It’s that time of year again. It’s time to get into a jolly mood and get around the fireplace and watch a holiday movie. From old-school classics to modern-day adaptations and everything in between, holiday movies are no further away than a click or two on the remote.

For those who need a little help or some inspiration, here is a list of some of the best seasonal movies to watch during the holidays. Let’s start with number 10 and ascend to the top pick.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a Christmas/Halloween movie which is why the movie is so low on the list. Though the creepy Christmas feel surprisingly works in this scenario, the Halloween characters try to be a Christmas feely town.The film revolves around the king of Halloween, Jack Skellington, who discovers Christmas Land and decides to bring Christmas home. So it is technically a Christmas movie just like “Die Hard,” next on the list.

“Die Hard” is a special type of Christmas movie with it mostly gaining attention every year because of its most famous debate – is “Die Hard” really a Christmas movie? A lot of people think it is. Even Google thinks it’s a Christmas movie if you ask. The thing is people only pay attention to “Die Hard” at Christmas so that technically makes it a Christmas movie plus it takes place during Christmas. Through it all, “Die Hard” is a special type of Christmas movie unlike “Arthur Christmas.”

Next on the list, “Arthur Christmas,” is one of the newer movies on this list, having only come out 11 years ago.This movie has a really cool concept, what if Santa became a big cooperation like Amazon and basically ships presents all over the world (instead of Santa actually going down the chimney). The film centers around Santa’s youngest son, Arthur, as he and his grandpa try to deliver a bike to a girl who did not receive the bicycle she wanted for Christmas.

“Polar Express” is one of the most famous movies on this list, it being what most high school students grew up watching during Christmas time. It is famous for its animation because at the time it was new and not a lot of movies looked like it. 

“A Christmas Story” is one of the most popular and oldest Christmas movies but a lot of people don’t watch it like they used to decades ago. This is because there are so many other movies to watch. Another thing is that the movie isn’t as funny as the other movies on this list but it still has its heartwarming and iconic moments. It’s easy to remember a kid getting his tongue stuck on a frozen pole, Ralphie’s pink bunny pajamas, and, of course, the famous leg lamp. These images all make this movie a Christmas classic.

The only reason “Home Alone 2” is not higher on this list is because the plot repeats. Since it is in New York, and so many people love “Home Alone,” it makes the list despite really lacking originality. But that doesn’t make it a bad movie. A lot of people watch this one along with the first “Home Alone.” And a lot of people actually prefer this one over the first one which proves that a sequel can be just as good as its predeccssor.

Next, this movie has one of – if not the most –  famous Christmas character of all time in the Grinch. Jim Carrey does a really good job in bringing this iconic character to live action. And a lot of people say the Who’s in this movie are kinda terrifying with their big noses (I kind of agree) but I think that it just adds more life to the world that the Grinch lives in on screen. It is just an enjoyable watch every time, every year.

“Christmas Vacation” is probably the funniest movie on this whole list with its crazy scenarios and jokes. And it is special in the way that it’s a part of a series. It’s a Christmas entry along with two others. It also has a lot of older adult jokes that makes it extra fun for both kids and adults.

“Home Alone” is probably the most iconic Christmas movie ever for its heartwarming story and crazy hijinks in the final act. But at the center of it all it’s really just a movie about family and how spending time together is very important. This movie was also a cultural and box office hit at the time just showing why it is still rewatched every year.

“Elf,” number one movie on this list, is such a simple story in how its just about a man (Buddy the elf) who was raised by elves and years later finds his real Dad. He tries to form a relationship with him and get used to human life but the way the director, Jon Favourer, manages this movie is perfect in the way it is very funny. It also helps that they got a very funny person in Will Ferrell and the way he interacts in New York City and with normal people. “Elf” is just very heartwarming since Buddy is such an innocent and likable character. And all of these factors and so much more make this the best Christmas movie.  

From “Nightmare Before Christmas” to “Elf” there is a whole range of holiday movies to watch this holiday season. Sure, there are other things to do to celebrate but if you want to make it the best season, check out a movie or two.