Some of these are honestly my personal favorites. Others are just a fact.
(Movies I have never seen not going on this list for obvious reasons)
1. A Christmas Carol
In honor of my dad – “Misterrr Crrratchetttttt!”-, I have to place George C. Scott’s Christmas Carol at the top of the list. Sure, the one I enjoy the most is the Muppet Christmas Carol because of Miss. Piggy…and Michael Caine. But the one above is closer to Dickens and I also have to honor my favorite dead author.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
Come on, this should make everyone’s list. No, it’s not something I rewatch every year. But the next one on my list is!
3. Home Alone – THE SEQUEL
Seriously, the sequel is far superior to the original. Number 1. Kevin gets shafted even more and is therefore justified in his snit, he’s not disrespectful to his mother and calling her “dummy”, the relationship with the bird lady was epic, even funnier than the original “That was the sound of a tool shed falling down the stairs…”, aaaaaaand…TIM CURRY, people. Nuff said. Yes, I still watch the original every year, too. My husband’s name is Kevin.
4. The Family Man
Another one of my dad’s favorites. It emphasizes the importance of family and realizing that chasing the corporate American dream is not all it’s cracked up to be. And that it’s family that matters most. Bonus points for Don Cheadle playing an angel.
5. The Nutcracker
Choose whatever version you like, it’s just not Christmas without this magical classic. I think more people really see this as a play in real life rather than watching it. That’s not fact, though. I prefer the Macaulay Culkin version personally, except for the main girl being named Marie. It’s CLARA, morons!
6. Miracle on 34th Street
Sure, maybe this one should be up further. But like I said, mixture of favorites and facts. This version I enjoy more than the original classic. Elizabeth Perkins is just adorable.
7. While You Were Sleeping
Another one my husband and I watch every year because he’s a Sandra Bullock fan. Possibly the best Christmas chick flick of all time.
8. Dear Santa
A few years ago, we found this little known gem about a materialistic, trust fund fashionista who happens upon a little girl’s Dear Santa letter by accident. When the little girl expresses wanting a new wife for her daddy and a mommy she will love, the fashionista ends up trying to return the letter but finds herself falling in love with the dad, who also happens to run a homeless shelter on the verge of getting shut down. I love watching it every year.
9. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
A less known one, but one I can re-watch every year because it’s just so hilarious. Seriously, the part with Jonathan Taylor Thomas scribbling song lyrics to “O Christmas Tree” for a husband desperately trying to get his wife back in time for Christmas…epic! “I’m sorry I was such an insensitive jerk that night, I hope this song will make everything alright…”
10. Jingle All the Way
One of Arnold’s shining moments in such a fun family film with superheroes and hilarious encounters in a parent’s desperate attempt to find the perfect and extremely unavailable toy for his son. Bonus points: it is set in Minnesota where I live AND scenes unfold in the MALL OF AMERICA. I still want to know what happened to that huge indoor playground.