It's A Wonderful Life (1946) - George Bailey doesn't realize how good he's got it until an angel named Clarence convinces him otherwise - by taking it all away from him. Not only considered by many to be the greatest Christmas movie of all time, but some consider the greatest movie, period.

A Christmas Story (1983) - All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun; unfortunately the entire world seems to conspire against him. This film has grown in popularity from a yuletide cult film into a must-see phenomenon, with the lovable characters licensed for dolls, tree ornaments, and other items. (Not to mention the leg lamps...)

White Christmas (1954) - Two ex-GI buddies form a song-and-dance act with two lovely sisters, and travel to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show. This romantic comedy has been a favorite of audiences for decades.

Home Alone (1990) - The family goes away to Europe, leaving little Kevin alone in the big house to fend off two bumbling burglars; disaster!... or is it? Another holiday comedy whose stature continues to grow over the years, this kids-vs-adults film never loses its power to entertain.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Clark W. Griswold just wants a dignified holiday with his family, as well as a generous Christmas bonus; unfortunately, the relatives are coming over. Another must-see film every season for millions of families, the hilarious scenes never get old: the Christmas lights, the burning cat, the chemical toilet dump, the sled ride...

A Christmas Carol (1951) - Charles Dickens's story continues to entertain over a century after its creation. This is considered to be the ultimate version of this much-loved holiday tale.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Amid the modern hubbub of Christmas activities, it is still a valid question to ask, 'Is Santa Claus real or not?' Maureen O'Hara and a young Natalie Wood starred in this beloved favorite.

The Bishop's Wife (1948) - An episcopal bishop, losing sight of his reasons for originally becoming a clergyman, is aided by an angel whose help isn't always what he expects. Though not as frequently mentioned as other films on this list, The Bishop's Wife remains a favorite to millions of viewers.

The Santa Clause (1994) - Tim Allen stars as the busy dad who reluctantly finds himself transforming into the legendary hero of the world's children. This film and its two sequels are much-loved by younger viewers who delight in the casual explanations for Santa's world.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1988) - What if there were two magical lands called Christmastown and Halloweentown... and what if the two worlds should interact? Tim Burton's nightmarish (but lovable) fantasy is certainly the darkest film on this list, but is must-viewing for millions of children and adults.


Special Mention: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964) - The leaders of the planet Mars, realizing their world's children are unhappy, decide to kidnap Earth's greatest merrymaker to lift their spirits. So bad it's good, this film has been a favorite of awful-movie connoisseurs for years.