December is replete with holiday decorating, shopping, office parties, musical performances, caroling, festive celebrations and so much more. Amid the garland and glitter and eggnog and cookies, one holiday tradition is a must: watching Christmas movies. Here at Midwest Maintenance Company, we all have our favorite best-ever Christmas movie, so we decided to compile a list (not Santa’s naughty or nice one!) of our most memorable holiday flicks.
To avoid any office bantering on which is truly the best-ever Christmas movie, you’ll find our 20 top movie choices in alphabetical order. So pull out the cocoa, hot cider and holiday goodies and let these cinematic classics warm your heart well into the new year.
SNUGGLE UP AND WATCH
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) Enjoy the cozy nostalgia of the Peanuts kids as they change their tune after chiding Christmas play director Charlie Brown for picking a puny, sapling tree. “This is what Christmas is all about.”
A Christmas Carol (1951) Perhaps the most faithful film version of Dickens’ Christmas classic, this adaptation nudges us all to leave any curmudgeonly Scrooge-like ways behind to embrace the true giving spirit of Christmas.
A Christmas Story (1983) Ralphie is triple-dog dared in this winsome 1940s-era movie featuring plenty of boys-will-be-boys antics. But no one will shoot your eye out with an official Red Ryder air rifle for watching this beloved tale.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945) In this romantic comedy, food writer Elizabeth Lane fibs about being the ideal housewife and must pull off a traditional family Christmas for her boss and a returning war hero.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004) Just when Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas all together, their daughter returns from Peru and sends her parents into a hilarious panic to celebrate a family holiday after all.
BREAK OUT THE GINGERBREAD COOKIES
Elf (2003) Does this Will Ferrell bigger-than-life hit need an explanation? Oversized elf, Buddy, travels to New York City to connect with his biological father. You’ll discover your inner elf and your funny bone with this lighthearted holiday treasure.
Frosty the Snowman (1969) Living snowman Frosty and a schoolgirl team up to escape the greedy magician who is after Frosty’s magic hat. Sweet, animated nostalgia at its finest.
Holiday Inn (1942) Crooner Bing Crosby and hoofer Fred Astaire vie for the affections of a charming, up-and-coming performer. The Irvin Berlin musical earned him an Oscar for his world-famous “White Christmas.”
Home Alone (1990) In this family comedy without the family, 8-year-old troublemaker Kevin must protect his house from burglars when he is accidentally left home during Christmas vacation.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, 2000) Green with envy and just plain green, the revenge-seeking Grinch plots to sabotage Christmas for the people of Whoville. You know how that works out.
PASS THE POPCORN
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Clarence, the heaven-sent angel, works to show a discouraged businessman what life would have been like without him. George Bailey and his Bedford Falls family and friends make this truly a wonderful movie.
Klaus (2019) Even in a frozen, distant land, a simple act of kindness sparks a change of heart in others.
Smeerensburg’s new postman, Jesper, and toymaker Klaus strike up a friendship that melts an age-old standoff and delivers a sleigh full of holiday happiness.
Love Actually (2003) In a frantic month before Christmas in London, England, eight very different couples juggle their relationships and interrelated stories. The romantic comedy features an A list of actors including Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Liam Neeson.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947, 1994) How do you prove that Santa is the real thing? A Macy’s store Santa convinces kids and most adults he’s the real Kris Kringle. Six-year-old Susan Walker discovers that if you believe, dreams do come true.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) The Griswold family’s plan for a delightful family Christmas is derailed by bad luck and mishaps, but all is well in the end. Clark and Cousin Eddie alone will keep you chortling through at least December 25.
REFILL YOUR DRINKS
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) In this perennial charmer, our red-nosed reindeer friend teaches all the importance of accepting others for who they are and not for their outward appearance.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) Who can resist the Muppets delivering their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens’ yuletide tale? You’ll discover charm, humor and sweetness delightfully blended in this much-told adaptation featuring Kermit and Miss Piggy as Mr. and Mrs. Cratchit.
The Polar Express (2004) Climb on board for adventure, bravery and magical whimsy in this animated favorite, featuring Tom Hanks voicing the conductor and six other characters. As Santa reminds us, “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”
The Santa Clause (1994) Funnyman Tim Allen at Christmas. Need we say more?
White Christmas (1954) You’ll be dreaming of and singing of a “White Christmas” right along with the quintessential song-and-dance team. The Irvin Berlin musical classic presents the best of Hollywood legends, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen.
May you and yours enjoy countless hours this holiday season watching these heart-warming classics and modern-day comedies to make your final days of 2022 extra merry and bright.