My Favorite Christmas Titles
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14 titles
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.Being in the play version of this movie helped it earn it's number one rank I'll admit... but nonetheless, it's a fantastic, universally-appreciated family favorite. I'm a big fan of classic filmmaking, and this movie really offers some of the best of classic movies. With a perfect cast, a wonderful(!) message, and inimitable originality, this movie is a true masterpiece, and has been called the best Christmas movie ever by many critics and internet writers.
- DirectorEdwin L. MarinStarsReginald OwenGene LockhartKathleen LockhartAn elderly miser learns the error of his ways on Christmas Eve.So it may not be the most popular or most critically-acclaimed interpretation of Charles Dickens' beloved novel, but it's definitely my favorite. This film contains a great bit Christmas spirit, and is one of those movies that makes you feel "Christmas-y" (if I may say that!). The best part of the film though, is Reginald Owen's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge. Even though many other famous names have played the role (Jim Carrey, Patrick stewart, Scrooge McDuck), Owen's is my favorite because it has the perfect balance of bitterness and grump to joyfulness and love.
- DirectorDavid DobkinStarsVince VaughnPaul GiamattiElizabeth BanksFred Claus, Santa's bitter older brother, is forced to move to the North Pole to help Santa and the elves prepare for Christmas in exchange for cash.A lesser-known (and possibly lesser-appreciated) Christmas flick, Fred Claus holds the number 3 spot on the list for 2 main reasons: one, its sentimental value, and two, its stellar performance in bringing out good development in a Santa-centered show. Here's what I mean by that: So many Christmas titles about Santa Claus end up being campy children's fodder with underdeveloped characters and a no-brainer story. However, unlike those, this Christmas film has several well-developed characters and a story that can make anyone feel the "Christmas love."
- DirectorBob ClarkStarsPeter BillingsleyMelinda DillonDarren McGavinIn the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.And here we arrive at the first Christmas comedy on the list (if you're reading up to down), and one of my personal favorites! Based on Jean Shepherd's novel, *In God we Trust All Others Pay Cash*, this film tells the story of young boy Ralphie (based on Shepherd's younger self) who's biggest wish is to get an official Red Ryder bebe gun and is narrated by Jean Shepherd himself. Also, like *Christmas Carol* (1938), this movie always gets me into the Christmas spirit. Plus, in addition to its success, this movie was made into a 2012 Broadway musical featured at the 2013 Tony Awards!
- DirectorBill MelendezStarsAnn AltieriChris DoranSally DryerDepressed at the commercialism he sees around him, Charlie Brown tries to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.What do you get when you mix Christmas, classic Vince Guaraldi jazz piano, and the unique humor of Charles Schultz's Peanuts characters? The result is this child-friendly classic about Charlie Brown. Not only was this the first Peanuts animated special, but it also has the best soundtrack, some of the funniest Peanuts jokes, and the most inspirational message.
- DirectorGeorge SeatonStarsEdmund GwennMaureen O'HaraJohn PayneAfter a divorced New York mother hires a nice old man to play Santa Claus at Macy's, she is startled by his claim to be the genuine article. When his sanity is questioned, a lawyer defends him in court by arguing that he's not mistaken.Unlike most films on this list (with the exception of *It's a Wonderful Life*), I didn't grow up with this one. However, that doesn't make it any less enjoyable! Another truly unique Christmas movie, this one tells the story of Santa Claus, who came to New York (specifically Macy's) to spread Christmas cheer. On his journey he inspires a little girl and proves that he is the real Santa Claus. A truly touching film, this black and way classic will always remain a favorite of mine.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsWill FerrellJames CaanBob NewhartRaised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.Some have other great films, but my 00's generation had this funny favorite. Although I was born in the 90's, I remember this film being the defining holiday comedy of my childhood. But it doesn't just have sentimental value, it also has great jokes, a stellar soundtrack, an all-star performances from Will Ferrell, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, and James Caan.
- DirectorLarry RoemerStarsBillie Mae RichardsBurl IvesLarry D. MannA young reindeer Rudolph lives at the North Pole. His father is one of Santa's reindeer and it is expected that Rudolph will eventually be one too. However, he has a feature which is a setback and causes him to be ostracized: his red nose.When I put this title on here, I'm doing so in a grouping manner: *Rudolph* doesn't hold the number 8 spot, but the Rankin/Bass holiday classics do. Who doesn't remember growing up with these timeless Christmas treasures? My personal favorites are *Rudolph*, *Santa Claus is Comin' to Town*, *The Little Drummer Boy*, and *The Year Without a Santa Claus*.
- DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.It's weird, it's wonderful, and it's one of my favorites. This is definitely the most original film on the list. Created by the great Tim Burton, it tells the story of a skeleton king's discovery of the holiday worlds. Plus, it's not only one of the best holiday films, it's also one of Tim Burton's best! However, the best part is that I get to watch it twice a year: once at Christmas, and once at Halloween!
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJim CarreyGary OldmanColin FirthAn animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.
- DirectorBruce GowersStarsHarry Connick Jr.Marc AnthonyKim BurrellIn this warm-hearted holiday special, multi-talented Harry Connick Jr. combines classic holiday songs such as Silver Bells and Frosty the Snowman with fun comedy sketches. The holiday celebration also boasts traditional and untraditional performances that reflect Connick's New Orleans jazz and funk roots.It's a little known favorite, and I'm not even sure if they still sell it. However, this favorite of mine was a live TV showing of Harry Connick Jr.'s New York holiday concert which also featured sketch comedies and guest appearances by Nathan Lane, Whoopi Goldberg, and Marc Anthony.
- CreatorJoel HodgsonStarsJoel HodgsonMichael J. NelsonTrace BeaulieuIn the not-too-distant future Joel Robinson is held captive by Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank, forced to watch B-Grade movies on the Satellite of Love with the help of his robot friends: Cambot, Gypsy, Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot.Once again, I'm using this title as a GROUPING technique. In a list of titles, IMDb won't let me include one specific episode from a series, but that's what I'm trying to do here: point out the great episode, "Santa Claus"! If you have never heard of MST3K, it's nothing more than a show where three goofy characters watch old, cheesy movies and make fun of them. In this episode, the three hecklers take on a terrible Mexican kids' flick about Santa Claus's plight against... Satan. That's right, folks! Satan! Anyway, judge me, but I love the goofy humor presented in this movie, and I love to watch it with my best bud at Christmas.
- DirectorBrian HensonStarsMichael CaineDave GoelzSteve WhitmireThe Muppets present their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale.I don't get why so many people hate the Muppets. I love the Muppets! They've got great humor in all their movies, and they do a fantastic job of keeping us young at heart. Anyway, whether you like the Muppets or not, this is a (surprisingly) well-done interpretation of Dickens' beloved tale.
- DirectorBurny MattinsonStarsAlan YoungWayne AllwineHal SmithThe classic Disney animated characters play the roles in this animated retelling of the Charles Dickens masterpiece.First off, can I say that I absolutely hate the poster that IMDb's got linked to this film? Disney is the king of aesthetic design, and *that* is what IMDb picked as this film's thumbnail?! Oh well… anyway, you've probably all seen this, so I shouldn't have to say more than I love it for nothing more than its "Disney-ness." Make sense?