My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Movies of All Time

#1 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas 2000 (7.5/10)

While I acknowledge there are technically "better" Christmas movies than this one, on a nostalgic level, this movie is extremely near and dear to my heart. I had to put it right at the top as #1.

To this day, my younger sister and I watch this movie every year. It's always a great time winding down by the twinkling Christmas tree, wrapped in a cozy blanket, a bowl full of chocolates on the coffee table, clinking champagne glasses with sis as we have our yearly goofy girls night watching the best version of The Grinch, quoting one-liners and laughing till our sides hurt.

#2 - The Polar Express 2004 (7.5/10)

As a kid, this movie really helped me believe in Santa Claus (not to say he's fake or anything lol).

By the conclusion of this movie, even now, I always get that warm, fuzzy feeling that Santa is on his way, and it's time to go to bed. This film has added a little magic to each and every Christmas Eve since the very first time I watched it at four years old.

#3 - It's a Wonderful Life 1946 (9.5/10)

Makes me cry every time. This movie will make you appreciate life in a way not many films can anymore. Beautiful story that is beautifully told.

#4 - Klaus 2019 (9/10)

I watched this movie for the first time while away from home at college, and it was such a welcome comfort. The animation style and storytelling brings me back to my childhood. Klaus reignited my hope for newer animated movies.

#5 - The Nightmare Before Christmas 1993 (9/10)

I remember avoiding this film for the longest time when I was younger thinking it would be scary, but that couldn't be further from the truth. I have yet to see another skeleton quite as charming as Jack on-screen. And I applaud Tim Burton's ability to make the Christmas world so magical and bright while also making the Halloween world so fantastically creepy and gloomy.

#6 - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town 1970 (8/10)

My favorite of the stop-motion animated movies created by Rankin/Bass Animated Entertainment. Jessica and Kris are the most adorable couple in their adventures together. Their dynamic and obvious love for each other's every quirk and ambition make them such a wonderful Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

#7 - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer 1964 (8/10)

My dad would quote this movie year-round, so much so, that by the time it was finally the perfect winter day to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, it felt like my siblings and I could recite the entire script by heart. Such a fun, lovable movie for all ages, and the songs by Burl Ives are legend.

#8 - The Year Without a Santa Klaus 1974 (8/10)

Mrs. Claus is such a savage in this one, I love the chaos she creates. Lots of laughs and fun twists and turns in this movie, it has always been a fan-favorite in the Newton house.

#9 - Twas the Night Before Christmas 1974 (8/10)

I was surprised to discover not many people have heard of this film, and if they have seen it, they either don't remember it or forgot its name. A heartfelt Christmas story that reminds us all to remember what "Santa Claus" stands for.

#10 - The Snowman 1982 (8/10)

Not a word of dialogue throughout this short film, but the illustrations and storytelling make it a whimsical and beloved film in my family. Another classic that brings me back to when I was a little girl chomping at the bit to get on my coat and snow-pants, get outside and build a towering snow fort for our epic family snowball battles.

***Honorable Mentions***

Elf 2003 (8/10)

One of my favorite Will Farrell movies. So quotable!

Love Actually 2003 (7/10)

I like how all of the different stories in this film are somehow connected to each other, and wow, it has such a star-studded cast. I've never really felt like Love Actually is a must-see, but it is a relatable, charming Christmas film I enjoy.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 1989 (7/10)

I had to include National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in my honorable mentions. Such a classic my father, my grandfather and uncles would quote at each other nonstop around the holidays.