25 Classic Christmas Movies That Will Make You Happy

I think I ought to make this a blog post because…well, why not? For my personal taste and collection of holiday hits, I have compiled a list (with the help of my friends on Facebook) of my 25 favorite Christmas movies. So, without further adieu, I give you:

25 Classic Christmas Movies That Will Make You Happy

#25. Holiday Inn

I didn’t realize this movie incorporated the song “White Christmas” before White Christmas even did! Of course, starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, I couldn’t pass this one over.

#24. Babes in Toyland

Okay, really, I last watched this when I was a child. But I vaguely remember the cute songs and toys all dancing about a girl and boy.

#23. The Nativity Story

This is probably the closest movie to the original story of Christmas out there. Definitely one for a historically-based film.

#22. The Polar Express

I have never seen this movie from beginning to end, but what a beautifully animated work, after the original book by Chris VanAllsburg.

#21. It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie

I loved this movie as a 13 year old. Still love it, and I could watch the Muppets for hours, no joke.

#20. The Bells of St. Mary’s

Okay, how this made the list when the first and last time I watched it I fell asleep? Don’t worry, it’s because it’s an Oscar-winner. I’ll have to try it again.

#19. The Bishop’s Wife

Another Oldie-But-Goody, and although I haven’t seen it before, it comes recommended by the best 11th grade history teacher with impeccable taste (shout out to Mrs. Johnson!) I’ll have to try. (And I needed one more movie to make 25)

#18. The Christmas Chronicles

Netflix had a good one up their sleeves this year it appears. I’ve only heard good things about it…haven’t seen it but I don’t have Netflix. (Oh, Mom and Dad? Maybe I can swipe your username and pass?)

#17. Scrooge

This is one that has to be a classic, and with a name that big, I’m ready for the infamous entertaining Ebeneezer.

#16. The Holiday

Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Kate Winslet star in this fun fantastic adventure when two strangers swap homes for the holidays. Yes, I’ll take the Irish country cottage please!

#15. Miracle On 34th Street

Another number I vaguely remember watching as a kid, but this is so classic, I can’t imagine that it’s going to be long-forgotten. It’s a miracle, after all!

#14. Love Actually

You can pass this one by, I mean, it has “love” in the title. However, everyone I talk to about it seems to like it. Just watch out for the little ones – it has some nudity in it.

#13. A Charlie Brown Christmas

How do you not want to watch something with the beloved Peanuts characters in it, singing, and dancing, and who could forget the notorious line from Linus, telling us The True Meaning of Christmas??

#12. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Chevy Chase is hilarious. I love this one!

#11. A Christmas Story

If you haven’t seen this one, you’re missing out.

#10. The Santa Clause

A little cheesy for the adult crowd, but it’s got Tim Allen in it, and come on, that deep “Ho-ho-ho” brings us all back to the days of Home Improvement.

#9. Ernest Saves Christmas

For those of us millennials that grew up in the late 80’s and 90’s, I will say, he was stupid and he still is. But in a good way. I still remember the seen of him ripping the light cord through  the entire wall. I’m laughing to myself now just thinking about it!

#8. Home Alone 2

Growing up in the 90’s, this one came out and the whole family watched it. My favorite part is the one bad guy stepping on the broken ornaments in his bare feet (though I think that’s the original). Still, hilarious.

#7. Home Alone

The first one precedes the second in importance. Don’t you just love the party scene in the house with the manikins? That Kevin is one smart kid.

#6. The Last Holiday

This wasn’t as popular a movie, but I love the sweet story. And Queen Latifah is so beautiful.

#5. The Nutcracker

I forgot about this one until I was about to publish the post. It replaces my pick for Frosty, because I have very fond memories of the story.

#4. Rudolf

The stop motion ones are so adorable. And this reindeer is hands-down the cutest.

#3. Elf

This one always gives me a chuckle, despite how incredibly ridiculous Will Ferrell is. But when he duets with Zooey Deschanel’s elf character, it is adorable!

#2. White Christmas

Classic and Christmas through and through. I could watch this one every one of the 12 days of Christmas. Two men and two women double up on a train and honor an old mutual friend at his home in Vermont that brings in music, dancing and of course gets you dreaming of a White Christmas!

#1. It’s A Wonderful Life

I can’t believe the poor reviews and response this movie got when it first came out in theaters, back in the day. It’s acting, plot, moral and spirit define my American Christmas dreams. And who doesn’t like Jimmy Stewart?

Well, there you have it. My 25 favorite classic Christmas movies. Hope you like them!