It's the most wonderful time of the year, and that's just one line from a Christmas song you've probably been hearing since Thanksgiving. Yes, the holidays are upon us and that means thousands of radio stations are pumping out Christmas carols in preparation for the big day.
It should come as no surprise that many of these holiday hits don't come from the minds of Mel Torme and Johnny Marks, but the realms of film and television. Numerous Christmas carols were born from the screen and we've definitely noticed. To show our appreciation, here are our ten favorite Christmas movie songs, ranked.
10 Believe (The Polar Express)
Not as popular as you would think, but definitely a solid Christmas song, the appropriately named Believe serves as the arching theme for The Polar Express. The mantra of "just believe" is a heavy influence on the message of the animated feature, and goes so well when accompanied by Josh Groban's angelic voice.
The song's chime-like melody and magical opening resonate with the magical journey we've just taken as the credits for The Polar Express roll. Though you might not catch the song's origins upon first listening, you will once you just believe.
9 Christmas Vacation (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation)
If you've ever had an encounter with Clark Griswold, chances are it's either from National Lampoon's Vacation or this Christmas Comedy Classic. This little diddy is definitely a product of the '80s, with it's synthesized music and vocals by The Descendants, but it still helps us get in that Holiday mindset.
Anytime we hear this song, we think of either A, the film where it originates. Or B, we stop and reminisce on our own Christmas vacations. When was the last time you thought about that much-needed time away from school or work to be with your loved ones for the holidays? What else can we say but "hip-hip-hooray for Christmas Vacation."
8 One More Sleep Til Christmas (The Muppet Christmas Carol)
There's magic in the air this evening, magic in the air, at least whenever this song gets played. Though we were tempted to put "With a Thankful Heart," we felt like this little number by Kermit the Frog from The Muppet Christmas Carol better captures the spirit of the season, namely Christmas Eve.
'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous as Kermit (as Bob Cratchit) and the rest of his felt and furry friends prepare for Christmas Eve. How many of us can say we haven't felt similar to the rest of the cast waiting for Christmas morning? There's definitely a spot on the list for this one.
7 You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
It's not every day you find a Christmas villain song, and the Grinch is perhaps one of the most famous of them all. He's a bad banana with a greasy black peel and termites in his smile, that and a few other things in this lyrical masterpiece from the legendary Dr. Seuss.
Though it's been covered by Jim Carrey and attempted by Tyler the Creator, the original by Tony the Tiger himself, Thurl Ravenscroft, will always take the number one spot. If there was ever an anthem for pride in being evil, this would be it. It's perfect for the mean/sly/vile one in your life.
6 Mr. Snow Miser/Mr. Heat Miser (A Year Without a Santa Claus)
One's Mr. White Christmas, one's Mr. Sun. One's Mr. Icecicle, one's Mr. 101. It's two songs for the price of one, and they're both arguably the catchiest tune in Rankin/Bass history. For such an opposing pair of characters, Snow Miser and Heat Miser both have a similar taste in tunes.
What we have here is a toe-tapping-tune that sticks out further than any of the musical numbers in the entire special, much like the two characters. Whether you like a white or a green Christmas, this is an unforgettable song you'll be singing long after the credits roll.
5 Silver and Gold (Rudolf the Rednosed Reindeer)
Well, how many other songs do you know that require a banjo playing snowman? Brought to us from the soothing dulcet tones of Mr. Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman, "Silver and Gold" might be one of the most beautiful pieces in the Rankin/Bass special next to "There's Always Tomorrow."
While it's true everyone wishes for silver and gold, can its weight be measured in pleasure or feeling? Philosophical questions aside, the tune and the lyrics are just so charming we had to give it a spot on our list. "Silver and Gold" might just be a platinum hit in the hearts of our childhoods.
4 What's This (The Nightmare Before Christmas)
If there was ever a song that encaptured the whimsy and wonder of the holiday season, it's this musical masterpiece by Danny Elfman in The Nightmare Before Christmas. After Jack Skellington falls into the Christmas Town door, he's whisked away to a winter wonderland where his sockets are opened to a whole new world.
The sights, the sounds, they're everywhere and all around and we've never felt so enchanted whenever we hear this song. Easily the film's light-hearted-magic-and-wonder song all Disney musicals must have. "What's This" is easily a top-tier Christmas song in our books, despite the Pumpkin King.
3 Christmas Time Is Here (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
You could pretty much use the special's whole soundtrack and it would get a slot or two, thanks to the genius of Vince Guaraldi. It's this gentle number, however, that welcomes in the Christmas season with a slow and mellow smoothness. The children's choir is just a little extra thrown in for good measure.
The piano melody by Guaraldi mixed with vivid lyrics is ideal for the holidays with their images of olden times, ancient rhymes of love and dreams to share. It's perfect for curling up by the fireside with a mug of hot chocolate and just vegging out as snowflakes fill the air.
2 Linus and Lucy (A Charlie Brown Christmas)
It might be cheating putting two Charlie Brown pieces on our list, but it's kind of like a side A and side B. We simply can't have one without the other. Though the familiar piano piece is heard in just about every Charlie Brown special, it's most commonly played around the holidays thanks to A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Though no lyrics or words are involved with this piece, we have to put it on our list for its iconic status alone. Even from the first few notes, you can already visualize the characters walking through a chilly day.
1 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Meet Me In St. Louis)
Though not strictly a Christmas movie, Meet Me In St. Louis is responsible for giving us one of the most played and most well-known Christmas carols ever written, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The song was specifically written for Judy Garland to premiere in the picture.
Though many have covered it from Frank Sinatra to Michael Bublé, Judy Garland's will always be the original recording that stapled the song into our collective consciousness around the holiday season. Even just watching her sing this beautiful number has us all enchanted and enraptured by her golden voice.
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