My Favorite Christmas Movies

1. 1. 'A Christmas Story' (1983) The story of a young boy's epic quest to get his hands on a Red Ryder BB gun provides the hilarious backdrop for a timeless tale rife with family hijinks, frozen tongues and, of course, sex-oozing leg lamps.

   2. 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
   A tale of depression and almost-suicide doesn't exactly scream "Christmas classic" -- which is probably why Frank Capra's flick flopped at the box office. But more than 60 years later, it endures as a beloved testament to everything Christmas stands for: family, friends and the joy of life.

   3. 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
   If this '47 classic doesn't make you a Santa believer, nothing will. It's dark stuff for a Christmas flick -- Kris Kringle is put on trail to determine if he's legally insane -- but the endgame (in which the US Postal Service saves the day!) is utterly heartwarming.

2. 4. 'White Christmas' (1954)
   Aren't we all dreaming of a 'White Christmas'? The movie starring Bing "Mr. Christmas" Crosby and Danny Kaye is as charming as the tune, with all the elements to warm the heart: Two GIs come home from WWII, fall in love with singing-and-dancing sisters and help their general with his failing Vermont inn.

5. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)
Chevy Chase is at the top of his game in this sight- gag-and-one-liner-laden homage to the love/hate event that is the family Christmas. Where, besides this list, is there a place big enough for a movie with Yule laughs this huge? As Clark Griswold would say, "Bend over and I'll show you."

6. 'Home Alone' (1990)
It made Macaulay Culkin the biggest child star on the planet, reigned at the box office for 12 straight weeks and grossed $533 million worldwide, but the best thing about this holiday staple is watching an 8-year-old kid toss burglars Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern a good old-fashioned Christmas beat-down.

7. 'Love Actually' (2003)
Though some storylines work better than others even the grinchiest among us will find something to ♥ here. It's a valentine to love all wrapped up in a Christmas bow.

8. 'Bad Santa' (2003)
There are two types of movie fans: those who expect their Santa noble and god-fearing, and those who'll allow him the occasional slip into vulgarity, promiscuity and armed burglary. To the latter group, this black comedy's a classic. To the former, I’m sorry.

9.The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)
Michael Caine is miserly Ebenezer Scrooge and Kermit the Frog is kindly Bob Cratchit in the most sensational, inspirational, celebrational take on the Dickens tale ever to star 99 percent Muppets.

10. 'The Santa Clause' (1994)
Tim Allen is actually, uh, jolly in this fun family tale about a guy who accidentally kills Kris Kringle -- whoops! -- then has to take his job, unwillingly at first but then growing to love it.