The holiday season is upon us, and what a great time! Christmas-related movies outnumber those of any other holiday. Christmas movies' cinematic history varies in quantity and encompasses diverse genres like horror, action, comedy, and more. Naturally, the annual question arises: which Christmas movie reigns supreme in history? Everyone has their answer, but let me tell you, backed by data, which movies stand as the greatest in Christmas cinematic history. After examining lists from 30 different sources across various years, these five films consistently rank among the most frequently mentioned and highly regarded.
Christmas films have persisted from the silent film era to the era of color movies. Many have weathered the tests of time, remaining beloved by future audiences, proving their timeless appeal. Essentially, these five films are staples on all 'Best Christmas Movie' lists, with their authority unquestioned. And even now, revisiting these decades-old movies, they remain engaging, heartwarming, and touching.
#1 "A Christmas Story" (1983)
"A Christmas Story" depicts a young boy in the '40s whose most coveted Christmas gift is a cowboy airsoft gun. However, his parents and teachers consider the airsoft gun dangerous, creating a world seemingly determined to prevent the boy from getting it – even Santa Claus isn't keen on him receiving such a hazardous toy.
This classic film endures because it sheds light on something we still don't quite understand about kids: they're often more innocent than we imagine. When we, in our self-righteousness, present them with 'better,' 'more expensive,' or 'safer' gifts, it might not necessarily be what they truly desire. This 'for your own good' mentality might cast a considerable shadow on their innocent minds. "A Christmas Story" seems to have captured the essence of a child's psyche, magnifying various emotional responses of a pure heart. While focusing on a child, the movie subtly comments on the irony of adults' concerns; while adults worry that the airsoft gun might cause harm to the child, they fail to comprehend the joy the child seeks from it.
How does a kid 'manipulate' parents into getting the Christmas gift they want? You'll witness the protagonist using various tactics, from persuasion and deceit to playing innocent, to coax his parents into getting what he desires. Simultaneously, he immerses himself in a fantasy world once he has the airsoft gun, envisioning himself as a hero defending his family against intruders. This portrayal of a child using exaggerated language to describe his chaotic world remains entertaining and thought-provoking, transcending the film's age. You can see traces of "South Park" and "American Pie" among other modern works, each attempting, in various forms, to emulate the charm of "A Christmas Story."
#2 "White Christmas" (1954)
One of the most iconic Christmas songs, 'White Christmas,' is not only the theme song but also sung by the male lead in the film "White Christmas." And that's precisely why this classic endures.
"White Christmas" is a hundred percent musical extravaganza, a genre that was 'superhero movies' of the '50s – representing the most popular movie type of that era. This film boasts many dance performances and a myriad of hit songs. To some extent, "White Christmas" is genuinely one of the 'special effects movies' – from the opulent costumes to the graceful dance moves of the characters – these artistic designs and dance performances not reliant on computer animation dazzle the eyes. In all honesty, modern audiences shouldn't expect profound and touching storylines from "White Christmas." It's akin to the Marvel movies of its era, purely designed to captivate audiences on a visual and auditory level – it's a delightful and visually stunning 'feel-good' film that still holds up today.
#3 "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)
Slapstick comedy once dominated the comedy scene, and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is a prime example. In this film, people slip, crash into things, or get struck when dizzy, while the comedic legend Chevy Chase maintains his signature nonchalant expression. It's as if he's convincing the audience and himself that his mischievous family will survive the Christmas holidays unscathed. While nobody dies in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," this chaotic family goes through a near-death experience.
Describing the plot of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is challenging because it's chaotic from start to finish. It portrays the chaotic atmosphere typical of large family gatherings during holidays. Suppose you're familiar with the unwise concern from elders during festive seasons. In that case, the family's rebellious members causing chaos and efforts to make everyone happy go awry, then "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" will undoubtedly resonate with you: it relives every disastrous holiday season experience, delivering both pain and hilarity.
#4 "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)
Is there evidence of Santa Claus? This question might seem silly, but "Miracle on 34th Street" bravely addresses it – it tells us that Santa Claus indeed exists and is willing to step into a bankrupt department store to 'act' as Santa Claus. However, the antagonistic department store pulls various schemes to bring him down, leading to a lawsuit questioning the existence of Santa Claus.
This film has been remade several times, with a famous 1994 version starring Richard Attenborough, known for his role in "Jurassic Park." The 1994 remake delves more delicately into explaining the existence of Santa Claus, catering to the sensibilities of '90s audiences and offering a different yet meaningful perspective.
#5 "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)
No Christmas movie can shake "It's a Wonderful Life"; it typically sits atop 'Best Christmas Movie' lists regardless of the year – and often claims the number one spot. It is both historically and qualitatively regarded as the most fantastic Christmas film. The story follows the town's representative of goodness, George, who spends his life striving for people with low incomes in his village but faces bankruptcy following an accident. 'Good Samaritan' George decides to end it all, but an angel arrives just in time, showing him what a world without him would look like.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is another variation of the classic Christmas story, "A Christmas Carol": instead of a mysterious force revealing a better future to a villainous character, it portrays a 'parallel universe' without the efforts of a good protagonist, showcasing how miserable the world could be. It's a traditional film affirming values of kindness and comforting ordinary, hardworking citizens. 1946 marked the post-war era, with the world striving to rebuild societal order in dire need of positivity to encourage hard work. Even today, "It's a Wonderful Life" offers warmth. In today's highly stressful society, we all seek affirmation that our efforts are not in vain and that they still contribute to someone's life or community.
While these classic films make the top lists, there are still some gems left unmentioned, such as "The Shop Around the Corner," "Meet Me in St. Louis," "Scrooged," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas," among others."
View replies 0