Christmas is the time of year where the family dynamic gets emphasized, eggnog gets drunk, and gifts get opened. Moreover, it is the time of year that most people anticipate and look forward to; it also is when the best movies get enjoyed. That’s why for this week, I wrote my top ten greatest Christmas movies of all time.

10. A Wonderful Life (1946)

How could this list be complete without this movie; it is truly a classic. The story follows George Bailey, who prevents George from committing suicide by a guardian angel, the angel who then shows him the effects of others’ lives if he hadn’t been born. One of the few movies in history that you can label as timeless because of its relatability even nowadays . It stands as an annual watch for those who enjoy Christmas tales.

9. The Santa Clause

This movie shows how divorced dad Scott is put in a critical situation when he inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof. He then is forced to take Santa’s place to ensure that the next Christmas goes accordingly. One of the movies that is certain to put you in the holiday spirit. It’s something that you will be sure to laugh at. One of the best Christmas movies of all time.

8. Muppets a Christmas Carol

Starring Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy as they play in the Muppet’s rendition of the classic story written by Charles Dickens. The Muppets story consists of Scrooge, a businessman who hates Christmas and everything else; the ghosts of his former partners eventually confront him, which prompts him to change his ways and outlook on Christmas. The movie is likely most kids’ introduction to the classic story by Dickens; it produces the holiday festivity that we desire around Christmas time and is one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time.

7. A Christmas Story (1983)

The movie follows a young boy named Ralphie in the 1940s, whose only wish is to own a Red Ryder BB gun. The film follows him on his quest as he tries to convince his parents, Santa, and teacher that he should get the BB gun and he won’t shoot his eye out with it. One of the holiday classics that most will agree is a catalyst for creating a Christmas atmosphere.

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 Live Action)

Yes, I did; I put the 2000 version over 1966. I personally could not get as engrossed with the original grinch as much as the 2000 version. Moreover it’s one of my personal favorites on the list, this movie follows the Grinch played by Jim Carrey, who plans to ruin Christmas for the town of Whoville for outcasting him. The film tells a story of isolation and transformation as the Grinch is isolated from the community and undergoes a change of heart. Jim Carrey also put forth a masterful performance as the Grinch and illustrated the story from the Grinch’s point of view. Nonetheless this movie is a cult classic and is undoubtedly one of the greatest Christmas films of all time.

5. A Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

In this movie, we get treated to the story of how an older man named Kris Kringle gets chosen to fill in for a drunk Santa on the town’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade. The older man swears to be the real Santa and is taken to court to challenge his mental health and the authenticity of his claims. The movie captivates the audience and delivers a holiday message about the power of thinking positively. It is one of the most fantastic holiday films ever and, without a doubt, had a spot on the list.

4. Elf

This movie follows Buddy, played by Will Ferrell, raised and adopted by elves from the North Pole; Buddy becomes an adult and feels as if he doesn’t fit in with the rest of the elves. Buddy then travels to New York in search of his biological father and spreads the Christmas spirit in the process. One of the funniest movies on the list, Will Ferrell, is hilarious and puts forward the importance of being yourself and finding yourself. Indeed, a premier Christmas film and an unforgettable watch that continues to compel watchers today.

3. Home Alone

One of the movies that I think about when I hear Christmas is Home Alone; it is one of the greatest films ever, let alone Christmas. The movie follows young Kevin McCallister as he is inadvertently left home alone by his family on Christmas. Kevin’s joy about his situation soon turns into fear after two con men burglarize the home. The movie goes on to show young Kevin outwitting the two men. This movie is essentially a requirement for Christmas movies; my holidays don’t feel complete without watching the classic film. This is because I have made it apart of my personal Christmas routine, which is to watch Home Alone. It is a top-notch Christmas film that is sure to bring out that holiday spirit.

2. The Polar Express

The only animated movie on the list tells the story of a young boy who gets on a train to the North Pole. The boy was starting to not believe in Santa and had doubts about Christmas, and throughout the train ride, he embarks on a whimsical journey of discovery. He gets taught the lesson and power of belief, and the end gets shown that Santa Claus is indeed real. One of the greatest Christmas films of all time and, in my opinion, is the second greatest Christmas film ever. The movie is a must-watch around Christmas time and any other time, to be frank.

1. Home Alone 2: Lost In New York

Home Alone 2 is the most exceptional Christmas film of all time; yes, I said it. The sequel to the classic Home Alone, Home Alone 2 follows young Kevin McCallister once again as he is misplaced on a flight to New York while the rest of his family travels to Florida. Kevin ends up getting a room at the Plaza Hotel and stops the two con men from the previous film from robbing an older man. The movie is a rare example of a sequel toppling the original movie, especially in the case of a classic film such as Home Alone. The movie gifts watchers with consistent laughs throughout the movie and creates a priceless holiday spirit that cannot be encapsulated by any holiday film ever.