by Mark Feldt

Created on: November 10, 2010

Movies based on Christmas have been around for decades. The joy of watching an uplifting movie during the holidays has entertained families for many years. There are some movies that stand out as classics and will continue to delight movie watchers for years to come. Here are some of the best Christmas movies ever made.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

James Stewart stars as a man who is on the verge of losing his business on Christmas Eve. He contemplates suicide when he realizes that his family would probably be better off without him. At the last moment, an angel appears and convinces Stewart that the world he knows is a better place with him in it.  It’s a Wonderful Life is a movie that starts out depressing but builds to an uplifting and emotional ending. The movie was nominated for 5 academy awards and is regarded by many as the ultimate Christmas movie.

Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

Edmund Gwenn stars a kindly old gentleman who believes he is the real Santa Claus. John Payne is the lawyer who defends him when the situation escalates to a courtroom trial. The performances are wonderful and the movie  hits all the right notes with a happy ending that you would expect for this type of movie. Natalie Wood stars as the little girl who finally believes in Santa Claus.

A Christmas Story (1983)

This nostalgic tale set in the 1940’s is about a boy who desperately wants Red Ryder for Christmas but everyone tells him he will shoot his eye out. This movie has all the charm and wit of past holiday movies and has earned a place among the classic Christmas movies.

National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

This third installment in the Vacation series has the Griswolds staying at home and all the relatives coming to visit. The combination of annoying relatives and Christmas lights that won’t turn on push Chevy Chase over the edge when he finds out that he will not be getting a big Christmas bonus. Considered the best in the series, Christmas Vacation is loaded with hysterical scenes and a great ensemble cast. Randy Quiad delivers a hilarious performance as the goofy relative.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Jim Carrey gives an over-the-top performance as the Grinch in this live action remake of the cartoon classic. Carrey steals the show with his animated expressions and wonderfully exaggerated dialogue delivery. The sets and props are incredible and you will have to watch it more than once to see everything you missed the

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