Top 10 holiday movies

Sure, when it comes to holiday movies we can all point to a fair number of flicks that have become standards for this time of year—”It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “A Christmas Story,” and more. But they can get old quick, especially while ignoring a plethora of films that hold their own and pull off the holiday spirit nicely…some in their own unique way.

“The Family Stone” (2005)

A romantic comedy, a feel-good family flick or just a straight-up holiday movie, “The Family Stone” is many things. It will certainly have viewers laughing and crying and feeling all nice by the end of the movie.

“Christmas Vacation” (1989)

“Christmas Vacation” humorously points out one rather trying aspect of the holidays we all know about, but don’t often mention—family. Sure, some people have nice families that spend loving holidays with each other. But for the rest of us with normal families, they can be a real pain in the ass.

“Elf” (2003)

This movie can be so stupid, it’s genius. Of course, Will Ferrell is the linchpin that holds the whole film together. In the end, it provides a couple of hours to kill while putting down cookies and eggnog.

“Scrooged” (1988)

A modern take on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” with Bill Murray standing in as the Scrooge character. Wonderfully funny in a way Murray can only supply.

“Die Hard” I and II (1988, 1990)

“Die Hard” and its sequel bring a little much-needed “yippy-kay-yay” to the holiday. How many other holiday flicks have as many explosions, shoot outs and great one-liners.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

I’ll be honest, I’ve never gotten into this flick as much as others have. But aside from keeping Hot Topic in business, it does take the place of watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the 10th time.

“Muppets Christmas Carol” (1992)

The classic Charles Dickens’ tale of the power of Christmas spirit delivered with Muppet flare. And if you don’t like the Muppets, you’re going to hell—just saying.

“Gremlins” (1984)

Many might not remember, but yes indeed, “Gremlins” is set in the midst of the holiday season. Totally straying from the traditional feel-good format akin to holiday films, “Gremlins” satisfies the rest of us who enjoy a little mayhem mixed with laughter.

“Love Actually” (2003)

The stories of various London residents finding love, hope and all that crap, set against the holidays. It’s just plain cute.

“Trading Places” (1983)

Okay, so this is not truly a holiday movie. But hey, there aren’t too many flicks of cheer this Grinch can stomach and I needed to round out the list to make a solid 10 movies. It does take place around the holidays, while also being a classic Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd comedy. ?