There’s nothing quite like sitting on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, staring at the soft snow falling outside, and watching the tree lights twinkle in the living room while you enjoy that perfect holiday flick.
Almost everyone has a favorite movie or two during the holiday season, but this list offers up the five best of all time.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Initially produced in 1964 by Rankin and Bass, this is the kid’s classic that everyone must see at some point in time. Rudolph the misfit reindeer has to find a place that will accept him for his differences. Based on the original poem and the later song, the animation in this movie is nothing short of fantastic, and the voices involved with it will help redefine the holiday for you for years to come. Available both on DVD and shown by major networks throughout the holiday season, be sure to catch it when the season rolls around.
Holiday Inn
This movie stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, and it’s famous for bringing great holiday songs like White Christmas to the forefront of everyone’s mind. The plot is a fairly simple one. Jim Hardy has fallen for the beautiful Linda Mason, but Ted Hanover wants her for his new dance partner at their supper club the Holiday Inn. For many, just the chance to hear Crosby croon that delicious holiday song is enough to make them tune into this movie again and again.
A Christmas Carol
Originally written by Charles Dickens in 1843, this film defines the spirit of Christmas for so many. While most consider the 1938 version starring Reginald Owen as Scrooge to be the definitive film to see, there have been hundreds of other versions in more recent years, including one starring Mickey Mouse. Most recently, the film was remade with Jim Carey and Gary Oldman. No matter what version you see it in, it’s a lovely story that almost everyone should see at some point during the holiday season.
A Christmas Story
Most adults can remember a time when they truly wanted a particular Christmas gift. For young Ralphie, that gift is a Red Rider BB Gun, and in this classic Christmas film, he does everything he can think of to hint at the gift he truly wants. As much as the 1983 film focuses on what Ralphie really wants, it also sheds light on what was a far simpler time in U.S. history, leading many to be nostalgic for what once was during the holiday season. Packed with laughs you’ll enjoy year after year, this is absolutely one that should be on your must-see list.
It’s a Wonderful Life
When many people list Jimmy Stewart’s films, this one almost always falls at the top of the list, and for good reason. A 1946 movie, it involves a compassionate angel named Clarence showing Stewart (playing George Bailey) what life would be like if he’d never even been born. When the holiday season simply seems like too much, this is the holiday classic to watch. It will help you appreciate what you have by your side during this sometimes difficult season.
No matter which one of these classics you love, grab a bowl of popcorn and curl up by the tree. Or, use these suggestions and create an unbeatable holiday movie gift basket! No holiday season would be complete without seeing at least one of these movies.
Image by S_herman on Flickr
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Pinkchic18 is a writer who enjoys holidays and event planning. She regularly contributes to the Holiday Gifts & Baskets Blog, where you can find inexpensive holiday gifts and ideas.
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I remember as a kid when ” A Christmas Story ” would have there 24 hour marathons on. I would always turn the tv on and it would always be on the exact same part of the movie every time. ( the part where santa is pushing him down the slide). Rudolph has to be my personal favorite though.
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