Top 10 Christmas Flicks - Christmas might come but once a year, but thankfully, Christmas movies are available year-round. It seems like everyone has a list, so here’s my top ten favorite Christmas movies:

1. A Christmas Story – The classic 1983 tale of Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) and his quest to obtain a Red Rider BB Gun is the best depiction Christmas on film. Ever. Everyone sees a little bit of themselves in Ralphie and his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift, and everyone can see a little bit of their father in The Old Man (Darren McGavin) and their mother in Mother (Melinda Dillon). We all have our own “Red Rider BB Gun” from our childhood, and this film stirs our memories of the time when we were kids and finally got what we really wanted.

There are countless other excellent Christmas films that I’m sure were missed. What are your favorite films and why? Share them here and spread the Christmas spirit.

2. Elf – When Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) sets off to New York to find his real father (James Caan), he discovers the real world is nothing like the magical world of the North Pole where he grew up. However, despite the curmudgeonly world he’s found, he vows to spread Christmas joy and spirit no matter what. Will Ferrell’s memorable performance as a grown man with a childlike mentality forces us to remember that no matter how old we get, the Christmas spirit can live on in us forever.

3. It’s a Wonderful Life – Frank Capra’s classic tale of banker George Bailey (James Stewart) who decides to end his life amidst a myriad of problems in his life. When his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), intervenes, he shows him what life would be like if he had never been born, forcing George to rethink his decision. James Stewart’s uplifting performance spreads the Christmas cheer and reminds us all to appreciate all the people whose lives we’ve touched and whose lives have touched us.

4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – The third movie to follow the Griswold clan is by far the funniest as Clark W. Griswold (Chevy Chase) attempts to create the ultimate Christmas experience for his family and relatives. In true Griswold fashion, everything is a disaster, making for a side-splitting movie experience. Another film from comedic master John Hughes, this film is sure to become a favorite for everyone.

5. Scrooged – Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted numerous times for theatre, film, and television. This version, however, offers a unique spin on the tale set in modern times following a modern day Scrooge in Frank Cross (Bill Murray), a television programming executive who experiences the Dickensian story. Bill Murray’s trademark comedy is in full force and his sardonic wit makes for a truly memorable and comedic performance.

6. Home Alone – All kids dream about being home alone to have run of the place. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is about to live that dream when his family hastily leaves for France and forgets to bring him with them. Kevin naturally does all the things any kid would do if they were left alone, but soon realizes his home is the target of two bumbling thieves (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern). Written by the incomparable John Hughes, and directed by Chris Columbus, this movie captures all the fun and excitement of the Christmas season, with a memorable film score composed by John Williams.

7. Love Actually – Leave it to the British to create a charming classic story of finding love during Christmas time. This wonderfully acted film features an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, and Keira Knightley amongst an all-star cast. Director Richard Curtis brilliantly weaves together ten stories to make this film standout as not only a great Christmas film, but one of the great romantic comedies of all time.

8. Die Hard – Another action film makes the list, but this one is most definitely a Christmas film. John McClane (Bruce Willis), a New York cop, heads to Los Angeles to reunite with his wife, Holly (Bonnie Bedelia), hoping to rekindle their relationship. However, villain Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) has different plans, holding Holly’s company hostage. The Christmas music is an excellent contrast to all the action that permeates throughout the film. It’s truly a Christmas film about family, redemption, and being selfless for others. Features the best use of packaging tape in a movie—ever.

9. Batman Returns – This film rarely comes to mind when people think of Christmas films, but Tim Burton’s second effort in the Batman films features the Dark Knight (Michael Keaton) taking on the Penguin (Danny DeVito) and Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) during the Christmas season. I love Christmas and I love Batman, so mixing them together makes for a fantastic combination. Gotham City blanketed in snow is a sight to see.

10. Miracle on 34th Street – The original 1947 version of this movie still warms my heart to this day. A little girl (Natalie Wood) is being raised by her mother (Maureen O’Hara) not to believe in Santa Claus. When a man claiming to be Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) takes a job as a Macy’s department store Santa, the little girl starts to believe Santa just might be real after all. When Kris is declared legally insane, he’s put on trial to determine whether or not he really is Santa Claus. This movie will make you believe and fill your heart with Christmas spirit.