My Favorite Christmas Movies: Great Watching This Christmas Season

Every year outlets and critics come out with their “must-watch” lists for the Christmas season. Some of them are fun; some of them are terrible; some of them are carefully crafted to check off as many woke categories as possible. Below is my list of my favorite Christmas movies, with new ones added this year. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

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 for me, this movie is also tied to memories of watching it every year and singing along with my late grandfather. This year marks the 70th anniversary of this wonderful movie, and, coincidentally, Bing Crosby topped charts in Christmas 2024 thanks to a newly released album and a duet combining Bing’s voice with that of Korean popstar V.

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 all should 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 do have wonderful lives in America, but hopefully this Christmas is a moment for us to make new resolutions and echo George Bailey’s sentiment, “Please, 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 delightful (and the Lincoln song itself is good. I wish they hadn't ruined it with the 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 the stars of 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.

Bing Crosby gets a much-needed lecture from Louise Beavers

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!

8) A Christmas Story - Almost every kid relates to this movie, I think, but there's plenty to appeal to the whole family. From bully Scut Farkus to the “major award” leg lamp to the toxic mall Santa to the bunny suit to Flick freezing his tongue to a pole to Ralphie’s hilariously bad theme for school, there’s a plethora of unforgettable jokes, pranks, and hijinks. “You'll shoot your eye out, kid!"

Other movies to watch:

Mickey’s Christmas Carol - A great way to introduce the kids to Scrooge’s story, as Mickey Mouse, Scrooge McDuck, and pals bring animation to 19th century London (fun fact: Clarence Nash, the original voice of Donald Duck starting 1934, performed Donald’s voice in this 1983 cartoon!).

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?)! For a more adult version, you can watch Jim Carrey’s live action remake.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, and The Year Without a Santa Claus - Fun Christmas movies for kids, even if the depiction of Santa Claus is hardly in line with the traditional St. Nicholas! And who doesn’t find Winter Warlock, 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 occurs 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.

Holiday Affair - With elements of both comedy and drama, this 1949 movie tells the story of how a widowed mother’s heart heals and opens to new love at Christmas.

Desk Set - While not officially a Christmas movie, this witty romance starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn takes a look at how modern technology and an absent-minded engineer change the lives—and the Christmases—of a department of working girls.

Scrooged - A funny modern update on Dickens’ classic, Bill Murray and the talented cast of this wild comedy will keep you laughing straight through to the credits.

The Muppet Christmas Carol - Okay, there are a lot of fun versions of Dickens’ classic; this one combines the talents of two excellent actors (Michael Caine and Steven Mackintosh) with the world’s most famous puppets.

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.

The Shop Around the Corner - Another Jimmy Stewart Christmas movie, about two coworkers who hate each other so much they eventually—fall in love!

As a bonus, here’s an adorable children’s Christmas play from The Bells of St. Mary’s:

And no, Dad, Die Hard is still not a Christmas movie.¹

1. Parts of this article are taken from last year’s piece.