Are you having some trouble getting into the spirit this year? Has all the work, studying, and stress piled up so high that they are blocking your view of the holidays? The good news is you’ll only need about two hours to get a smile back on your face and a spring back into your seasonal step. How, you ask? Why a holiday movie, of course.

We’ve done our research (and our viewing) and have come up with the 10 best flicks that’ll put you in the mood this holiday season. So, cook some popcorn, grab a friend or two, and hit play. It’s time for our feature presentation:

1. Elf (2003): Will Ferrell stars as “Buddy,” in this occasionally hilarious film about an elf trying to find his true identity in New York City. It’s not Ferrell’s finest work, but a supporting cast that includes Bob Newhart and James Caan makes this one a winner.
   
2. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000): A take-off on the famed cartoon that features Who pudding, roast beast, and the beloved grinch, this feature length film wins points for its creativity. Some overacting by star Jim Carrey makes it tough at times, but there’s nothing better than some holiday rhymes.
   
3. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): A little bit cheesy and a little bit sentimental, but what’s a holiday movie list without this classic? The quote “. . . every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings” gets us every time.
   
4. Home Alone (1990): Our introduction to Macaulay Culkin and his little screaming face, coupled with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as robbers, make this one memorable. Without question, it’s the best of the series that featured three forgettable sequels.
   
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947): A holiday classic starring the real Santa Claus (we believe!) helps us discover the spirit of Christmas. Reality and cynicism take a backseat in this heartwarming tale.
   
6. The Polar Express (2004): Creative animation, a children’s book, and Tom Hanks make a fantastic combination in this story about believing in Santa Claus. Simple, sweet, and magical, this flick was made with hot chocolate in mind.
   
7. Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (2002): This animated film has its ups and downs, but does a good job of showing that every holiday movie doesn’t have to be about Christmas. The loveable old man (voiced by Sandler) leaves a lasting impression.
   
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Okay, so this one is more of a half hour special than a movie, but it’s one that needs to be viewed every year. The phrase “a Charlie Brown Christmas tree” has become an essential part of pop culture.
   
9. A Christmas Story (1983): “You’ll shoot your eye out” quickly comes to mind with this hilarious film. It’s tough not to catch a glimpse of Ralphie and his ridiculous pink bunny costume as the movie plays back-to-back 12 times on TBS starting on Christmas Eve.
   
10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): This flick sits at the top of the holiday movie chart and can create belly laughs any time of year. Between cereal varnish sled rides, cousin Eddie, fried cat, cranky neighbors, jelly-of-the-month clubs, and 20,000 twinkling lights, it’s tough to pick a favorite part.