With December well underway, there’s nothing like a classic Christmas movie (or two) to better get into the holiday spirit.
That in mind, not every movie was created equal. Some are better than others and some, bluntly put, shouldn’t be watched at all.
So when you’re picking out your next holiday film, here’s a list of some of the best Christmas films to watch, ranked from worst to best.
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The Honour Roll
15. Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
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The movie has seen some recent controversy over themes of bullying, but it’s hard to deny the film of being a long-standing Christmas Classic, not to mention an intuitive display of clay animation.
14. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
The remake of the 1947 original fares well, with hints of charm and your expected Christmas sentiment. It stays true to the original film and is just as satisfying.
13. A Christmas Story
It’s funny, channels the holiday spirit exceptionally well, and does the trick even after repeat viewings.
12. Love Actually
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It’s arguably a little too mushy but then again, so are most romantic comedies. And if there was ever a time for that, it’s likely during Christmas.
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppets give their rendition of a classic Christmas tale, fantastic for younger viewers or anyone who had the Muppets in their childhood.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
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Is it a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? Regardless, the plot is delightful and original, if not slightly ghoulish – not to mention the musical score is top notch.
9. A Charlie Brown Christmas
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It’s impossible to deny the magic of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. It’s a holiday staple, easy as that.
8. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
All the mishaps of any Griswold adventure and a partridge in a pear tree to boot. It’s over-the-top at times, but to be fair, many Christmas movies are.
7. The Polar Express
The animation used in The Polar Express is unlike any other and it pays off in spades. Tom Hanks does a wonderful job as the conductor and the soundtrack is no slouch.
6. Home Alone 2
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They gave Kevin a credit card and let him run around the Big Apple. It’s predictable and repetitive at times, but the New York City vibes are a redeeming quality.
5. Elf
The storyline is unique and original with laughable moments for both children and adults. Will Ferrell does a stand-up job as Buddy.
4. Die Hard
An action-packed classic and in many cases, the most exciting thing you’ll watch this Christmas.
3. Home Alone
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For most young children, Home Alone is comedic gold and leaves you in stitches. It’s slapstick humour that retains its charm through multiple viewings, even as an adult.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
The film may be outdated but it has a heart-warming, charming ending to it and has since become a Christmas staple.
1. The Grinch
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This original 1966 flick appeals to two important demographics. First, there are those that believe that no matter how cold-hearted a person may be, a little Christmas spirit can always cheer them up.
Then there are those who, like the Grinch, want to escape the rest of the world and live with their dog.
Now that we’ve ranked those, here are a few that didn’t make it onto the list.
The Honourable Mentions
The Night Before
This irreverent holiday flick may not go down as a classic by any means, but it fits the bill for an occasional laugh or for anyone who appreciates these Hangover-style party flicks
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
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For the sake of not saturating the countdown with multiple Grinch appearances, the 2000-made remake will take a seat with the honourable mentions – but props to Jim Carrey and Ron Howard for what would be an otherwise list-worthy movie.
Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street
While in reality, the film is four separate episodes rather than a feature-length movie, who can deny the holiday adventures of TJ Detwiler and the gang?
Illumination’s The Grinch (2018)
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With the latest revamp of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale just hitting theatres, it’s hard to say where this ends up in the Whoville-hierarchy. That said, when the creators of the film are the same names behind Despicable Me and the Minions movie, the remake is likely in safe hands.
Didn’t make the grade
Jingle All the Way
Can we just agree that Arnold Schwarzenegger should stick to action movies?
Home Alone 3
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It’s not even a Christmas movie anymore. Also, what’s the big deal with San Fransico sourdough bread?
Home Alone 4
We don’t talk about the fourth movie (yes, there is a fourth one).