Here is the definitive top ten list of all time Christmas movies/tv specials of all time.  I am certain that even though you may protest at first glance, after some reflection you will eventually agree with it.  In many cases I am open to being wrong, however in this case I find no chance that I have erred in anyway in the creation of this list.  If you have an argument I would love to hear it,  just know that you are more than likely wrong. 

Before we begin lets get the controversy out of the way.  If you are looking for such Christmas movies as "Elf" and "Miracle on 34th Street" you will not find it here.  While those are fine films they did not warrant inclusion in the Definitive All-Time Top Ten Christmas Movie List of all time.

Do yourself a favor and watch these over the next ten days:


#10 A  Muppet Christmas Together with John Denver (1979)


Truly a classic.  I fell in love with this as a very young lad who had a case of serious Muppet fever.  I am not a fan of John Denver, but somehow his melodic voice can still find it's way into my heart and remind me that it is "ok" to have a duet with a dog. 




#9 How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

I would be an executive for GM not to have included this one in my list.  Chuck Jones, Ben Washam, and Boris Karloff come together to form a trio of brilliance as they bring the villain to animated prime time life.  Every time I watch this I want to live in Whoville.  On a personal note I would like to mention that the live movie of this beloved tale almost made me stop going to movies.  Oh, Ron Howard how could you?

#8 Scrooged (1988)


Bill Murry plays a TV Exec that you hate yet root for at the same time.  A wonderful adaptation of the original.  Plus, it is nice to see Bobcat Goldwaith get a little work.   This may have made it a little higher on my list, but the ending hurts the overall grade.  I do like cheese in my Christmas movie...I just don't like super-cheese with extra cheese sauce.  Murry signing at the end was a little much...





#7 A Wish For Wings That Work

Let the outrage begin.  Yes, I have included a feature that many of you have not seen or probably even heard of! Yes, I have included it over such loved classics like The Santa Clause, Elf, and Bells of St. Mary's.  This is a wonderful tale of my hero Opus the penguin who sole Christmas wish is to fly.  If you don't like this movie then you have a dark heart that is in need of  the love of a good puppy.







#6 It's A Wonderful Life (1946) 


Really this movie should be higher on my list because I really love it.  The tale of George Bailey is one I relate with and I am a sucker for Jimmy Stewart.  The reason it comes in at 6 is because for the last few years I equate this movie with fits of rage and cursing.  My wife and I watch it every Christmas Eve and it seems I spend that time trying to put together toys for my children.  As I am as mechanical as a lump of mayo you can probably imagine the scene of me surrounded by a pile of toys, tools, and batteries as I struggle to find the long lost instruction books.  This wonderful film is always there during these dark hours so it probably drops a spot or two just because I associate it with those yearly moments of pain.  One of my all time favs!








#5 A Christmas Carol (all of them)

I love Christmas.  I love Ghost stories.  Put those two together and I am sold like a McDonald's  dollar value meal item during a recession.  Aside from a really horrible one I saw with Barbie I have enjoyed all variations of this classic story!   There is no way someone could leave this off their Christmas movie watch list...







#4  A Charlie Brown Christmas


Linus gets a lot of play for his speech he gives but I rather like the moment that follows it.  Charlie Brown confronts materialism, self esteem issues, and the cold as he tries to give a small broken tree a chance at being something more.  Um..I am often concerned that most of the parents in the Peanut universe have abandoned their children.  It is like a much friendlier version of Children on the Corn.  Anyway here is my favorite scene...





#3 Emmet Otters Jug Band Christmas


One of my most formative movie watching experiences in my life.  This is the simple story of an otter and his animal friends trying to earn a little extra Christmas cash.  Up until I saw this I was unaware at the economic woes that exist in the animal kingdom.  In tribute to this work of beauty I give multiple clips.  First let's meet the villains who threaten Emmet's Christmas dreams...



Next lets take a look at the heroes of the movie.  The aforementioned Emmet Otter and his Jug Band as they provide a contrast of hope and innocence.  "So get the frown off your face were gonna replace it with a grin and a dream come true...."




Really though this is just a story about a boy and his mommy as they remind me why Christmas is a time to be spent with family.  And they remind me that one of the things that freaks me out the most  (aside from clowns, and beets) is animals that  talk/sing/inspire.

GOD BLESS YOU JIM HENSON!!!




#2 A Christmas Story

If you love this then you know why I have it here.  If you don't love it then please go eat a three year old fruitcake.  One of the best movies ever made!  However, I can attribute this movie to my inability to change a flat tire.  This is a masterpiece!









#1 Christmas Vacation


One of the most quotable movies ever!  We all have a little of the Grizwalds in us......



I can watch this anytime, anywhere.





There you have it.   

"You'll shoot your eye out.  Ho. Ho. Ho."