Top 10 Iconic Christmas Movie Quotes

Clark Griswold’s Christmas isn’t exactly going as he hoped, but his annual bonus is sure to compensate for all the holiday drama. Instead of a check, however, Clark receives a subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club. Clark is clearly on the verge of cracking, but before he loses his cool, Cousin Eddie chimes in with something that only he would say during such a tense moment. Eddie may not be the first person to use this phrase, but never has it been more hilariously timed. Instead of finding the silver lining, Eddie only further fuels the freak out Clark is about to unleash. No matter how many times we rewatch it, this is the scene that keeps on giving.

If you’re going to tell a modern version of “A Christmas Carol” with a comedic edge, who better than Bill Murray to play the ultimate humbug? In true Charles Dickens fashion, the Scrooge-like Frank Cross learns the value of Christmas and humanity by the third act. In a passionate monologue, Cross discusses the miracle that is Christmas and how it inspires us all to be the best versions of ourselves. Cross also reminds viewers that this generosity doesn’t need to be restricted to one time of the year and that we should all strive to be kinder every day. The speech strikes just the right balance of sincerity and Murray’s signature wit, sounding as if it’s surging out of a heart that’s grown three sizes.

Young Ralphie only wants one thing for Christmas: A Red Ryder BB gun. Alas, everywhere he turns, Ralphie gets the same response. It makes sense that his mother and teacher would have qualms about a BB gun, but the funniest usage of this line comes at a department store where even a sleazy mall Santa tells Ralphie that’ll he’ll shoot his eye out. The reason that this quote resonates with so many is because we can all identify with Ralphie’s disappointment. At some point during our youth, we were all told that a certain present was either too expensive, too rare, or – in Ralphie’s case – too dangerous. Of course, Ralphie actually gets his BB gun without losing an eye, although he does lose his glasses.

Christmas is a spiritual time for many of us, but it’s also a time of year when some people begin to question their faith. For one young boy who hops aboard the Polar Express, his belief in Santa has begun to dwindle. At the start of his Christmas Eve journey, the boy lives by the philosophy that seeing is believing, which is only enforced by a creepy hobo who lives on the train. The train’s conductor offers another perspective, however, suggesting that sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see. It’s an inspiring line that not only speaks to children questioning Santa’s existence, but also anyone who’s ever contemplated the existence of a higher power and the unknown.

Upon depriving Whoville of its presents and decorations, the Grinch is convinced that he’s silenced the noisy nuisance that is Christmas for good. To his astonishment and confusion, though, the Whos still spend Christmas morning singing, with or without gifts. In this moment, it finally occurs to the Grinch that Christmas doesn’t come from the store. It’s something much more meaningful that can never be taken away. If there’s one thing Dr. Seuss was a master at, it was finding great wisdom in simplicity. That sums up this quote in a nutshell, which is both profound and easy enough for all ages to comprehend. If this line doesn’t overflow your heart with warmth, you’re even grinchier than the Grinch himself.

You might not believe in Santa sitting down to watch this Christmas classic. Whenever actor Edmund Gwenn is onscreen, however, you’ll believe that there is a Santa. Gwenn not only nails Santa’s holly jolly nature, but also the pride and insight that come with the job. Nowhere is this better exemplified than when Mr. Kringle explains to Doris that Christmas isn’t just a day, but a frame of mind. Sometimes people get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday that they forget Christmas isn’t about commercialism. It’s about spreading cheer, lending a helping hand, and believing in miracles. If only more people shared this mentality, the spirit of Christmas could last year-round with no shortage of goodwill to go around.

In the first “Home Alone,” Kevin is scarred for life after watching “Angels with Filthy Souls.” Yet, he still decides to pop in the sequel on his New York vacation. “Angels with Even Filthier Souls” has more of a Christmas theme to it, but that doesn’t mean it skimps on the gunfire or Johnny’s snarky remarks. “Merry Christmas, you filthy animal” isn’t exactly a line you’d find on a Hallmark card. For those with a cynical sense of humor, though, this has become a popular line to break out during the holidays. Even Kevin can’t help mimicking it as he gives the hotel staff the slip. Whether meant to be taken as an insult or an in-joke, we always grin whenever this line is repeated.

If you’re feeling down during the holidays, there are two things that’ll immediately make you feel better: listening to Christmas music and watching “Elf!” Buddy is full of so much Christmas cheer that it can’t be contained. He just wants to share that cheer with the rest of the world, believing the best way to do so is through song. The skeptical Jovie doesn’t see eye to eye with Buddy, especially after he actually starts singing in a store. Slowly but surely, Buddy’s Christmas cheer begins to rub off on Jovie, motivating her to sing an uplifting song during the film’s climax. The tune spreads through the crowd like wildfire, demonstrating that music and yuletide joy are truly cut from the same cloth.

Whether it’s a modernized interpretation or a word-for-word adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, there are a couple lines you can expect to hear in almost any version of “A Christmas Carol.” The most powerful line comes from Tiny Tim, who walks with a crutch, has little money, and may not have much time left on Earth. Nevertheless, he feels truly blessed sitting down to a small Christmas dinner with his family. During the holidays, it’s easy to stress about the things we don’t have. If Tiny Tim’s optimism teaches us anything, though, it’s that we should all be grateful for what we do have. Who knows? Maybe that hope and kindness will reach someone else, influencing them to change their outlook on life.

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Buddy the Elf, What’s Your Favorite Color?”
“Elf” (2003)

“It’s My Favorite Time of Day/It’s the Saddest Part of My Day…”
“Love Actually” (2003)

“Whoever Heard of a Skinny Santa?”
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

“Put that Cookie Down. NOW!”
“Jingle All the Way” (1996)

“I Made My Family Disappear.”
“Home Alone” (1990)

After contemplating whether or not the world would be better off without him, George Bailey comes to realize that he really had a wonderful life and it’s not too late to make the most of it. George never would’ve learned this valuable lesson without guardian angel Clarence, who’s one good deed away from getting his wings. Returning to his family, George is surrounded by all the people he’s helped over the years, who are ready to return the favor. As a bell rings, George’s youngest daughter says that an angel has just gotten his wings. While Clarence isn’t present, we imagine he’s looking down on the Baileys and smiling. We guarantee you’ll also be smiling as this Christmas classic closes out on this heartwarming note.