I thought I’d take a moment to put together a quick list of my all-time favorite Christmas movies. They’re probably not what you’d expect—some eclectic ones mixed in with traditional holiday fare, but one thing they all have in common—they’re great stories, well told and realized for screen. So, sit back, and give my list a read, and let me know in the comments if you concur and if not, let me know what your favorite Christmas films are and why.
- Scrooge (1970)
The musical version of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol starring Albert Finneyas Scrooge. While I’m not a huge fan of Finney (yeah, yeah, I know he’s a great actor) I am a huge fan of cinematographer Oswald Morris (who also worked on Oliver!, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Dark Crystal to name but a few of his many credits). The theme here is of course, redemption, and doing the most good you can do for others with the time you’re given here on earth. You can also watch it for free here on YouTube.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This endearing black and white Christmas classic introduces a young Natalie Wood as the girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus. Story takes place in New York City (which is, of course, near, and dear to my heart) and revolves around determining if a Macy’s Santa Claus is the legit St. Nick. Edmund Gwenn is perfection as Santa, and Maureen O’Hara, terrific as a fiery disbeliever. The all-star cast also includes William Frawley (who will later be renown as “Fred Mertz” on I Love Lucy).
- The Santa Clause (1994)
OK, this is just such a clever concept—and Tim Allen is brilliant as the dad who inadvertently takes over the role of Santa when he accidentally kills Santa and dons his suit. Yes, it sounds dark, but it’s funny, it’s upbeat, it’s magical, and it’s a perfect feel-good flick for the season. It’s playing on Amazon Prime.
- Four Brothers (2005)
So technically not a Christmas movie, but it’s got a great score (with songs like, Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man”) and it takes place around Thanksgiving which is a precursor to Christmas, and it’s got Mark Wahlberg in it (and if I’m not mistaken, he is shirtless in some scenes or maybe I just imagined he was shirtless)—so who cares if it’s not a Christmas movie?
6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It may be the ultimate Christmas film and like Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, all about redemption of the human spirit, understanding our place in the world and how our actions, even the smallest, affect others. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, the man who can’t see his value in the world, and Henry Travers is brilliant and endearing as Clarence the angel who gets his wings.
- A Christmas Story (1983)
Based on Jean Shepherd’s semi-fictional anecdotes from his 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash, A Christmas Story is a funny, nostalgic take on the innocence and wonder of experiencing Christmas as a child. Peter Billingsley plays “Ralphie”—a young boy desperate for a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle despite his mother’s admonitions. Throughout the story he and his brother are tormented by Scut Farkus (Zach Ward) everyone’s favorite bully.
- Trading Places (1983)
A bedraggled Dan Aykroyd in a filthy Santa suit, chomping on a whole salmon, through his dirty beard, on public transit. It doesn’t get better than this. Plus—Eddie Murphy and Jamie Lee Curtis, making money the old-fashioned way—illegally in the commodities market. Also it’s worth it to see the WTC pre-9/11. This is, in my opinion, one of the best films ever made.
- The Family Stone (2005)
This movie always makes me cry. Why I believe it is one of best all-around Christmas flicks probably has a good deal to do with how certain elements of it remind me of my own family. Luke Wilson plays the stoner brother falling for the uptight Sarah Jessica Parker. Diane Keaton is wonderful as the mother with a terminal illness. In the end, it’s all about fitting into a family, forgiveness, and tradition.
- The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
When Bishop Henry (David Niven) prays to God for help, Dudley (Cary Grant) appears as a reluctant angel. Soon, though, Dudley finds himself falling in love with a mortal, the Pastor’s wife, (Loretta Young) and causing Henry frustration. Will Bishop Henry get his long-desired cathedral? You’ll have to watch and see. One of my favorite hymns is sung by the Mitchell Boys’ Choir; and the skating scene is absolute perfection. This is a tearjerker with a beautiful message about hope, inspiration, redemption and the power of prayer and God in our lives.
And my all-time favorite Christmas movie…
- Die Hard (1988)
It is a Christmas movie, damnit. It’s Christmas Eve in Los Angeles, and to prove it, Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) reads John McClane’s (Bruce Willis) note which says, “Now I’ve got a machine gun. Ho. Ho. Ho.” There’s even a Die Hard Advent Calendar that features Gruber falling off the Nakatomi Plaza—what more proof do you need?
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
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