The top Christmas movies to end the holiday season

From a grown man walking the streets of New York dressed as an elf to a deserving angel earning his wings, a good Christmas movie has the ability to raise spirits, no matter how fake and cheesy it might be.

The increasing persistence of Christmas movies on television is always an indicator that the December holiday is growing near (if you didn't figure it out from the lights and the music on the radio). The following list contains what I would consider the top five Christmas movies of all time:

5. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)

Ron Howard’s wacky and lunatic interpretation of the Dr. Seuss tale starring Jim Carrey serves as one of the strangest yet most satisfying Christmas flicks out there. The film hardly contained a moment of seriousness, as it mostly consisted of Jim Carrey being cut loose in an ugly green outfit and partaking in juvenile pranks on the people in Whoville or delivering insane monologues while alone in his giant mountain lair (just north of Whoville).

4. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

Is Santa man or myth? This question, along with many other common Christmas concepts builds the structure of the George Seaton film, and it is shot with a manner of innocence that could only come from a black and white screen. In the film, a man that claims to be Santa is tried for insanity, and a young attorney defends him claiming that he is the real deal. The film was a stepping-stone for future Christmas films, as it possessed a sense of originality and comedy that is seldom matched.

3." Bad Santa" (2003)

Terry Zwigoff’s horribly outrageous comedy starring Billy Bob Thornton could possible be the “baddest” Christmas movie of all time. Thornton is brilliant as a morally bankrupt conman that is posing as Santa to rob department stores on Christmas Eve, but when he befriends a bullied boy and a security man figures out his scandalous plot, things go bad. The film is hilarious, and is perfect for those who are fed up with the picture perfect, G-rated Christmas flicks.

2. "Elf" (2003)

Will Ferrell stars as a human that was raised by Christmas elves in the North Pole who travels to the bustling metropolis of New York to search for his long lost father (played by James Caan). The film is all that a Christmas film should be: funny, innocent and touching. Fun for the whole family!

1. "It’s a Wonderful Life" (1946)

Frank Capra’s masterpiece contains lessons and values that are relevant at all times of the year. Though it is a Christmas film, the roots of the movie lie with respecting the value of life, loved ones and health. James Stewart and Donna Reed deliver incredible performances, and Henry Travers is fantastic as Clarence. The film is a must see.