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Our Top 10 Holiday Video Rentals

For those who have had quite enough of A Christmas Story and It’s A Wonderful Life.

by Scott Renshaw

November 24, 2005

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1. BAD SANTA (2003) Because we are sick, horrible people who laughed uproariously at this one.

2. DIE HARD (1988) Just to remind you to appreciate a quiet holiday at home with the family.

3. HOLIDAY INN (1942) Because the way our precipitation is going so far this year, we may only be dreaming of a white Christmas.

4. MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (1947) Because you know you want to believe in Santa Claus.

5. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (1993) Because you’ve got to admire how it has become a staple for both Christmas and Halloween.

6. SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (1964) Because even though you’ve chuckled at the title for years, you’ve never actually seen it.

7. MR. BEAN: THE WHOLE BEAN (2003) Because “Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean,” with Rowan Atkinson’s pantomimed doofus engaging in holiday activities, is pure slapstick genius.

8. JACK FROST (1998) Because this ridiculous tale of Michael Keaton being reincarnated as a snowman captures everything that’s so wrongheaded about most “very important lesson” Christmas movies.

9. THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS (1974) Because it’s not the holiday season until you hear the “Heat Miser” song.

10. A CHRISTMAS STORY (1983) and IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (1946) Because no matter how many times you’ve seen them, they’re still terrific.