Christmas Goes Hollywood

Are you a movie buff? A Christmas fanatic?

Who isn't, right? Well, you've come to the right place, because we're crazy about movies and Christmas, too. And, thankfully, there are some good Christmas movies out there ... the kind that put you in the holiday spirit year 'round, even during the dog days of summer!

In fact, there are so many great Christmas movies, so many memorable characters and wonderful story lines, that picking a handful of flicks that stand above the rest is difficult. But we're always up for a good challenge, so why shy away from one now? Hey, you don't have to agree with our picks, after all! Without further adieu, we present to you the five best Christmas films of all time:

A Christmas Story - Any discussion of the best Christmas movie can begin and end here. The classic tale of little Ralphie - who so desperately wanted a Red Ryder BB Gun despite the misgivings of his parents and teachers (and even a makeshift department store Santa Claus) - is the best Christmas movie ever made. There's a reason it's shown on television each year virtually non-stop for two consecutive days! "You'll shoot your eye out!" is one of the most memorable movie lines - Christmas theme or otherwise - of all-time.

Miracle on 34th Street - Santa Claus is real, and this movie proves it. You could argue this is the best Christmas movie ever made. We're not convinced it's better than A Christmas Story, but we grant you that you could make a good argument nevertheless!

Babes in Toyland - Few movies made in 1934 (or before) still capture our hearts. But Babes in Toyland features Laurel & Hardy, and when this pair of beloved comedians is involved, you can safely say the project is a hit. Babes in Toyland has been remade several times over the years, but we still like the original the best due to the aforementioned duo.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Chevy Chase is one funny guy (at least he used to be!), and the Lampoon's Vacation series is comprised of many instant hits. They're all funny and memorable in their own ways, and Christmas Vacation is no different. Wayward cats, senile aunts, a scrooge-like boss and a cousin that can only be described as "eccentric" combine to help this movie bring a little humor to the Yuletide season.

A Christmas Carol - Speaking of Scrooge, no Christmas movie marathon is complete without his appearance, along with the ghosts that haunt him. Charles Dickens' novel is among the most beloved of literary classics, so why should the movie be any less popular? A Christmas Carol has been filmed numerous times for both the big screen and television, and most of them are pretty good. This story is too strong to mess up. So when you visit the movie store, take your pick.

Okay, okay. We know we left off your favorite, or maybe we included your favorite but left off another hit.

With so many choices, it wasn't an easy decision, but we gave it a shot.