The Top 10 Christmas Movies of All Time

10. Bad Santa - Yes, this is juvenile, but I thought it was funny.

9. Love, Actually - Yes, this was sentimental, but I liked it. Emma Thompson is awesome as a wife finding out about her husband's office affair. It has lots of characters and plots, and is fun.


8. The Gathering (TV movie from 1977 starring Ed Asner) - Here's the story: When Adam Thornton (Asner) learns that he is dying, he decides that he wants to make peace with his family. Only problem is that most of his family are not exactly fond of him. His ex-wife suggests that they invite the family for Christmas. It is schmaltzy, but it got to me.

7. Miracle on 34th Street - Of course you have to see the Natalie Wood version.

6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - This may have been the pinnacle of Chevy Chase's career. It certainly was the best of the Vacation movies.

5. Scrooge aka A Christmas Carol (1951) - Not to be confused with Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, this is based on Dickens' A Christmas Carol and a million times better than the recent Disney animated 3-D version with Jim Carey. The Mr. Magoo version also rocks, but not exactly what Dickens had in mind I imagine.

4. A Christmas Story - My favorite part is the Christmas dinner in the Chinese restaurant. I love the waiters singing them carols, though it is a bit racist.

3. Elf - The funny story of Buddy the Elf who goes to New York City to find his biological father. Will Ferrell dives in with his usual verve to create an endearing character. It features Zooey Deschanel (now in the awesome show The New Girl) and Bob Newhart as Papa Elf. Also, Ed Asner makes a perfect Santa.

2. It's A Wonderful Life - Who doesn't love this sentimental holiday movie? My only question is why they would name a kid Zuzu. According to an interview with Karolyn Grimes, the actress that played Zuzu, the name comes from Zu Zu Ginger Snaps. Jimmy Stewart calls her "Zuzu, my little Ginger Snap," in the movie.




and the Number 1 Christmas Movie of all time is...

The Waltons: A Homecoming - This isn't a surprise to anyone that follows my blog. I have posted clips of the entire movie on here before. Shane and I virtually quote the whole script to each other throughout the year. We looooooovvvveeeee this movie. Patricia Neal is the only Olivia Walton in my book (sorry Michael Learned).