Holiday Film Favorites

FilmGuru's Favorite Festive Films on DVD

This time of year people are always asking me, "Hey, FilmGuru, can you recommend a really good holiday movie?" Of course I can!

I used to think that some of these were pointless to mention, because EVERYBODY has seen the classics, like It's a Wonderful Life or White Christmas, right? No?! Well, for your edification, I bring to you the best of the best. Some are classics, others are more recent, a couple are downright irreverent (but very funny).

I could have filled an entire list with just animated television specials, so I decided to add only films to this list.

  1. It's A Wonderful Life
  2. Miracle On 34th Street
  3. A Christmas Story
  4. Scrooged
  5. White Christmas
  6. Holiday Inn
  1. Elf
  2. The Santa Clause
  3. Christmas Vacation
  4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  5. The Polar Express
  6. The Muppet Christmas Carol

1. It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition) (1946)

This Frank Capra classic has all the ingredients to make the family feel good about the holidays and life in general. A man named George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) thinks it would be better if he had never been born. An angel grants him his wish, and George sees the value of his life. This film has become a symbol of everything good about the Christmas season, especially the spirit of goodness in mankind. I still cry every time I see the ending. Starring Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. Not Rated. 129 minutes. Back To Top

2. Miracle on 34th Street (Special Edition) (1947)

A classic story of a little girl in New York who grew up too quickly and doesn't believe in "childish" things like Santa Claus. When she meets Santa at her mother's work, though, her doubts are shaken. The old man's persistence that he really is Santa lands him in court trying to prove it. If you even think about buying/renting the colorized version I'll have to report you to Santa's naughty list. Starring Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood. Not Rated. 96 minutes. Back To Top

3. A Christmas Story (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition) (1983)

A surreal look at Christmas through the eyes of a young boy in search of a Red Ryder BB Gun. Although the story is about Ralphie as a child, it is narrated by him as an adult. The contrast between the two lines of thought is both funny and poignant. This is a strange (think Norman Rockwell, but with Garisson Keillor overtones) remembrance of a simpler time for Christmas in America. Starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley. Rated PG. 98 minutes. Back To Top

4. Scrooged (1988)

In what has to be the best modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Bill Murray plays the president of a television network who is plagued by ghosts in the days preceding Christmas. Although occasionally irreverent, this movie still delivers the intended message about love and redemption. Murray is delightfully evil, incredibly funny, and backed by an all-star cast. Starring Bill Murray, Karen Allen, Bobcat Goldthwait. Rated PG-13. 101 minutes. Back To Top

5. White Christmas (1954)

This film gets high points for a charming story and beautiful music. A remake of the 1942 classic, Holiday Inn, this movie centers on two army buddies (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) helping out their former commander during a Christmas vacation. Along the way they pick up a sister act in Florida -- providing love interests for them both. Great songs include "Sisters," "I Count My Blessings," and (of course) Crosby's "White Christmas." Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney. Not Rated. 120 minutes. Back To Top

6. Holiday Inn (Special Edition) (1942)

Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire portray song-and-dance men who compete for the affection of Virginia Dale. When the team breaks up, Crosby starts an inn while Astaire seeks a new partner. Although it has its Christmas moments, it's a film that spans a year of holidays at a country inn (thus the title). Some like it better than White Christmas, but I'm partial to the full-color spectacular of the remake. Starring Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Virginia Dale. Not Rated. 101 minutes. Back To Top

7. Elf (Infinifilm Edition) (2003)

The holidays just got a little weirder, thanks to Will Ferrell. In this wonderful Christmas film -- destined to become a classic -- Ferrell plays a human raised by elves who must return to New York and find his real father (James Caan). Ferrell plays Buddy with an innocence and charm filled with Christmas spirit. This isn't just funny, it's also heartwarming. A great soundtrack makes this film complete. What a great present for everyone! Starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel. Rated PG. 95 minutes. Back To Top

8. The Santa Clause (Widescreen Special Edition) (1994)

The pain and sadness of modern-day single parenting becomes the backdrop for this heartwarming movie. Following an accident wherein Santa Claus vanishes, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) dons the big red suit and takes over only to find out that he is now legally bound to be Santa. The new job interferes with his work, life, and relationship with his son and ex-wife. Although the beginning of the movie is a little depressing, the story becomes one of love and understanding. A good effort at a moral story in the 1990s. Starring Tim Allen, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd. Rated PG. 97 minutes. Back To Top

9. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition) (1996)

The bad luck Griswolds decide to have a big family Christmas, inviting the assorted mixed nuts that have come to define a "Vacation" movie. Lots of slapstick, sophomoric humor, and the most fun you can have with a dysfunctional family (outside of your own). Randy Quaid appears as the loveable but unwanted house guest, Eddie. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo. Rated PG-13. 97 minutes. Back To Top

10. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Deluxe Edition) (2000)

Although I avoided it for a few years, my wife made me watch the live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas last holiday season. I was prepared to hate it, because I love the animated classic so much. I couldn't believe it would compare to the original. I was wrong. Jim Carrey is magnificently evil (but also sympathetic) as the Grinch. The entire film is a feast for the eyes. I was so pleased to see one of Dr. Suess's creations come to life. Starring Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski. Rated PG. 105 minutes. Back To Top
The Polar Express

11. The Polar Express (Two-Disc Special Edition) (2004)

One boy's struggle to believe in Santa Claus takes him on an amazing trip to the North Pole via The Polar Express. With struggles and peril along the way, he makes friends, shows true heroism, and learns the true spirit of Christmas. This enchanting animated story is fun, entertaining, and revisits the timeless message of the holidays. Sure to capture the magic of the season. Starring Tom Hanks, Leslie Harter Zemeckis, Eddie Deezen. Rated G. 100 minutes. Back To Top
Muppet Christmas Carol

12. The Muppet Christmas Carol - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition (1992)

What is Christmas without a visit from our old pals, the Muppets? Whether singing with John Denver or performing with Emmett Otter's Jug Band, the Muppets have become a Christmas staple around our house. In The Muppet Christmas Carol, Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in a Muppet masterpiece that puts a lot of silliness into Dickens' immortal classic. Despite the zany Muppet humor, the story is still heartwarming and fun for the whole family. Starring Michael Caine, Kermit the Frog. Rated G. 89 minutes. Back To Top