THE REBUTTAL: A List That Is Better Than Emma Roberts’s
This is a rebuttal. Go check out Emma Roberts' article if you want to see what I’m arguing about!
Here is the formal list of the best Christmas Movies of All Time. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.
#10: Home Alone 2: Lost In New York
This movie is amazing. It makes my top 10 because I think there is so much in this movie that appeals to all types of audiences. This movie is the sequel to “Home Alone”, another great classic, following Kevin McCallister and his time alone through the holidays. This film is excellent because Kevin takes on the city and that spirit that is flooding all throughout New York makes the film timeless and a feel-good Christmas classic.
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
#9: Love, Actually
This movie is so cute. Following the lives of multiple people, all a part of a bigger friend group makes this movie gold. I’ve watched this movie one or two times around this season and I always love to see everything fall into place given the viewers are watching this story come together, knowing more than the characters themselves. If you are a fan of a good love story this one is definitely for you! My favorite part of the movie is one of the most well known scenes when Mark holds up a sign saying “To me, you are PERFECT ''. Ugh! Just pulls at my heartstrings. Go watch it now!
Rotten Tomatoes: 64%
#8: Disney’s A Christmas Carol
I first watched this movie when I was a kid and I was terrified of Scrooge’s character. Something about all the characters being animated yet so realistic and how similar Scrooge reminded me of my elderly neighbors who never came out of their house was off putting. But I recently re-watched it and I feel so in love with the storyline. What a change!!! I also reread the book it’s based on and understood it a lot more as a teen rather than a 10 year old I was when I first read it in school. Scrooge is still creepy as ever, but I love his character change. If you are a fan of the paranormal life and the Grinch's character, you’ll love this movie.
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%
#7:Hallmark Movies
I thought about some popular titles for my number 7 slot, but I ultimately had to go with the umbrella term of Hallmark movies. This is controversial for sure, and a lot of people may vote Emma’s list simply because this is made my list of loves. For example, I know some people will hate this when they read this because they can’t stand the predictable tragedy that these movies are, and the money Hallmark has made time and time again. But they have grown on me and I think the storylines are perfect. If you have never seen a Christmas movie from Hallmark, let me put you on. Overall, I think at at least one of these movies should make its way into your schedule.
#6: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
This movie is easily one of my favorite movies of all time, let alone Christmas movies. I personally love Steve Martin, and I think John Candy works well with him as they seem like genuinely good friends and work well together on screen. This story is unexpected, sad, funny, at some points relatable, and overall just a really good movie to turn on as it captures every part of Christmas; the good and the very, very, very bad. I first watched this just a couple years ago and it is now a necessity in my household. The movie follows Steve MArtin's character as he is trying to make it home from a business trip just in time for Christmas when he meets up with an unlikely friend who at first is annoying, but the film goes on to share the amazing story of their friendship. SUCH AN AMAZING MOVIE!
Rotten Tomatoes: 87%
#5: Frosty The Snowman
This movie is a classic. I think as we grow older, we move into the older, more adult movies that suit our age and understanding, but this movie along with several others is a clear staple. This movie follows the popular Christmas song “Frosty The Snowman ''. It is about a friendly young snowman that entertains the children of the town until he melts, but it’s not sad because he knows that he will be back to celebrate with them on Christmas day! As I get older, I know I am moving away from these types of movies, and that’s probably the position most of us are in at this point in our lives, but there’s no shame in moving back on my roots and clicking in this film for a nostalgic night.
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
#4: The Family Stone
"The Family Stone," is another one of my all time favorite movies. It is every single emotion slammed into one movie. This movie centers around the day before and of Christmas. It demonstrates the realistic side of having a massive family, and how that affects those outside the family by having Everett, the eldest son, bring home his girlfriend. Obviously an outlier, Meredith, an uptight mess, is not right for the family. While this relationship plays out, so many other characters have busy moments. The mother is sick with cancer again, and wants to wait to tell the family, but observant members of the family see through her attempts. Meredith calls in her sister, Julie, to help fend against the family and with her arrival, it causes ripples in the relationship of Everett and Meredith. There are truly multiple stories going on all within the span of two days. I could watch this movie multiple times in a row and never get bored because it really is that good every single time. Do yourself a favor and incorporate this into your holiday regulars this season.
Rotten Tomatoes: 52%
#3: The Grinch (2018)
This movie is one of the best animated movies I’eve ever seen, and it’s one of the most elaborate and involved animated movies I’ve ever seen. When this movie first came out, I didn’t really want to see it because I HATED the live action Grinch. It was horrible and terrifying, and I was a little disturbed that Jim Carrey (actor) could be so terrifying. However, this film flipped my opinion. This is a cute, funny, musical, interesting film that tells the wonderful story of the GRinch, yet also adds layers to each character, which is an unseen idea. For example, Cindy Lou Hoo is a few years older and in this movie it minorly explores her family, and the way she sees her mother. In this film, the soundtrack is also elaborate and current with fun artists such as Pentatonix and Tyler, the Creator. I overall love this film, and I think it creates a modern twist on the old story of the Grinch.
Rotten Tomatoes: 59%
#2: Elf
"Elf," is another one of those movies that never gets old. Will Farell acts as Buddy, a human who grew up in the Elf world makes his way around New York. Zooey Deschnel, as seen in New Girl, takes on the role of Jovie, a sullen women who seems to hate the Christmas spirit. As Buddy and Jovie meet, Buddy works hard to explore the strange human world and Jovie starts to like Buddy and his spirit. Buddy also is on the hunt to find his Biological father, who has landed himself on the naughty list. Buddy hopes to find love, help his dad, and save the sinking Christmas spirit. This movie harnesses the wonders of Christmas yet also shares an interesting take on the downside of Chirtmas and what it means to be an adult in this busy time. Give this one a watch for sure!!
Rotten Tomatoes: 85%
#1: Home Alone
My number one movie is “Home Alone” which is the first in the trilogy, only to be followed by “Home Alone 2: Lost In New York '', my number 10 selection. I feel like the movie is so unrealistic which adds to its effect. The movie follows Kevin McAllister, an 8 year old who is one of a very large family. After getting left behind on a Christmas vacation, he is left to fend for the house as it gets broken into by dumb burglars. This movie is comedic and takes on an interesting perspective of a little kid who is home alone.
Rotten Tomatoes: 80%