We love rewatching It’s a Wonderful Life every holiday season just as much as the next person…and White Christmas…and Miracle on 34th Street…and A Christmas Story, etc. But variety is the spice of life, especially when young folks are home on vacation and aren’t thrilled with the same old classics. Here are some lesser-known flicks with a holiday theme or background that you and your family can stream or rent (or check out from your local library) and enjoy together in the upcoming days before Christmas and New Year’s. We had help from a few of our movie-savvy “elves” to select the best (albeit obscure) Christmas-themed movies. Each list below is chronological.
For the kids in your family (age seven and older)…
March of the Wooden Soldiers (1934, not rated). You may have tucked away in your memory a band of marching wooden soldiers and a lovable, bumbling comedy duo trying to make things right. That would be this movie, starring Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, toy makers who save the day in Toyland. This movie hasn’t lost its charm over the generations.
Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates (1962, not rated). An inspiring coming-of-age story set in the 1860s, filled with beautiful winter scenery and skating…and a suspenseful ending that will entertain the whole family.
Ziggy’s Gift (1982, not rated, also available on YouTube.com). Young and old will enjoy this short animated piece based on the Ziggy cartoon that shares the message that giving is the best part of the holiday.
Home Alone (1990, rated PG). When his family takes off on a holiday vacation to France, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind and has to fend off two klutzy burglars. This is a beloved family comedy with some slapstick action.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993, rated PG) This stop-motion animated “thriller” written by Tim Burton features Jack Skellington who brings some Yuletide adventures to Halloweentown. Slightly scary, but filled with delightful imagery.
Little Women (1994, rated PG). This version of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, complete with snowy scenes from New England, will delight the girls (and young women) in your family.
Elf (2003, rated PG). The story of Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised among elves, who travels to New York City to find his true identity. Silly and sweet, all in one package.
The Polar Express (2004, rated G). This is an animated drama based on the holiday children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks narrates this beautiful tale about a mysterious train that helps a little boy believe.
Shrek the Halls (2007, not rated). Fans of Shrek will love this short animated tale.
For mature audiences (teens and beyond)…
3 Godfathers (1948, not rated). Legendary director-actor duo John Ford and John Wayne deliver an entertaining mix of old-time religion and gun-slinging outlaws in this little-known Western based on the biblical story of the Three Wise Men. No one says a line like John Wayne can.
Trading Places (1983, rated R). This film is a little on the raunchy side to be called “Christmas themed,” but it has plenty of holiday scenes to fit the spirit of the season, and it has plenty of laughs. It features SNL alumni Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd at their best.
The Sure Thing (1985, rated PG-13). This charming teen romantic comedy stars John Cusack as Walter traveling with his “mismatch” Alison (Daphne Zuniga) to California for the holidays. Breakout performances are sure to entertain.
Scrooged (1988, rated PG-13). This film is a laugh-filled (although slightly dark) adaptation of A Christmas Carol, starring Bill Murray.
Die Hard (1988, rated R). According to Rotten Tomatoes, “Its many imitators (and sequels) have never come close to matching the taut thrills of this definitive holiday action classic.”
When Harry Met Sally (1989, rated R). The comedy hit starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan has a few Christmases…and all is resolved on New Year’s Eve (you remember!).
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989, rated PG-13). Chevy Chase lights up the neighborhood and engages in numerous other hilarious sight gags, but there’s also some sentimentality to make this a worthwhile holiday treat.
A Midnight Clear (1992, rated R). A beautifully filmed war movie featuring excellent performances by the young Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise. A small, tight-knit group of soldiers experience hardship and grace during World War II.
The Santa Clause (1994, rated PG). Sitcom star Tim Allen inherits the job of St. Nick and hilarity ensues.
While You Were Sleeping (1995, rated PG). A wacky romantic comedy with Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman in snowy Chicago…irresistible.
Everyone Says I Love You (1996, rated R). This lighthearted musical by Woody Allen spans a few holidays and ends with Christmas in Paris. And guess what? It’s got romance!
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001, rated R). Renée Zellweger is adorable as Bridget Jones, who must choose between the sparring Daniel (Hugh Grant) and Mark (Colin Firth) (rotten luck!). Her quandary is surrounded by much holiday cheer and merriment.
About a Boy (2002, rated PG-13). Another charming comedy with Hugh Grant as a layabout who has written the seasonal radio hit “Santa’s Super Sleigh” and who befriends a small boy in need of a role model.
The Family Stone (2005, rated PG-13). We couldn’t help listing one more romance! Sarah Jessica Parker stars as the girlfriend with a “freak flag.” Features family conflicts that are both funny and touching…and very recognizable.
…And for a good goof: Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964, rated PG). Alien invaders kidnap St. Nick. Need we say more?
What are your favorite holiday movies? We’d love to know!
According to the late American columnist Burton Hillis, “The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”
Merry Christmas to you and yours, from Joan, Lydia and everyone at Bottom Line Publications!
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