Top 10 Christmas Movies

Top 10 Christmas MoviesThey say that Christmas is a time for kids. The truth, however, is that age doesn’t make a difference. Indeed, Christmas is a special and wondrous moment that can reach and touch our very core. It is a time when we suspend our disbelief and let the joys and hopes of the season take us for a magical ride.

Indeed, Christmas can soothe the savage beast and there’s nothing like Christmas movies to underscore the enchantment. Thus, without further adieu, Treetime Christmas presents its top 10 Christmas movies.

10. Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer (1964)

This 1960’s TV movie may appear dated compared with today’s CGI and more modern approach to stop motion animation. However, Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer is the prized jewel among Rankin-Bass classics.

Considered as outcast, Rudolph and his dentist-elf companion set out to find their niche away from Santa Claus and the North Pole. Along the way, they meet a group of jaded and cynical misfits. It is a heartwarming tale that is perfect for kids and kids at heart.

The jovial atmosphere, the songs and memorable set of characters have transcended generations and will continue to be a part of the yearly tradition.

9. White Christmas (1954)

While the film suffers from several script continuity errors, it has remained on everyone’s favorite Christmas movie list. Aside from the brilliant song and dance numbers from Bing Crosby, Danny Kate, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen; White Christmas also gave birth to the Irvin Berlin song classics that are still and will remain associated with the magic of Christmas.

8. Elf (2003)

Not exactly intellectual fare but Elf brings back the innocence of childhood into Christmas. This movie tells the story of an “elf” searching for his long lost father and in the process, learns about the complexities of human life. It is actually like those 60’s Christmas TV movies except that this isn’t stop motion animation and has real live actors delivering wonderful performances.

7. Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

The religious undertones the movie has may be considered politically incorrect by some these days, but strip off that veneer and what one will find is a timeless message of love, hope and peace.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

A Boris Karlof and Chuck Jones team up is bound to be a classic. While Jim Carey recently starred in a live action version, this animated version of the Dr. Seuss book is the better adaptation. It lovingly encapsulates the essence of Dr. Seuss’ tale of greed and bitterness and how the kindness of people can bring about change.

5. Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

In the spirit of feel good Christmas movies, the Muppets’ retelling of this Charles Dickens’ book should be on everyone’s list. This book adaptation is whimsical and at times, heart breaking. Unlike other Disney movies, the song numbers here aren’t contrived and are effective. This is stuff that only Jim Henson’s Muppets can pull off perfectly.

4. Love Actually (2003)

Some might argue that this should be on a rom-com list instead. However, the Christmas backdrop and the interweaving story lines of love found and lost make it the perfect Christmas film for love stricken folks (and perhaps, even the not so romantic types).

The movie can be therapeutic and may provide relief especially if one is feeling the pangs of loneliness during this time.

3. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Two of our favorite holidays rolled into one. Meticulously and painstakingly produced, Tim Burton’s vision captures the beauty and magic of the Christmas. The story of the Pumpkin King going through midlife crisis may be too much for kids to understand but through Jack Skellington, we rediscover the marvel of the season and why we loved it when we were kids.

2. Scrooged (1988)

This is another adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ novel. This time however, it is set in modern times and is focused on a self-centered TV network executive played to perfection by Bill Murray. More than a comedy, it has its share of heart tugging moments. The story of finding good in people during Christmas is as old as the occasion itself but the movie’s excellent handle of the subject and Bill Murray himself makes this movie.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

Truly a gem, James Stewart’s George Bailey is a touching film that never fails to reach deep into our hearts. The movie tackles a profound subject (life in general and how each of us can make a difference in people’s lives) and can be dark and gloomy in some scenes. In the end, however, viewing “It’s A Wonderful Life” can be a life changing experience.

These films have brought smiles and tears over the years – and in some cases, even generations. Many may disagree with our list but in our opinion, these films sum up the meaning of the season quite well.