12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The first and best of the Rankin/Bass stop-motion films, this one brings us songs that have become break-out Christmas staples and unforgettable characters like Yukon Cornelius, the Bumble Snow Monster, and that elf dentist, whatever his name really is.
11. The Christmas Star: This little-known Disney film is a must-watch for me. Ed Asner's grumpy ex-con gives the Santa schtick a unique twist, and the ending is as warm as anyone could wish. Plus you get Fred Gwynne and Rene Auberjonois, who can't help but be great, no matter what roles they take on. But can I say that I hate the dream sequence? The movie would've had much more impact if Bad Santa's change of heart was spurred by a child's love instead of abject terror.
10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas: I'm talking about the original version; no others need apply. It's pure Seuss and probably the best thing Chuck Jones has ever done. More fun than a box of slooslunkas!
9. The Christmas Chronicles: A Netflix original movie. Kurt Russell's no-nonsense Santa is great fun to watch as he deftly pulls your favorite toy from his coat, and the cameo appearing in the final five minutes is a hoot. But don't bother looking for the sequel on this list. It couldn't hold a Christmas candle to the original.
8. Prep & Landing: It's not easy to come up with a whole new take on Santa's elves, but this featurette handles it brilliantly. And if there was a 13th slot on this list, it would go to the deserving sequel, Prep and Landing: Naughty & Nice.
7. A Christmas Carol: There are so many, many filmed versions of this tale, but the 1951 version starring Alastair Sim is my fave, hands down. He can pull off both the mean Scrooge and the kind Scrooge perfectly, no mean feat. Some audiences may be put off by the effects, no doubt state-of-the-art in their time, but I'll take them any day if they come with such stirring portrayals as are found in this film.
6. Muppets Christmas Carol: Did you ever think a bunch of felt puppets could be so moving? But amid all the Muppet weirdness, you'll find tenderness, pathos, and surprisingly faithful touches from the original novel. And memorable songs, too. But don't watch it on Disney+, where they're showing the edited-for-tv version for some unfathomable reason. Buy yourself the DVD; it's worth it.
5. The Santa Clause: It's just plain funny watching Tim Allen try to cope with all the Santa tropes. And this North Pole is so cool, you just want to be there.
4. It's a Wonderful Life: An absolutely timeless tear-jerker, and I mean that in the best way. There are so many iconic moments, there's not room to list them all, from the dance contest to the rainy-night honeymoon to Zuzu's petals. Hee-haw!
3. Mickey's Christmas Carol: If this cartoon has a flaw, it's that it's too short. More of this could only be better. Hilarious gags, beloved characters (I'm a huge Uncle Scrooge fan), and divine animation combine to make this choice a no-brainer.
2. The Nativity Story: this reverent and moving film erred in some Biblical details, whether out of ignorance or for dramatic effect I can't say. But it succeeds in presenting Joseph, Mary, and the rest as real people with real struggles. An excellent way to recall the true meaning of Christmas.
1. Klaus: Another Netflix Original, charmingly animated, Klaus is offbeat and lovable. The tale of a Kuzco-esque postman in a town where the residents are too busy feuding to mail a letter doesn't sound like a Christmas movie, but just stick with it and you'll find the connection. This year I'm watching it twice. It's that good.
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