With Christmas quickly approaching, friends and families worldwide have gathered in their homes looking to celebrate their favorite time of year. However, it would be difficult for many to argue that there’s no easier way to do so than enjoying some of their favorite holiday movies. It doesn’t matter if it’s more modern films such as “Elf”, “The Polar Express”, and “The Christmas Chronicles”, or timeless classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, and “Frosty the Snowman“; the genre has ingrained its place in mainstream media. Whether they’ve made you smile, cry, or laugh, for most, Christmas movies make memories that last a lifetime.

5. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

To kick off the list is a movie that has served as a blueprint for many that have come after it. “Miracle on 34th Street“, the 1994 film starring Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) and Susan Walker (Mara Wilson), features a disgruntled man claiming to be Santa Claus who takes over as Santa at Macy’s. He attempts to win over a skeptical little girl and her cynical mother, but his insistence that he’s the real Santa Claus leads to a court case to prove his sanity. A plot that received high praise for the time period, as it received various Academy Awards and Golden Globes. Not to forget either, the movie made $17.3 million in the United States and $46.3 million internationally. Despite its multiple TV adaptations and a 1947 film, it remains a beloved classic in homes worldwide.

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

Just a week earlier, another Christmas classic would be released. 1994’s “The Santa Clause”, featuring Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) and his son Charlie Calvin (Eric Lloyd), was based on Santa Claus accidentally falling off a roof. Discovered by a divorced father who finds the suit and is thrust into the role once he puts it on. Alongside a colorful cast of characters, the star transforms into the Christmas icon and is focused on convincing his skeptic ex-wife and new husband, when meanwhile his son believes all along. The film proved to be a success, as domestically it made $144.8 million, and $189 million worldwide. The popularity eventually led to two sequels in the series, which were released in 2002 and 2006, respectively. Fans also received a bit of nostalgia in 2022, when Disney+ released a mini-series. In spite of its mixed reviews, the film series has consistently been a staple of the season.

3. Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Getting away from 1994, almost thirty years earlier released the 1965 special, “Charlie Brown Christmas” was released. The feature is centered around Charlie Brown (Peter Robbins), who becomes overwhelmed with holiday commercialism. In an attempt to find the true meaning of Christmas, Brown directs a holiday pageant with the rest of the Peanuts crew, but becomes discouraged with their materialism. The program in the United States drew $130.1 million, while globally it generated $246 million in revenue. Even today, the success remains apparent as its yearly broadcast draws on average 10 million viewers. Whilst there have been many holiday specials centered around the Peanuts crew, this one has its spot in the hearts of many.

2. A Christmas Story (1983)

When discussing broadcasts that draw large viewership, no entry on the list may be able to top this one, as even since its 1983 release, “A Christmas Story” has always been a favorite. Based on the 1963 book by Jan Shepard, the story centers around Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends the majority of the film dreaming of his ideal Christmas. Desiring a Red Ryder air rifle, the main character runs into shenanigans throughout. If it’s being at odds with his father (Darren McGavin) and mother (Melinda Dillon), shortcomings against his bully Scut Farkus (Zack Ward), or coming face-to-face with Santa Claus himself, the movie’s comedy has made it appreciated at home all around the world. Homes that received it well as domestically it made just over $20 million. While this movie is mostly beloved, it is hard to find a hater of the number-one entrant.

1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

There are many iconic characters in the previously mentioned classics; no one does Christmas better than the Griswold family. If it’s either the dynamic between Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid), or the mayhem caused by Aunt Bethany (Mae Questel) and Uncle Lewis (William Hickey), “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” has left people in pieces since coming out in 1989. Surrounding the wonderfully disorganized Christmas of the Griswold family, the film has left many with joy and laughter. Whether remembering the Jelly of the Month club or exterior illumination, the movie, worth $74.4 million internationally, has become a staple during the holiday season