Pages

Sunday, December 23, 2012

Christmas Movies - the best and worst

People have strong opinions about Christmas movies. I know one person who told me he was thinking of breaking up with his girlfriend when he found out she didn't like the movie, "A Christmas Story." They broke up not too much later. He never told me if that was why, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was a factor.

Part of the reason we feel so close to these movies, I suppose, is because they're attached to Christmas memories and traditions. We watch them every year with our families and friends, and start to develop the attitude of, "if you don't like that movie, you won't fit in with my family or our Christmas traditions. So get out! Am-scray!!"

Things took a surprisingly bad turn there. Maybe some of that is just thought, not said. (I hope.)

So without further ado, these are my favorite Christmas movies. If you don't like all of them, that's fine. I won't break up with you or kick you to the curb. Ok, that's not totally true. You have to like 5 out of 10 at least. Exceptions will be made for non-Christians and cute guys.

Best Christmas Movies (in order):

1. Lampoons Christmas Vacation
2. Elf
3. A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version)
4. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey version)
5. A Christmas Carol (Mickey Mouse version)
6. The Holiday
7. A Christmas Story
8. White Christmas
9. Charlie Brown's Christmas special
10. It's a Wonderful Life




Christmas movies I do not like:

*ANY that are done with claymation. I abhor claymation.
*Miracle on 34th street - I know things work out in the end, but it's too sad throughout. It's just... I can't. I just can't. It hurts my heart to see Santa so mistreated.

What are your favorites? What are your least favorites? Why?

10 comments:

karajean said...

The Santa Clause 1 and 2 are my favorites. But it wouldn't be Christmas without A Christmas Story and Elf!

violet50 said...

I like Miracle on 34th Street (modern one) and The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. I like most of your favorites. I said "most" - are we still friends?

Sarah B. said...

Love Actually will forever be my favorite Christmas movie.

Liz Hughes said...

You don't like Miracle on 34th Street, really? That makes me sad because its such a good film (I prefer the one with Elizabeth Perkins)
I was really surprised that a Muppets Christmas Carol was not on your list of likes.
Love Actually is good but sadly it's rated R so I don't like to watch it anymore
Mixed Nuts; it's a very funny Steve Martin film
Arthur Christmas; it's a newer kids one but it was surprisingly very cute

Katherine said...

My top ten are pretty much the same as yours, but might be in a slightly different order for me. I agree though - favorite Christmas movies tell a lot about a person... For good or bad. ;) Also, LOVE that pic of Clark & Eddie! "That's a fine lookin' vee-hicle, ain't it?"

Elizabeth Downie said...

Oh, Liz, I removed Muppets christmas carol for something else and was going to add it back but I forgot to! I do love that one!!

Sara said...

It's a Wonderful Life because it reminds me of my grandparents! :)

E McL said...

Unfortunately, I'm one of the people you don't understand, I love the Santa Claus claymation. Perhaps you need to remember how awesome it is. Holiday Inn is a fave along with all the one you named. And I love your exceptions for non-Christians and cute boys. HA! You're the best! Hope it's Merry!

AngelaBeth said...

Christmas Comes But Once a Year -- this is the cutest cartoon (regular animation don't worry) with a great message! AND it's from 1936 and has one of the first 3D animations in it! So cool. Here's a link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeMeBhkYGlg and it's less than 8 minutes long.

Other than that I'll have to add on The Family Stone.

Annnnd... I'm going to add Die Hard. DUH. (My boyfriend will be so proud of me.)

Melanie Carbine said...

Oh no! I only like It's A Wonderful Life off your list. Can we still be friends? I like While You Were Sleeping...that takes place during Christmas. I also really like With Honors which also has a Christmas party in it. ...I really think this not like Christmas movies is more just a not being a big movie person in general.