1. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION
My favourite Christmas movie of all time. I can watch this over and over again and still laugh like I’m seeing it for the first time! It’s also my favourite of all of the vacation movies and it has the best cast of all of them. It’s not Christmas without watching this holiday gem at least once.
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2. HOME ALONE
It’s the ultimate family Christmas movie. I’ll take this one over A Christmas Story any day (A movie that you won’t see on this list). Home Alone (and it’s sequel) are the perfect Christmas classics that everyone can enjoy.
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3. THE REF
One of the most underrated comedies. Basically ignored by audiences when it came out, The Ref is one of the best comedies of the 90’s and a definite must over the holidays. The cast is brilliant and hilarious! If you haven’t seen this get on it!
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4. THE FAMILY STONE
The Family Stone has a very love/hate following (similar to Love Actually). It’s everything you could possibly want in a dysfunction family Christmas movie. The cast is top notch and the performances are underrated. I love the awkward and uncomfortable vibe throughout the movie. It’s right up there with another holiday classic I loved, Home for the Holidays. Hilarious and moving, I loved it!
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5. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
I’m embarrassed to admit that 2016 was the first time I have ever watched It’s a Wonderful Life. I’m not sure why I never did, but it turns out I rather enjoyed this movie, haha! Although for an iconic Christmas film it lacks a lot of Christmas, but I get why it’s the perfect movie for this time of year. It’s a classic and it belongs on every Must See Christmas list.
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6. LOVE ACTUALLY
The movie that has polarized people and caused numerous Buzzfeed lists and arguments on whether this is the best or worst Christmas movie. It’s the love it or hate it romantic comedy Love Actually . I choose to love it. It’s a great movie that is funny and sweet and to me you are perfect Love Actually.
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7. SCROOGED
Besides Mickey’s Christmas Carol this is my favourite version of A Christmas Carol. Bill Murray is hilarious in this twisted version of the classic tale. Whenever I think of this movie I get the song “Put a Little Love in Your Heart” stuck in my head every time. It’s fun and I’d rather watch this than the original versions of A Christmas Carol.
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8. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
To me the Muppets are always perfect and anyone who knows me knows I’m obsessed with them. Their version of A Christmas Carol is one of the best and has certainly gotten better with age. It’s never been my favourite Muppet movie, but it’s definitely a Christmas watch and let’s be honest the Muppets have always won at Christmas.
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9. ELF
One of the few Will Ferrell movies I actually enjoyed. Most of his movies are pretty forgettable. Elf is hilarious and is a great story that could have been an absolute disaster, but it’s Ferrell that makes it great and memorable. He’s made this into an instant Christmas classic.
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10. DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
I’m probably one of the few that actually enjoyed this live action movie more than the animated version. Jim Carrey is perfect in the role of the Grinch and his make-up even today still looks incredible. It’s a fun movie that has it’s problems, but the Grinch is a Christmas icon, it wouldn’t be Christmas without him in either live action or animated form.
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HONORABLE MENTIONS
DIE HARD
The only reason this isn’t making my list this year is because I don’t really think of Die Hard when I think Christmas movies. Yes it’s starting to catch on now as a yearly Christmas movie viewing, but I feel like that’s a recent thing. A great movie though and still a worthy Christmas watch.
THE HOLIDAY
A nice little romantic Christmas comedy. It may have made it higher up the list, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen it. It may be time for another viewing.
THE SANTA CLAUSE
Never my favourite, but it needs to go somewhere because it has it’s does have it’s fun moments.
ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS
Another one that’s been years since I’ve seen it, but as a kid I used to really enjoy it. Another one I’d like to see again, maybe this year and then next year will make it higher up the list or lower.
