Top 10 Christmas movies of all time

Yes, you read that right. The Daily Runner is presenting you with the authoritative list of the best Christmas movies ever made. As the year comes to a close and you’re getting all warm and snuggly with the family, it’s time to break out the holiday classics, new and old, and here are the ones we believe are most worth your time:

  1. White Christmas

This movie is my all-time favorite. Who wouldn’t enjoy adding some class to the holiday season and engaging in the timeless story of World War II entertainers played by the beloved Bing Crosby and Danny Kay? The two entertainers meet two young female entertainers, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen, and decide to take a break from show business to enjoy the holidays together in Vermont. Howeve,r their break turns out not to be a break at all, but instead a reunion with an old beloved army general who is in need of their help. Beautiful sets and costumes light up the screen as the characters dance and sing in this delightful feature. If you love good music, fun dancing and terrific old-school acting, this movie is for you.

white christmas

  1. While You Were Sleeping

This romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Peter Gallagher and Bill Pullman revolves around Lucy (Bullock) and the family of a man she saves from getting run over by a train. A nurse confuses everyone by telling the family that Lucy is his fiancé. While he is in a coma the family bonds with Lucy and her romantic life takes an unexpected twist.

  1. It’s a Wonderful Life

If you haven’t seen “It’s a Wonderful Life,” then please do yourself a favor and go rent it right now. The incredible, timeless Jimmy Stewart wows the audience with his portrayal of stand-up guy George Bailey, who gets into financial and legal trouble over a relative’s mistake and begins to wonder what life would be like if he hadn’t been born. This is truly a Christmas classic for your collection.

  1. Christmas with the Kranks

This tale is based on the novel “Skipping Christmas” by John Grisham. Nora and Luther Krank have always been largely involved in their neighborhood’s Christmas season celebrations, but this year their daughter has joined the Peace Corps and won’t be home for Christmas. In order to combat the depression of not having their only daughter home for the holidays, they decide to take a cruise instead and in turn skip out on all of the holiday traditions. This film stars the king of Christmas movies, Tim Allen, and the lovely Jamie Lee Curtis.

christmas with the kranks

  1. A Christmas Carol

More than likely you are familiar with the story of “A Christmas Carol,” the classic tale of Christmas spirit by Charles Dickens. Of all the many versions that have been made,  the best is definitely the 1999 rendition with “Star Trek” star Patrick Stewart.

Image from IMDB

  1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

It’s tough to pick a favorite between “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2,” as they are both so hilarious. In each film, Kevin McCalister (played by child star Macaulay Culkin) gets left behind, one way or another, while his family leaves for Christmas vacation, and he has to battle with two burglars. In the second film, Kevin accidentally ends up on a flight to a completely different destination than his family and becomes “Lost in New York.”

  1. The Santa Clause

Starring Tim Allen, “The Santa Clause” is about Scott Calvin, who is divorced and ends up having his son for Christmas Eve. Scott and his son don’t have a great relationship, but a strong bond is built over the events of this night that last forever.

santa clause

  1. Desperately Seeking Santa

This made-for-TV movie by ABC Family is about a strong and successful career woman who runs the local mall. She is gunning for a promotion and needs a great gimmick to get the sales at her mall to skyrocket during the holiday season. She creates a search for the towns’ Sexy Santa. A dance contest is held and a charming young man is selected to be the mall’s Santa for the season. Although it is a comedy, “Desperately Seeking Santa” also offers sweet sentiments about the spirit of Christmas.

  1. Mrs. Santa Claus

It may be cheesy and slightly embarrassing to admit, but ever since I was little I have loved the movie “Mrs. Santa Clause.” Angela Lansbury plays the wife of the beloved holiday hero. However Mrs. Claus feels like no one knows she even exists, so she takes the reindeer and flies to New York. Building wonderful friendships and touching the lives of others, Mrs. Santa Claus changes the lives of everyone around her. Oh, and did I mention the Christmasy musical numbers?

  1. A Bride for Christmas

This year Hallmark has aired 13 new original Christmas movies, but there is one standout that deserves mention on this list. “A Bride for Christmas” is about a serial finance who can never quite make it down the aisle. While her failures have made her swear off the idea of marriage, a handsome young bachelor makes a bet with friends that he can get a girl to say yes to his marriage proposal in four weeks, by Christmas Eve. And you can guess what happens from there.