By Ozzie
As the holiday season is upon us we decided to look at some classic Christmas movies and what makes them memorable to us.
Generally, there are two major reasons why these films are popular. It’s the thoughts and feelings behind traditions and familiarity. Holiday movies often have a wide appeal, bringing young and old together to sit and some family time together with some snacks and hot chocolate! The films watched may become a family tradition. When it becomes a yearly event, the previous knowledge of the film and the good times had by the family become familiar and comforting. Even if a tradition is broken, separate family members can watch the film individually and still enjoy the festive mood as they are reminded of good times they spent with their family and friends. So let’s take a look at a few classic films as well as few recent ones that may become classics themselves.[1]
Released in 1947, this film starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore, was not well received initially. It never broke even during its initial run at the cinema! Although receiving mixed reviews at the time (but now has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 95%!), its success didn’t take off till the 1980’s when the copyright was relaxed and became available for local TV network stations to show annually. The film gained in popularity as it reached a wider audience. Today it is a World Wide classic and has also been declared “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation.[2]” The story follows a man given the chance by an angel, to see what life would be like if he never existed. Its message is that no matter how bad life is or how insignificant you feel, to not give up, as you are still important to all those you are connected too.[3]
The original Miracle on 3th Street was made in 1947. This film fared much better than It’s a Wonderful Life and it made the list for preservation by the Library of Congress too. It received positive reviews when it was released and still is popular with modern critics (94% on Totten Tomatoes).Starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara and John Payne, it centres around an old man who was hire to work as Macy’s store Father Christmas. The old man however, really believes he is[4] Santa Claus and after a visit from the store’s psychologist, he is declared insane and thrown into a mental institution. A young lawyer takes up his case and fights for his freedom. This is a great film to remind us that no matter what age we are, fantasies and dreams should still be part of us![5]
No Christmas classic film list can be without an adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens’! Although there have been many adaptations of this book since the invention of film (the first movies of this book were made in 1908), the 1951 adaptation called Scrooge (known in the US as A Christmas Carol) is perhaps the first well known one. Like It’s a Wonderful Life, it too received mixed reviews and did not perform well in the box office. It also grew in popularity over the years too and now has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 83% and is viewed as the most faithful adaptation of the novel[6]. Starring Alastair Sim, Jack Warner and Kathleen Harrison its plot is centred on a bitter stingy old man who is visited by three ghosts in an attempt to change his ways. It reminds us redemption can happen at any age and that it is never too late to try and change one’s self for the better.
White Christmas (made in 1954) was one of the most successful movies of that year. It still has a relatively high score at Rotten Tomatoes with 75%. This film is a musical about two friends in the army during the 2nd World War, pairing up with two sisters to create an entertainment act. They end up helping their former commander, who now runs a failing lodge. It stars the very popular Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. This film is a classic because of its funny and entertaining nature.[7]
So with just a few old classic mentioned, let’s look to see what more modern films may become classics!
The Nightmare before Christmas
Released in 1993, this film could already be classed as a modern classic for both Halloween and Christmas! The plot is about Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, trying to discover what Christmas is after stumbling into Christmas Town. Bored with Halloween he sets off on a mission to bring his own version of Christmas to the world. Starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon and Catherine O’Hara, it has an astounding 96% score at Rotten Tomatoes already!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This one is 50/50 at the moment, you either love it or you hate it, but it may do better as time goes on. This is an adaptation of the book How the Grinch stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, made in the year 2000. Jim Carey stars at the Grinch, a creature that hates Christmas so much that one year, he decides he’ll steal it. It has a rating of 53% at Rotten Tomatoes. Either you see it as an eccentric richly detailed world or a tacky over the top mess![8]
Made in 2003, Elf is about a human baby adopted and raised by Elves. One day realises he’s not an elf and so he makes his way to New York City to find his birth father. Along the way he causes mayhem! Starring Will Ferrell, James Caan and Bob Newbert, it has a respectable rating of 84%[9]
This film follows the lives of eight couples (whose lives are intertwined with each other) in London during the run up period before Christmas. It stars a massive cast that includes Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Sienna Guillory, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman and Keira Knightley. Released in 2003, this Rom-Com scores 63% at Rotten Tomatoes.[10]
This is another film that you’ll either love or hate! Tom Hanks plays the voice of six characters in the 2004 movie. It is about a boy who is starting to doubt Christmas. In the middle of the night he is woken up by a train coming down the middle of his street! This magical train takes a few lucky children to the North Pole to visit Santa before he sets off on his rounds on Christmas Eve. It has a rating of 56% on Rotten Tomatoes. Either you’ll find it visually stunning or cheesy with weird characters![11]
Those are just a brief few movies that spring to mind! Of course not all films have to be about the festive session to qualify as one. Many unrelated themed movies end up becoming Holiday movies because they are also repeated year after year. For example, in the UK you can normally find The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz being shown on TV! So please feel free to add your own “non-festive” holiday movies, your favourite classic and modern Christmas film, as well as your thoughts on what makes these films memorable to the comments. Let’s see how many fond memories we can stir up with our reminiscing!
Please join us for a discussion Tuesday 11/29/2011@7pE/12UTC
comicreleaf
comicrelief2
Comic Relief
parisienne
littlebells
Lurker
ozzie20
Open Book
LIH
linkedinhollywood.com 
I’m sorry, pertaining to the “Polar Express”, I’ve always been in the “HATE IT” category but even I know my assessment is completely unfair. If I remember right, “Polar Express” was one of the first movies to be entirely CGI. It was; yet because I wasn’t remotely fooled, I thought it was garbage. I’m not nearly as critical about CGI movies today, but then I was. Maybe one day I will be able to sit through the entire film.
I broke the “if you can’t say something nice…” rule, but I am in recovery and hope others will give the film another chance.
Oh CR! I wasn’t/am not ahuge fan myself. 🙂
Ozzie: great article and stroll down memory lane. Of course I am a White Christmas fan! Love the songs and dances!!!!
Our family is on the clay-mation kick of Burl Ive’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. We also enjoy A Christmas Story and NL’s Christmas Vacation. 🙂
Thanks LB and CR!
I don’t mind Polar Express but that’s mainly because of the songs in it. The children do annoy me and the animation seems a bit creepy. There’s something about their faces which makes me shudder but I can’t pin point what it is, lol!
My favourite part is the hot chocolate song.
I keep telling myself “be tolerant, be tolerant,…”
Why did Tom Hanks play so many diffeerent roles, I still think that’s creepy. IS THAT WHAT HE HAD TO DO TO EXCUSE HIS SALARY?
sorry…..
“be tolerant, be tolerant,be tolerant, be tolerant,…”
Lol, rant away! I don’t mind at all! 🙂
LB,
I’ve been thinking about this for two days. I’m still looking for Burl Ive’s. Anyway Here goes… l love this stuff too.
See if you persevere;….Burl Ives!!!!!
You are my hero! U can actually buy a cd at Target that has all the old classic songs with Burl Ives, jimmy Durante (Frosty the Snowman), the Chipmunks, the Muppets,Bing Crosby and the Andrew sisters. It’s called Holly Jolly Christmas. It’s awesome!
Hi Everyone!
Welcome new and returning visitors. Let me read and get caught up.
Hi OB,
I’m here.
Hi CR!
My favorite classic and favorite film quote. “Every time a bell rings an angel get there wings.” LOL!
What about Frosty? I love all those songs.
I’s amazing I’m such a sucker for that stuff. I like a great deal of the stuff above as well.
“It’s” amazing…
When I first saw Frosty as a child I cried. I still get a little tear every time I watch it. It’s horrible…
Oh my gosh!!!! Frosty!!!! They don’t make them like they used to. That’s really kinda pathetic and sad. I get teary eyed too, but now it’s for nostalgic reasons. I find, that these cartoons came from a more innocent time for children.
So true!! Great point LB… The innocent quality is so heart warming.
Does America have The Snowman? I think it might be based on Frosty the Snowman but I’m not sure. Anyway, it always makes me cry too!
https://linkedinhollywood.com/2011/11/28/the-most-popular-holiday-movies/#comment-13407
What scene in Frosty make u teary eyed?
Oops, posted the wrong link!
I’m not sure if I’ve seen Frosty the Snowman but with The Snowman it’s the ending. I don’t know if I should post what happens in case I spoil it for someone, lol!
I’ve just remembered, we used to sing this in the school choir!
Yes and I absolutely adore it!!!!! I love the music!
hahahahahaha!!!! JINX!!! 🙂
Yay, you do see The Snowman in America!
I’ve never seen this? CR what about u?
You absolutely need to find it and watch it. There is about maybe one sentence of dialogue. The rest of the story is told through emotion and music. Absolutely beautiful.
I will watch it. The Music is nice.
Speaking of making you cry, this song was supposed to be festive but it always made me sad.
I never handled adult themes and adult Jazz music in kid shows as well as I should have.
I love this song, actually! haha!!! Oh well. I think for me, it just made me relax. I love Charlie Brown. My 20 month old son reminds me of Linus because he is always dragging his blanket around.
Oh! I like u LB!! Hahahaha!! Love this stuff. That sad Christmas tree. I would totally go for it. LOL!!
I’ve always wanted a Charlie Brown Christmas tree!!! hahaha! 🙂
Doing Frosty too; Rankin-Bass was a real powerhouse. It produced more than one form of animation; and they even produced “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the year before. They also produced all of this music and programmed most of the holiday kid entertainment of my childhood.
I don’t know any animation house that is nearly this influential in pop culture today.
Those are amazing facts CR.
Thanks.
Cool facts, CR! Very interesting!
Lol, my Mum still says that Quote all the time, lol!
Hi Ozzie,
Great article!
OK my all time favorite animation after Frosty is Grinch.
I like the Grinch as well. How would you compare the animation to the live action?
Are u asking me, CR or Ozzie?
For me I like the innocent and simplicity of traditional animation. It allows the story to really take full precedence.
You OB. 🙂 I like the animation one as well for the exact same reason. The live one was good too, but then you start getting ornate on sets, costumes, and jokes when you really don’t need all of it.
I like both, but the animated versus live experience is completely different.
I just laugh at the animated Dr. seuss version.
The live action version makes me worry about odd issues like public and personal Hygiene.
CR U Said: “The live action version makes me worry about odd issues like public and personal Hygiene.”
LOL!! Classic….
Well, I amost feel like I can smell that Grinch. No offense Jim, we can blame that on hair and makeup.
I’ve only seen the live action one. I don’t remember the seing the animation one.
Here’s the animated version.
If you get a chance I would watch the whole thing. You won’t feel you need a bath afterward.
Lol! Cheers for posting the video CR! I have wondered about the animated version.
Thank you OB!
I had fun looking at all the Christmas films. It’s reminded me that I really need to watch the old ones again because I was a kid when I last watched them and I can’t remember much about them.
I forgot to say I like the Grinch too. I love Whoville!
Whoville song is AWESOME!!
I love this song too!
I agree great article.
Thanks CR! 🙂
I’m glad were talking about this topic this early.
Weeks ago, during Lurker’s article we talked about how Hollywood needed to make an abundance of money during the Christmas season to have any ability to match last year’s box office profits.
Many of those movies will be screening in the next few weeks, and it may be difficult to return to this essential content then.
So true. Do u think u would tolerate HW remaking any of these films?
Uh no. Affirmative. I think they SHOULD put them out in the theaters for at least two weeks, but that’s just me. They should designate one theater specifically to the classics. I know some theaters do it, but it’s usually for a night. I think they should be out all Christmas season!
agreed.
But u liked the live action Grinch film CR? What gives? Please explain.
I guess this movie can never get old.
Hi everyone!
I literally just pulled into town 20 minutes ago! Let me get caught up. 🙂
Hi LB-
U are amazing!! How is Mickey?
Mickey is great! Although we didn’t see him. We were too busy power walking and riding almost every ride 2-3 times each from the minute the park opened until it closed. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! 🙂
that sounds fun!!!! I need to find a red hat, because I’m already green with envy.
(Disneyland isn’t going anywhere. 😉 )
I’m glad you had a good time LB! I love Disney!
Do you think children would enjoy these cartoons/animations as much as we did as children?
Good question! I don’t know but I hope so. I think they should be aware of the amazing ones out there.
I don’t know. Kids today are so use to hyperrealism I’m not sure if they would be satisfied with traditional animation. It’s sad!!
ARe there any Christmas films that you feel aren’t that great?
Ok, I’m about to pass out, I’m so tired. I will come back later and check in. 🙂
ps. I’m glad we are back to our live discussions! I missed them!!
“A christmas carol” is sometimes extremely sketchy.
Sometimes it extends the classic, sometimes it doesn’t…
I’m impressed with the animation of the Jim Carrey animated version.
Here’s the second version….
Great. Lovin your videos CR..
I want to see the Jim Carey one. Fortunatly I think it’s on TV this year!
I remember watching the muppets christmas carol too! I reminds me of my old best friend. I remember watching it round her house! Sadly she moved and we lost contact but this film always makes me smile and think about her!
Love this song.
Ozzie- What do u think about the live action Grinch versus the animation?
She commented above.
Oh! Thanks….
LB-
I did not like Arthur Christmas. All the Alvin & the Chipmunks
New Year’s Eve slated to come out December 9th.
I forgot to add Polar Express to the list as well.
Your dislike list? Ozzie called it in the article; you will either like it or hate it.
Hmmm, I’ll have to think about this one! I know there are some but I can’t remember them. Maybe they were so bad my mind decided to erase all traces of it!
I HATE THIS FILM. It’s so over the top. Yeah dislike list.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Lol! Which one? The Polar Express?
I love hearing your thoughts on it because I’ve never come across someone not liking it. It was only when I went looking for the reviews that I found out. I was glad to discover that some people think the human animation was wierd, even if I do like the film itself!
Yes! I’m Sorry The Polar Express. I can’t stand it because it over powers the sweet story. It’s like the art department jerk off festival. I found it a complete waste of my fifteen minutes I spent in the theaters.
Art department jerk off festival, Lol! I love that!
I can see your point, actually. Thanks for giving your thoughts on it!
Yes! They were animating every hair follicle. What did that add to the story? Come ON!!! Clearly I have lost my cool on this one. I will step away from the computer now.
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! 🙂 🙂 Yes I think the human animation was really weird.
Everyone-
What do u think of Love Actually? Do u like this film?
This is such a sweet crush story.
This is so funny and fondue worthy!! I could not help it.
Say No to Drugs kids…
I love that part of the movie, lol!
OB,
This is Hilarious. He does insincere so well.
I was surprised as I don’t really like Rom Coms but I liked this one. Not enough to buy it but enough to watch it on tv if it ever came on. Plus it have one of my most favourite songs ever!
I like this song Ozzie. I don’t remember this song in the film though? I will have to stream it.
Yes, I don’t remember which part it was in either.
I thought it was good and very unusul given the other options.
It’s adult and has adult themes.
Is not based in the US.
Has a little more diversity.
It isn’t always cheerful.
It’s a great addition to the group.
Again nice job Ozzie.
On the music front; which one do you think is better or do you think there is any comparison:
Judy Garland:
Mariah Carrey:
I prefer Judy Garland over Mariah Carey!
In terms time periods the change in styles is so incredible. Really no negative evaluation at all: Judy Garland is so regal and so sophisticated. I actually like Mariah as well; by comparison even with the 50’s (esque) song that tight dress and bluesy song styling are from a totally different (far more sexual) planet.
I know the event was taped at Disney World, but she looks like she’s dressed for Spring Break.
Which one do you think is better or do you think there is any comparison:
Bing Crosby:
Justin Beiber:
I prefer Bing Crosby. When I heard that Beiber’s song, I thought my brain may start leaking out of my ears!
LOL!!
I sort of feel the same about a Crosby/Beiber comparison as I do a Garland/Carrey comparison. Like Crosby, Beiber is nearly the pop cultural spokesman for the largest demographic.
Of course the more soulful delivery is different, yet one can’t help but notice the extreme difference in Beiber’s youth versus and the elderstatemen’s age.
I think this one is good. It’s the adaptation of Terry Prachett’s book, The Hogfather.
What is the hogfather? I never saw this before. It looks scary.
I’m not sure I understand all of the scary christmas stuff.
Ok, I’m off now! I’ve had alot of fun! I’ll come back tomorrow and check to see if there any more comments.
Night all!
Goodnight Ozzie! Wonderful article and discussion.
Which one do you think is better or do you think there is any comparison:
Michael Jackson (Jackson 5):
Miley Cyrus:
I think the Jackson’s costumes should be burned but after listening to Miley I feel at least two years older.
I should go rest.
Good job Ozzie.
Everyone-
I’m going to say goodnight as well. This was so much fun. Thanks for sharing!!
A Christmas Story and Rudolph are my favs. 🙂
Great films!!
As for comparing Bing and Judy with today’s artists: you can’t. It’s like comparing the Taj Mahal (sp?) to the sand castle I build at the beach. Yes, Mariah and Justin are great! But nothing comes close to the original artists. They sing it purely and don’t need a lot of this and that to make the song great. Totally my opinion. I’m a traditionalist. 🙂
From Christmas Vacation (there is language):
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!
“A christmas story” is a great addition.
Hi Ozzie,
sorry for being so late to the party, I hope I’m not too late to add my 2cents here. I can speak for my husband and me about our most favourite holiday movies which are
1) “We are no angels” from 1955 with Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray, directed by Michael Curtiz because the story is so funny and during the whole movie we are on the side of the “bad” ones who are so helpful to the “good” ones and the end is just like everyone wants it to be – thanks to Adolf!!!
2) “Love actually” because of the fabulous cast, especially Bill Nighy! and the wonderful soundtrack. Although this movie is quite young we watch it every 4th advent, having some hot wine punch and christmas cookies.
3) Little Lord Fountleroy” with Sir Alec Guinness, although only the final scene is about Christmas but the whole movie is such a wonderful fairy tale and Sir Alec is so good as Earl of Dorincourt, extremely arrogant at the beginning but you can see how his grandson’s love for him is melting his cold heart in every scene and we really love happy ends!
I’m looking forward to your next article!
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