Classic Christmas Movies

Uplifting, heartwarming stories of inspiration and hope have been around since "Santa

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Claus," the first Christmas movie premiered in 1898. Since then, countless films and animated specials have entertained audiences throughout the holiday season. Hallmark alone has produced over 300 of these movies. Their stories; however, do follow familiar patterns: a city woman returns home for the holidays, rekindles romance with her high school sweetheart, and decides to stay; or, a prince from a distant land meets a charming woman, who falls for him and becomes royalty. Other holiday movies don’t stray too far from this formula either, as all focus on lost hope magically restored by the end, leading to happiness—marriages get saved, families come together, proposals happen, and even a brave reindeer guides a sleigh through a snowy storm.

Here are my top classic holiday movies.

My all-time favorite classics:

Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer

Who doesn't love this beloved cartoon featuring a reindeer who overcomes mistreatment to become invaluable to others when they are in need? It's a tale of someone being misunderstood and rejected for being different, but then ultimately being appreciated for their uniqueness. For many in the LGBTQ community, it’s a story that resonates well as it’s a story of being different—a reality we know well.

Santa Clause is Coming to Town

This charming, animated film from the 70s, recounts the origin story of how Kris Kringle became Santa Claus. Featuring memorable characters like the Winter Warlock and Burgermeister Meisterburger, it captures the spirit of generosity and kindness that defines the holiday season. The catchy songs and whimsical animation make it a timeless favorite for all.

The Year without a Clause

This cartoon is from the same 70’s Claymation genre as Rudolph and Santa Clause is Coming to Town. The clay figures used in these movies brings these characters to life as they pop from the screen. Heat Miser, the devilish, pointy-haired character of summer, caused me to hide behind pillows when he appeared to fight with his brother, Mr. Freeze. (I was five, leave me alone.) Mother Nature, who happened to be their mother, steps in and all was settled and my fear went away.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas 

This classic Dr. Seuss tale follows a grumpy character who despises Christmas and tries to ruin Whoville's celebration by stealing their gifts and festive items. Despite his efforts, the Whos continue to celebrate joyfully, inspiring the Grinch to have a change of heart and return their belongings.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas – The original show. This is a classic as it was one of the original Christmas cartoons and who cannot fall in love with little Cindy Who? She’s cute, innocent and helps to melt the Grinch’s cold heart.

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the 2000 Movie – a more elaborate version of the cartoon. Attempts have been made in recent years to rewatch; however, the acting is over the top, annoying, and difficult to watch. This is one show that is best as a cartoon.

• The Grinch – the 2018 cartoon, a new, cute adaptation of the classic cartoon. Even though it’s the same story, the updated animation keeps the cartoon alive, as the story is a whimsical one that is best told as a cartoon and not as a live version.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

What can one say about poor little Charlie Brown? This cartoon tells the story of how to make the best of a bad situation. The poor Christmas tree, and the speech Linus gives about the true meaning of the holiday are still relevant and touching all these years later. It’s not Christmas unless one watches this classical movie.

The Holiday

This recent classic movies is cute, romantic and tells the story of how two people in bad situations swap homes and end up changing each other’s lives forever. The most poignant part of this movie is the neighbor in Beverly Hills. You will just have to watch and see what I mean as it’s the most heartfelt part of the show.

Miracle on 34^th Street

Over the years, several versions of this movie have been released, but none measure up to the original 1947 movie. A little girl, who does not believe in Santa, meets a department store Santa who claims to be the real deal. After his claims become public a lawyer fights for his right to be Santa, while believing he isn’t, but is he really Santa? You’ll just have to watch and see for yourself.

Honorable Mention:

The Man Who Invented Christmas

I stumbled upon this one on Hulu. It’s an imagined tale of how Charles Dickens created the classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol. It contains all the classic characters from his story and how they interacted with Dickens himself. A cute, whimsical story for the whole family to enjoy.

A White Christmas

A cute story of how two army buddies and their girlfriends save a winter resort in Vermont from going out of business. With several classic songs from Bing Crosby and some outstanding dance numbers, it’s an instant classic. Catching it in a movie theater on the big screen makes it a better watch.

Frosty the Snow Man

This beloved holiday song has been adapted into this classic animated special. Although its production value may not be as polished as “Rudolph,” it remains a seasonal favorite. The story centers around a magical hat that brings a snowman to life, spreading joy and hope to the children who created him. Trouble arises when the magician who lost his hat wants it back, threatening this happiness. Ultimately, Frosty prevails, the children rejoice, and everyone eagerly awaits Frosty’s return each year.

Gremlins

A father gives his son a furry creature for Christmas with two rules: don't get it wet and don't feed it after midnight. When those rules are broken, chaos ensues in their small town. Despite its unusual tone, this film counts as a Christmas movie.

Watched and not impressed

Home Alone

While many people regard this as a classic holiday film, I do not share that thought. Although I liked it upon its release, it is not a film I am inclined to watch again. These days, I’m not fond of violence in the movie.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Every time a bell rings, and angel gets its wings. This is the only part of the movie that I actually like. The rest is a drawn-out movie about a guy who examens his life and discovers it’s not as bad as what he thought it was. Blah, Blah, Blah, okay we get it. Moving on.

And then there is the all time favorite movie:

Yippee-ki-yay, muther fucker! - John McClane

Die Hard and Die Hard 2

Say what you want, but this is a Christmas movie. Die Hard takes place on Christmas Eve, they are at a Christmas party, and there are Christmas decorations. Die Hard 2, while not on Christmas Eve, takes place before the holiday as they are going to Holly’s parents for the holiday, and the airport is decorated with holiday decor. While not one’s typical feel-good holiday movie as a few people are shot, an airport is destroyed, and some airplanes explode, they are still Christmas movies because they take place during Christmas. No need to argue with me, you’ll lose.

Other Classic Movies:

Holiday Inn

Any Scrooge movie

Christmas in Connecticut

The Bishops Wife

A Christmas Story

The Shop Around the Corner

What’s your favorite movie?