Top 10 Christmas Movies

I hope everybody's days are indeed merry and bright. I just realized I've never posted my blog about my favorite Christmas flicks <GASP> so it's time to rectify this blasphemy. Without further ado, here is my personal Top 10. This includes Christmas specials.

Honorable Mentions (in alphabetical order): Die Hard, Home Alone 2, Lethal Weapon, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Night Before, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, "A Benihana Christmas" from "The Office"

10) How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

    I know. I'm a Grinch to have this so low. At least it made the list. I think I'm the only one of my generation who doesn't care for Jim Carrey's live-action version. This classic cartoon however is wonderful.

9) It's A Wonderful Life

   A classic. Not necessarily one I watch every single year, and sometimes I gotta be in the mood. But let's face it. So many holiday movies/specials/even TV shows have paid homage this film in some way or another. Because it's amazing!

8) Gremlins

   A black comedy full of holiday chaos. It's funny, scary, and just plain fun. My favorite bit is the scene with the mom in the kitchen. And who can forget Phoebe Cates' deadpan monologue about why she hates Christmas? Y'all. So good.

7) Pee-Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special

   I've always been a Pee-Wee fan. When my pff bff Andie found out I'd never seen this special back in 2012 she was beside herself. We put it in. My life has never been the same. Required viewing every year (usually with tacos and Tecate), this gonzo special makes my inner child all giddy. Also Grace Jones' "Little Drummer Boy" is the ONLY acceptable version of that song.

6) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 

   "Why are we only #6, Todd?" "I don't KNOW, Margo." There are so many reasons why this is the best of the Vacation movies. That could be its own list. It's just wonderful, from that awful theme song to the patriotic ending, what a laugh riot. Play ball!

5) Elf

   Immensely quotable. Absolutely hilarious. Wonderfully charming. What can you not say about this modern-day classic? Other than a slightly lagging third act, it's pretty much perfect. I just like to smile! Smiling's my favorite!

4) Black Christmas

   I may get some flack for not having A Christmas Story on this list but you know what? I didn't watch that growing up. So here's director Bob Clark's OTHER holiday classic. It's a slow burn so modern audiences beware. But THIS is the perfect lump of coal for your stocking. Olivia Hussey. Margot Kidder. Andrea Martin. Where can you go wrong?!

3) Home Alone

   As a movie buff I can point out its flaws (the tone is off, part heartwarming, part slapstick). Or I can just forget about it and enjoy one of the best holiday flicks from my childhood. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!

2) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

   The best of the Rankin-Bass Christmas specials. Just try to argue with me about that. Memorable music, hilarious characters, and a heartwarming story all combine to make one of the best Christmas specials ever, except for...

1) A Charlie Brown Christmas

   ...THIS!!! Oh wow. I love the Peanuts so maybe I'm biased. But how can you not fall in love with this every single time you watch it?? Vince Guaraldi's score is just the cherry on top. It's timeless. End of discussion.

I hope you enjoyed this list! Let me know what some of your favorite Christmas movies are! And feel free to yell. It's more fun that way. Now everyone break out in your favorite Peanuts dance.