The Top 20 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time

Frank Capra's 1946 classic It's A Wonderful Life tells the story of "George Bailey" who, on Christmas Eve, decides that he wants to commit suicide. Before he has the chance to do so, a guardian angel is sent down and takes "George" on a trip down memory lane and shows him all the good things he has done in his life. To find out what happens to "George," sit down and watch this 1940s masterpiece with your loved ones this holiday season. You won't regret it!

This 1947 movie is one of the best Christmas movies ever made. A heartwarming tale about the character "Kris Kringle" and his attempt to convince the world that he is, in fact, Santa Claus. This leads to a series of events in which his sanity is questioned. All in all, without wishing to divulge too many details, this is a must-see for all of the non-believers out there!

White Christmas tells the tale of two ex-military entertainers, "Captain Bob Wallace" and "Private Phil Davis," as well as two female artists, "Betty" and "Judy". The gang end up in Vermont, where they perform a musical to save the boys' former hotel from going bankrupt. Undoubtedly one of the better-known Christmas classics!

Since 1965, Peanuts fans everywhere have made sure that this short film is a part of their Christmas celebrations! The lights are twinkling, but "Charlie Brown" has the yuletide blues. "Lucy" gives him some advice to get into the holiday spirit and "Charlie Brown" directs the Christmas play. After bringing back a short, lanky Christmas tree, "Charlie Brown" is made fun of until the true meaning of Christmas comes to light at last!

A 1969 holiday classic, Frosty the Snowman takes us through a magical adventure when a snowman comes to life after a magic top hat is placed upon his head. The children try to save "Frosty" from the evil magician "Professor Hinkle" because he wants the hat back from "Frosty". So "Frosty" hops on a train with young "Karen" to escape the warm temperature so as not to melt. This jam-packed adventure happens in just 25 minutes!

This rather interesting 1983 movie, which most people will know due to its being broadcast continuously for 24 hours every Christmas Eve on the popular network TBS, tells the story of 9-year-old "Ralphie Parker" who has one, and only one, Christmas wish— a red Ryder BB Gun. However, his mother and several others refuse to buy him one, warning him that he'll just end up shooting, "your eye out, kid!" The audience follows "Ralphie" throughout the whole holiday season as he gets into some crazy situations! If you've been living under a rock for the past 30 years and haven't seen this masterpiece, we would recommend that you do so!

The 1983 classic Trading Places tells the story of "Billy Ray Valentine," a homeless street hustler, and "Louis Winthorpe," managing director of Duke & Duke. "Winthorpe's" company founders get into a heated argument about the issue of nature versus nurture. By pure coincidence, the brothers test this theory on two lucky victims by firing "Winthorpe" and hiring "Valentine," and in doing so, making them trade places. This heartwarming tale is bound to get everybody in a joyful mood especially around Christmastime!

Released in 1988, this is a slightly more modern version of the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. "Fred Cross," who is a TV producer, is "Scrooge". He treats his co-workers unfairly and is consumed by power and greed. He is visited by the three spirits who attempt to change his wretched soul. Richard Donner's version of the timeless tale is most certainly worth watching over the holidays!

This movie is most certainly not the norm when it comes to classic Christmas movies. This 1989 blockbuster tells the tale of the "Griswold" family's failed attempt to have a normal Christmas celebration. From the uprooting of giant Christmas trees, to SWAT home invasions, the "Griswolds" can't seem to catch a break. This funny take on the holidays will have families laughing for hours!

Spinning off the classic Dickens holiday tale, "The Muppets" perform A Christmas Carol. Join "Kermit," "Miss Piggy," "Gonzo," "Fozzie Bear," and "Sam the Eagle" as they tell the story of "Scrooge" and the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.