5 Must-See Holiday Movies

Although there are hundreds of holiday movies to be seen and more on the way, I narrowed down five that are definitely must sees for the holiday season. If you are searching for movies to watch this holiday season, here are five top rated 'must sees'.

Must see holiday movie #1 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a troubled young man who is about to attempt suicide and is visited by his guardian angel, Clarence. Based on the short story, "The Greatest Gift" written by Philip Van Doren Stern. Don't ask me to say anymore, I always cry through the whole damned thing! 'Remember that no man is a failure who has friends. Thanks for the wings.' If you haven't seen it you GOTTA see it this holiday season. If you've already seen it, you know you're going to watch it again!

Must see holiday movie #2 - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Some may say far-fetched, others ridiculous, but I say this flick is the realistic film of all the holiday films out there! Competing with Christmas light displays, the ruination of the Christmas tree and a non-existent Christmas bonus are part of my life, how about yours? National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation another must see movie during the holidays.

Must see holiday movie #3 - How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Sorry Jim Carey fans I still think the original Dr. Seuss version is the best. Another story of transformation from good to evil. Narrated by the late Boris Karloff of horror movie fame. It is quite a horrifying theme for youngsters when you think about it. Maybe that's why I never really got it until I was grown. 'Whatever the reason, His heart or his shoes, He stood there on Christmas Eve, hating the Whos'. 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' is a must see during the holidays.

Must see holiday movie #4 - A Christmas Carol (various years)
Perhaps adapted too many times, this Dicken's masterpiece still holds up under the pressures of commercialism. Done in different renditions from Alistair Simm as Scrooge to the Muppets, 'A Christmas Carol' is still a heart warming story of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from cold hearted miser to open armed Christmas Goose giver. Different versions filmed include (1910) a 15-minute silent version starring Marc McDermott as Scrooge; Animated version (1983) Mickey's Christmas Carol by Walt Disney; Scrooged (1988) remake starring Bill Murray; A 3D version is due to begin shooting in 2008 starring none other than Jim Carey. Personally I prefer Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962), an animated musical television special, but ALL versions of A Christmas Carol still carry the same strong message and at least one qualifies as a must see during the holidays.

Must see holiday movie #5 - The Bishop's Wife (1947)
An angel forms a relationship with an obsessed clergyman's neglected, unhappy wife. Good gracious! Grab the popcorn! This classic was remade in 1996 as 'The Preacher's Wife', with Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. You pick which one you like the best.

I would also like to give honorable mention to White Christmas (1954); Home for the Holidays (1995); Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) Warning: not a warm fuzzy movie; Miracle on 34th Street (prefer 1994 version) and A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965).

Happy holiday movie watching!