12 Movies for Christmas

So what if Christmas movies can be a bit sappy? They warm our hearts, restore our faith in humanity and generally bring joy to the world. We've unwrapped the top 12 big-screen Christmas flicks of all time (sorry 'Charlie Brown' lovers, no TV specials here), all the way down to No. 1. Behold my 12 best Christmas movies ever.

12. Bad Santa (2003)

There are two types of movie fans: those who expect their Santa noble and god-fearing, with perhaps a hint of safe Tim Allen-esque humor, 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, we're sorry.

11. Die Hard (1988)

There's no better way to get in the Christmas spirit than watching a wife-beater-clad Bruce Willis single-handedly decimate a skyscraperful of terrorists on Christmas Eve. The classic one liners, the genre-redefining action, the genius use of a Run-DMC holiday tune -- it's like a gift from Jesus himself.

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 (not coincidentally, how many grown-ups feel about the movie). We will not comment on the two sequels.

9. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Despite laboring under about three feet of latex, Jim Carrey still comes across loud and clear in this adaptation of the Dr Seuss poem. While it takes a few more liberties with the story than the 1966 animated version, that’s compensated for by the stunning design and make-up (which won Rick Baker a well-deserved Oscar). And it’s also rather funny – Carrey improvising away despite all the big-budget shenanigans going on around him. Fun fact: adorable moppet Cindy Loo Hoo grew up to be Gossip Girl rock chick Taylor Momsen. Guess she got used to wearing lots of make-up on set.

8. '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."

7. 'Babes in Toyland' (1934)

Mother Goose rhymes come to life in this '34 classic (reissued in '52 as 'March of the Wooden Soldiers') starring comedy legends Laurel and Hardy as gut-bustingly bumbling toymakers out to save Toyland from the nefarious Barnaby. And if tricking him into a same-sex wedding is what it takes, so much the better.

6. 'Elf' (2003)

Frank Ricard. Ron Burgundy. Ricky Bobby. They're all unforgettable Will Ferrell personas, but the role he might be remembered for most in 50 years is Buddy the Elf (what's your favorite color?) from '03's instant holiday classic. This non-stop laugher exemplifies all-ages entertainment.

5. 'Scrooged' (1988)

Only Bill Murray could so expertly walk the fine line between pathos and hilarity, as he does playing miserly TV exec Frank Cross. Complete with a taxi-driving Ghost of Christmas Past and a (literally) ball-busting Ghost of Christmas Present, this Dickens send-up is so offbeat and fun, Yule love it!

4. 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)

If this '47 classic doesn't make you a Santa believer, nothing (especially the '94 remake) 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.

3. 'A Christmas Story' (1983)

There's nary a scene to forget in this near-perfect nostalgic look at where Americana and Christmastime meet. 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. '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. Awww

1. '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 30 years later, it endures as a beloved testament to everything Christmas embodies: family, friends and the joy of life.