Let's take a look at the best the 2000s had to offer by way of Christmas movies! There have been more Christmas movies than can be counted, but we thought we would take a look at some of the best of all-time. In this part four of a five-part series, we're going to offer up our picks for the best Christmas movies of:
The only rule is that the film must have seen theatrical release (no TV movies) and be released in the appropriate decade. Here then, are the 10 Best Christmas movies of the 2000s (2000 thru 2009): 10. "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)
OK, truth be told, there's not much reason to check out this special effects nightmare, when there has since been a superior full-length cartoon made in 2018 and then also of course, there's the original TV Special. Directed by Ron Howard, this movie is worth watching if not only for Jim Carrey's raucous performance. 9. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" (2005) Qualifying as a Christmas movie in the same way that "Die Hard" does, this black comedy marked the directorial debut for Shane Black ("Iron Man 3," "The Nice Guys") and starred Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Corbin Bernsen and Michelle Monoghan. It's gritty, funny, and puts Christmas in LA as the backdrop for its hard-boiled story. 8. "Joyeux Noel" (2005) It means "Merry Christmas," and this is likely a film you may never have heard of, which is too bad. Based on a true story, of a Christmas truce that was called during World War I between French, German and British soldiers, the theme of finding common ground has never been more prevalent. 7. "The Family Stone" (2005) Another ensemble "home for the holidays" dramedy, starring Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dermot Mulroney, Luke Wilson and Craig T. Nelson. It's relatable and has lots of heart, despite it's 52% "rotten" rating on RottenTomatoes.com. But of all of these types of ensemble holiday films (except one, more on that film in the #1 spot), this one does a lot right. 6. "Un Conte de Noel (A Christmas Tale)" (2008) This moving French film - like many Christmas movies - tells the story of a family that reunites over the holidays, only to learn their mother has a deadly disease. That sounds a bit darker than the tone of this movie, but it's a heart-warming and universally sound movie. It can be found by American audiences on Amazon Prime Video. 5. "The Polar Express" (2004) Although the "uncanny valley" look of the animation and CG is now a bit outdated, this has become a modern Christmas classic by anyone's measure. Based on the popular children's book by Chris Van Allsburg, it was adapted and directed by Robert Zemeckis and includes the voice of Tom Hanks. It's considered the first all-digital capture film ever made. It's surprisingly a bit dark and scary for small ones, but most children will enjoy their ride on "The Polar Express." 4. "Bad Santa" (2003) It's the perfect holiday comedy for cynics and grinches everywhere. Billy Bob Thornton is a thieving bad Santa Clause and the dwarf Marcus (Tony Cox) is his accomplice. It spawned a 2016 sequel that doesn't hold a candle to the original. 3. "Tokyo Godfathers" (2003) A Japanese animated film directed by Satoshi Kon and co-written by "Cowboy Bepop" and "Wolf's Rain" creator Keiko Nobumoto, "Tokyo Godfathers" is unlike any other film in these lists. An alcoholic, a teenage runaway and a drag queen - all homeless and living on the streets of Tokyo - come across an abandoned baby in a trash bin. They search for the baby's rightful parents. The story is a modern-twist on the baby Jesus Christmas tale, and the animation is top-notch. Find this too, on Amazon Prime Video. 2. "Elf" (2003) "The Mandalorian" show-runner and director Jon Favreau is not given enough credit, but after launching the Marvel Universe with "Iron Man," and making one of the best movies of 2016 in "The Jungle Book," many forget that he also helmed one of the funniest, most memorable Christmas comedies ever with "Elf." Will Ferrell is the innocent, child-like man-elf, an orphaned boy who ends up being raised at the North Pole. "Elf" has since been made into a musical, and is one of those Christmas movies that families find themselves re-watching each and every holiday season. 1. "Love, Actually" (2003) But "Elf" was not only not the best Christmas movie of the 2000s, it wasn't even the best Christmas movie of 2003. Both of those honors go to the now cult-classic ensemble romantic comedy "Love, Actually." The all-star cast includes Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Rowan Atkinson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Andrew Lincoln and Martin Freeman. It tugs at the heart-strings and leaves you feeling all warm and tingly inside -- exactly the way you're supposed to feel during Christmas-time. The best Christmas movie of all-time? Probably not. But certainly the best since 2000. Agree or disagree with this list? Comment below! And be sure to check out the rest of our BEST OF CHRISTMAS Lists (links at the top of article!)
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