Must Watch Christmas Movies/Shows

In honor of the Christmas season, I am going to run through the movies/shows that I have to watch every Christmas. It’s not that I don’t watch other holiday movies or shows, but these are the must watch, the group I feel cheated by if I don’t see them at some point between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. They are listed in no particular order.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Besides being one of my favorite films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life is the ultimate holiday movie for me. My parents used to watch it every Christmas Eve while ‘prepping’ for Santa’s arrival. I have picked up that tradition. Jimmy Stewart is awesome. His performance turned George Baily into one of the most iconic characters in film history.

My favorite seen in the movie is when Potter invites him in and tries to buy George out — giving him everything he ever wanted. After almost getting caught in Potter’s net, he steps back and berates the old tycoon. Awesome stuff.

“You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn’t, Mr. Potter. In the whole vast configuration of things, I’d say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider. And… [turning to his aide] And that goes for you, too!”

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) 
Boris Karloff is the Grinch. Don’t even get me started on the 2000 version starring Jim Carrey. I am not interested in Ace Ventura channeling the Grinch. Boris Karloff is the Grinch. Period.

“You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch… I wouldn’t touch you with a 39 1/2-foot pole.” The music is great, the animation is spot on, and it’s short and sweet, just like a Dr. Seuss book adaptation should be.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
“Light the lamp, not the rat! Light the lamp, not the rat!” This family favorite combines the quirky, fun humor of the Muppets with my favorite non-religious Christmas story. Yes, I realize there are 846 versions of A Christmas Carol, including a local production at your community theater you probably won’t see. But there are some really good versions, and this is one of my favorites. Gonzo as the Charles Dickens is awesome, and a ‘young’ Michael Caine (he was 69 when the movie came out) transform this from fun to unforgettable.

Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Yes, another Dickens adaptation. This was my favorite Holiday show when I was a kid. All of my favorite Disney characters mixed into a fun, kid-friendly adaptation. I actually credit this version for getting me interested in reading Dickens.

Cratchit: Tomorrow is Christmas and I was wondering if I could have… Half a day off?
Scrooge: Christmas, eh? Uh, er… I suppose so. But I’ll dock you half a day’s pay. Let’s see, I pay you two shillings a day…
Cratchit: Two shillings and a halfpenny, Sir.
Scrooge: Oh yes, I gave you that raise three years ago.
Cratchit: Yes, sir, when I started doing your laundry.

Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
After watching this as an adult, it’s lost a little luster. The ‘animation’ looks really cheesy in today’s terms, and it probably would have aged better if it had been traditionally animated (like 1969’s Frosty the Snowman). Still, it’s an absolute classic. And what  wouldn’t be classic about a misfit reindeer, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and a not-so-abominable snowman.

You’ll notice my list is devoid of the most recent holiday movies. I like Elf (2003), A Christmas Story (1983) and Scrooged (1988), though none of those three have made the yearly rotation. Elf probably should, but I don’t own it. Christmas Vacation (1989) is also entertaining, though not enough to break into the rotation.

And you will never see the aforementioned Grinch adaptation monstrosity, or the bizarre and scary The Polar Express (2003) (though I’m a huge fan of the book).

Have a great Christmas everyone, and enjoy one of these awesome classics.