by Ava Morizio
It’s that time of year again, when people rewatch their favorite Christmas movies. Here’s my list of the top 10 Christmas movies of all time:
10. “It’s a Wonderful Life” from 1946. It is a black and white film about an angel sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman. The angel shows the low-spirited main character what life would have been like if he’d never existed.
9. “Miracle on 34th Street”. This 1947 movie tells the story of a recently divorced New York mother who hires an old man to play Santa Claus at Macy’s Department Store. He ends up claiming to be the real Santa, and a lawyer defends him in court by arguing he is Kris Kringle.
8. “Die Hard”. Some people may argue that it is not a real Christmas movie because it just takes place around Christmas time. This 1988 film is about an NYPD officer who tries to save his wife and several others taken hostage by German terrorists during a Christmas party.
7. “A Christmas Story”. This 1940s movie is about a young boy named Ralphie who attempts to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. He puts up with bullies that make him do crazy things. People argue that it isn’t a feel-good holiday movie and it is more about a traumatic childhood experience, but it’s a lot of fun.
6.“Polar Express”. This animated film takes place on Christmas Eve when a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. The young boy learns about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.
5.“Home Alone”. An 8 year old boy is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation. When a pair of burglars begins breaking into homes, Kevin uses his naturally mischievous mind to defend his house.
4. “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. This Christmas tale is about the Grinch getting revenge on Whoville by ruining their Christmas. It is a 2000 classic.
3.“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vaction”. This fim is about a disaster that seems to accompany the Griswald family. It features timeless holiday tropes including miles of tangled Christmas lights, obliviously intrusive in-laws, and forced holiday happiness.
2. “Elf”. Raised as an outsider in the North Pole, Buddy travels to NYC to meet his biological father who doesn’t know he exists. His child-like Christmas spirit ends up saving the day in a heartwarming and humorous fashion.
1. “White Christmas”. This film follows a successful song-and-dance team that becomes romantically involved with a sister act. Together, the couples work to save a failing Vermont inn.