Top Christmas Movies By State

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

It's a Wonderful Life is a classic Christmas movie starring James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. When a guardian angel named Clarence shows up to grant him a wish, George wishes he had never been born. As Clarence takes him on a journey to show him what the world would be like without him, George learns the true value of his life and his relationships. Through a powerful and emotional story, the movie reminds us of the importance of cherishing life and the bonds we share with those around us.

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

Die Hard is a classic action film starring Bruce Willis as John McClane, an off-duty New York City police officer who finds himself trapped in an office building taken over by a group of German terrorists led by Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). McClane must fight off the terrorists and make his way to the top of the building in order to save his wife and the other hostages. Along the way, he must rely on his intelligence, wit, and determination in order to outsmart and defeat the terrorists. With the help of the LAPD, McClane is able to take down the terrorists and save the day.

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 and based on the play Parfumerie by Miklos Laszlo. The film follows the story of two employees at a leather goods store, Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan), who unknowingly become anonymous pen pals while secretly despising each other at work. As the relationship between the two pen pals develops, Alfred and Klara start to fall in love, unaware of each other’s true identity until the very end. Meanwhile, the store’s owner and Klara’s uncle, Matuschek (Frank Morgan), is having marital problems and is looking for a way to spice up his marriage with his wife, Ilona (Felix Bressart). With delightful performances, witty dialogue, and a touching story, The Shop Around the Corner is a timeless classic that has been cited as an inspiration for modern-day romantic comedies.

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

Miracle on 34th Street is a 1947 American Christmas fantasy comedy-drama film written and directed by George Seaton and based on a story by Valentine Davies. Starring Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn, the film follows a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa Claus. The film has become a perennial Christmas favorite. The story takes place in New York City during the week before Christmas. The main character, Kris Kringle, is an elderly gentleman who is hired as a department store Santa at Macy's. Although he is very good with the children, the other employees are skeptical of his claim that he is the real Santa Claus. When a little girl, Susan, doubts the existence of Santa, Kris is determined to prove his identity and bring the spirit of Christmas back to the world. The film culminates in a court trial in which it is decided that Kris is the real Santa Claus and allowed to continue his work at Macy's. In the end, Kris is vindicated, and Christmas is saved. Miracle on 34th Street is a heartwarming family classic that celebrates the power of belief and the spirit of the holidays.

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

A Christmas Story is a 1983 holiday classic starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, a young boy dreaming of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. The movie follows Ralphie's misadventures as he tries to convince his skeptical parents, teachers, and Santa Claus that the Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. As Christmas approaches, Ralphie discovers the true meaning of Christmas amidst Christmas lights, snow, and classic holiday music. Along the way, he must dodge a bully, compete in a flag pole-sitting competition, and battle a temperamental department store Santa. In the end, Ralphie learns the true meaning of Christmas and is rewarded with the gift he has been dreaming of.

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

Edward Scissorhands is a fantasy-romance film directed by Tim Burton, released in 1990. It tells the story of an artificial man named Edward, created by an eccentric scientist who dies before he is able to finish his creation. Edward has scissor-like hands, which makes it difficult for him to find a place in the world. He is taken in by a kindly suburban family and gradually falls in love with their daughter, Kim. However, Edward's unusual appearance causes him to be feared and rejected by the people of the town. Eventually, Edward's plight and innocence leads the townspeople to accept him, and Kim and Edward are able to live happily ever after.

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

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 stop-motion musical fantasy film directed by Henry Selick and co-produced and conceived by Tim Burton. It tells the story of Jack Skellington, a being from "Halloween Town" who opens a portal to "Christmas Town" and decides to celebrate the holiday. He arranges for Santa Claus to take his place, unleashing a mischievous bundle of trouble on the unsuspecting citizens of Halloween Town. In his quest to bring Christmas to his home, Jack spirals into a nightmare of his own making, leading to a climactic battle for Christmas itself. Along the way, Jack discovers the true meaning of the holiday and the importance of family. The film is notable for its stunning visuals and organically integrated musical score.

From Brian Henson, starring Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson
Rated G

The Muppet Christmas Carol is a 1992 musical fantasy comedy film directed by Brian Henson and produced by Jim Henson Productions. It is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol, featuring the Muppets in the roles of the characters from the original novella. The film stars Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly miser who is visited by three spirits who offer him a chance at redemption on Christmas Eve. Along the way, Scrooge is shown his past, present, and future, as well as how his actions have affected those around him. Through it all, he learns the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of love and compassion. The film also features Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, Rizzo the Rat, and many other beloved Muppet characters. The film was a critical and commercial success and is now considered a modern classic.

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

Home Alone is a 1990 classic family comedy directed by Chris Columbus and starring Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister. After a chaotic family vacation, Kevin is accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris, and he must defend his home against two bumbling burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. With the help of his wits and a hilarious arsenal of homemade booby traps, Kevin must protect his home and outwit the bumbling thieves in order to be reunited with his family in time for Christmas.

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

It Happened on Fifth Avenue follows tramp Aloysius T. McKeever (Victor Moore) who finds shelter in an abandoned mansion on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The mansion belongs to a millionaire (Charles Ruggles) who is away for the winter. Aloysius "renovates" the mansion by allowing various other homeless people to move in. Together, they band together to keep their new home while avoiding the millionaire's suspicious butler (Don DeFore). When the millionaire comes back to town and finds out what happened, he befriends the tramps and allows them to stay. In the end, Aloysius wins the heart of the millionaire's daughter (Gale Storm) and they all stay in the mansion, content.

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

"Remember the Night" is a 1940 romantic comedy-drama directed by Mitchell Leisen and starring Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray and Elizabeth Patterson. In the film, Stanwyck plays Lee Leander, a shoplifter accused of stealing a bracelet from an upscale department store. In order to avoid jail time, she agrees to spend Christmas with the prosecuting attorney (MacMurray), who has taken pity on her. As they spend more time together, the two begin to develop feelings for each other and eventually fall in love. When Lee goes back to stand trial, MacMurray pleads for her to be given house arrest instead. Though they are now apart, MacMurray visits her often and they keep their relationship alive. In the end, Lee is acquitted of all charges and they are free to live happily ever after.

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

Love Actually is a 2003 romantic comedy film directed by Richard Curtis, written by Curtis and featuring an ensemble cast. Following the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely and interrelated tales, all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England. The film follows the lives of these couples and others, who are connected in a web of relationships, love, and romance that is both uplifting and heartbreaking. The characters are diverse, ranging from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, to a recently widowed man, to a recently separated couple, to new lovers, and to those who are already in long-term and successful marriages. Through the various stories, the film examines the complexities of love, the pain of loss, and the joy of new beginnings.

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

The Bishop's Wife is a classic romantic comedy starring Cary Grant as an angel sent to assist a beleaguered bishop, played by David Niven. With the help of a beautiful widow played by Loretta Young, the angel helps the bishop realize the true meaning of Christmas. When the bishop begins to lose sight of his mission, the angel intervenes and helps him reprioritize his work, while also finding time to help the widow find her own happiness. In the end, the bishop learns to put his faith in God and the angel returns to heaven.

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

White Christmas is a classic holiday musical directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. It follows two World War II veterans, Bob Wallace (Crosby) and Phil Davis (Kaye), who team up as a song-and-dance team after the war. Along the way, they meet a pair of singing sisters, Betty (Clooney) and Judy Haynes (Vera-Ellen). The foursome travel to a Vermont ski resort, owned by the Haynes' former general (Dean Jagger). When they discover the resort is in dire straits, they come together to save it from bankruptcy by putting on a musical revue. Through a series of musical numbers and comedic hijinks, the foursome saves Christmas for the general and his struggling resort. Along the way, Bob and Phil also find love, proving that old friends are like family.

From Shane Black, starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan, Corbin Bernsen
Rated R

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is a neo-noir crime comedy film directed by Shane Black and starring Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, and Michelle Monaghan. The movie follows Harry Lockhart, an aspiring actor from New York City, who is mistaken for a private investigator while in Los Angeles. With the help of his new friend, Gay Perry, a real private investigator, and Harmony Faith Lane, an actress and Harry’s love interest, Harry must solve a number of cases in order to save them all from the dangers of the Los Angeles crime world. As the story unravels, it becomes clear that the three of them are in much deeper and more dangerous waters than they initially thought.

From Ronald Neame, starring Albert Finney, Alec Guinness, Edith Evans, Kenneth More
Rated G

"Scrooge" is a 1970 British musical fantasy film directed by Ronald Neame, starring Albert Finney as Ebenezer Scrooge. It is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella A Christmas Carol. The film follows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter, miserly old man who hates Christmas and all it stands for. After being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, Scrooge discovers the error of his ways and is transformed into a kind and generous man, who loves and appreciates life. The film features a range of musical numbers, with the songs written by Leslie Bricusse. It received critical acclaim upon its release, earning numerous awards and nominations. It is still seen as one of the best musical adaptations of the classic story.

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 Todd Haynes, starring Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler
Rated R

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

From Sean Baker, starring Kitana Kiki Rodriguez, Mya Taylor, Karren Karagulian, Mickey O'Hagan
Rated R

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

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr., Ward Bond
Rated Passed

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

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