The Ultimate Christmas Watchlist

It always seems like Christmas is back before you know it. And considering the way this year and semester has gone, thank god for that! I know for a fact that I'm going to unwind by watching ALOT of TV and movies (because I'd be kidding myself if I'd read a book cover to cover). With that in mind, I think came up with a "fairly decent" list of movies to watch for the best time of the year:

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Charlie Brown is in the dumps, even with the holidays around the corner. All his friends and Snoopy are interested in flashy decorations and expensive presents. But he's eventually shown the true meaning of Christmas.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Did you really celebrate Christmas if you didn't watch this classic? Especially considering the fact it runs for 24 hours on TBS through Christmas Eve and Day now.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Through an animated route, Jim Carrey voices the ultimate Christmas grump, Ebenezer Scrooge. I'd also recommend checking out the 1951 version and TV show!

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Santa's youngest son Arthur goes on an adventure to deliver the last gift of Christmas in order to save it.

A Very Harold and Kumar 3D Christmas (2011)

From the stoner buddies that brought you Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, they're back at it again. This time they have to replace a family Christmas tree that goes up in flames because of a mysterious package.

Die Hard (1988)

Yes, I'm one of those people that considers it a Christmas movie. Deal with it!

Elf (2003)

Even though it came out in 2003, it's safe to assume that this will eventually become a "Christmas classic". Will Ferrell is the elf that we all wish we could meet to help spread a little holiday cheer. There's also a cool episode on The Movies That Made Us: Holiday Edition on Netflix that gives a behind the scenes look into making it.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Just like Toy Story, we've all thought of what it would be like for inanimate objects to come to life. While that isn't possible, it is in this TV short.

Home Alone (1990)

Why the McCallister's didn't have a security system set up with the money they had or Harry or Marv post up with guns (sorry that was kinda dark) will be questions that I ponder. But this movie shows you just how resourceful Macaulay Culkin is and leaves you wondering if you'd survive in the same situation. The second one isn't half bad either (even if Trump is in it).

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Jim Carrey takes the live-action form of Squidward as he portrays the classic Grinch. And if the movie didn't center on the character enough, Jim brings it to a whole other level. Check out the 1966 animated one that started it all too!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

This is one of those movies that really makes you appreciate everything you have in life and how YOU HAVE made a difference in people's lives.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Before he was the Governor California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was a dad that had to get a Turbo-Man action figure for pre-Phantom Menace Jake Lloyd. The only thing standing in his way is mailman Sinbad.

Love Actually (2003)

I'll be honest, I haven't watched this one. I was under the impression that it's technically considered a Christmas movie.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

When a Macy's Santa gets drunk on the job, a man named Kris Kringle takes his spot. Through seemingly impossible acts, everyone around him slowly starts to believe that he's the real Santa Claus.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

They may not be going to Walley World but the holidays and in-laws at home create the same perfect storm of chaos.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)

Isn't this a Thanksgiving movie? Technically, yes. But it shows you how someone can get in the worst possible situation getting back home for the holidays. Plus its got Steve Martin and John Candy in it.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Turns out that being a little different from everyone else is more than alright! It helped save Christmas from not happening one year.

Santa Clause Is Comin' to Town (1970)

This stop-motion movie from Bass and Rankin tells the story of how Santa Claus came to be and how he helped bring joy to a local town.

Scrooged (1988)

In a modern day telling of the Christmas Carol, Bill Murray plays a TV executive that's more worried about money than his employees. He has to be shown the right way to live life so he doesn't end up like his last boss.

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

An angel comes down from heaven and hits on a bishop's wife in order for him to see that he needs to appreciate his life and those around him a little more. That might be an over-exaggeration but Cary Grant is the right guy to bring happiness and goodness into everyone's lives.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The Muppets will bring a smile to your face even with a story as deep and existential as the Christmas Carol.

The Night Before (2015)

It's always the ultimate boys night out if Seth Rogan's involved!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween or Christmas movie? Well I mean it has Christmas in the title.

The Polar Express (2004)

If there's one book I read from cover to cover, it might be the hardback copy of this we have by the fireplace with our other Christmas books.

The Princess Switch (2018)

Vanessa Hudgens plays both a baker and a princess but she decides to pull a Parent Trap on those close to her.

The Santa Clause (1994)

It's safe to assume we were all under the impression that Santa was immortal when we were younger. But apparently that's put to rest when Tim Allen has to take the reins in order to keep Christmas alive.

The Year Without a Santa Clause (1974)

When Santa comes down with a pre-Christmas flu, his doctor tells him to take the year off. Mrs. Claus enlists elves Jingle and Jangle to help save Christmas. The only catch is they have to put in a favor with the Snow and Heat Miser brothers.

White Christmas (1954)

Just a couple of army buddies that get into show business, meet a sister duo act along the way and go to a Vermont hotel with them only to find their old army captain is the one that owns it.

Let me know if I left out any good ones!