Since this is the season for giving, we here at The Film Stage have decided to give all of you a very special list (and, yes, we checked it twice). We have compiled our 10 favorite holiday films, in no particular order.
A Christmas Carol (all versions)
A Christmas Carol (1908), Scrooge (1913), It’s Never Too Late (1953), Scrooged (1988), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), A Christmas Carol (2009), is just 6 of the 21 film adaptations of this classic story. There’s a reason it has been adapted so many times. The story is timeless. Everyone knows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and what it means to be a good person and, more importantly, what it means to realize you have the capacity to be one. This story has, and will forever exist in the world of film: Robert Zemeckis will not be the last person to adapt it.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This 1946 classic starring James Stewart in his hay day is considered by many to be the epitome of Christmas films. A story of love, success, failure, family, friends, and wealth. The message of the film is quite clear by the end “wealth is not measured in money but in life.” Overall a great film that paved the way for many of the films on this very list.
Die Hard (1988)
What says Christmas more than AK-47s and some C4? Well, a lot of things. But that doesn’t change the power that Die Hard has during the holiday season. John McClane would have shot Scrooge to shreds if he didn’t save Tiny Tim’s life. And why? Because he’s the man in the wrong place at the right time. Yippee ki-yay, motherfucker.
A Christmas Story (1983)
This classic Christmas tale takes everything that is right about the holidays (love, family, friends) and strips it away and gets down to what Christmas is really about… presents. In this case, an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock, and this thing which tells time. A must-watch film for all holiday lovers, especially if you like some edgy egg nog and oo-la-la Leg Lamps.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Widely considered one of the better National Lampoon films, Christmas Vacation is a true holiday comedy, capturing the manic stress of family gatherings and the absurd lengths we go to, to have what we’re told is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. That’s what this film’s about: Clark Griswold wants to have the perfect Christmas. And though it all goes wrong (as so many Christmases do), it’s the thought that counts
Home Alone (1990)
I’ll admit it, there are times I wake up and wish I was taking on Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as well. Home Alone is the perfect visualization of what would happen if an eight-year-old was left to fend for himself in a big house during a big holiday season. He would go wild and then realize that he really, really missed his family – it’s the equivalent of running away, except he’s the one who stays put. Now, would most eight-year-olds be nearly as inventive as Kevin McCallister? Probably not, but that doesn’t change the true mass appeal that this film has.
Gremlins (1984)
Gizmo is arguably the cutest imaginary character ever put to film; just too adorable to hate. And that’s pretty much my take on Gremlins. A must watch on the holidays, thank you Mr. Spielberg.
Love Actually (2003)
Meshing two of the more heartwarming sub-genres around (rom-coms and Christmas movies), Richard Curtis’ is at once whimsical and somber, but certainly never boring. There’s funny, charming performances by Bill Nighy and Hugh Grant, touching performances by Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson, and Colin Firth being a somber romantic. As over-bloated as Christmas dinner and as sweet as the hot chocolate served after. Enjoy the feast.
White Christmas (1954)
There is no question movies like this aren’t made anymore. After all, when was the last time you saw a Christmas-themed musical comedy romance in theaters? Starring crooner Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace as the leader of a duet who, with the help of two singing sisters, helps save a holiday inn from closing, this film’s heart is as pure as white snow. The perfect cure for a long year of work.
Bad Santa (2003)
Much like A Christmas Story (and nothing like White Christmas), Bad Santa is all about adding a little (or in the case a lot) edge to the holiday film. While a lot of people hate on Billy Bob Thornton for one thing or another, no one can deny this is one of the few things he did right. The reason for that is simple: Thornton seems to be playing himself in a Santa costume.
What do you think of this list? What are some of your holiday favorites?