“Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 76 minutes If you couldn’t figure out this might be my favorite Christmas movie after reading about my favorite Christmas song, you may be stressing out about finals too much. From claymation genius director Henry Selick and Tim Burton’s poetry and drawings from his time at Disney, and with amazingly catchy music from Danny Elfman, this movie is without a doubt one of the most memorable, and most oddly lovable, Christmas films of all time. – Sean Randall, assistant lifestyles editor
“A Christmas Story” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 94 minutes The leg lamp. Ralphie’s younger brother bundled up so much he can’t move. Firemen rushing to a little boy’s aid when he’s gotten his tongue stuck to the pole. And, of course, “I-want-an-official-Red-Ryder-carbine-action-two-hundred-shot-range-model-air-rifle!” The simple fact that I’ve seen “A Christmas Story” more than two million times and still am not tired of it proves its awesomeness. It’s full of memorable quotes and hilarious situations, including – but definitely not limited to – Chinese men singing “Deck the Halls” (“Fa Ra Ra Ra Ra…”) and, more iconically, the pink bunny costume. – Hannah Mask, assistant news editor
“Home Alone” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 103 minutes Remember Macaulay Culkin when he was still cute? “Home Alone” is a hilarious movie, with Macaulay as 8-year-old Kevin, who becomes the man of the house when his family leaves him at home for Christmas. Add in a pair of ridiculously bungling burglars, some homemade booby traps, a traveling polka band and memorable quotes (“Buzz! Your girlfriend. Woof!”), and you’ve got an instant holiday classic. – Kelsey Stein, lifestyles editor
“Lethal Weapon” MPAA Rating: R Runtime: 110 minutes Back before we knew Mel Gibson was a complete loon, he played a complete loon in “Lethal Weapon.” His perfect chemistry with Danny Glover makes this the ultimate buddy-cop movie. Why is it a holiday movie? It takes place around Christmas time, and in the opening scene a woman dives out the window with “Jingle-Bell Rock” playing on the soundtrack. – Adam Greene, chief copy editor
“The Santa Clause” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 107 minutes What if your Dad was Santa Claus? I know, I know — it’s a thought almost too awesome to fathom. But Tim Allen’s shining moment in cinema came when he transformed from a greedy advertising executive into Jolly Old Saint Nicholas. The trip to the North Pole was awesome, and the movie also offered enlightening lessons on the elven legal system and the binding nature of contracts. If this movie taught us anything, it’s that age-old adage: “Heavy is the head that wears the beard.” – Victor Luckerson, editor-in-chief
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” MPAA Rating: G Runtime: 85 minutes I’m usually not a fan of holiday movies, but that all changes when Muppets are involved. Gonzo the Great is masterful as Charles Dickens (with a little help from Rizzo), leading us through a Muppetfied version of the classic tale about the true meaning of Christmas. Most importantly, Statler and Waldorf produce one of the best musical moments in holiday film in “Marley and Marley.” – Jonathan Reed, managing editor
“It’s a Wonderful Life” MPAA Rating: NR Runtime: 130 minutes Two years ago, I missed the Christmas Eve showing of this movie, and I felt like I had missed out on Christmas. I felt like my Christmas season ended with a huge part missing. The life and times of George Bailey are more American than apple pie, and the movie leaves me thinking about how much I want to be like him. Since George Bailey’s giving spirit exemplifies the classic “true meaning of Christmas,” I’d say this movie is pretty good at putting me in the Christmas mood. – Will Tucker, news editor
“Jingle All the Way” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 89 minutes This movie is the best because Sinbad is an awesome mailman… and I’m pretty sure I saw the real Turbo Man when I was a kid. I can’t be certain, but it definitely wasn’t just Arnold Schwarzenegger. – Jason Galloway, sports editor
“Christmas with the Kranks” MPAA Rating: PG Runtime: 99 minutes Luther and Nora Krank decide to spend the money they normally put into gifts and decorations toward a Caribbean Cruise. They are ultimately thrown when, on Christmas Eve, their daughter calls to announce she is coming home for a surprise visit. Rapidly trying to gather the decorations, gifts and food needed for a traditional family Christmas, the Kranks give the world an example of the foolishness of skipping out on holiday celebrations. That is why this comedic reminder of the importance of the holidays is my favorite Christmas movie. – Tray Smith, opinions editor
“The Year Without a Santa Claus” MPAA Rating: NR Runtime: 51 minutes Although this movie sounds like a complete downer, it’s one of the best Christmas movies of all time. Santa may be unable to follow through with Christmas, but it always has a happy ending. The claymation just adds to the brilliance. You can’t beat a film that includes the dueling brothers of Heat Miser and Snow Miser. The songs, the colors, the acting is one of a kind. It’s my favorite movie of all time that comes on the ABC Family special. If you haven’t seen it, it will change your world. Enjoy. – Patty Vaughan, assistant news editor
