The Best Christmas Movies (Part I)

By Matija Šerić

Time passes rather quickly. As we grow older, the feeling of time slipping away only becomes stronger. We have entered deep into autumn and the Advent season, and Christmas is just around the corner. Although the meaning of the Christmas holidays should be rooted in Jesus Christ — after all, Christmas is Christ’s birthday — the greatest Christian holiday also brings other charms, such as family gatherings, a spirit of optimism, and hope for a better tomorrow. One of the Christmas characteristics, not the least important, are Christmas movies. Brilliant works on the film screen can greatly lift the holiday atmosphere, and everyone’s goal is for the Christmas ambiance to be as pleasant as possible. Over the years, many quality films have accumulated globally, and below we present suggestions for some excellent Christmas films or films with a Christmas spirit. There are plenty of movies, and we will recommend watching some classics.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)

Legendary Italian-American director Frank Capra released perhaps his greatest work in 1946: It’s a Wonderful Life. It is a fantastic romantic drama largely based on the novel A Christmas Carol by the English novelist Charles Dickens. And it is not just any drama — it is one of the greatest of all time. The story emotionally depicts how the life of one person can influence others. It explores themes such as the meaning of life, despair, suicide, the importance of family, and good deeds. The main protagonist is brilliantly played by James Stewart, accompanied by the excellent Henry Travers and Donna Reed. It is one of the best cinematic antidepressants available for all time. The atmosphere of cheerful holiday spirit it conveys is impossible to replicate today. The American Film Institute included the film on its list of the 100 greatest American movies. Many rank it among the most inspirational films ever made.

Trailer: It’s a Wonderful Life

“A Christmas Story” (1983)

This hilarious 1983 comedy directed by Bob Clark is largely based on the book In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash by American humorist Jean Shepherd. The story follows the Parker family — particularly the son and his parents — during the Christmas season of 1940. The film became special and so beloved because it perfectly captures the nostalgia of childhood, the humor of everyday family situations, and the warmth of the Christmas atmosphere without excessive sentimentality. The plot balances comedy with sincere emotion, and the narration by the adult Ralph adds charm and wit that set it apart from other Christmas films. Certain iconic scenes and its authentic portrayal of family life have made it a timeless classic. In 2012, it was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Trailer: A Christmas Story

“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street is a fantastic film that blends comedy and drama. Director George Seaton created a masterpiece largely thanks to its cast, which includes Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and Edmund Gwenn. The story takes place between Thanksgiving and Christmas in New York City. At the center of the plot is an elderly gentleman, Kris Kringle, who during the Thanksgiving parade and subsequently in Macy’s department store assumes the role of Santa Claus — and soon begins claiming that he is the real Santa. His sincerity and kindness change the lives of those around him, especially little Susan, who doesn’t believe in miracles. When Kringle is brought before a court to determine whether he is mentally stable, the film becomes a warm and moving tale about faith, hope, and the Christmas spirit.

Trailer: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

“Joyeux Noël” (2005)

Joyeux Noël — or Merry Christmas — is a European Christmas drama that depicts the Christmas truce in World War I between French, German, and Scottish soldiers. It is primarily a French film, but other national cinemas, such as Russian, British, and German, also participated in its production. The film was directed by French filmmaker Christian Carion. It is an adaptation of the spontaneous truce between the warring sides in 1914. The plot follows the lead singer of the Berlin Imperial Opera, Nikolaus Sprink, during his visit to the front line. His performance, delivered to the 120th and 124th Württemberg regiments, prompted Scottish soldiers in their trenches to stand up and applaud. This led to other gestures that briefly overcame the war. The film shows how unnecessary war is and how much more unites European nations than divides them.