Deseret News Top 10: What we just have to watch during the holiday season

Many Deseret News readers who sent in their lists of favorite holiday films submitted them "in no particular order."

There was, however, one "wonderful" exception.

"It's a Wonderful Life" appeared at the top of more lists than any other film, and the 1947 classic tops our first Deseret News top 10 — the films we just have to watch during the holiday season.

"Our most favorite, and we MUST watch it EVERY Christmas Eve," wrote Lesa Sims, of Lee's Summit, Mo.

Some readers sent in just one suggestion. One sent 52.

Lists came everywhere from Scotland to Texas to Wyoming. Utah readers also weighed in, which may explain the popularity of the BYU-produced "Mr. Krueger's Christmas."

Not all of the selections are feature-length films, but the overwhelming response for less-than-40-minute favorites featuring Charlie Brown, the Grinch and Scrooge McDuck were impossible to ignore.

So … here is what our readers will be sliding in the DVD players over the next two months.

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"It's a Wonderful Life"(1946) — The story of George Bailey continues to resonate with viewers during the holiday season. James Stewart plays the role of a good man who contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve at the prospect of his business collapsing. With the help of a guardian angel, George realizes that his loved ones — and the town of Bedford Falls — are not better off without him.

"George Bailey's life is wonderful because over the years he makes choices of sacrifice that benefit others," wrote Doug Holm of Springville. "And the gift given by the angel Clarence is one of perspective. Often we overlook the many good things in our life that still outweigh the singular difficult trial we might be going through."

Catholic News Service classification: A-II

Running time: 130 minutes

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"A Christmas Carol"(multiple versions) — Charles Dickens' classic story received the most mentions in our survey, but the sentiments are spread out over multiple adaptations. Many viewers have settled on a favorite, whether they feature venerable actors or talking animals.