Ah, the holidays. What better time to curl up in your new Christmas pyjamas and indulge in a little movie viewing.
But what to watch? We’ve got you covered. Our reporters put their heads together and came up with the list of the Best Christmas Movies Ever. So here it is, the definitive, as-approved-by-Record-reporters, list of things you must watch this holiday season – with both traditional and slightly more off-beat options.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Of all the animated holiday specials, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the best. There, it’s been said. Deal with it. This classic, narrated by the one and only Boris Karloff, is based on the Dr. Seuss book of the same name. After years of having to listen to the happy, little Whos celebrate Christmas, the Grinch, a grumpy, old green guy who lives just north of Whoville, finally comes up with a way to take it all away. But, like most Christmas tales, in the end he realizes Christmas doesn’t come from a store and instead, means a little bit more. Add to that colourful animations and cheery tunes, and there’s no way your heart won’t grow three sizes, too.
White Christmas (1954)
It’s impossible to make it through a holiday season without at least one viewing of this classic musical – and preferably more than one. Sure, the storyline is as cheesy as they come, with an ex-army song-and-dance pair who become romantically involved with two singing sisters and team up to save the failing Vermont inn that’s run by their former commanding officer. But you’ve gotta love it. After all, it’s got Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and the incomparable Rosemary Clooney – and some of the best tunes of all time. Be prepared to bask in its glow, time and time again.
A Christmas Carol
Many versions have been made of this classic Charles Dickens story, but we’ve gotta go with the 1951 edition (also released as Scrooge), starring Alastair Sim. Sim turns in the defining performance as the infamous miser in this classic tale of greed and redemption. Everything about the true spirit of Christmas is encapsulated within the one moment where audiences hear him say: “I haven’t taken leave of my senses. I’ve come to them.” It’s a classic for all ages, and a must-watch for every Christmas.
A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Yes, this has to make the list – because, 25 years after its release, this version proves timeless and fresh in its retelling of the Dickens classic. The always delightful Michael Caine rises to the occasion with his own brilliant performance as Scrooge, surrounded by a cast of muppet favourites that includes Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit and Gonzo as the narrator, Charles Dickens himself. Kids will love the silly antics (“Light the lamp not the rat!”) and grown-ups will embrace the way the whole endeavour stays true to the spirit of the Dickens classic. Plus, there’s a whole bunch of fun songs. It’s just a winner all around.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
What can be said about this classic Christmas movie that hasn’t already been said? From beginning to end, Christmas Vacation is both hilarious and heartwarming. Famous 80s auteur John mixes holiday stress – the lights, the meals, the family, the tree - with cameos by Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Randy Quaid (who returns as Cousin Eddie) and you’re in for a holiday treat that’ll leave your sides aching.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Yes, we’re talking about the original classic, where a cynical non-believer – a nine-year-old Natalie Wood -- is shown that even if it sounds daft, the spirit of Christmas is magical. There’s whimsy, unbridled post-war gloominess and political pokes all wrapped up in a case about putting Kris Kringle in a sanitarium, with most of his accusers coming off as more dubious than the idea of St. Nick.
We’ll also give an honourable mention shout-out to the remake from 1994, with Mara Wilson in the Natalie Wood role. It’s not as good as the original, but it’s still a charming ode to the true spirit of Christmas.
Love Actually (2003)
To be sure, this 2003 rom-com has been coming in for a rough ride lately, what with all the critics of some of the storylines - we’re looking at you, charming-but-creepy Mark (Andrew Lincoln) and your slightly stalkerish crush on your best friend’s wife (Keira Knightley) – but let all that go and enjoy this adorable movie for what it is: an overblown but warm-hearted paean to love, in all its forms and guises. With a raft of intertwined storylines and a cast that pretty much contains the Who’s Who of British actors, it’s hard to pick a favourite. But you’ve gotta single out Hugh Grant (nice hip action, Mr. Prime Minister), Liam Neeson as a grieving widower, Alan Rickman as a cad of a husband, Emma Thomson as his betrayed wife – and, of course, Bill Nighy as the washed-up old rockstar whose comeback attempt frames the movie. Check your cynicism at the door and just enjoy.
Polar Express (2004)
Reporter Theresa McManus says: “Since my kids were youngsters, we’ve made sure to watch the Polar Express every holiday season. In this 2004 movie, a young boy, Billy, takes a magical train trip to the North Pole. Along the way, Billy (one of several roles taken on by Tom Hanks) learns about friendship and the spirit of Christmas.”
Die Hard (1988)
It’s become a classic in its own right, and rightly so. Because what says Christmas cheer more than a stand-off between John McClane (Bruce Willis) and Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman)? Let’s face it, Rickman created one of the best movie villains of all time, and Willis is more than up for the challenge of matching his charisma, one wisecracking one-liner at a time. Plus, there’s a happy ending (if you don’t count the bodies). It’s Christmas at its most action-packed.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
This black-and-white film is always a classic. The storyline follows George Bailey (James Stewart), who's always willing to help others first before pursuing his own dreams. On Christmas Eve, he contemplates ending his life, but is quickly greeted by an angel from Heaven who shows him what life would be like if he had never existed. This Frank Capra movie will make you laugh and cry and will leave you feeling fuzzy inside by the end. (Even our cynical editor lays claim to this one on her favourites list. If it warms her hardened heart, it will definitely warm yours.)
Elf (2003)
He’s no Jimmy Stewart, but Will Ferrell brings a whimsical charm all his own to the role of Buddy, the overgrown man-raised-as-elf who journeys away from the North Pole to seek out his real family. His childlike enthusiasm for Christmas and his zest for life gradually win over all the humans he encounters along the way – and it mixes just enough silly humour with gentle messages about love, tolerance and the true spirit of Christmas that it never quite descends into the realm of the saccharine. As Buddy says: “The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Just watch it. And sing.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This stop-motion classic television special makes the list courtesy of our assistant editor’s five-year-old daughter, who has developed a year-round obsession to its combination of adorable animated characters (for the record, Rudolph’s girlfriend Clarice is the cutest), its high-drama plotlines (Will Rudolph and Hermey ever find a way to fit in? Will the misfit toys ever find homes? Will the Bumble eat everybody? Will Santa be able to deliver the presents in the storm?), and a storyline that emphasizes the value of friendship and family. We’ve gotta say, Santa doesn’t exactly come off as your classic warm-hearted and generous saint in this one, but we kinda love it anyway. It’s goofy, it’s cheesy, and it’s always worth a watch.
