There is one thing about Christmas movies that differ from other movies. The thing that makes Christmas movies special is that sense of Christmas spirit, that feeling that no other holiday can bring. There are thousands of Christmas movies, but which five of them stand above the rest?

#5 “Gremlins” (1984)

What better way to start off a list of the best Christmas movies than to start with a movie that scared many kids. “Gremlins” is a movie that might not be expressly about Christmas but it still has that wonderful holiday cheer, despite the horror elements present in the film. It brings out the fun of getting a new toy for Christmas, or in this case a pet in a way not many films do. The film brings out a perfect mix of the wacky humor and hijinks that many people love in a Christmas movie, while still having the excellent filmmaking of a high-quality film. Gremlins gets a 3.5/5.

#4 “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970)

“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” is based off of the 1934 song of the same name. The film’s special animation style, animatic, immediately brings out the Christmas spirit with everything and everyone looking like a classic Christmas toy. The movie tells a tale about the origin of Santa himself, and how he becomes the legend we know today. It shines in every aspect by showing the myth behind the man of Santa Claus and what is more festive than the red man himself. “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” gets a 4/5.

#3 “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the original animatic Christmas movie. Similar to “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” it tells the story of the 1949 song of the same name. Of course, the animation style brings out the Christmas spirit, especially when they arrive on the island of misfit toys but the movie really shows why it deserves a top spot because of the story of being special, and that is what makes you, well you. Adding on to this, “Rudolph” really brings out the family aspect of Christmas which is one of the things that makes Christmas the holiday it is. “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” gets a 4/5

#2 “The Year Without a Santa Claus” (1974)

The common theme continues but what can I say, animatic movies are simply the most charming and appealing Christmas movies out there. “The Year Without a Santa Claus” is a one-of-a-kind story. I could go on about the animation, but what makes this a great Christmas movie is the music. “The Year without a Santa Claus” brings in so many staples for Christmas music from “I Believe in Santa Claus” to the Miser Brothers songs, to “Blue Christmas.” I mean the music really makes this movie. It cannot go without mention the whole point of this movie is to find Christmas cheer in the world, and that is exactly what this movie does. “The Year Without a Santa Claus” gets a 4.5/5.

#1 “Klaus” (2019)

Without a doubt the best Christmas movie of all time is “Klaus.” There is so much emotion poured into this movie. This movie truly shows what it means to have the Christmas spirit, to make the holiday about giving, and about coming together to make a happy day. The movie gives an origin story about Santa that has never been seen before. It is a heartfelt movie that shows how one good act always causes another. “Klaus” gets a 5/5.