Best Classic Christmas Movies – Our Top 5

Frank Capra was a genius director. This heart-warming story about a small-town banker who despairs and wonders if he ever made a difference in the world is so well portrayed by Jimmie Stewart. The fact that angels are required to do something to earn their wings, and the fact that every time a bell rings, the task is complete are enduring traditions that will never fade. Just click on the title to enjoy a trailer from the movie.

Okay, so there’s this little old man who claims to be Santa Claus, and of course his claiming so lands him in a mental institution. Now comes a lawyer determined to defend his right to be whomever he chooses. Throw in an adorable little girl, a full-blown court case and stacks and stacks of letters delivered by the United States Postal Service. Miracle on 34th street is simply magnificent. Again, just click on the title above and enjoy.

So we have here an interesting little story featuring two successful song and dance men (portrayed very nicely by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye) who somehow get hooked up with a sister act (one of whom is the lovely Rosemary Clooney) to save a Vermont Inn. Did I mention the Inn is owned by Bing’s and Danny’s former commanding officer? All the parts are there for a family friendly homage to the old “hey kids, let’s put on a show” story.

This one has a little more star power than White Christmas and is actually often confused with the other. Probably because the great Bing Crosby is featured in both. However this one came out right smack in the middle of World War II and features Fred Astaire as the competitor to Bing for the affections of a lovely young starlet.

This is my very favorite version of this movie. It’s probably the greatest portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge…ever. The movie is actually titled “Scrooge” but, of course, it’s the portrayal of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Give props to a great actor named Alistair Sim for interpreting this story of a miserly and selfish man who is transformed in one night. Visited by three spirits of Christmas, Ebenezer comes to realize how his life has been changed and his outlook soured by events from his past and present. His true redemption comes from the third spirit, of course, the one from Christmas yet to come. Fantastic story from Dickens and a wonderful movie.