Top Ten Christmas Films

Welcome to another edition of top ten and today I’m feeling festive.  After all, ’tis the season to be jolly.  We are exactly one week away from the big day so here are my top ten Christmas films.

10) Jingle All The Way

If there was ever a film to perfectly summarise the chaotic nature of Christmas gift shopping, then Jingle All the Way is the perfect example.  It gets silly towards the end but forgive it.  Arnie + Christmas are worth it.  Plus it reminds me of all those years of wanting a Power Ranger action figure or watching parents in Toys R Us trying to get a Buzz Lightyear toy…

9) The Nightmare Before Christmas

What’s this? What’s this? It’s a mischief Christmas tale.  What’s this?  I watch it without fail. What’s this? I can’t believe my eyes it’s full of delights, makes you laugh without the fright…

Watch this!!!

8) Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Traditionally, Planes, Trains and Automobiles would be considered a Thanksgiving film.  But the overall sentiment and comedy still applies to the holiday season.  Not only is it one of my favourite comedies of all time, but it’s also my favourite John Candy performance.  If you’ve seen the film, you’ll understand why.

7) Edward Scissorhands

If you ask me what is the best Tim Burton/Johnny Depp combo film, then I’ll always select Edward Scissorhands.  Danny Elfman’s beautiful score and the wintry landscape brings to life of a misunderstood and gentle man with scissors for hands.

6) Gremlins

If you’re looking for the perfect alternative to the usual Christmas cheese, then look no further than Gremlins.  Filled with dark humour and rules that no one should take for granted, I don’t think I’ve looked at stairlifts in the same way again!

5) Scrooged

A clever, dark and twisted re-telling of A Christmas Carol.  Bill Murray is absolutely perfect as the modern-day Scrooge.  Scrooged has a great end song too.

4) Die Hard

Yippie ki-yay!  It wouldn’t be Christmas without Die Hard!  I mean, you would have to check my temperature if it didn’t make the list.

3) It’s a Wonderful Life

It’s a film that is highly regarded for good reason.  It’s a Wonderful Life celebrates the gift of being alive and the impact you have on people.  Frank Capra’s classic is a beautiful reminder of that.

2) The Muppet Christmas Carol

Lots of fond childhood memories watching The Muppet Christmas Carol.  You can’t help but fall in love with the magic especially the brilliant performance from Michael Caine.

1) Home Alone

Merry Christmas you filthy animal!  Yes Home Alone reaches the top of the summit as my number one Christmas film.  Directed by Chris Columbus and written by the late, great John Hughes, Home Alone combines everything you want in a Christmas movie – family (both the good and bad), holiday sentiment, slapstick comedy and the safe knowledge that if you’ve accidentally left your child alone in your home, they will defend it!

Honourable Mentions

• Miracle on 34th Street
• The Santa Clause
• Elf
• National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
• Bad Santa
• Nativity
• The Grinch
• Trading Places
• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Do you agree with the list?  What’s your favourite Christmas film?