BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) It has been written that James Stewart’s tour as a decorated World War II Air Force pilot equipped him with the raw emotion and depth to render his iconic turn as suicidal George Bailey, who gets a glimpse at what his loved ones’ lives would be without him, thanks to an angel. The final product speaks for itself.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) Edmund Gwenn made his name in Hollywood history with his superb performance as the nice elderly man trying to convince the world he’s Santa Claus in this holiday classic. So convincing was he, in fact, that he actually had 8-year-old castmate Natalie Wood fooled into thinking he was the genuine article – at least until the wrap party.
“A Christmas Carol” (1951) Though worthy Scrooges have come before and since, Alistair Sim’s turn as the miserly Victorian London shopkeeper given an attitude adjustment by three ghosts on Christmas Eve is still the standard bearer. Accept no substitutes. “White Christmas” (1954) Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye made a very likable duo as songand-dance men helping save their former Army commander’s failing Vermont inn while romancing sister performers (Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen) in director Michael Curtiz’s classic holiday musical.
“A Christmas Story” (1983) This nostalgic slice of 1940s Americana about young Ralphie and his wish for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas gave future producer Peter Billingsley his most noteworthy acting credit to date and TBS a day’s worth of programming every Dec. 25. Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon are also in the fine cast.
“Home Alone” (1990) A 9-year-old Macaulay Culkin rocketed to stardom with his appealing performance as a youngster who outwits two burglars (Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci) who broke into his home after his parents accidentally leave him behind for Christmas vacation in director Chris Columbus’ hit family comedy.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993) Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles through a portal into a Christmas Town, where he embraces the alien holiday and tries to celebrate it with many unintended and unpleasant consequences in this sly animated classic.
“Bad Santa” (2003) Billy Bob Thornton is hilarious as a hedonistic con artist whose plan to pose as Santa to rob department stores on Christmas Eve is derailed by a hip security guard and a boy who thinks he’s the real deal.
“Elf” (2003) No one does manchild better than Will Ferrell and that’s evident in this light-hearted Jon Favreau-directed comedy about a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who goes to New York to find his birth father. James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel and Mary Steenburgen head an impressive cast.
“Love Actually” (2003) Yes, at times it’s sappy, but director Richard Curtis’ tale of eight loosely interrelated couples dealing with their love lives as Christmas approaches is entertaining nonetheless, especially with a talented cast that includes Laura Linney, Hugh Grant, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson and Colin Firth.