Top 10 Christmas Movies of 2009

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Once again, we are coming back with the list of the top 10 Christmas movies of 2009. Our 2008 Christmas movie list previously had some really good movies and this year is no different.

In order to be comprehensive, we once again decided to include movies starting in November because for us, Christmas always start a little early. Whatever you do, make sure you catch at least a few of these.

So without further ado, here are the Top 10 Christmas Movies we are looking forward to in 2009.

1. THE TWILIGHT SAGA: NEW MOON

Director: Chris Weitz
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Kellan Lutz, Nikki Reed, Jackson Rathbone, Bronson Pelletier, Alex Meraz, Kiowa Gordon, Billy Burke, Chaske Spencer, Edi Gathegi
Release Date: November 20, 2009

Whether you like it or not, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is definitely one of the most anticipated movie of the year and therefore had to top our Christmas Movie List for a second year in a row (see our Top 20 Christmas Movies of 2008). And since I am a fan of the Twilight series, The Twilight Saga: New Moon is my #1 movie to look forward to this Christmas.

Synopsis: In The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) is devastated by the abrupt departure of her vampire love, Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) but her spirit is rekindled by her growing friendship with the irrestible Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Suddenly she finds herself drawn into the world of werewolves, who are ancestral enemies of the vampires, and finds her loyalties tested.

Watch the The Twilight Saga: New Moon Trailer
Read all our coverage of The Twilight Saga: New Moon

2. AVATAR

Director: James Cameron
Cast: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana, Giovanni Ribisi, Joel David Moore
Release Date: December 18, 2009

Avatar shares the honor of making our #2 Christmas movie spot and also the distinction of being one of the most secretive movies ever developed to date. I was personally blown away by the footage shown at Comic Con. And with James Cameron’s track record, I think we are in for a real treat. And that is why Avatar is the number 2 movies to see this Christmas.

Synopsis: AVATAR takes us to a spectacular new world beyond our imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks on a journey of redemption and discovery, as he leads a heroic battle to save a civilization. The film was first conceived by Cameron 14 years ago, when the means to realize his vision did not yet exist. Now, after four years of actual production work, AVATAR delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film, disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story.

Watch the Avatar Trailer
Read all our coverage of Avatar

3. THE LOVELY BONES

Director: Peter Jackson
Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Susan Sarandon, Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli
Release Date: December 11, 2009

The Lovely Bones has a few things going for it. It is based on a really great book, it has a great director, and a great cast. And the trailer looks really promising. Definitely a must see this Christmas.

Synopsis: Based on the critically acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, and directed by Oscar® winner Peter Jackson from a screenplay by Jackson & Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens, “The Lovely Bones” centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family – and her killer – from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.

Watch the The Lovely Bones Trailer
Read all our coverage of The Lovely Bones

4. THE ROAD

Director: John Hillcoat
Cast: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Guy Pearce, Robert Duvall, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Garret Dillahunt
Release Date: November 25, 2009

After being delayed for over a year now, the long overdue movie adaptation of The Road by Cormac McCarthy is finally hitting the screens. The subject matter combined with the amazing casting make this movie a must watch movie that even made our 2008 Christmas Movies list.

Synopsis: A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and, when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing: just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food–and each other.

Watch the The Road Trailer
Read all our coverage of The Road

5. NINE

Director: Rob Marshall
Cast: Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Kate Hudson, Sophia Loren, Stacy Ferguson
Release Date: December 18, 2009

This new musical from Rob Marshall, not only has a really incredible cast, it is based on Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2. It certainly deserves a spot on the top 10 Christmas Movies of 2009.

Synopsis: Nine is a vibrant and provocative musical that follows the life of world famous film director Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he reaches a creative and personal crisis of epic proportion, while balancing the numerous women in his life including his wife (Marion Cotillard), his mistress (Penelope Cruz), his film star muse (Nicole Kidman), his confidant and costume designer (Judi Dench), an American fashion journalist (Kate Hudson), the whore from his youth (Fergie) and his mother (Sophia Loren).

Watch the Nine Trailer
Read all our coverage of Nine

6. INVICTUS

Director: Clint Eastwood
Cast: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Scott Eastwood, Langley Kirkwood, Robert Hobbs, Bonnie Henna, Grant Roberts
Release Date: December 11, 2009

Clint Eastwood directing and Morgan Freeman starring as Nelson Mandela should be enough of an explanation as to why this movie made our top 10 Christmas Movies of 2009. And if it’s not, how about you add Matt Damon to the cast on top of that.

Synopsis: The Human Factor looks at life of Nelson Mandela (played by Morgan Freeman) after the fall of apartheid in South Africa. The movie takes place during his first term as president when he campaigned to host the 1995 Rugby World Cup event as an opportunity to unite his countrymen.

Watch the Invictus Trailer [COMING SOON]
Read all our coverage of Invictus

7. SHERLOCK HOLMES

Director: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong
Release Date: Christmas Day 2009 (December 25 2009)

The re-imagining of Sherlock Holmes from the mind of Guy Richie starring Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as Watson. Need I to say more?

Synopsis: In a dynamic new portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

Watch the Sherlock Holmes Trailer
Read all our coverage of Sherlock Holmes

8. A CHRISTMAS CAROL

Director: Robert Zemeckis
Cast: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Cary Elwes, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn, Daryl Sabara, Bob Hoskins, Callum Blue
Release Date: November 6, 2009

Even though this is the retelling of the story, it deserves a spot on the Top 10 Christmas Movies of 2009 because of how real the animation looks. The technology used in this movie is really impressive. And who wouldn’t want to see Jim Carrey as Scrooge?

Synopsis: An animated retelling of Charles Dickens classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.

Watch the A Christmas Carol Trailer
Read all our coverage of A Christmas Carol

9. THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG

Director: Ron Clements
Cast: starring the voices of Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Cummings
Release Date: December 11, 2009

The Princess and the Frog is a big deal this Christmas because it’s Disney’s revival of the handrawn animation tradition that a lot of people have been hoping for. And after seeing a few clips, it is clear that they have not lost their touch.

Synopsis: Walt Disney Animation Studios presents the musical”The Princess and the Frog,” an animated comedy set in the great city of New Orleans. From the creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin comes a modern twist on a classic tale, featuring a beautiful girl named Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), a frog prince who desperately wants to be human again, and a fateful kiss that leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana.

Watch the The Princess and the Frog Trailer
Read all our coverage of The Princess and the Frog

10. 2012

Director: Roland Emmerich
Cast: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Woody Harrelson, Thandie Newton, Danny Glover, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oliver Platt, George Segal
Release Date: November 13, 2009

What’s better than a disaster movie for Christmas? 2012 is absolutely pure entertainment and fans of the genre are most likely in for a treat.

Synopsis: Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists, and governments. A global cataclysm brings an end to the world and tells of the heroic struggle of the survivors.

Watch the 2012 Trailer
Read all our coverage of 2012