The best list ever of the best Christmas movies

• “A Christmas Story.” I actually never liked this movie but it has a lot of contributions to the cultural milieu: “You’ll shoot your eye out!”

• “The Holdovers.” Probably the best Christmas movie ever made as far as the quality of the acting and the script. But not really a “Christmas” movie, per se, that you would want to watch every year.

• “Gremlins.” Fun and weird. With Phoebe Cates, who delivers a pretty dark monologue on why she doesn’t like Christmas.

“How the Grinch stole Christmas.” I actually hate this movie, and dislike Jim Carrey, but I have to include so I can come home tonight.

• The stop-motion classics “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Not really movies, since they were short TV shows, but these were a rite of passage for Generation X.

Now the official list:

10). “The Santa Clause.” I don’t completely love this movie because Tim Allen’s schtick didn’t necessarily age that well, but it’s pretty cute and has a redemption arc. Besides it has Judge Reinhold at the peak of his extremely limited powers.

9). “Elf.” Cute movie with lots of funny lines and kind of a star-studded cast including James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen and an early role for Zooey Deschanel (with blonde hair). However, it does stir some ill feelings in some people for whatever reason.

8). “Scrooged.” Bill Murray does what he does best and just riffs. Some of the content didn’t age well but, overall, the redemption story rings true and there are some laugh-out-loud moments, especially at the hands of comedian Bobcat Goldtwhait and David Johansen of the New York Dolls. Its main meta moment is that it’s “A Christmas Carol” story about a production of “A Christmas Carol.” If you’re looking for something a little more light-hearted, “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is a sure winner. Little fun moments for kids of all ages sprinkled throughout.

7). “Home Alone 2.” The first one is a classic, and should be watched. But the second one is basically the same plot but just a bit better. Trump also has a cameo.

6). “Christmas at Dollywood.” I don’t know why, but this movie just got me. It’s a simple plot, with very little conflict, and features Danica McKellar, “Winnie” from “Wonder Years,” and of course, her majesty Dolly Parton. The perfect movie for wrapping presents.

5). “Die Hard.” A redemption story about a man who wants to spend Christmas with his family. Just a bit of action takes place before that happens.

4). “White Christmas.” Since Fred Astaire never did a pure Christmas movie (“Holiday Inn” doesn’t quite count), this one does the trick. Featuring Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Rosemary Clooney and Bing Crosby, all icons of singing and dancing, it has an American “let’s do it for our friend, mentor, leader” sentiment to it with tons of good songs. “White Christmas” was originally sung in “Holiday Inn,” but takes center stage in this 1954 film, which acts as a bridge from the old song-and-dance films of Hollywood’s early era to the avant-garde of the 1960s. Overall, a good message, a good film and lots of good songs and dances.

3). “Charlie Brown Christmas.” Again, not a movie, but rather a Christmas special. Like that old ornament you got when you were a kid, it holds a special place.

2). “Christmas Vacation.” Just entertaining. Chevy Chase carries the film in the way only he can, but he is supported by Randy Quaid, who plays Cousin Eddie earnestly. Silly and fun.

1). “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The all-time classic. Jimmy Stewart actually plays George Bailey with fairly good depth and he can be both likable and mean within a few frames. So many can relate to Bailey. He is burned out and never able to fulfill his dreams because of obligations to basically everyone around, but his flawed superhero character is the only one in the town who can take on the evil Mr. Potter, played perfectly by the great Lionel Barrymore. Donna Reed matches Stewart’s acting chops in her role as more than just a female sidekick but the stalwart operator of the family. And Bailey actually gets to see his impact on the world, which is everyone’s secret wish. It’s magical and meaningful and embodies the spirit of the season so well.