There are a great many Christmas-centered films out there, and everyone has their favorites. Some make us laugh, some warm our hearts, and some are classics that must be watched every year.
The 10 movies that are mentioned down below all have one big thing in common: They contain some of the best quotes ever! They summarize what the holiday season really means. They remind us to be thankful for what we have in life. They capture the essence of the most wonderful time of the year. And they are all listed out for all to enjoy, here and now.
Christmas Memories From Deck The Halls
One of the better-known Christmas comedies out there is Deck the Halls from 2006. It features Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis, Danny DeVito and Kristin Chenoweth. Broderick plays Steve Finch, and Davis plays Kelly Finch, a husband, and wife who get credit for a great quote.
Kelly asks Steve his favorite Christmas memory is, and it involved eating French fries and drinking chocolate milk with his dad. In response, Kelly says this: “That's what Christmas memories are made from. They're not planned, they're not scheduled, nobody puts them in their Blackberry, they just happen.”
The Meaning Of Christmas From The Grinch
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a very popular book and tale; there was the TV special in 1966, a movie in 2000 and a 3D computer-animated film in 2018. They all tell the story of The Grinch stealing Christmas then learning the meaning of Christmas.
As this character looks down on Whoville, seeing that they are still celebrating, even without presents, he thinks this: “Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more!”
Christmas Cheer From Elf
A very popular holiday pick is Elf. Released in 2003, it stars Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart and, of course, Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf. When this guy goes to New York to meet his dad, he teaches everyone some valuable lessons.
One of his most notable quotes focuses on how to pass around all the warm and fuzzies that are felt during the holiday season: “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”
Perfection From Love Actually
Love Actually is a rom-com holiday classic from 2003. Within it, there are 10 different stories, including on about Mark, Juliet and Peter. Perhaps the most-known scene from this movie shows Mark, who is portrayed by Andrew Lincoln, holding up cue cards, in order to tell Juliet, who is portrayed by Keira Knightley and married to Peter, how he feels about her.
Yes, these are the dreamy words he shares: "But for now, let me say... Without hope or agenda... Just because it's Christmas... And at Christmas you tell the truth... To me, you are perfect."
Frame Of Mind From Miracle On 34th Street
The original Miracle on 34th Street came out in 1947, with Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood, Edmund Gwenn, and John Payne. A notable remake came in 1994, with Elizabeth Perkins, Mara Wilson, Richard Attenborough and Dylan McDermott. Both of these center around a department store Santa who says he is the real deal.
In the older version, Gwenn played Kris Kringle, and he had several sweet lines. One, in particular, though, summed up the idea that Christmas is more than just December 25: “Oh, Christmas isn't just a day. It's a frame of mind.”
Believing From The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a fan favorite from 1994, which stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin. This man has to become Santa, and he has to try to explain that to his family, while also taking on the big job of making toys, checking lists, reading letters, checking lists again and delivering presents on Christmas.
Judy is one of the elves introduced at the North Pole in this story, and she has a simple yet effective line that goes well with this magical tale and beyond: “Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing."
Spirit Of Christmas From The Polar Express
In 2004, The Polar Express was released, based on a book of the same name from 1985. This is about a boy who takes a train to the North Pole, where he meets Santa Claus and receives a special bell.
The line surrounding this gift is one that has made this list and that also helps explain the meaning and magic of this holiday: “This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas, as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”
(Should Be) Against The Law From Christmas with the Kranks
Another funny flick for this season is Christmas with the Kranks. Released in 2004, it features Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis as characters who want to skip Christmas, which sounds crazy to everyone.
In fact, one of the most memorable lines from this movie has to do with just that, and it was spoken by a boy named Spike Frohmeyer; he said what everyone was thinking, since it seems wrong to miss out on the most wonderful time of the year: "You're skipping Christmas?! Isn't that against the law?"
Count Blessings From White Christmas
A classic film to watch during this time of the year is White Christmas, a musical from 1954. It starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, and it was full of iconic lines and songs.
One of the best ones is a good reminder for all 365 days of the year, not just the holiday season (though people do seem to be more aware of their blessings during this wonderful time): “When you’re worried and you can’t sleep, just count your blessings instead of sheep.”
Reminder From It's A Wonderful Life
And, of course, there is It's a Wonderful Life. This legendary movie was released in 1946, and it has gone on to be considered one of the greats. In it, James Stewart plays George Bailey, who wants to give up on life. However, he meets a guardian angel, Clarence, who reminds him of how much he has and of how much he means to so many people.
Yes, Clarence says this beautiful line, the perfect finale for this list: “You see George, you've really had a wonderful life. Don't you see what a mistake it would be to just throw it away?”