There’s a wide variety of Christmas movies to choose from, but some of the originals remain the best. I used a ranking system out of ten, ten being the best and one being the worst.

“Elf”: 9/10

This movie is a Christmas comedy classic. It was made in 2003, and compared to most other classic Christmas movies, it is one of the newer ones. The movie stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was accidentally taken to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. When Buddy learns that he isn’t actually an elf, he travels to New York City to find his father, who is the Executive Vice President of Greenway Press. Throughout the movie, Buddy’s enthusiasm for Christmas and his innocence remind others of the importance of compassion, family and the simple joys that come with the holiday season. However, some of the characters in the movie, such as Buddy’s father, don’t get much character development, so their relationships feel rushed. It’s a silly classic that I enjoy watching yearly. Its heartwarming message and hilarious moments never fail to put a smile on my face during the holiday season.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”: 8.5/10

This movie is a live-action take on Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday story, released in 2000, starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. The movie follows the Grinch, a grumpy creature who lives on a mountain above Whoville and hates everything about Christmas. After years of being left out and teased by the people of Whoville, he decides to ruin their holiday by stealing their presents and decorations. Along the way, he meets Cindy Lou Who, a kind little girl who helps him see what Christmas is actually all about: love and company. Yet, even with Jim Carrey’s expressive acting, the added backstory about the Grinch’s childhood slows down the plot. It’s a classic and the best with three total versions of “The Grinch.” The creativity of the set designs and Carrey’s energetic performance are why I rewatch it every year.

“Home Alone”: 8/10

“Home Alone” was released in 1990 and is a Christmas comedy that has become a holiday favorite for families everywhere. The movie follows Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, is an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his large family leaves for vacation. At first, Kevin enjoys having the house all to himself, but things take a turn when two burglars, Harry and Marv, try to break in. Using his creativity and a bunch of clever traps, Kevin defends his home in funny and unexpected ways. The sound effects in Home Alone are very exaggerated, such as the loud thuds and crashes during the booby trap scenes– which causes some parts of the movie to be a bit unrealistic, especially how easily Kevin outsmarts the burglars and how his parents take so long to realize that he is missing. Still, it is a timeless classic that I feel is very different from other Christmas movies. I enjoy the persistent humor and the nostalgic feel I get every time I watch it.

“A Christmas Story”: 8/10

This movie, released in 1983, is a nostalgic holiday favorite that captures the innocence of childhood perfectly. The movie follows Ralphie Parker, played by Peter Billingsley, is a young boy growing up in the 1940s, who dreams of finding a Red Ryder BB gun under the tree. Throughout the film, Ralphie faces a series of relatable moments for children, dealing with bullies, annoying his parents and trying to stay on Santa’s “nice” list. This movie captures the old-fashioned feel of Christmas time. Though it is a dated movie and some scenes move slowly, it is still a classic that I watch with my family every year. I feel like it really values the Christmas image as a child. The genuine childhood passion and the countless quotable lines such as “I can’t put my arms down,” are why this remains a cherished part of my holiday traditions.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”: 7/10

This movie is a funny holiday comedy made in 1989, starring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, and follows him and his family as they attempt to create the perfect Christmas. Of course, everything consistently goes wrong. Clark faces obstacles like tangled Christmas lights, unexpected relatives, terrible dinners and power outages. Chase does an excellent job at delivering the humor of his character. However, some of the humor can be a little overdone or unrealistic and a few jokes feel dated. In the movie, the costumes brilliantly use simple differences in attire. The Griswold family dress in festive outfits while their neighbors, Margo and Tod, dress minimalist in their all white track suits. This shows the culture clash and contrast between the two families. It’s not my favorite, but it remains a classic because of its memorable quotes and moments.

All of these movies are excellent classics that have their own take on the holiday season. I definitely recommend watching these movies during the winter, they’re the perfect way to get ready for Christmas.