One of the best ways to celebrate the start of the holiday season is by enjoying a nice, heartwarmingChristmas movie. While there are many options, one of themost beloved holiday filmsis the 1946 Frank Capra classic,It’s a Wonderful Life.Starring James Stewart, the iconic film tells the story of George Bailey. Just when George is at his lowest, his guardian angel reveals to him how drastically different the world would be if he had never existed. The film is a beautiful encapsulation of the holiday spirit and a valuable story about the importance of every life.
While the film will remain a life-long favorite for many,there are plenty of otherclassic Christmas moviesthat fans ofIt’s a Wonderful Lifemay also find that they love.Some are quite popular in their own right, while some are underappreciated gems. Each one of these classic films features a heartwarming story that is perfect for the holidays, and sure to appeal to audiences new and old. Although it is practically impossible to capture the same magic ofIt’s a Wonderful Life, these timeless Christmas movies are excellent choices too.
Miracle on 34th Street
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The Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street follows a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the actual St. Nicholas and a lawyer who defends him in court. Released in 1947, the original movie was later remade in 1994 by John Hughes.
Released only one year afterIt’s a Wonderful Life,Miracle On 34th Streetis a timeless holiday classic with a unique, charming story.Written and directed by George Seaton, the film follows Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who claims that he is, in fact, thereal Santa Claus. Kris’s claims are met with doubt by most, but his relentless kindness and good nature begin to make some hopeful individuals believe that he may be telling the truth.
Miracle on 34th Streetis a great choice for a film to help recapture the childlike wonder that makes the holidays so special.
Miracle on 34th Streetis the perfect way to bridge the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas, seeing as the film itself begins during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, before transitioning smoothly into the Christmas season.The classic film has been a favorite of many since its release, thanks to the clever writing and Oscar-worthy performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle.Miracle on 34th Streetis a great choice for a film to help recapture the childlike wonder that makes the holidays so special.
Meet Me in St. Louis
Meet Me in St. Louis, released in 1944, is a musical film depicting a year in the life of the Smith family as they experience young love and face challenges leading up to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The film captures the era’s familial dynamics and cultural background.
Judy Garland may be best known for her iconic performance as Dorothy inThe Wizard of Oz, but her work inMeet Me In St. Louisis just as dazzling, particularly for fans of musicals.This 1944 film may not occur entirely during Christmastime, but its lighthearted tone and positive message make it fit right in with other holiday classics. Directed by Vincente Minnelli,Meet Me In St. Louispresents a series of musical vignettes following the lives of one American family during the months leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair.
When it comes to Christmas movies, few have music as timeless asMeet Me In St. Louis, especially thanks to Garland’s breathtaking voice.
The film introduced the world to beloved songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Boy Next Door,” both of which were laterpopularized by Frank Sinatra.With these mesmerizing tunes and a touching holiday story, it is no surprise that the film has maintained a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers should certainly check outMeet Me In St. Louisfor a tender glimpse at what Christmas was like over a century ago.
White Christmas
White Christmas is a musical film directed by Michael Curtiz, released in 1954. It follows two talented song-and-dance entertainers who join forces post-war, becoming a top show business act. They befriend and romantically engage with the Haynes sisters, leading to charming musical adventures.
With the music of Irving Berlin, the direction of Michael Curtiz (perhaps best known forCasablanca), and a performance by Bing Crosby, viewers can be certain they’re in for a dazzling musical extravaganza with the 1954 Christmas classic,White Christmas.The film follows two song-and-dance duos who work together to ensure that a former World War II commander can have the happy, struggle-free Christmas he deserves.White Christmasis optimistic and sweet from beginning to end, making it a lighthearted holiday favorite for many.
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White Christmasmay not have the dramatic side thatIt’s a Wonderful Lifehad, but it is nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable feature that captures all the most powerful themes of the season.The film is a vibrant showcase of Berlin’s timeless music, neatly wrapped in a tender story about togetherness and love.Plus, it is hard to go wrong when combining beloved Christmas tunes with the soothing voice of Bing Crosby.
With a charming cast led by Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan,Christmas in Connecticutis a lighthearted film that tells a clever romantic comedy story in a rural Christmas setting.Stanwyck stars as Elizabeth Lane, the popular writer of a newspaper column about her quaint life on a farm with her loving husband and baby. There is only one major problem: the entire column is a lie, as Elizabeth is actually a single woman living in New York. When a returning war hero requests to meet her, Elizabeth must create a complex ruse to avoid having her secret discovered.
Although the story is openly rather silly,Christmas In Connecticutis undeniably sweet and full of love, making it a great film to watch around the holidays.Like many great Christmas movies, the film never shies away from its humorous side, but does so in a way that complements its tender holiday themes, instead of detracting from them.Christmas In Connecticutis a prime option for audiences who love the timeless cinematic feel ofIt’s a Wonderful Life, as well as the lighthearted nature of a rom-com.
The Shop Around the Corner
The Shop Around the Corner, directed by Ernst Lubitsch, follows the lives of two employees at a Budapest gift shop who unknowingly become pen pals and fall in love through their anonymous letters. Starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, this 1940 romantic comedy offers a charming exploration of mistaken identities and blossoming affection against the backdrop of an elegantly depicted pre-war Budapest.
It’s a Wonderful Lifemay have stolen the spotlight, but it wasn’t the only 1940s film starring James Stewart to be set around Christmastime.Directed by Ernst Lubitsch,The Shop Around the Cornertells the story of an unusual but touching holiday romance. In the film, Stewart and Margaret Sullivan star as a pair of coworkers at a small store in Budapest. Frequently getting on each other’s nerves while they work together, each of them fails to realize that the other is the person they have been anonymously sharing romantic letters with.
The Shop Around the Cornermay not fully match everyone’s definition of a Christmas movie,but its holiday setting and themes of love and togetherness certainly make it a valuable film to watch during the holiday season. Fans of Stewart’s powerful performance inIt’s a Wonderful Lifeshould give this film a try, as it similarly displays the impressive range of the actor’s abilities. The chemistry between him and Sullivan helped earnThe Shop Around the Cornera spot on the AFI’s list of the greatest movie romances.
The Bishop’s Wife
The Bishop’s Wife follows Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham as he struggles with his duties and family life while planning a new cathedral. As Christmas nears, an angel named Dudley arrives to assist, though his interventions create unexpected challenges for Henry, leading to concerns about his role and relationships.
One year after the release ofIt’s a Wonderful Life, another major motion picture decided to explore how an angel can impact the life of a struggling man as Christmas approaches. Directed by Henry Koster,The Bishop’s Wifestars Cary Grant as Dudley, an angel sent to help Bishop Henry Brougham, who is desperately trying to raise money for the construction of a new cathedral, a dedication that has been causing strain between him and his family. Dudley soon becomes highly invested in the life of Henry’s wife, Julia, much to Henry’s dismay.
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The Bishop’s Wifeoffers a clever twist on the idea of an angel coming to answer a man’s prayers, showing how the Angel can influence the lives of not just one person, but the whole world around him.The clever holiday film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, solidifying it as an all-time classic in the world of Christmas movies. Fans of classic cinema should seize this rare opportunity to see Hollywood icon Cary Grant lend his skills to a holiday film.
Holiday Affair
Holiday Affair is a romantic comedy released in 1949, featuring Robert Mitchum as department store clerk Steve Mason, who crosses paths with Connie Ennis, played by Janet Leigh, a comparison shopper. Fired for sparing Connie, Steve’s unexpected bond with her and her son Timmy complicates her relationship with suitor Carl.
Robert Mitchum may have been best known for his darker, more dramatic roles, but his performance in the lighthearted romantic comedy,Holiday Affair, is just as enjoyable.In the film, Mitchum plays Steve, a veteran who loses his job as a salesperson after an altercation with a comparative shopper, Connie. Steve then becomes deeply wrapped up in the lives of Connie, Carl (her longtime romantic partner), and Timmy (her young son). What follows is a witty story of laughter and love surrounding Christmas and New Year’s.
With the memorable tagline, “It happens in December, but it’s hotter than July,” viewers can be certain they are in for an exciting holiday romance for the ages.
For fans of Robert Mitchum,Holiday Affairis an excellent choice for the Christmas season, offering an uncommonly lighthearted performance from the acclaimed actor, one which is boosted even further by his chemistry with Janet Leigh. With the memorable tagline, “It happens in December, but it’s hotter than July,” viewers can be certain they are in for an exciting holiday romance for the ages.Of course, the film is more than just a romance, though, offering a touching story about family and togetherness during the season of giving.
It Happened on Fifth Avenue
It Happened on Fifth Avenue follows a New Yorker hobo who takes residence in a vacant Manhattan mansion, unknowingly gathering companions, including the actual homeowners, into his new makeshift community. Released in 1947, this film explores themes of class and camaraderie in a post-war urban setting.
Although it certainly leans more to the comedic side thanIt’s a Wonderful Life,It Happened on 5th Avenueoffers another touching holiday tale that is guaranteed to lift the spirits of anyone watching.This classic Christmas comedy follows the story of a homeless man who (along with some newfound friends) decides to live in the extravagant house of the world’s second-richest man while he is away for the holidays. When his presence is made known, what follows is a commentary on wealth that is as insightful as it is humorous.
Although another holiday film,Miracle on 34th Street, ended up taking home the trophy,It Happened on 5th Avenueearned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Story. The heartwarming story is elevated even further by the charming performances and natural chemistry between Don DeFore and Gale Storm, who plays the daughter of the extravagant house’s owner.It Happened on 5th Avenueis an entertaining celebration of the holiday spirit, one stuffed from beginning to end with love and laughter.
