Movies About Christmas

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey (James Stewart), a small-town businessman who is about to end his life on Christmas Eve due to a business failure. He is saved by an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) who shows George what life would be like if he had never been born. George discovers that his life has touched many people in a positive way, and he rediscovers the joys of life. In the end, George is reunited with his family and friends, and the community rallies around him to help him out of his financial troubles. This heartwarming holiday classic is full of important lessons about the value of friendship, family, and the power of prayer.

From John McTiernan, starring Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
Rated R

Die Hard is an action-packed thriller directed by John McTiernan and starring Bruce Willis. The movie follows NYPD Officer John McClane as he attempts to save his wife and several others taken hostage in a Los Angeles high-rise office building by German terrorist Hans Gruber. McClane must use his wits, strength, and determination to outwit and outmaneuver the terrorists. Along the way, he must battle against time, a formidable enemy, and his own self-doubt. The movie is packed with thrilling action sequences, and McClane's quick-thinking and courage ensure that he survives the ordeal and defeats the terrorists.

From Ernst Lubitsch, starring Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut
Rated Not Rated

The Shop Around the Corner is a 1940 romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. It tells the story of two co-workers, Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), who constantly quarrel in the shop they work in, but who unknowingly correspond anonymously with each other through love letters. As they grow closer through their letters, they start to doubt their anonymous lover's identity, and grow closer to each other in real life. In the end, they discover their true identities, and fall in love. The film is a light-hearted classic, full of witty dialogue, charming characters, and plenty of heart-warming moments.

From Bob Clark, starring Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz
Rated PG

A Christmas Story is a 1983 American Christmas comedy film directed by Bob Clark and based on Jean Shepherd's semi-fictional anecdotes in his 1966 book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash. The film follows nine-year-old Ralphie Parker, who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but his parents and his teacher Ms. Shields all say he will shoot his eye out. Along his journey, he encounters a series of obstacles, including a triple-dog-dare from his best friend, a visit to Santa Claus, and a case of the "pink bunny suit" his aunt gives him. Ultimately, Ralphie gets his beloved Red Ryder BB gun, but it comes with a stern warning. Despite its relative lack of commercial success upon its release, the film has since become a holiday classic and is regularly aired on television during the Christmas season.

From George Seaton, starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart
Rated Not Rated

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a classic 1947 Christmas film directed by George Seaton. It stars Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn. The story follows a man named Kris Kringle, who is hired as a Macy's Department Store Santa Claus and is soon discovered to actually be Santa Claus himself. With his endless generosity and kindness, Kris Kringle successfully helps Macy’s out of a financial crisis, and wins the hearts of the townspeople. In the end, Kris Kringle's true identity is revealed, and he is deemed to be the real Santa Claus in a court of law. The film is a heartwarming holiday classic that emphasizes the spirit of Christmas and the power of belief.

From Tim Burton, starring Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall
Rated PG-13

Edward Scissorhands is a 1990 American fantasy romantic comedy-drama film directed by Tim Burton. The film tells the story of an artificial man with scissors for hands, created by an inventor (Vincent Price). After the inventor suddenly dies, Edward (Johnny Depp) is taken in by a suburban family, the Boggs. As he adjusts to his new life, he falls in love with the teenage daughter of the family, Kim (Winona Ryder). However, Edward's presence in the idyllic suburban neighborhood creates confusion and fear amongst the townspeople. They eventually turn on him, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. Throughout the film, Edward's humanity and innocence are juxtaposed against the robotic, cold-hearted nature of the townspeople, highlighting the importance of embracing difference and acceptance.

From Henry Selick, starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
Rated PG

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 American stop-motion animated musical dark fantasy film directed by Henry Selick. It follows the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmastown and decides to bring his own holiday to the world. With the help of Sally, a rag doll, Jack embarks on a mission to kidnap Santa Claus and bring Christmas to Halloween Town. Along the way, he faces off against the forces of evil, ultimately learning the true meaning of Christmas. The film features music written by Danny Elfman and a cast of voice actors including Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey, and Paul Reubens. The Nightmare Before Christmas met with critical and commercial success upon its release and has since become a cult classic.

From Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard
Rated PG

Home Alone is a 1990 classic comedy film directed by Chris Columbus, starring Macaulay Culkin as the mischievous and resourceful 8-year-old Kevin McCallister. When the McCallister family leaves for their Christmas vacation, they accidentally leave Kevin behind. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, who are attempting to rob every house in the neighborhood. Through a series of creative and comedic traps, Kevin outwits the robbers and saves his home and family. Along the way, he learns important lessons about family, friendship, and the true meaning of Christmas.

From Christian Carion, starring Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, Natalie Dessay
Rated PG-13

Joyeux Noel is a 2005 French-German-British drama war film written and directed by Christian Carion. Set in December 1914 during the First World War, it tells the story of the Christmas truce of 1914 when soldiers from Germany, France, and Britain laid down their arms to celebrate Christmas together. The film follows several characters from each side, including a German tenor, a French private, a Scottish minister, and a German family. The film dramatizes the historic events as well as the psychological effects of the war on these characters. At its core, the film is an exploration of the power of music and how it can bring people together, even in the face of tragedy.

From Richard Curtis, starring Hugh Grant, Martine McCutcheon, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney
Rated R

Love Actually is a 2003 romantic comedy written and directed by Richard Curtis. It follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England. The ensemble cast includes Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, and many more. The story follows the relationships between those in the film, including a widower (Neeson) and his stepson, a newlywed couple (Grant, Knightley), an aging rock star (Nighy), two platonic friends (Thompson, Firth), a writer with a crush on a colleague (Rickman), and a young schoolboy in love with a more mature woman. The film is ultimately a celebration of love in all its forms, with a focus on the idea that “love actually is all around”. It is full of humor, romance, and touching moments that help to make it a classic movie.

From Mitchell Leisen, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, Beulah Bondi, Elizabeth Patterson
Rated Passed

Remember the Night is a 1940 romantic comedy directed by Mitchell Leisen. The film follows the story of Lee Leander, a shoplifter sentenced to spend the holidays with John Sargent, the prosecuting district attorney who had her arrested. During their time spent together, the two develop a strong bond, and Sargent begins to question the fairness of the justice system. In the end, the two find love and happiness in each other. The film stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, and features a memorable score by Victor Young.

From Henry Koster, starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven, Monty Woolley
Rated Not Rated

The Bishop's Wife is a classic romantic comedy from 1947, directed by Henry Koster and starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. It tells the story of a young bishop, Henry Brougham, who has lost his faith and is struggling to raise money to build a new cathedral. In an effort to help, an angel named Dudley (Grant) is sent to him, but the bishop is initially suspicious of him. As Dudley helps the bishop and his family with their problems, Henry comes to appreciate and admire him. However, when the bishop begins to find himself falling in love with the angel, he must confront his own feelings and decide what is best for his family.

From Roy Del Ruth, starring Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Victor Moore
Rated Passed

It Happened on Fifth Avenue is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Victor Moore, Ann Harding, and Don DeFore. The story follows a homeless man, Aloysius "Al" McKeever (Moore), who takes up temporary residence in an abandoned Fifth Avenue mansion belonging to a wealthy businessman. Al eventually befriends the businessman's daughter (Harding) and forms an unlikely friendship with a runaway heiress (DeFore). The unlikely trio inevitably charm their way into the hearts of the wealthy family and New York society. With a clever plan to bring the family back together, Al helps both the father and daughter to reconcile and make amends for their estrangement. Along the way, the trio teach the wealthy family a few lessons about the importance of compassion and loyalty.

From Jeremiah S. Chechik, starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki
Rated PG-13

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a 1989 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik. The film stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki, and follows the Griswold family's plans to have a great Christmas that falls short in a variety of ways. The Griswolds plan to have a huge family Christmas, but things quickly go awry as the in-laws, including Clark's annoying boss, arrive, multiple disasters occur, and the family is put to the test. Despite all the chaos, Clark is determined to make the best of the holiday, and ultimately the entire family learns important lessons about the meaning of Christmas and the importance of family.

From John Landis, starring Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Ralph Bellamy, Don Ameche
Rated R

Trading Places is a 1983 comedy film directed by John Landis, starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. The film tells the story of two wealthy and privileged men from Philadelphia, commodities brokers Randolph and Mortimer Duke (played by Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche), who make a bet with each other to see which one can transform a homeless street hustler (played by Eddie Murphy) into a successful businessman. The Dukes use their wealth and connections to place the hustler in the brokerage firm and teach him the tricks of the trade. Meanwhile, the Dukes also "trade places" with the hustler and force him to take up residence in a homeless shelter. Through a series of humorous events, the hustler is able to outsmart the Dukes and restore his own reputation. In the end, the hustler is able to reverse the Dukes' scheme and restore his own fortunes.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen
Rated Not Rated

White Christmas is a festive musical starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. The story follows two World War II army buddies, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who team up with a sister act, Betty and Judy, to save a Vermont ski lodge owned by their beloved former commanding officer, General Waverly. The quartet embark on a mission to bring business back to the struggling inn during the Christmas season. Along the way, they must battle a scheming innkeeper, foil a romantic rival, and overcome personal differences. In the end, their hard work pays off, and with a little help from General Waverly’s old army unit, the lodge is saved and everyone celebrates a wonderful White Christmas.

From Peter Godfrey, starring Barbara Stanwyck, Dennis Morgan, Sydney Greenstreet, Reginald Gardiner
Rated Not Rated

From Joe Dante, starring Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, John Louie
Rated PG

From Don Hartman, starring Robert Mitchum, Janet Leigh, Wendell Corey, Gordon Gebert
Rated Approved

From Terry Zwigoff, starring Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham, John Ritter
Rated R

From Tim Burton, starring Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken
Rated PG-13

From Bob Clark, starring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, John Saxon
Rated R

From Nik Fackler, starring Martin Landau, Ellen Burstyn, Elizabeth Banks, Adam Scott
Rated PG

From Directors: Sarah Smith, Barry Cook, starring James McAvoy, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy, Hugh Laurie
Rated PG

From Jon Favreau, starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Zooey Deschanel
Rated PG