10 Classic Christmas Movies Everyone Should Watch At Least Once In Their Life
By Movieguide® Staff
The Christmas season is upon us and it’s the perfect opportunity to catch some of the beloved movies that families have been viewing for decades. From old Hollywood classics like WHITE CHRISTMAS to fun animated films like THE POLAR EXPRESS, there’s no shortage of timeless Christmas flicks. This list contains a little something for every generation to enjoy together.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
Quality: ****
Content: +3 (Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.)
One of the most cherished classic Christmas movies, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE is a must-watch for anyone looking for a film about the true meaning of Christmas. Jimmy Stewart stars as a struggling loan officer who is given a glimpse of what the world would be like if he was never born. It contains a very strong moral worldview extolling family and the sanctity of life. Best of all, it demonstrates God’s love for each of us. There is jeopardy and light violence, but nothing overtly scary. They just don’t make movies like IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE these days.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Quality: ****
Content: +2 Moderately questionable elements.
WHITE CHRISTMAS is an enduring Christmas musical that stands the test of time. Released in 1954, it tells the story of a musical duo who become romantically linked to the song and dance team, the Haynes Sisters. The four performers join forces and use their talents to save a Vermont Hotel run by their former commanding general. It’s a delightful movie with a very strong moral worldview, extolling patriotism and the joy of Christmas. Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney give unforgettable performances. WHITE CHRISTMAS is safe for the entire family.
THE BISHOP’S WIFE
Quality: ****
Content: +3 (Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.)
THE BISHOP’S WIFE is a timeless Christmas film about an angel who comes to earth to help a bishop and his wife raise money for a new church. It’s a hilarious and fun comedy with lots of heart for the whole family to enjoy. The movie contains a strong Christian worldview with scriptural references and a moving sermon about the true meaning of Christmas. Old Hollywood actors Cary Grant and Loretta Young give outstanding performances. THE BISHOP’S WIFE is a must-watch during the holiday season.
SCROOGE
Quality: ****
Content: +3 (Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.)
Alastair Sim stars in SCROOGE, the 1951 movie adaptation of the Charles Dickens story. While there are several film versions of the classic Christmas tale, this particular one is head and shoulders above the rest. The plot centers around Ebenezer Scrooge, a cold-hearted man who hates Christmas. He is visited by three spirits who help him change his ways. The film contains a moral worldview extolling the power of redemption. Some scenes may be frightening so use caution with young children.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL
Quality: ****
Content: +3 (Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.)
The Muppets take on the classic Charles Dickens story in the musical version, THE MUPPETS CHRISTMAS CAROL. The beloved characters from the show take on the parts with gusto. Kermit and Miss Piggy are perfect as the married couple, Bob and Emily Cratchit. The Grumps, Statler, and Waldorf, play Scrooge’s deceased partners. Michael Cain stars as Ebenezer Scrooger. Children will love this holiday special. THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL contains some light violence so use caution with young children.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS
Quality: ****
Content: +4 Biblical, usually Christian, worldview, with no questionable elements whatsoever.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a timeless classic featuring the PEANUTS characters we’ve all grown to love. Charlie Brown is down in the dumps because of the commercialism of the holidays. When he’s mocked for picking a scrawny Christmas tree for the school play Linus helps him remember the true meaning of Christmas. It contains a very strong Christian worldview celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is safe for the whole family and is as nostalgic as they come.
LITTLE WOMEN
Quality: ****
Content: +3 Moderately questionable elements
LITTLE WOMEN is based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott and centers around the March sisters (and their mother) as they deal with life during the Civil War. Each of the four sisters is determined to live life on her terms. This film offers a very strong Christian worldview with no foul language or violence. It’s a tale of sisterhood and God’s grace. There is a slight feminist bent to it, but nothing overtly political. Part drama and part romance, LITTLE WOMEN is a captivating movie for the 10+ crowd.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET
Quality: ****
Content: +1 (Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.)
Fans who love the original version of the 1942 film MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET will enjoy the remake just as much. The plot centers around Kriss Kringle, a department store Santa who believes he is the real thing. A lawyer and a young girl must prove in a court of law that Kringle is the genuine article. The movie contains a Biblical worldview celebrating the importance of family. While there is no violence or questionable language, parents may want to have a follow-up conversation about the myth of Santa Claus.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
Jim Carrey shines as the Grinch in the live-action film adaptation of the beloved children’s book, DR. SUESS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS. It follows the story of the Grinch who lives just outside of Whoville, a town that loves all things Christmas. When a little girl named Cindy Lou discovers the Grinch’s troubled childhood, she convinces the residents to invite him to their holiday celebration. It’s a delightful story about the spirit of giving. The film contains some crude humor and light jeopardy, so it’s appropriate for kids
THE POLAR EXPRESS
Quality: ****
Content: +1 Moderately questionable elements – discernment required for young children.
Tom Hanks stars in the fun-filled animated feature THE POLAR EXPRESS, based on the beloved children’s book written by Chris Van Allsburg. It tells the story of a young boy who rides a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve, making friends and finding adventure along the way. The movie has a very strong moral worldview with little objectionable content, save for some light peril. Children 6+ will feel the excitement and wonder of the Christmas season after watching THE POLAR EXPRESS.
- Content: +1Share:
- Content: +2