Christmas is easily my favourite time of year, what with the winter weather and the Christmas, and also my birthday! And when I've had a year like this one, it also means that this shit's almost over and I can move on to the next year. I usually jump right in to the Christmas Spirit Mode, but this year I've been hesitant to be merry and have mostly just been cranky. That's where this list comes in. I've come up with a collection of the movies surrounding this bestest of seasons that have helped me make the transition this year, not to mention movies I watch EVERY year around Christmas. I'm sure many of you have the same or similar tradition, but your list will probably look vastly different. First off, there is no Charlie Brown special, as I don't think I've ever even seen it. Same with It's A Wonderful Life; never seen it, probably never will. There is none of that Claymation Rudolph or Year Without a Santa Claus or whatever because I'm so very sick of them (except for Yukon Cornelius, he's a boss). Also also, no Christmas Story, because every time I see that Ralphie kid's face I wanna punch him in the throat.
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| Seriously. Right in the throat. |
Feel free to add in some of your favourites alongside mine, and if you haven't seen some of the titles I've listed here, I urge you to go try them out as they are truly great holiday features. Most are even pretty decent films in general, give or take a Turbo Man. Also, there is no real order to the list, just the 10 films I go to regularly or have a special place in my heart due to the nostalgia. Here you go, have a read...
10. In Bruges (2008)
This one almost didn't make the list because it's only very tangentially related to Christmas, but one of my all-time favourite films just the same. I also feel that the film captures the extremes of the range of emotions that one might feel during the holiday season: a good laugh one minute, a sadness the next. This is maybe the most manic-depressive movie I've ever seen, and that only makes the film better. Colin Farrell is amazing, as he is in many comedic roles, and keep an eye out for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it appearance by Matt 'The Doctor' Smith!
9. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
While there may be better interpretations of the classic Christmas Carol, this is by far the one I prefer. Maybe because I've watched it at least once a year since it came out over 20 years ago (good lord...), or because Michael Caine is awesome, or because I wish that Gonzo and Rizzo could narrate everything, forever. This film introduced me to one of the great Christmas tales, and seven year old me would not be pleased if I left this off the list.
8. Home Alone (1990)/Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
It may be a bit of a cop out (and I know some may cry havoc for saying this), but I like these two equally; and if John Candy had not been in the first one, it wouldn't even be on the list. There's no denying that the first one is a classic, but there's something about the second film that I just love. The addition of Tim Curry helps, but I'd be damned if I couldn't sit back and watch Daniel Stern get hit in the head with bricks all gods damn day. Also, kudos to Catherine O'Hara and John Heard for being the worst parents who ever parented. Top notch.
7. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
OH MAN THIS MOVIE! Still one of the best comedies of all time, and maybe the best example to convince someone to like Chevy Chase (you know, now that he's a complete dickbag and all). It's an effective vessel for the standard message that most Christmas films shove out regarding the 'true meaning of Christmas' (we'll get to that in a bit), but in the funniest way possible. The 1980's truly was the best time for comedy. Hallelujah! Holy shit! Where's the Tylenol?
6. Elf (2003)
I didn't see this movie for the longest time because I find Will Ferrell so hit or miss. It took me several viewing to appreciate films like Anchorman and Step Brothers, and I do think that some of his movies are literally garbage. But from the first viewing onward, Elf has been one of the best all-around Christmas movies ever. It's legitimately funny despite being truly family friendly: Buddy is a VERY likeable character; it gets the standard Christmas messages across; and, most importantly, anyone on this planet can watch it and be entertained. That was not something I would have expected out of this, and I'm very happy to see how popular it's become. Sometimes, Will Ferrell's a genius.
5. Jingle All The Way (1996)
IT'S TURBO TIME! As Christmassy as this film is, I can watch it every day of the year. Arnold truly had a knack for comedy at times. Another feel-good family comedy that stretches into that it's-so-bad-it's-good category. Throw in class acts like Phil Hartman with Arnie's incapability to speak the English language and it makes for a good time for all. And hey! You can see Jake Lloyd in a film that doesn't involve him helping to destroy a movie franchise!
4. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
As much as I love to hate on Tim Burton (and I do) (because I hate him so) I can't take this one away from him. While I know he's not solely responsible and didn't actually direct it, it would be hard to watch this film and not say that it had Burton's name all over it. The fact that it's also 20 years old (GOOD LORD) and still looks as good as it does is a testament to the film, and with the stellar soundtrack and endearing characters, TNBC is an easy Christmas classic. And if you have anything to say against it, bring it up to my sister and ruin her day.
3. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
So that thing about the meaning of Christmas? VENGEANCE! This movie has no right to be as good and funny as it is. Maybe my favourite Jim Carrey performance (except for maybe the other time he played a green character), it was the first film based on a Dr. Seuss work that I actually enjoyed. Also, you know how Shrek was able to mix in some adult humour into a family film? This movie did it first, and very well. Like Elf, it's way funnier than it should be for every age group, and still tells a classic children's Christmas story effectively.
2. Love Actually (2003)
Not only one of the best Christmas movies, but one of the best romantic comedies of all time. Another movie I could watch any day of the year, this film is so very charming and SO BRITISH. Harry Potter could show up in a TARDIS singing Love Me Do and not be as British as this movie is. And pretty much every awesome UK actor/tress is present. Bill Nighy as an ageing rock star is the funniest. Liam Neeson is awesome as the struggling single dad (because really, when is he not awesome?). King Colin, several Hogwart's alumni, Sheriff Rick before he was Sheriff Rick, Kiera 'no one has given a shit about me since Pirates 3' Knightley. There's something for everyone here. And every once in a while, Bilbo Baggins shows up naked. Good times.
1. Die Hard (1988)
The quintessential Christmas feel-good movie. No questions asked.
So there's mine, feel free to show me yours. I'm off, probably to watch one of these (probably Die Hard...yep, definitely Die Hard). Have a sit and watch your favourite when you can, and have a Merry Christmas, or a Happy Holiday, or whatever is politically correct these days.
Knight Owl
