When our family gets together at Christmas, we like to watch Christmas motion pictures. But what are best Christmas motion pictures and exactly why do we think they are the best? To become a part of almost any Top 10 Best Christmas Movies list, they need to include specific elements such as being able to build a Christmas ambiance including romance, good triumphs over evil and the spirit of kindness and giving at Christmas. Saying that, not all Christmas movies may be critically acclaimed however they represent a merry custom of capturing the Christmas holiday spirit. With these guidelines in mind, we provide our listing of the Top 10 Best Christmas Movies.
The Oldies
Some of the most well-known and most observed Christmas movies are the oldest. These types of movies have grown to be traditional to a whole age group. Two of these kind of being: It's a Wonderful Life as well as White Christmas.
-In It's a Wonderful Life James Stewart is cast as Bailey in the small city Bedford Falls, an area he wishes to escape, but can't quite escape from. That is because, despite a lot of opportunities to leave, situations ultimately force him to remain and save the town from the cruelty of evil corporate tycoon Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). One Christmas Eve, problems prompt Bailey to attempt suicide, wishing that he had never been born. Much to his surprise, a happy-go-lucky angel (Henry Travers) comes along and grants Bailey's wish, making it possible for him to view a world in which he never ever existed. This experience opens up Bailey's eyes and heart as he discovers the true value of living.
-White Christmas, another old favorite begins on the battleground during World War II, on the eventful night when Danny Kaye saves the life of Bing Crosby. The magic is due mostly to the music of Irving Berlin, which as well as the beloved title song includes 'Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,' 'Blue Skies'. This is a timeless video that has become a classic.
-Miracle on 34th Street is also a classic which can be enjoyed by the whole family. In 94' a remake of the vintage film came out with a cast of outstanding actors for example Richard Attenborough who played Kris Kringle. The storyline is fantastic and follows Kriss Kringle in his effort to demonstrate Santa Claus genuinely exists. The music as well as the setting are both stunning in this video. Both the old and the new are well worth watching!
The Comedies
-Elf is a light hearted Christmas video comedy starring Will Ferrell. As an orphan baby, Buddy (Will Ferrell) crept out of his crib directly into Santa's sack and accidentally gets taken back to the North Pole. Thus he grows up working with the elves in Santa's work shop. Now clearly grown up bodily, Buddy is actually stunned to learn that he is a human being, not an elf. Therefore upon hearing that his father lives in New York, he sets off to find him with heart-warming and hilarious outcomes. This is a genuine feel good video with a unique theme.
-There are a couple of films that merely have to be watched every Christmas and The Santa Claus is one of them. The tale is simple. Tim Allen wonderfully plays Scott Calvin (take note his initials) a divorced father who frequently lets his young boy down because of his hectic working lifestyle. That is until he unintentionally kills Santa Claus. To his disbelief and dismay, and his sons delight, he has to become the new Santa. The film follows his changing life and attitudes and shows the newly developing relationship between father and son. Currently there are two sequels to this very much loved movie, equally as endearing and well produced.
-Of all of the Christmas movies, one of my distinct favorites which is becoming a classic is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) are memorable characters be it Clark's over the top residential light show or Eddie's approach to emptying his waste tank. And how can you forget the aunt and uncle and the unfortunate cat. This 1989 Christmas comedy motion picture was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and is considered by many movie critics to be a "guilty pleasure". If you never have viewed this particular film you owe it to yourself to find it just once. If you do, I predict you will be absolutely hooked too!
-For a conventional Christmas story which has a twist, Muppet Christmas Carol starring Michael Caine uses the Charles Dickens storyline in a light-hearted manner suitable for any age. The Muppets Christmas Carol is perhaps the best of the Muppets movies, with Gonzo doing a amazing job portraying Mr Dickens, plus Michael Caine doing an excellent job in the role of grumpy old Scrooge.
-For those who like a good comedy Home Alone, featuring Macaulay Culkin fits the bill. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone by his family while they fly off to France for Christmas vacation. Kevin at first loves his freedom, gorging on sweets and staying up late, until he is made to protect his home from thieves. Rated PG. Appropriate for kids 8+ as a result of there being a couple of instances of bad words and several scenes involving slapstick violence.
-The Holiday is really a Christmas movie for the adults, this romantic comedy starring Cameron Diaz ticks all the appropriate boxes. The Holiday, is cleverly set in two places; Surrey, England and also Los Angeles, USA. When Amanda (Cameron Diaz) breaks up with her cheating boyfriend, she determines she must get away from everything so she searches for a vacation on the Internet. She finds a House Exchange, where she meets Iris (Kate Winslet), a writer at the Times who also would like to get away from it all. The two decide to exchange houses for two weeks, so Iris jets off to LA. At the same time Amanda is actually stuck in Snowy Surrey. They are joined by Jack Black and heart-throb Jude Law to make this a heart warming motion picture for Christmas.
For your Kiddies
For young children Raymond Briggs's computer animation The Snowman and Father Christmas combined are quickly becoming classics.
-The Snowman is a wonderful wordless animation of his book along with brilliant tunes, timeless songs and lovely humour.
-The animation is just stunning and the humor of Father Christmas may have children laughing at this captivating tale of what Father Christmas gets up to the rest of the year.
These are just my personal take on the Top 10 Best Christmas Movies,there are many more Christmas flicks to help you get in the Christmas holiday spirit. Christmas films are not just great to watch together with friends and family, they can make great presents at Christmas as well that will continue for many Christmases in the future.
