Contemporary Holiday Movies
AMC Movie List

Contemporary Holiday Movies

Filmsite.org's Tim Dirks has spotlighted the 10 all-time greatest Christmas movies, many of which have improved with time. How would you rank them? Vote below. Want to learn how Tim picked them? Click here.

rank title points votes your vote
1 National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Filled with sight gags and one-liners, Clark (Chevy Chase) and the Griswold family attempt to have an old-fashioned Christmas celebration. 64 134
2 Elf (2003)
Both charming and foolish, Buddy (Will Ferrell) is a prime example of a fish out of water as he navigates Manhattan as a 6'3" elf. 56 132
3 Home Alone (1990)
Step one: Hold cheeks. Step two: Scream!!! Kevin (Macauley Culkin) defends his home against burglers on Christmas Eve. 52 114
4 A Christmas Story (1983)
<p>A fishnet leg lamp and a tongue stuck to a frozen pole. Peter Billingsley headlines Jean Shepherd's Christmas memoir. </p> 26 42
5 Scrooged (1988)
In a modern spin on Dickens', Scrooge (Bill Murray) is a TV exec and the Ghost of Christmas Past is a wise-guy NYC cab driver. 18 96
6 The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Same story, new execution. The Muppets retell the 1843 Dickens tale with Michael Caine portraying Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit. 17 95
7 The Santa Clause (1994)
Dont forget to read the fine print! Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) learns that the hard way after accidentally accepting the role of Santa. 15 105
8 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Makeup, prosthetics and LOTS of green fur, Jim Carrey delivers as the conniving Christmas-ruining Grinch. 9 109
9 The Polar Express (2004)
Praised for its milestone special effects, The Polar Express showcases an action packed, magical journey to The North Pole. 6 98
10 Bad Santa (2003)
Adults only! With excessive profanity and promiscuity, this movie is the polar opposite of your usual holiday flick. -4 116