7 Christmas Movies to Get You in the Spirit

Time to turn on the tree lights, curl up on the couch, and hit play on all the holiday classics. We've pulled together the ultimate Christmas movie lineup to get you started, and the gang's all here: Buddy the Elf, John McClane, Ralphie Parker, and, of course, jolly old Saint Nick.

"A Christmas Story" (1983)

This holiday classic follows the exploits of Ralphie Parker, a young boy in 1940s Midwestern America with his eye on a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It's a comedy that is nostalgic and hilariously witty.

"A Christmas Story" PG, 94 min, Comedy, Family

"Gremlins" (1984)

"Gremlins" takes mischief to a new level and borders between comedy and horror. It's a story about a young man who gets a special gift from his father, a cute pet creature called a "Mogwai." But before long, it spawns other malevolent creatures and tears up the town on Christmas Eve.

"Gremlins" PG, 106 min, Comedy, Fantasy, Horror

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

The King of Halloween Town, Jack Skellington, discovers Christmas town in this dark classic, and decides to celebrate the holiday. The movie is a stop-motion animated musical with visually stunning special effects.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" PG, 76 min, Animation, Family, Fantasy

"Die Hard" (1988)

Balance out the heartfelt holiday classics with this legendary Christmas thriller. Bruce Willis stars as NYPD officer John McClane who tries to save his wife and her co-workers from German terrorists as they are taken hostage at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

"Die Hard" R, 131 min, Action, Thriller

"While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

In this offbeat romantic comedy set during a snowy Christmas in Chicago, Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely toll taker who falls in love in the most unusual way. This holiday charmer will give you all the feels and remind you that family is what it's all about this time of year.

"While You Were Sleeping" PG, 103 min, Comedy, Drama, Romance

"Elf" (2003)

"Elf" is the story of an orphaned human boy who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. When Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) leaves for New York City to find his true family, equal parts chaos and Christmas cheer ensue. This holiday comedy is full of warmhearted cheer, and Ferrell's comic genius will delight the whole family.

"Elf" PG, 97 min, Comedy, Family, Fantasy

"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

A perennial holiday favorite, George Seaton's "Miracle on 34th Street" is about a man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus. You'll remember what it was like believing in old Saint Nick with this one.

"Miracle on 34th Street" PG, 114 min, Comedy, Drama, Family

By Beau Behan (Patch Staff)