The Typical Christmas Movie Guide
There is a plethora of Christmas movies, but there are only a handful that are endearing to our hearts. Most likely you have seen these movies, usually much more that once. This list is a compiliation of what I think is the stereotypical must-see Christmas movie list. If you have not seen a movie on this list, you should definitely see it.
A Christmas Carol (1951-British) 86m
There are so many different versions of A Christmas Carol, that you have probably seen more than one version. This plot was so influential that there are hundreds to thousands of sit-com variances. Through all the different versions, there remains one better than the rest -- the Alastair Sim "Scrooge". Sim's rendition of Scrooge is a great three-dimensional portrait of the Dicken's character. Great set, great atmosphere, and great performances. This movie was originally named Scrooge and you can still find many rental stores that have this name instead of A Christmas Carol. It is also computer-colorized, but it is best to stay away from that because of the tacky pasty colors and the movie was meant to be seen in black-and-white.
A Christmas Story (1983) 98m
A Christmas Story is based on a portion of Jean Shepherd's, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. This sleeper hit is a poignant period piece about Ralph (Peter Billingsley) who wants a Red Ryder BB gun. Ralph is manic about obtaining this Christmas gift, except every adult mutters "You'll shoot your eye out" when he mentions it to them. A Christmas Story is a nostalgic look at Christmas time during the late 1940's with everything from radio's Little Orphan Annie to Ovaltine.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) 26m
If there is a cartoon that epitomizes Christmas, it is Dr. Seuss'sHow the Grinch Stole Christmas. Directed by legendary cartoon director Chuck Jones and narrated by the sepulchral Boris Karloff, this animated classic has beautiful verse intertwined with memorable songs: "Your a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Trim Up the Tree." A telling of an outsider (The Grinch) who wants to destroy Christmas for the Whovillians and his subsequent redemption. Soon to be made a feature length movie starring Jim Carrey.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) 129m
A movie that was considered too dark and melancholy for its post-WWII era. It was rescued by public domain and now the rest is history. Another Capra classic. Quite a funny and heartwarming movie with doleful overtones. No one could have played Bailey like James Stewart. I have seen this movie (as well as the others) countless times and every viewing I find something new to enjoy. No need to tell the plot. Another influential tale that has been copied hundreds of times on television and once made a remake.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) 96m
A modern day fable of a child who does not believe in Santa Claus and the trial to prove he is. An amusing fantasy about faith in the unbelievable. Natalie Wood plays the unbelieving child and Edmund Gween (who won an oscar) plays Kris Kringle. Their performances and the writing are the center of this work. This post-WWII film has been remade twice (1973 and 1994) and has had countless imitations, but this is by far the best version.