Elf (2003)

Elf is possibly one of the best live action Christmas movies to come along in years. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, who was adopted by one of Santa's chief elves as a baby. However, as he grew it became obvious to everyone (except Buddy) that he was different.

Eventually his adoptive father, played by Bob Newhart, tells him the truth. This sets Buddy on a road to find his biological father, played by James Caan.

Directed by Jon Favreau with great supporting performances by Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Dinklage, and Ed Asner as Santa Claus.