hara as a divorced mom with a young daughter, Natalie Wood, the mysteriously wonderful Kris Kringle, and a supporting cast of helpful co-workers and friends.
3. White Christmas
This is the heart-warming story of an innkeeper (once an Army General) who needs snow and a show so he can earn enough money. Woven into this lavish mountain setting is Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, singing, dancing, and romancing.
4. Home Alone
This has become a modern classic for the entire family. Children will be captivated with the amazing adventures of a little boy who is accidentally forgotten at home when his parents travel to France for the Christmas holidays. You’ll find yourself rooting for Kevin, the little boy, and spellbound by his ingenuity and bravery. You’ll also laugh out loud at his clever tactics to protect his family’s home.
5. Shop Around the Corner
This is the original classic that later inspired You’ve Got Mail with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. It also has the feel of the movie Love Actually. If you loved those charming classics, this movie will fit the bill for a romantic holiday movie.
6. Holiday Inn
Another must see Christmas movie filled with incomparable songs by Bing Crosby and dance moves by Fred Astaire. The great sets, gorgeous costumes, and wonderful performances make this a hit.
7. Die Hard
On Christmas Eve a New York cop works tirelessly to free hostages, including his wife, in an LA office building. As a bonus, even if you are annoyed by your relatives, watching Jack McClane walk on shards of glass will make your life seem easy.
8. Polar Express
This is an exquisite movie aimed at wrapping the entire family into an extraordinary holiday plot and amazing us with artistic magic. The family will love being taken along on an enchanting holiday excursion.
9. Elf
Will Farrell stars as a real Christmas elf in this modern movie destined for classic Christmas status. There is a magical mixture of moving emotional scenes, interlaced with several comical moments in the Elf’s adventure.
10. The Preacher’s Wife
Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington star in this charming Christmas movie and pull us right into the plot about a minister’s wife’s life, and an angel who reignites her purpose.