8 Christmas Movies to Get You into the Holiday Spirit

This timeless Peanuts cartoon may just tell you what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown. At the very least, itll teach you to feel sympathy for stunted pine trees.

Writer: Charles M. Schulz

Director: Bill Melendez

Stars: Ann Altieri, Chris Doran and Sally Dryer

10-year-old Macaulay Culkin is so cute that we find it hard to believe any parents could fail to realize they left him behind, but still, watching him beat up Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern is immensely satisfying.

Writer: John Hughes

Director: Chris Columbus

Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern

Incidentally, this one doubles as a great Halloween movie. When you get sick of saccharine holiday romances, Tim Burtons dark, classic animated feature should be your go-to solution.

Writers: Tim Burton (story), Michael McDowell (adaptation), and Caroline Thompson (screenplay)

Director: Henry Selick

Stars: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara

This 1947 classic is set in a grim, cynical New York City, but it manages to remind you how to maintain childish innocence in the modern world.

Writers: George Seaton (adaptation), Valentine Davies (story)

Director: George Seaton

Stars: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara and John Payne

Surprisingly, Frank Capras Its a Wonderful Life tanked at the box office. It has since established itself as a Christmas classic, and its one of the most life-affirming movies ever made.

Writers: Frances Goodrich (screenplay), Albert Hackett (screenplay), Frank Capra (screenplay), Jo Swerling (additional scenes) and Philip Van Doren Stern (story)

Director: Frank Capra

Stars: James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore

Jean Shepherds hilarious, heartwarming classic is a must-watch during the holiday season. The film gets put on heavy rotation on Christmas day, so be sure to catch it on TV as you recover from eating too much stocking candy.

Writers: Jean Shepherd (novel), Jean Shepherd (screenplay), Leigh Brown (screenplay) and Bob Clark (screenplay)

Director: Bob Clark

Stars: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin