Christmas is one of the most widely celebrated holidays across the world, making it the subject of countless films. Many Christmas movies have reached critical and commercial acclaim and are viewed by millions of people every year. Here is the top ten list from the staff of Mililani Times.

     #1: Home Alone – Since its release in 1990, Home Alone has become a Christmas classic. 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) gets left at home when his family goes on a trip to Paris and has to fight off two men who wish to rob the McCallister residence. The story is heartwarming and relatable from a children’s perspective as a family comedy that can be enjoyed by all ages. 

     #2: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) – Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is about a reindeer named Rudolph who has a red blinking nose, which makes him different from all the others. Feeling excluded from the other reindeers, he runs away with an elf named Hermey and goes on an adventure learning the value of friendship and where home truly lies. The movie celebrates differences and has a moral for children to understand. Plus, the fun style for children and creative stop-motion animation keep viewers watching.

     #3: A Charlie Brown Christmas – A Charlie Brown Christmas is a thought-provoking movie about the true meaning of Christmas. Charlie Brown isn’t feeling the usual Christmas spirit and the movie follows the things he does to make up for it, such as putting on a play with his friends and picking out a Christmas tree. This movie is great for the family and leaves a touching reminder of the importance of loved ones during the holidays.

     #4: Frosty the Snowman – Frosty the Snowman comes to life in a classic that families have watched every year. Built by school children on a winter’s day and finished with a magician’s top hat, Frosty goes on an adventure with the kids around town until he begins to melt. To distance him from the magician and warmer weather, Karen leaves with him to the North Pole. The heartwarming ending and playful spirit make this film a must for Christmas.

     #5: The Nightmare Before Christmas – Christmas meets Halloween in this movie about a mid-death crisis. Jack Skeleton stumbles across Christmas Town without a sense of purpose. Inspired by the festivity, he decides that the citizens of Halloween will celebrate Christmas, which leads him on an adventure to save Santa Claus from the Oogie Boogie man. The incredible stop-motion and classic Tim Burton vibe make this movie as much of a must-watch for Christmas as it is for Halloween. 

     #6: The Polar Express – A doubtful boy goes on a magical journey by train to the North Pole in this charming movie that truly expresses the child-like wonder of Christmas. However, the train is not just to transport the children, but helps them with personal problems. The engaging acting and effects make viewers feel as if they are witnessing the real magic of the Polar Express. It is no wonder why it is one of the most well known Christmas movies.

     #7: How the Grinch Stole Christmas – How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a live action remake of the original animated short film of the same name based off of Dr. Seuss’s book: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The reclusive Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to steal Christmas from the cheery citizens of Whoville. However, his plans are halted when he meets Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen). The familiar tale is so integrated into Christmas culture that any version of it is a staple for the holiday season. 

     #8: Frozen – Although not typically seen as a Christmas movie, this 2014 Disney film can be on any binge list. With catchy songs and beautiful animation, Frozen follows Anna as she tries to bring summer back with the help of her sister Elsa, the Queen of Arendelle. Although it does not have traditional Christmas themes, its main focus on Anna and Elsa’s sisterly bond create a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion that breaks old Disney tropes. 

     #9: Elf – Released in 2003, Elf is the one of the more recent Christmas classics. It follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by Santa’s elves, as he searches for his biological father. Buddy’s fish-out-of-water humor makes for some of the most touching as well as hilarious scenes, and we dare to try not to laugh. 

     #10: Disney’s A Christmas Carol – This 2009 adaptation uses 3D animation to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, which originated from Charles Dickens’ novel of the same name. A bitter old man who hates Christmas learns how to open up after an encounter with three spirits and the ghost of his old partner and friend, Jacob Marley. The classic Disney style and the uplifting ending are what make the movie popular among audiences.

     As a great way to spend time with family and celebrate the holiday season, these movies allow people of all ages to share memories or a good laugh. These films represent the curious, wondrous, and heartwarming spirit of Christmas, making it one of the warmest holidays during the coldest month of the year.