There is something about Christmas movies that just puts you in the mood for the season regardless of the fact that they are seldom critically acclaimed or Oscar winners. From the childhood classics to the newer productions there’s something for everyone so here are a few of my top picks.
1. ELF (2003)
This Christmas movie was a hit at the box office from day one. Funny man Will Ferrell is a hoot as a human raised as an elf.
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.”
FUN FACT: Raphie’s elementary schoool, Warren G. Harding Elementary School is a real school in Hammond,Indiana. However, the school used for the filming of the movie was the now closed Victoria School at 147 Niagara St. in St Catharines.
Below, the classic Leg Lamp scene from the movie:
3. Home Alone (1990)
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris during the holidays, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. The next day the McCallisters mistakenly leave for the airport without Kevin and he awakens to an empty house and assumes his wish to have no family has come true. Lots of hilarity follows!
4. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
OK if you are looking for a classic old-fashioned Christmas movie, look no further than this great flick starring James Stewart. An angel is sent from Heaven to help Stewart who is a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas
If you’re looking for something really entertaining, but completely different in your Christmas movie lineup this stop motion animated musical gem is for you. The main character, Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home cause confusion!
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family’s plans for a family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster with dad Chevy Chase leading the shenanigans! Great family entertainment that everyone can relate to.
7. Scrooge (1970)
A musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novel about an old bitter miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.
Here is the scene of Ebeneezer Scrooge turned good, from the morning after the ghosts visit him. There is an updated version to this movie, but I like the classic version that’s a little darker and rougher around the edges.
So there you have a list of my top picks featuring a little old and a little new, but a little of something for everyone! What are your favourite Christmas movies?
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