Top 15 Memorable Christmas Movies
A LIST OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE, MEMORABLE, AND LIKABLE CHRISTMAS MOVIES
My Top 10 personal favorites. (Note: My ratings vary from 9 to 10. This list *is* in order of overall preference, with my most enjoyable movie as #1.)
The primary criterion for being added to this list is for a movie to be so rewarding or satisfying that, for older movies, I still remember them with warm memories after several years, and want to see them again, or for newer movies, that I believe this will prove to be the case in the future. Typically, each of these movies will have something distinctive that sets it apart and leads you to reflect on it afterwards.
The notes are taken either from an IMDB review of my own or from one by another IMDB User Reviewer who I thought had nicely captured the essence of the movie.
I consider some of these to be "Hidden Gems" -- movies with an IMDB rating below 7 that, in my opinion, are on par with movies rated well above 7. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
Many of these made-for-TV ROM-COMS.
In order to better distinguish them from each other, I rate *these* entries relative to *other* made-for-TV ROM-COMs, and on a more generous scale, so these ratings tend to run a point or two higher than for a theater-released Christmas movie of comparable quality and likability.
(ROM-COM definition: see Romantic comedy - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy)
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15 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.THEATER RELEASE - A true classic! Nothing more needs to be said. Be sure to watch it at least once.
- 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.THEATER RELEASE - A classic! This 1947 version is the best one to watch, either in B&W or colorized. This is one of the few B&W films where I actually prefer the colorized version because for this particular movie it is brighter and easier to view. Also, Santa looks better in a red coat! (FYI - At one point I found the colorized version on AMC.)
- DirectorClay KaytisStarsKurt RussellDarby CampJudah LewisThe story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.NETFLIX movie - User Reviewer "RmatthewC" wrote:
A Good Candidate to become a Christmas Classic
This movie was very enjoyable for adults and kids in the family. Cinematic quality was excellent, had a good script, acting was great, and the Santa character is the best I've seen or read since The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. We'll watch this again a few times this Christmas season.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4473325/?ref_=tt_urv
NOTE: The sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, is a dud. Watch it if you want to, but don't watch it just because this movie is so good. - DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBill MurrayKaren AllenJohn ForsytheA selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.THEATER RELEASE - User Reviewer "DoobieKeebler" wrote:
THE perfect modern Christmas movie
I'm amazed by all the negative and mean-spirited comments for this movie. "Scrooged" is a cinematic gem, one of the most outstanding films of the '80s or any time for that matter. Bill Murray is at his comedic best, and he is entirely convincing as a bitter network exec who has lost sight of the important things in his life, like family and friends. You know the Dickens story, but Richard Donner's film version breathes life into the story and gives it extra meaning for modern audiences. Supporting actors all do wonders with their roles, from Robert Mitchum to Carol Kane to Michael J. Pollard. This film will make you laugh, and will certainly bring a little warmth into your Christmas season.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0261815/?ref_=tt_urv - 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.THEATER RELEASE - Wacky, but a Christmas masterpiece!
- DirectorJonathan WrightStarsAlicia WittMark WiebeLawrence DaneAlice is set to meet her future in-laws for the first time, but things don't go according to plan.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A marvelous, memorable movie
I remembered this movie for years after first seeing it, and now after seeing it again I realized that it was even better than I had remembered.
The improbable but believable plot sets up a situation where people discover what is really important to them and reach heartfelt decisions, but it is also good fun along the way. Good acting and interesting characters carry the plot to a very nice conclusion. - DirectorGeorge SchaeferStarsLoretta SwitJackson DaviesAntony HollandA teacher puts on a Christmas pageant and puts the worst children in school as the stars.TV SPECIAL - This is said to be commonly available in libraries, and has been found on You Tube.
User Reviewer "misizzlem2" wrote: Amazing
Wow. This show is amazing. Just recently, I watched it in my theater arts class and I was astonished on how great it was. My friend and I even cried, it was that touching. ...
The characters seem so real, it's amazing. The show is so touching, with a slight hint of hilarious. It has so many funny lines in it. It's really one of my favorites now. It's such a funny show, you definitely have to see it if you haven't. It draws you in right away and you can't stop watching it. Once you watch it, you'll be glad you did. It will definitely make you remember the true meaning of Christmas.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw1536418/?ref_=tt_urv&mode=desktop&rtm=1&rtm_sr=1 - DirectorChristie Will WolfStarsBethany Joy LenzVictor WebsterRobert WisdenWhen a travel writer shows up unexpectedly at their dad's Bed and Breakfast, the Ralston family all pretend to be guests in hopes of a good review. Lucy (Bethany Joy Lenz) falls for guest Jake (Victor Webster), but can't share her secret.TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "jakeh" wrote:
A pleasant surprise, hilarious, great ensemble
I was pleasantly surprised with "Five Star Christmas." As opposed to the usual pap of most of the stories so far this year, this quirky (I know that word has come up before) and romantic comedy was refreshing. The storyline was well written and thought out, coming together nicely with the usual romantic ending on several levels. The energy that Lenz gives off was contagious as was the interplay between the characters. This is my favorite for the 2020 season ... Not since the fantastic "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)," which featured Henry Winkler, have I enjoyed a Hallmark Christmas feature so much. Put this one on your 'Watch list,' you won't regret it.
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6320439/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorMichael M. ScottStarsBrooke BurnsHenry WinklerWarren ChristieCorporate analyst and single mom, Jen, tackles Christmas with a business-like approach until her uncle arrives with a handsome stranger in tow.TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "disneyed" wrote:
Possibly my favorite Hallmark Christmas
I really love this movie. There's humor, romance, conflict, warmth and sentimentality. What's not to love about Henry Winkler? And there is real chemistry between the lead characters. A movie that even your husband may enjoy!
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw4503280/?ref_=tt_urv - DirectorRon UnderwoodStarsMelissa Joan HartMario LopezTimothy BottomsA struggling artist working as a waitress kidnaps one of her customers to take home to meet her parents at Christmastime.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - This actually worked!
Silly as the premise might be, they actually pulled it off in a way that worked, and made for a truly enjoyable movie. Not only was this a good comedy, it was a good family movie as well. Be sure to stick with it through the awkward early scenes until you get past the country store. Smooth sailing from there. - DirectorJames HaymanStarsLaura MiyataVijay MehtaAmy SmartA story that follows Kate, a young woman who after a horrible blind date on Christmas Eve, wakes up to find she is re-living that same day and date all over again.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - A fresh twist on a modern classic
Wow. This movie was so much better than I expected! I had figured that any attempt to build a movie along a "Groundhog Day" theme would simply look pale by comparison, but this one took enough of a fresh tack that it effectively carved out its own path. It was really enjoyable, without looking derivative. A lot of humor. Highly recommended.
There is also a 2020 movie with the same title, so be sure to get this 2011 version. Also, be aware that there are a number of others with very similar titles, such as 2020's "On the 12th Date of Christmas" which at one point I had mistaken for this one. - DirectorClive DonnerStarsGeorge C. ScottFrank FinlayAngela PleasenceA bitter old miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.TV SPECIAL - An excellent presentation of the classic tale!
- DirectorEric TillStarsHenry WinklerDavid WayneChris WigginsIn an American town, an old bitter miser is given a ghostly chance at redemption on Christmas Eve.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV SPECIAL - A thoughtful and effective re-interpretation of the classic tale
The basic elements of the classic Dickens tale seem even more real, and even more meaningful, in this re-staged version where the story is set in depression-era New Hampshire. This excellent production helps bring the story to life in a way that makes it very relatable to current day audiences. We see the "Scrooge" character on Christmas Eve, 1933, and we also learn how his life history led up to his situation and behaviors on that day. The conclusion on Christmas Day is nicely presented, humorous, and very rewarding. - DirectorClare NiederpruemStarsMelissa Claire EganMarc BlucasLatarsha RoseThe plot revolves around a woman (Egan) and a soldier (Blucas) who exchange letters for a year before their worlds collide.
TV-ROM-COM - Heartwarming -- a pleasure to watch
An interesting plotline develops from a chance situation, bringing together romance and life choices in a way that is both satisfying and believable. The lead characters seem very real, which adds to the depth of the movie and lets the audience really appreciate how the various subplots work out in the end. - DirectorBrian HerzlingerStarsMarguerite MoreauMike FaiolaBrady SmithA widow's daughter writes to Santa Claus, asking for her mother to find love again. When a struggling writer receives the letter, he finds new inspiration and the beginnings of a romance.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - User Reviewer "Debzreview" wrote:
Good One
From the beginning of this movie I knew it was different than the usual Hallmark movie. The story line lends itself to Hallmark but there is just something about the way it was written and directed that draws you in. ... This is easily one of my favorites. ...
https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3857453/?ref_=tt_urv