Top 10 Christmas Comedy Movies

Christmas Movies Starring Stand-up Comics

I've been a big fan of stand-up comedy for years and have noticed that some of stand-up's brightest stars are making Christmas comedy movies. I compiled this top 10 list with Christmas gift giving or "movie night" at home in mind. I added several family friendly options that make great stocking stuffers or office gifts.

10. Christmas with the Kranks - Tim Allen

Based on a John Grisham novel called Skipping Christmas and starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis. Energetic and funny with a cast that includes Dan Aykroyd, Cheech Marin, Jake Busey and M. Emmet Walsh. The Kranks set off a firestorm after they decide to boycott Christmas tradition and head for the islands. Their daughter surprises them with a new fiancee and a call to say she is visiting for Christmas. From that point on the Kranks have to get the neighborhood and themselves in the Christmas spirit.

9. Shek the Halls - Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy

I couldn't have a top ten Christmas comedy list without a selection for kids. Eddie Murphy and Mike Meyers resume their roles of Donkey and Shrek respectively. This is a fun sequel for kids. Shrek sets out to celebrate the spirit of Christmas but is in for some unexpected surprises when his friends Fiona (Cameron Diaz), Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas), the Donkey and Gingy (Conrad Vernon) show up for the holidays.

8. The Horn blows at Midnight - Jack Benny

This is the oldest film in the top ten list, made in 1945. I love stories of angels and the Norman Rockwell Christmas sensibility. An ingenious comedy about an angel (Jack Benny) and thieves who try to steal Gabriel's horn from him. The thieves intend to destroy the earth with the horn. This sweet film by one of the all-time great stand ups is a great Christmas gift for grandparents or lovers of classic film. Directed by Raoul Walsh ("White Heat"), co-starring Alexis Smith and Franklin Pangborn.

7. Mixed Nuts - Steve Martin