Holiday Film Classics: Ranked

By Stefani Shoreibah W hat are the holidays without the iconic films that remind us what Christmas is all about? On this list, we’re breaking down the best of Christmas classics based on cultural significance, laughs, and tears shed while viewing (disclaimer: this list is created by someone who adores the black-and-white films, so just bear with us)! 1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Now what film did you expect to take the top spot on this list? Frank Capra’s masterpiece is immortal, from the brilliant performances of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed to the tear-jerking ending (let’s be real, if you celebrate Christmas and don’t sob at the ending of It’s A Wonderful Life, who are you?), this film captures the spirit of Christmas, quite literally in the form of Clarence the angel. The status of this Christmas classic is solidified by not only the American Film Institute’s recognition of It’s A Wonderful Life as one of the best American films ever made, but also the strong moral mes sage at the core of this inspirational tale that shows the importance of hope and love.

2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) Set here in New York City, Miracle on 34th Street centers on a little girl played by a young Natalie Wood who refuses to believe in Santa Claus. When her mother, played by Maureen O’Hara, hires a Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade who claims to be the actual Santa Claus, it’s up to them and their attorney neighbor to defend Kris Kringle when he’s falsely put on trial. From watching a young Natalie Wood’s character learn what it means to believe in Santa Claus, you just might too.

THE BULLETIN - 50 - Dec. 2019/Jan. 2020 3. Scrooge (1951) What would this list be without featuring some rendition of Charles Dickens’ classic novel brought to life? There are several versions of A Christmas Carol that have been released, but arguably Scrooge is one of the best. Grab your tissues, because Alastair Sim’s transition from a greedy, grouchy Ebeneezer Scrooge to a vulnerable, kind-hearted man will have you weeping.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) Step aside, Jim Carrey. This animated classic has to make the top 5 on our list. Although it’s not even half an hour long, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a childhood favorite from Dr. Seuss brought to life by Boris Karloff ’s narration in this timeless adaptation of the story. 5. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) If you’re searching for some wholesome Christmas content this season, look no further than hanging with the Peanuts crew, featuring Lucy’s amatuer therapy sessions , Snoopy’s endless shenanigans, Linus’s philosophical ramblings, and the glow-up of Charlie’s Christmas tree. 6. Home Alone (1990) All chaos breaks loose when eight-year-old Kevin is left home alone during the holidays and stands up to two burglars who attempt to rob his house on Christmas Eve. Throughout the film, we see how troublesome Kevin learns how to go grocery shop ping, set up booby-traps, and what it means to be part of a loving family. Watch it to appreciate a young Macaulay Culkin’s acting or for John Williams’ stunning score. 7. Love Actually (2003) Christmas in London?! Nothing sounds better, especially when the entourage includes Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth (*screams*), Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Andrew Lincoln… the list of stars goes on. The intertwined lives of these characters and watching their mishaps unfold around Christmas is one of the best ways to unwind on a Saturday night with friends and hot cocoa. 8. Elf (2003) Who hasn’t laughed to the point of tears while watching this hilarious Christmas film? Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the Christmas Elf, who embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City to meet his Scrooge-like father. From Buddy’s dancing in the mailroom to eating gum off of the subway entryways, us Barnard students here in NYC can appreciate the glimpses of Rockefeller Plaza and Central Park that make this film extra close to home, quite literally. 9. The Holiday (2006) Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black enter a home-swap during the holidays when both Winslet and Diaz’s characters face heartbreak in this Christmas romantic comedy. With beautiful landscapes of the snow-covered English country side and Jude Law’s smolder, what more could you ask for Christmas? 10. Frozen (2013) This counts, right?