Entertainment

Top 10 holiday films

By Ken Lombardi

December 20, 2013 / 10:08 AM EST / CBS News

Can't decide what to watch while off from work or school during the holiday break? Check out our list of 10 films that will help you get in to the Christmas spirit. Some notable titles were purposely left off, including movies that are set during Christmastime but don't capture the true spirit of the holiday (sorry, "Die Hard" and "Gremlins" fans).

Kicking off our list is the 1951 British production of "Scrooge" (or "A Christmas Carol" as it was renamed when it came to American theaters) is considered by many to be one of the best film adaptations of Charles Dickens' classic novella. Alastair Sim gives the performance of a lifetime in one of the most beloved depictions of the mean old miser who gets one more chance to redeem himself on Christmas Eve.

"Home Alone" - 1990

Who can forget young Macaulay Culkin as adorable Kevin McCallister, finding creative ways to defend his home from robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) at Christmastime? Slapstick hijinks aside, "Home Alone" has a heart, as well as something to say about the importance of family. The film also has nostalgic value, with memorable one-liners like "Buzz, your girlfriend, woof!"

"Joyeux Noel" - 2005

Those looking for more serious fare may find it with the Oscar-nominated "Joyeux Noel," which drew praise from the likes of Roger Ebert and The Los Angeles Times when it was first released. The French drama is set on the bloody frontlines of World War I, depicting soldiers on both sides of the fighting as they temporarily drop their guns in the spirit of Christmas Eve.

"Miracle on 34th Street"

Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar for his portrayal of Kris Kringle in this classic fantasy, set at Macy's flagship department store on, you guessed it, New York's 34th street. A young Natalie Wood also stars as a girl who refuses to believe that Santa isn't real.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" - 1993

Written and produced by Tim Burton, there's still much debate over whether "The Nightmare Before Christmas" is actually a Halloween film, even 20 years after Jack Skellington first got lost in Christmas Town. But there's no denying that the movie has spirit, and it certainly tries to explore the real meaning of Christmas.

"White Christmas" - 1954

Crooners Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play a pair of famous performers who will do whatever it takes to help out their old Army general.

Full discretion, this movie does have its flaws. There's a multitude of plot holes and continuity errors, but all that can be forgiven when you take the songs of Irving Berlin, along with the film's themes of compassion towards others, into account.

"Elf" - 2003

Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who was raised at the North Pole alongside elves and Santa (Ed Asner). When he grows up, Buddy goes to New York in search of his biological parents (James Caan, Mary Steenburgen), spreading an irresistible surge of holiday cheer to everyone he meets.

"A Christmas Story" - 1983

Based on the writings and childhood memories of Jean Shepherd, "A Christmas Story" has become one of the most popular holiday films ever made, no doubt thanks to the viewer's ability to relate with young Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), who so desperately wants a Red Ryder BB Gun, even if everyone tells him, "You'll shoot your eye out!"

"It's a Wonderful Life" - 1946

A time-honored classic, Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" stars Jimmy Stewart as family man George Bailey, who has lost his way and is filled with despair until an angel helps him see why he matters to those around him. In 2006, the American Film Institute named "It's a Wonderful Life" the most inspiring film of all time.

"The Muppet Christmas Carol" - 1992

Michael Caine steps into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in this colorful musical take on Dickens' work.

While it has a strong fan base today, "The Muppet Christmas Carol" was a box office dud when it first released, taking years to catch on with viewers through home video.

Ken Lombardi

Ken Lombardi is an entertainment reporter for CBS News. He has interviewed over 300 celebrities, including Clint Eastwood, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Hanks.

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