I originally wrote and posted this article listing my favorite Christmas movies last year, but the movies on this list are still wonderful choices to get into the festive mood this Christmas season (with one new addition). I hope you enjoy them as much as I do, and Merry Christmas!
1) White Christmas
If we're looking for “iconic,” then White Christmas just has to make top of the list. Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, Mary Wickes, and co. delivered a Christmas movie which continues to make lists to the present day even after its stars are rapidly (and sadly) fading from fame. The drama of World War II, the humor and courage former soldiers use to cope with difficulties, the self-sacrificial efforts of the heroes to make their former commanding general’s Christmas dream come true, the male friendships, the sister relationship dynamic, the romance, the comedy, the fabulous dancing, the memorable soundtrack, the inspirational ending. . .this movie really combines so many key elements of good storytelling. Personally, this movie is also tied to memories of watching it and singing along with my late grandfather every year.
2) It’s a Wonderful Life
Jimmy Stewart and Lionel Barrymore star in it. Need I say more? Besides the excellent dramatic acting, however, and the countless unique and memorable characters, this story is iconically American—about the heroism of an ordinary man who spends his life sacrificing in ways that seem ignored and unimportant, but which completely transformed his community. In modern books and movies, it is difficult to find a hero or heroine who does not have some sort of special power or who does not live in a fantasy world. I love fantasy a lot—don’t get me wrong—but sometimes we need a reminder that some heroes run a small business, struggle to pay the bills, and sacrifice personal dreams for the good of their families. In other words, we all could and should be George Bailey—we should all take him for a model. In the midst of the current national and world crises it may be difficult (at least it sometimes is for me) to remember that we have wonderful lives in America, but hopefully this Christmas is a moment for us to make new resolutions and echo George Bailey’s sentiment, “God, let me live again!”
3) Holiday Inn
I would accept arguments that this should be even higher up the list than number 3. The film originated Bing Crosby's unforgettable rendition of White Christmas, which is still the best-selling single of all time. Yes, the Lincoln's Birthday scene is definitely uncomfortable—but, if you fast forward through the black face routine, the rest of the movie is good (and the Lincoln song itself is good. I wish they hadn't ruined it with the rather racist routine). And to balance out the latter objectionable part, Louise Beavers puts in a wonderful performance as the sassy and thoroughly admirable housekeeper. The singing and dancing are wonderful (of course, since Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are in the movie), the soundtrack is great, there's some significant character development before the movie's end, and the ending is like a picture-perfect Christmas postcard.
4) Scrooge (1951)
This rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol (and later released under that name in the US) is no humbug. Alastair Sim, Michael Hordern, Hermione Baddeley, Kathleen Harrison, Miles Malleson. . .the list of excellent actors in this movie goes on and on. The black and white gives it a nostalgic feel, and every character from Dickens’ novel truly comes alive. Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from warm-hearted, shy youth to greedy old miser to jolly gentleman overflowing with the Christmas spirit seems fresh and new every year. A movie that marries the best of secular and Christian traditions with a masterly adaptation of Dickens’ genius.
5) The Man Who Invented Christmas
The celebration of Christmas in the English-speaking world is so tied to Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol that the title of this movie is not mere hyperbole. The Man Who Invented Christmas brought together a group of talented actors to retell the story not only of how A Christmas Carol was written, but also how the story reflects the struggles Dickens himself went through. Dickens (Dan Stevens) starts off the movie with many of the same bitternesses and faults that his own creation Scrooge (Christopher Plummer) has; but, by the end of the movie, “Charlie” Dickens has learned the lesson of forgiveness, redemption, and giving love even to the most difficult of individuals at Christmas. This 2017 movie represents the only time I remember from my childhood when a new movie was added to the traditional repertoire of films my family and I always watch at Christmas time.
6) The Nativity Story (2006)
I almost feel guilty putting a movie about the original Christmas Story sixth, but I do recommend this movie. It’s a movie I haven’t watched every year since it came out, but perhaps that’s a mistake. While the theology (especially around Mary) and historicity of this movie are definitely a little off, overall the world of ancient Israel and the miraculous story of Jesus Christ’s birth are very beautifully and piously presented. The journey of Joseph and Mary from before the Annunciation to the birth of the Savior of the world, with all the tragedy, joy, and wonder along the way, reminds us that Christmas is really Christ’s Mass.
7) Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994)
The original of this movie is truly iconic, and Maureen O'Hara is possibly my favorite actress ever, but I like how the remake brought in more Catholicism and explicitly identified Santa Claus with St. Nicholas. Especially nowadays when every five-year-old seems to have doubts about Santa Claus, and when adults seem to think themselves virtuous for wrecking the magic of Christmas gift-giving for their kids, the story of Miracle on 34th Street is very apropos. And it’s a reminder of how seemingly ordinary goodness and sincerity can work miracles even in a cynical world!
Other movies to watch:
A Christmas Story - Almost every kid relates to this movie, I think, but there's plenty to appeal to the whole family. "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"
A Christmas Story Christmas - This new release is a charming sequel to the original, with just enough nostalgia and an emphasis on the centrality of family.
Christmas in Connecticut - I just love this cast of actors. A light-hearted look at the troubles that dishonesty can bring—and the miraculous solutions that Christmas can bring.
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - This animated short film of Dr. Seuss’ famous Christmas story reminds us of how the commercialism of modern Christmas celebrations can get in the way of the true spirit of Christmas—but there's always hope that every Grinch will become the life of the party by the end of Christmas Day (besides, who doesn’t love Max?)!
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and The Year Without a Santa Claus - Fun Christmas movies for kids, even if the depiction of Santa Claus is hardly in line with traditional St. Nicholas! And who doesn’t find Heat Miser and Snow Miser amusing?
Going My Way - Okay, there's some debate over whether this is strictly speaking a Christmas movie, but Bing Crosby sings Silent Night and the grand finale is at Christmas. Besides, it’s just a wonderful movie—as evidenced by the fact that Bing won an Academy Award for his portrayal of the atypical but transformative Catholic priest Fr. O’Malley.
And no, Dad, Die Hard is still not a Christmas movie.
No Charlie Brown Christmas?