There’s just one more week ‘til Christmas! Can you believe it? As the kids get out of school and families start traveling, you may find your own gathering ‘round the ol’ television to partake in one of the season’s most treasured traditions: watching Christmas movies together.
But that, of course, begs the question: Which holiday films will you be watching?
Perhaps you prefer stories that focus on the Christmas story, such as 2006’s The Nativity Story or 2017’s The Star. Maybe you’re a stickler for black-and-white classics, like The Bishop’s WifeorMiracle on 34th Street. Or possibly, you just want some goofy, Christmas-y hijinks—the likes of which you may find in Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch or Elf.
Whatever your flavor, Plugged In’s got the goods. And this year, we’re offering up some of our personal favorites to consider adding to your family’s holiday mix. (Just make sure you read the full reviews on our site to make sure these movies are right for your family.)
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
In this black-and-white classic, James Stewart plays George Bailey—a desperate man who, on Christmas Eve, wonders if everyone would’ve been better off had he never been born. An angel named Clarence endeavors to answer that question. “It’s a Wonderful Life is, I think, the best Christmas movie, because it has some very sweet messages about pushing forward through difficult times,” says Plugged In’s Paul Asay.
Content-wise, the film has some portrayals of smoking and drinking (it “hails from a different time,” Adam Holz wrote in his review). Clarence’s angel isn’t theologically correct. And the topic of suicide comes up, too: “We know, of course, that this story ultimately doesn’t go that way. But before Clarence arrives to redirect his path, George does come perilously close to making that choice,” Holz cautions. But “All in all, this classic holds up,” he praised. “If you give it some time and hang in there, your family might just embrace this story’s delightful old-fashioned charm, as well as its powerful reminder that, indeed, ‘Perspective is the key.’”
Plus, Asay adds, “You can’t beat Jimmy Stewart.”
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
In an effort to get in the Christmas spirit, Charlie Brown agrees to direct the school’s Christmas program. But of course, one thing goes wrong after another, until finally, Charlie shouts, “Is there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?!”
Linus responds, “And there were in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them, and they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!’”
“You can’t go wrong. It’s just a very clear explanation of the reason for Christmas,” says Plugged In’s Bret Eckelberry. “I love it. It’s such a sweet movie. It’s so well done.”
A Christmas Story (1983)
All Ralphie wants for Christmas is an Official Red Ryder Carbine-Action Two-Hundred-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. In his opinion, it’s the perfect gift for a 9-year-old boy growing up in the 1940s. “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Ralphie’s mother protests—but he’s not so quick to give up on his dream.
“My family grew up watching A Christmas Story every Christmas Eve, so the movie holds a special place in my heart,” says Plugged In’s Kennedy Unthank. “I love the humor and the heart behind it.”
There’s a “fair bit of language for Christmas family movie,” Bret Eckelberry writes in his review, as well as some other moments that “might catch you and yours uncomfortably by surprise.” So not all parents will want to show the film to their kids. But “A Christmas Story is packed with sweet and frequently hilarious moments. It delivers a heartfelt ode to family, the wonder of childhood and the joy of Christmas.”
“And,” Unthank adds, “it’s probably got the most quotable moments out of any Christmas story (not including the Christmas story, of course).”
Home Alone (1990)
When the McCallister family oversleeps and nearly misses their flight, they accidentally leave their 8-year-old son, Kevin, home alone for the holidays. While mom Kate tries desperately to get back to Kevin, Kevin finds himself fending off two burglars who’ve picked his house to rob.
Comedic violence and mild profanity are present in this PG-rated flick. But so too are some valuable lessons about the importance of family and forgiveness: “There’s sort of a parallel redemption story between Kevin and Old Man Marley, who lives next door,” says Plugged In’s Bob Hoose. “We watch Marley go through this grumpy old man stage to the point of making up with his family and reuniting with them.” And Kevin himself reunites with and forgives his own family.
“[Those parallels aren’t] biblical, but there are almost these sort of winks toward the whole idea of sacrifice and redemption,” concludes Hoose.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
It’s Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol as told by Jim Henson’s Muppets. Ebenezer Scrooge (played brilliantly by Michael Caine) is visited by several ghosts on Christmas Eve, each warning him that unless he changes his miserly ways, he’ll die miserable and alone. By film’s end, Scrooge is a changed man. He begins to treat every day like Christmas, acting with kindness and generosity toward everyone he meets.
I think this may be my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time. The music, the Muppets, the Michael Caine … what’s not to love? But I’ll also be the first to caution parents that as a kid, I wasn’t nearly as big of a fan. I found some of the ghosts that visit Scrooge to be a bit scary. So like every other entry on this list, you’ll definitely want to read our full review.
That said, this tale embraces the true spirit of Christmas. It encourages us to “spread love and joy.” It tells us to “give generously with a thankful heart.” And it implores us to “keep the spirit of Christmas alive year-round.” And those are some great reminders to hear this time of year.
Oh, and feel free to watch Asay and me talk about the movie more in-depth, too.
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