10 Classic Movies for Christmas
White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th St and More
Nov 21, 2007 Michelle Strozykowski
Are you feeling in the mood for Christmas? Need some gift ideas for film buffs? Here are 10 classic movies that would make ideal presents for film fans young and old, or just get you feeling festive.
The all time greatest Christmas classic of them all draws a perfect performance out of Jimmy Stewart as he tells his guardian angel the story of what brought him to the brink of suicide. Snuggle up on the sofa and enjoy this ultimately heartwarming tale during the coldest of months.
Other classic James Stewart performances you might enjoy include Mr Smith Goes to Washington and Harvey.
2) Miracle on 34th Street
This beautiful film stars Natalie Wood as a little girl who doesn't believe in Santa - until she meets the real one! Miracle on 34th Street could melt the iciest of hearts, and is definitely a Christmas classic that can stand up to repeat viewings.
Remade in 1994 with Richard Attenborough as Santa, the new version fares remarkably well against the classic.
3) White Christmas
The music is the star of White Christmas, with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye playing a pair of song and dance men who hook up with a couple of female singers to entertain the guests at a failing ski lodge. Featuring Irving Berlin's eponymous Oscar winning song, White Christmas is guaranteed to get everyone feeling festive.
Other classic musicals you might enjoy include Top Hat, My Fair Lady and The Wizard of Oz.
4) Kind Hearts and Coronets
Not strictly a Christmas movie, but a classic nevertheless. Kind Hearts and Coronets is an Ealing comedy that's just the thing for film fans to savor, especially if peace and goodwill to all is wearing a little thin!
5) It Happened One Night
Classic screwball comedy from Frank Capra (who also directed It's a Wonderful Life and Mr Smith Goes To Washington), It Happened One Night is a great film to warm you up on a cold winter evening. Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert are the definition of screen chemistry.
6) March of the Wooden Soldiers
Maybe it's because the TV channels have a tendency to run classic film seasons during the Winter months, but there's something very Christmasy about Laurel and Hardy. The March of the Wooden Soldiers is particularly seasonal as it's set in a toy shop, it's full of nursery rhyme characters, and Stan and Ollie go to battle with the meanest man in town.
7) An Affair to Remember
A beguiling, romantic film with the beautiful Deborah Kerr and debonair Cary Grant falling in love, but failing to meet up as arranged at the top of the Empire State Building. It is Christmas Eve by the time they meet again, and when they finally embrace just make sure your hankies are at the ready.
An Affair to Remember inspired Nora Ephron's hugely successful 1993 film Sleepless in Seattle.
8) Some Like It Hot
Brilliant at any time of the year, Some Like It Hot is a comedy classic sure to go down well with any film buffs you need to find a pressie for. Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis simply sparkle in the leading roles.
9) Jungle Book
This years Disney Christmas release is a real gem. The Jungle Book would make a welcome addition to any child's dvd collection, and it's such a brilliant romp, full of wonderful sing-a-long music, parents won't mind being subjected to it over and over again either.
10) A Christmas Carol
The 1951 film starring Alistair Sim as Scrooge is the definitive screen version of Charles Dickens' moral Christmas classic. The humanity through redemption of Scrooge is brought to life by Sim's vivid performance. Although there are many other versions of A Christmas Carol, this is the only one for classic film fans.
You may also be interested to read more Christmas film recommendations in 10 Contemporary Christmas Movies.
It's A Wonderful Life
|
More in Film & TV
Latest Articles