I think we at RMA can agree that 2020 has been a long, never-ending year. The only event left to get through is the one thing that could brighten an otherwise difficult eleven months: Christmas. To kick off the holiday season, let’s break down the top ten best holiday movies (specifically the ones that will help brighten your spirits.)

10. Santa Baby (2006)– This light-hearted ABC Family original provides the best Christmas comfort viewing experience I can think of. A young business executive, played by Jenny McCarthy, must return to assist her father, Santa Claus, in the days running up to Christmas. 

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)– Using stop motion animation, Tim Burton brings us a scary twist on the classic animated Christmas movie, following Jack Skellington, a member of Halloweentown, as he discovers Christmas Town- a magical Christmas wonderland that he can wreak havoc on. 

8. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)– One of the older and more popular movies on this list, Rudolph remains a staple of American and Christmas culture. While many have already seen Rudolph’s journey, it’s always worth a rewatch. 

7. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)– Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch is iconic. At once funny, scary, and heartwarming, Jim Carrey brings this Dr. Suess character to life in a classic that everyone should watch. 

6. Die Hard (1988)– If you’re not a big fan of the more classic Christmas movies, this one is sure to do the trick. Die Hard follows John McClane, an off duty cop who is left to defend his family and country on Christmas night when a hostage situation unfolds before his eyes.

5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)– The Lampoon family’s greatest contribution to modern culture has to be this Christmas-themed sequel. Chevy Chase plays a father who will stop at nothing to give his family a fun-filled Christmas in this delightfully funny movie!

4. Edward Scissorhands (1990)– Another Tim Burton masterpiece, Edward Scissorhands provides audiences with a Christmas movie that is funny, serious, sweet, and heartbreaking all at once. The best explanation for this movie is no explanation at all. Just trust me and give it a watch. 

3. The Polar Express (2004)– This charming animated film follows a young, unconfident boy as he travels by train to the North Pole on Christmas. It’s a touching journey of self discovery that is sure to amaze and make the eyes water. 

2. Elf (2003)– This movie follows Buddy, a Christmas elf who discovers his human origins and sets out to modern day NYC to find his estranged father. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy is both innocent and hilarious as he stumbles through one of the busiest cities on Earth. If you want to watch a Christmas movie that just makes you laugh and forget your worries, look no further. 

1. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1990)– After the young boy is accidentally left behind by his giant family on the day they leave for a family vacation, Kevin McCalister spends his Christmas wandering through NYC unsupervised, enjoying the freedom until two burglars are thrown into the mix. This movie is light-hearted enough to bring on the holiday spirit while also making sure to highlight the importance of family.