My wife and I have developed a favorite Christmas movie list through the years, with a tradition of watching one or two each December. In order of preference, I’d say the top five come down to these:
- It’s a Wonderful Life (Jimmy Stewart). Cathy and I discovered this movie the first winter we were married, and we circle back to it more often than any of our other Christmas favorites. It probably adds to the appeal that Jimmy Stewart was my father’s Eighth Air Force commander during World War II, and an alumnus of my own alma mater.
- Miracle on 34th Street (a young Natalie Wood). Maybe it’s the legal piece, but this one never grows old for us.
- A Christmas Carol (George C. Scott version). The appeal of this one is obvious. The problem is which version of the story to trot out each Christmas. For me, George C. Scott’s portrayal of Scrooge is unbeatable. (Although a close second is Mister Magoo.)
- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (Boris Karloff narrating). For years we played this movie while making holiday cookies with the kids. Then the kids went away to school, and we had to admit that their presence was just an excuse to watch the Grinch in action.
- Holiday Inn (Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire). My wife introduced me to Fred Astaire. We love all his movies—but this one that circles around to a Christmas finish is our favorite.
Bonus: White Christmas (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye). Another great musical from the same era as Holiday Inn – and the second movie in which Bing Crosby sang “White Christmas.” A very close pick behind Holiday Inn for Christmas viewing.
Which Christmas movies would you put on your list, and why?
Connect with Todd on Facebook, Twitter, and his website.
Most Recent Release: Critical Reaction
After surviving an explosion at Hanford Nuclear Facility, two employees seek justice—and discover how far someone is willing to go to bury the truth.
Bethany House Fiction 
LOVE all of these, though “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” would be my top ones. 🙂
I love “The House without a Christmas Tree” starring Jason Robards. And “Bells of ST. Mary’s” 🙂
Miracle on 34th Street is my No. 1 favorite. We also have a tradition of watching The Sound of Music. It’s not exactly a holiday movie, but I still love it.
I’m so glad you included “the George C. Scott version”. This is one of my all time favorites, but only this version! 🙂
LOVE the Grinch. What a fun list! Thanks for sharing. So hard to pick a favorite, but I think I’d have to go with The Santa Clause.
Oh, Todd, these are all my favorites, too! If I have to pick, though, I’ll go for Holiday Inn–I absolutely love the setting, and Bing and Fred make entertaining rivals! 😉 Have a very Merry Christmas!
It’s A Wonderful Life is my all time favorite. But we look forward to The Christmas Story marathon on TBS every year! .