Every year Christmas movies (and music) gets overplayed and we all get sick of them, but these are the Christmas films that I could see over and over again and not be bothered...
1. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
It's Christmas and Charlie Brown is depressed. He wants to know what the meaning of Christmas is, but everyone else is wrapped up in the commercialism. His dog Snoopy has every decoration available to decorate his dog house, his little sister Sally asks Santa for some money "All I want is what I...I have coming to me. All I want is my fair share." Their Christmas program can't seem to get it together because the musicians keep breaking into an upbeat version of "Linus & Lucy" (amazing song) and the actors start dancing. So it's up to Charlie Brown and Linus to find a tree and save Christmas.
We always watch this Christmas classic in my family! It's not Christmas until we've sang along with "Christmastime is Here", danced out hearts out to "Linus & Lucy" and ended the film with "Hark the Herald Angels Sing". In a time when we are consumed with buying the newest gadgets and getting best deals..."a time when people want to call this holiday "Santa Day" instead of Christmas...this film is a definite must. Nobody does Christmas better than the Peanuts, "Merry Christmas Charlie Brown!"
2. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
It's the old Dickens classic as only the Muppets can do it. Michael Caine is Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man with no friends who saves all his money and treats people badly. Everyone knows the story, but the Muppets make it fresh: with brand new songs that touch the heart. The story is narrated by Gonzo "I am here to tell the story" and Rizzo "And I am here for the food." and that pretty much illustrates the whole story...it's "The Christmas Carol" but with characters saying what you wish they would say..
Scrooge: Bob Cratchit, I've had my fill of this.
Miss Piggy: And I have had my fill of you, Mr. Scrooge.
Scrooge: And therefore, Bob Cratchit...
Miss Piggy: And therefore, you can leave this house at once.
Scrooge: And therefore, I'm about to raise your salary!
Miss Piggy: Ooh, and I am about to raise you right off the pavement...
This film does not appear on television as often as the others, but it is still a Christmas must! There have been other versions of the Christmas Carol...more traditional, and my favorite of those is probably the Disney version with Mickey as Bob Crachit (but it's still scary for kids). And while I am traditionally a purist when it comes to literature, the Muppets can't be beat. So watch out for the wrath of Miss Piggy (and Lew's flying Boomerang Fish) and as Gonzo says, it's suited for the kiddies...
Rizzo:This is scary stuff! Shouldn't we be worried about the kids in the audience?
Gonzo: Oh, no, this is culture!
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Dr. Seuss's beloved Christmas story about a different type of Scrooge...a nasty, green Grinch who is so bitter about Christmas he steals Christmas (hence the title).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
4. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
Based on the book by the same name, this made-for-tv movie is a blast. The Herdman's (Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Ollie, Gladys, and Claude) are a wild family, each kid worse then the previous one...they always pass even if they don't do their work because one Herdman per class is one too many! The boys beat up a kid named Charlie (the narrators brother) who tells them about church... he will let them take his dessert because he always gets dessert at church. Needless to say the Herdman's show up and want to be in the Christmas play, with all the main parts.
5. A Christmas Story (1983)
Yes, it is overplayed (24 hours a day, the day before Christmas) but come on...you know you love it! All Ralphie wants for Christmas is an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! ", but this film is about more than just wanting a BB gun for Christmas...it's about family, bullies, school, and all that. And who can forget Ralphie's little brother bundled up so much that when he falls to the ground he can't get up. Or the results of a triple-dog dare (yes, it is that movie). And the different type of men "Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man." You could write a book with all the quotes from that movie!
6. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Its the story of Santa's most famous reindeer, Rudolph. Using the song as a template, we follow the young life of Rudolph the outcast. Rudolph meets up with Hermey the elf who wants to become a dentist (not make toys) and Yukon Corneilus who is searching Silver & Gold & Peppermint mines. And then there are all the misfit toys, the Charlie in a box, the bird who swims, the cowboy who rides an ostrich...and many more!
7. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
The kids at school are bored. There is a stupid magician (and he isn't very good), but there's snow outside, so they build a snowman and use the magician's hat as the final touch. Well that hat brings old Frosty to life and he has some fun with the kids, and stays away from the evil magician (if Frosty loses the hat, he goes back to being a normal snowman).
8. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) / The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The best of the Rankin Bass films. An exceptional cast (Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Keenan Wynn) make the story of Santa Claus an adventure. Little Kris was raised by the Kringle family, a family of toymaker elves, who taught him the joy of making toys. And during this time he makes the decision to brave the wild forest (and the snow wizard) to deliver toys to the kiddies. But that's just the beginning of the story.
A cartoon, using the original book as a template...and songs by Seuss, it is hard to pass this one up. The narrator, and the Grinch are voiced by Boris Karloff (Frankenstein) who truly brings the story to life.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In 2000 Ron Howard made a live-action version of the the Grinch with Jim Carey in the title role. This is also a good Christmas film...it keeps the spirit of the original, with some added backstory. Like WHY does the Grinch hate Christmas? WHO is Cindy Lou? Ect. The actors are funny and Carey is fabulous as the Grinch.
I think I prefer the cartoon version, but I do own the newer Grinch film. Both are classics and include the Grinch song. So remember, don't miss with the Grinch because
"If you utter so much as one syllable, I'LL HUNT YOU DOWN AND GUT YOU LIKE A FISH!"
and watch out for the side effects from both films "Oh no. I'M SPEAKING IN RHYME!"
Classic.
4. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)
Based on the book by the same name, this made-for-tv movie is a blast. The Herdman's (Imogene, Ralph, Leroy, Ollie, Gladys, and Claude) are a wild family, each kid worse then the previous one...they always pass even if they don't do their work because one Herdman per class is one too many! The boys beat up a kid named Charlie (the narrators brother) who tells them about church... he will let them take his dessert because he always gets dessert at church. Needless to say the Herdman's show up and want to be in the Christmas play, with all the main parts.
Ralph: What did she says the play is called?
Leroy: 'Christmas Pageant.'
Ollie: That's no name. That's what it is.
Gladys: I know a name. I'd called it 'Revenge at Bethlehem.'
I haven't seen this film in a long time, but it still sticks with me. I remember how Imogene gets to be Mary (and how scary that story was) and many other parts of the film. If you can find it (or the book) check it out. It may not be the flashy Christmas movies we have now...but it has a certain zing that the others miss....
Yes, it is overplayed (24 hours a day, the day before Christmas) but come on...you know you love it! All Ralphie wants for Christmas is an "Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle! ", but this film is about more than just wanting a BB gun for Christmas...it's about family, bullies, school, and all that. And who can forget Ralphie's little brother bundled up so much that when he falls to the ground he can't get up. Or the results of a triple-dog dare (yes, it is that movie). And the different type of men "Some men are Baptists, others Catholics; my father was an Oldsmobile man." You could write a book with all the quotes from that movie!
I saw the whole film for the first time last Christmas, during it's 24 hour run on cable and all these years later it is still relevant. This is one of the few Christmas films my father tolerates (the other one comes later in the list), so it holds a special place in my heart. But watch what you ask for this Christmas, or you might get the classic "You'll shoot your eye out".
6. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Its the story of Santa's most famous reindeer, Rudolph. Using the song as a template, we follow the young life of Rudolph the outcast. Rudolph meets up with Hermey the elf who wants to become a dentist (not make toys) and Yukon Corneilus who is searching Silver & Gold & Peppermint mines. And then there are all the misfit toys, the Charlie in a box, the bird who swims, the cowboy who rides an ostrich...and many more!
The first of the Bass-Rankin Christmas films, this is one of my favorites. The misfit toy song is my favorite song, but the whole film is a fun adventure. So watch out for Bumbles and get ready to strike it rich with Corneilus. But remember to watch those dog commands "Whoa. Whoa. Unmush, will ya?"
7. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
The kids at school are bored. There is a stupid magician (and he isn't very good), but there's snow outside, so they build a snowman and use the magician's hat as the final touch. Well that hat brings old Frosty to life and he has some fun with the kids, and stays away from the evil magician (if Frosty loses the hat, he goes back to being a normal snowman).
"Happy birthday! Hey, I said my first words. But... But snowmen can't talk. Ha ha ha, come on now, what's the joke? Could I really be alive?"
I love this cartoon. It's fun and one that can never be overplayed. Jimmy Durante is the narrator and the rest of the voices are fun too! I hate snow...but watching this film makes me love it...and want to build a snowman, yay!
Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The best of the Rankin Bass films. An exceptional cast (Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, and Keenan Wynn) make the story of Santa Claus an adventure. Little Kris was raised by the Kringle family, a family of toymaker elves, who taught him the joy of making toys. And during this time he makes the decision to brave the wild forest (and the snow wizard) to deliver toys to the kiddies. But that's just the beginning of the story.
The Year without a Santa Claus - Santa decides he needs a holiday because kids don't care about Christmas anymore. Two of his elves set off to find some kids that do care. Along the way the run into Mother Nature and her sons Heat Miser and Snow Miser. The Misers are the best part of this film...and their songs are so catchy! Once again Mickey Rooney is Santa Claus.
9. Elf (2003)
A young man raised by elves learns that he is human, not an elf, so he sets out to find his real father. But is the world ready for Buddy, a grown-up who acts like a small child (especially about Santa)
"SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!"
10. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
It's a story that resonates today, 60 years later. It is the story of George Bailey, a good man with a good life. We are witness to the major moments in his life, such as when he meets his wife. Years later, George hits rock bottom; he owes a large amount of money to the bank, but the money gets lost on the way there. With no other alternative, he considers suicide. But his attempt is thwarted by an angel named Clarence. Clarence shows George what life would be like if he was never born. And we all know what happens next.
Both are fun Christmas films. The Santa story is good and explains all the myths about Santa. And the Year without a Santa is also good, especially the Miser brothers. Yes, these two are also overplayed, but its all in good fun!
9. Elf (2003)
A young man raised by elves learns that he is human, not an elf, so he sets out to find his real father. But is the world ready for Buddy, a grown-up who acts like a small child (especially about Santa)
"SANTA! OH MY GOD! SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!"
Will Ferrell is great! He makes Buddy into a sweet loveable character, which by any other actor could have been a creepy, creepy part. You can't help but smile along with Buddy, because "smiling's my favorite"
10. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
It's a story that resonates today, 60 years later. It is the story of George Bailey, a good man with a good life. We are witness to the major moments in his life, such as when he meets his wife. Years later, George hits rock bottom; he owes a large amount of money to the bank, but the money gets lost on the way there. With no other alternative, he considers suicide. But his attempt is thwarted by an angel named Clarence. Clarence shows George what life would be like if he was never born. And we all know what happens next.
"Strange, isn't it? Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?"
Yes, it is severely overplayed. And the rip-offs have been many, and vary in quality. But this film will never die. We all have moments when we lose sight of ourselves and our visions and have hit rock bottom. And George is there to remind us what COULD happen.
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