From explosions to kissing under the mistletoe, here is an eclectic list of the top 10 Christmas movies.
It’s that time of the year again, so light a fire, grab some eggnog and popcorn, and curl up to watch some yuletide favorites. Here is one critic’s humble opinion of the best movies of the season.
Most Romantic Christmas Movie- Love Actually (2003)
No less than eight couples in different stages of love and marriage provide the heart, humor, and pathos in this heartwarming comedy. The dreaminess factor is off the charts with Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant, and a young Andrew Lincoln (before The Walking Dead fame) as romantic leads. Bill Nighy’s aging rock star and his dreadful holiday hit “Love is All Around” provide some of the funniest moments in the film.
Most Disastrous Christmas Movie- Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family suffers more disasters during their holiday gathering than seem possible. Clark’s ineptitude in all things Christmas, including digging up a too large real tree and lighting his house with a 25,000 bulb display that won’t come on, is both relatable and hilarious. Add in Cousin Eddie’s bright idea for the RV’s waste disposal, a squirrel chasing the family around the house, and a Christmas tree and cat set on fire, this film becomes the perfect cautionary tale.
Most Action Packed Christmas Movie- Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard was the first of a whole new kind of movie showcasing nonstop action, a wisecracking hero, and a charismatic European villain. There are explosions, jokey banter, and Bruce Willis in a star making performance. Yes it counts as a Christmas movie.
Funniest Adult Christmas Movie- Bad Santa (2003)
Santa shouldn’t be a foul mouthed drunk who tries to bed every woman he sees and sometimes pees himself while holding children. Billy Bob Thorton’s Bad Santa is a repugnant misanthrope, who each year plots to rob department stores with his elf impersonating partner. Trouble arrives in the form of a suspicious security guard and a sweet, incredibly gullible kid desperately in need of some attention. The funniest bits in the film come from the late, greats Bernie Mac and John Ritter whose comic timing together is a thing of beauty. This film is not for the faint at heart or the prudish but it certainly delivers on the laughs.
Funniest Christmas Movie - A Christmas Story (1983)
Full of the joys and nightmares of childhood, this is a genuinely hilarious film about a boy whose only wish for Christmas is a Red Ryder B.B. gun. There is barely five minutes in this film without a big laugh. Here are my favorite moments; the old man’s curse filled tirade while fixing the furnace, Randy so bundled up for the cold that he can’t move, Ralphie’s terror at sitting on Santa’s lap, and the family’s eventual surrender to having Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
Best Family Christmas Move- The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen plays an everyman who mistakenly agrees to become Santa when he accidentally kills the last one. Santa’s workshop is whimsical, the elves are spunky, and the movie is sweet and entertaining. This is a great film for the whole family.
Best Satiric Remake of a Classic - Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray plays a scrooge-like TV network president who is visited by three ghosts, in this humorous update of A Christmas Carol. The film is a clever satire of network television (explosions and cleavage bring better ratings than quality) that still rings true today. Murray contributes his goofy persona and lackadaisical playfulness to create a one of a kind remake of a classic.
Grossest Christmas Movie- Gremlins (1984)
They start out as cute little creatures, but beware. Don’t let them near water, feed them after midnight, or let them near bright lights, because the teddy bear-like creatures will turn into crazy green monsters bent on an entire town’s destruction. The gross part comes in with the many different ways the critters are killed which involves lots of exploding guts and goo.
Best Animated Christmas Movie- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Technically a short film shown on television, this special deserves a place on any Christmas list. Charlie Brown’s search for the meaning of Christmas, beyond materialism and all the frustrations of the season, offers up some great lessons for us all. The brilliant jazz score by Vince Guaraldi, the mellow 60’s vibe, and the gorgeous animation combine to create a timeless Christmas classic.
