Top Ten Christmas Movies of the '90s

The 1990s were a very memorable and unique decade for movies. Many different genres and styles of films became blockbuster hits and revered modern day classics, and never is this more apparent than in the Christmas movies that were released during that decade. Here is my personal list of the top ten Christmas movies of the 1990s, many I was fortunate to see on opening night when they were first released back in the day!

1. Home Alone (1990) Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and Catherine O'Hara. This is my personal pick for the number one Christmas movie of the 1990s. This feel good film about a boy literally left home alone by his family and left to defend his beloved home from a pair of idiotic burglars was a very original and hilarious concept. Everything about this movie is timeless, from the festive Christmas setting, to the beautiful score by John Williams, and the old fashioned message about how important family is especially around the holidays still holds up almost two decades later.

2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) Starring Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, Tim Curry, Rob Schneider and Catherine O'Hara. What could possibly be the runner up to the top Christmas movie of the 1990s than it's sequel? Following the same formula that made it's predecessor such a success, Home Alone 2 follows Kevin once again as he mistakenly takes the wrong flight and winds up spending Christmas in New York City. In alot of ways it rehashes many of the same jokes that were in the first one, but in a very tongue in cheek way. The gorgeous setting of New York City at Christmas time makes this one a personal favorite. Watch for the scene at the airport where the family runs right onto their plane without extensive security checks and scenes of the glorious Twin Towers, clearly indicating a pre-9/11 era.

3. The Santa Clause (1994) This dark comedy starring Tim Allen, was released by Disney during the 1994 Christmas season. The plot which centers around a single dad who accidentally kills Santa on Christmas Eve and thus has to take on the responsibilities as the 'new' Santa became another holiday hit. This movie was so popular that it spawned several sequels, but the original is definitely the best and most original. The hijinks that ensue after Tim Allen's character accepts the Santa 'Clause' are hilarious and unforgettable. This is definitely one of the best remembered Christmas films of the decade.

4. Jingle All the Way (1996) Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Hartman, Rita Wilson and Sinbad. This is the first movie that explored the madness and extreme that many parents will go to in order to get the season's hottest toy for their kid with hilarity to boot. Arnold, who waited until the very last minute to go Christmas shopping for his son, is oblivious to the fact that his son's Christmas wish is not only the season's hottest 'must-have' gift, but almost next to impossible to find, so off he goes on a hilarious quest for 'Turbo Man'. Noted for being the last feature film for Schwarzenegger and the late Phil Hartman, this is by far the funniest Christmas movie of the 1990s, perhaps of all time, as it cleverly pokes fun of the holiday mayhem and materialism that often surfaces when it comes to getting the perfect gift for one's child.

5. A Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Starring the voices of Danny Elfman, Glenn Shadix, Catherine O'Hara, and Chris Sarandon. While many consider this purely a Halloween movie, the truth is it can go both ways. Jack Skellington, ruler of 'Halloweentown' becomes bored with his own holiday and decides to take over Christmas. What happens next is a fantastically spooky adventure, as the creatures of 'Halloweentown' give Christmas a morbid make-over. This stop motion classic from Tim Burton has some very beautiful animated Christmas scenes, especially when Jack makes his first entrance into 'Christmasland'. This movie was very beautifully filmed, and still has a strong fan base to this day.

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) Starring Mara Wilson, Dylan McDermott, Elizabeth Perkins, and Richard Attenborough. A remake of the 1947 classic, this one succeeds on all levels. Normally I turn my nose up at remakes of classic films (especially timeless ones), but they really did a good job with this one. Mara Wilson is absolutely adorable in the role originated by Natalie Wood, and the costumes, sets, and scenery will definitely make you think of the bygone era. The only gripe I have about this movie is that Macy's Department store was given a fictitious name, which sort of throws everything off, but again it's minor and something that can certainly be overlooked. If you were a fan of the original, you will love the 90s update.

7. Edward Scissorhands (1990) Starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Anthony Michael Hall, Dianne Wiest, and Vincent Price. Not really a 'Christmas' movie per se, but this modern day classic has some very beautiful winter scenes, and a scene that takes place at Christmastime. This movie was actually released during the 1990 Christmas season, and is notable for being the last film appearance of the late Vincent Price. The haunting score by Danny Elfman is very ethereal and beautiful and will definitely put you in the holiday mood.

8. The Nutcracker (1993) Starring Macaulay Culkin. This movie has become somewhat obscure, but it's perhaps one of the finest renditions of the classic ballet in recent years. Culkin, who actually studied ballet, does a fine job as the prince, and the music and costumes are simply stunning. I prefer this version to the one frequently aired on PBS as the filmmakers really paid attention to detail and the magic of the stage ballet truly comes to life on the big screen. Plus, you have Kevin McAllister himself playing the Nutcracker! It doesn't get more Christmasy than that!

9. A Christmas Carol (1999) Starring Patrick Stewart, Richard E. Grant, and Joel Grey. This made for TV adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic is a personal favorite of mine, as it follows the actual story very accurately. For instance, when the ghost of Christmas past takes Scrooge back to his childhood the room they are in vanishes away, as opposed to the two of them flying out the window (which usually happens in every other adaptation). Mr. Stewart does a fine job as Scrooge, and a copy of this movie is definitely worth hunting down.

10. One Christmas (1994) Starring Katherine Hepburn, Henry Winkler, Swoosie Kurtz, and Pat Hingle. A somewhat forgotten holiday movie that aired on TV during the 1994 Christmas season, this movie is perhaps best known as the final movie of the late, great Katherine Hepburn. This film is based on a tale by Truman Capote about a father and his young son who realize the greatest gift they have in life are each other. This was a very poignant, touching holiday movie and is available on dvd. I high recommend renting it, as you will see a very touching holiday story as well as Kate's grande finale. Very significant, indeed!

While the 2000s had more to choose from as far as theatrical Christmas movies go, many of them are forgettable. The ones that were released in the 1990s however , were truly unique, original, and hold up magnificentally today. It's no wonder then that most holiday movies in my collection are from this decade. I was also lucky enough to have been a teenager during the 1990s, and saw so many of these magical movies when they were first released. I must certainly say that all of them have a special place in my heart, and look forward to the day when I can share them with my own children. Merry Christmas to all of you!

Sources:
www.imdb.com
www.wikipedia.com