Nothing is more enjoyable than curling up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa and watching a marathon of Christmas movies as the holidays draw near. Naturally, it can be difficult to choose just one Christmas film, as there are hundreds of films related to the holiday that are released each year. Even though movies like Elf and Home Alone usually get the most attention around Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation has recently proved why it deserves to be crowned the greatest Christmas film. Many people voted for it to be number one on Ranker’s list of the top 15 Christmas movies.
While Will Ferrell’s Elf and Home Alone have endearing moments and endearing characters, many fans find that National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is more relatable. Based on more than 35,000 votes on Ranker’s list, the movie has just taken the top spot among the Top 15 Christmas movies.
Also Read: Will Ferrell Admits He Can Commit Felony and Get Away With It During Christmas Due To 1 Iconic Movie
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Crown Jewel of Christmas Flicks
For many years, fans have likely held a special place in their hearts because of the timeless blend of wit, sarcasm, and physical comedy found in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Chevy Chase‘s 1989 movie ranked #1 out of 15 Christmas films, garnering over 35,000 votes on Ranker’s list of the ‘Best Christmas Movies of All Time’. Home Alone and Elf, on the other hand, came in second and third, respectively.
Even though Will Ferrell’s Elf and Home Alone both feature lovable characters and hilarious moments, some people might find National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to be more relatable.
A man obsessed with creating the ideal Christmas experience, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) embodies the spirit of all excessive holiday enthusiasts. The adventures of the Griswold family mirror, the mayhem and humor that frequently characterize our own family get-togethers, from tangled Christmas lights to unexpected houseguests.
Underneath all the hilarious mayhem, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation quietly conveys a touching message about the significance of love, family, and thankfulness during the festive season. Despite receiving mostly negative reviews from critics, the movie did well at the box office, making $73.3 million against a $25 million budget.
Home Alone is Preserved in The National Film Registry
The National Film Registry now has twenty-five new titles, including two beloved Christmas movies, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) and Home Alone (1990). With their respective releases thirty years ago, both films have devoted fan bases that have continued to grow. In a statement, the Library of Congress claims that Home Alone is now
“Embedded into American culture as a holiday classic.”
As for The Nightmare Before Christmas, it has remained a
“Yuletide and Halloween tradition for adults, kids, hipsters and Halloween fanatics.”
Catherine O’Hara, who starred in both films, expressed her delight at the news. She told the Washington Post:
“I’m glad they’re including me. I hope the members of Congress can enjoy the films. It’ll help inform their legislative process, I’m sure.”
Aside from Christmas films, the registry also includes blockbusters, animated films, Oscar winners, cult favorites, and more. Notable films include Lady and the Tramp (1955), Love & Basketball (2000), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), and Apollo 13 (1995).
Also read: Macaulay Culkin Had a Very Depressing Reason for Leaving Home Alone 3
The National Film Registry was established in 1988 with the goal of conserving American film history. Each year, 25 movies are chosen based on their significance as “cultural, historic, or artistic”.
Christmas films are deep-rooted in pop culture, and the festive season almost always brings a smile to everyone’s faces. And films like Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation help spread them far and wide.
You can stream Home Alone on Disney+ and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Hulu.
