My Ultimate Christmas Movie List
Each and every one of the films on this list is special for me and a holiday season tradition. As soon as Thanksgiving rolls around, at least one of these movies has played in my house. I wanted to share my favorites and I hope that I have made recommendations that others will enjoy with their families. And now, the list.
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- DirectorJohn KortyStarsCicely TysonKatherine HelmondMichael BeachA retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."My all-time favorite Christmas movie, I saw it when it first aired on the USA Network and it's been a yearly tradition since. I am a fan of Dickens' timeless tale and this particular telling of it adds a modern twist. Cicely Tyson steps into the role of Scrooge flawlessly, turning in what I think is one of the best portrayals. Although she has a strong supporting cast, Tyson commands the screen powerfully. If I could have only recommended one Christmas movie, it would be this one.
- DirectorBurt BrinckerhoffStarsBeverly RowlandCharles DurningRisa SchiffmanFeeling unneeded, a disillusioned Santa Claus (Charles Durning) quits Christmas. Through the selflessness of a little girl looking to reunite her parents for Christmas (and the help of his bumbling chief elf, Philpot (Bruce Vilanch), Santa and the child travel across America and Santa discovers that people really do need him and care about other people.I first saw this one when I was probably about 8 and and it has remained a favorite of mine, even though it doesn't air on television anymore. This is a lighthearted, heartwarming picture that any generation can enjoy. If you can manage to see it, I highly recommend that you do, you won't be disappointed.
- DirectorArthur Allan SeidelmanStarsCicely TysonMichael WarrenSammy Davis Jr.A family is torn apart at Christmas when the wife of a couple trying to adopt a son is killed in a car accident and the husband, a musician, is deemed unfit to raise a child.I can remember watching this movie when it first aired, it was syndicated and it aired every Christmas for a few years after that. It has an all star cast and even features Sammy Davis Jr. in his final appearance on film. It's a touching story that is bittersweet, making a successful effort to show the true meaning of Christmas.
- DirectorDelbert MannStarsNatalie ColeBrian BonsallMarla GibbsIn 1957, New Yorkers report the kidnapping of their son, who follows his nanny on a train taking her home to Alabama.Yet another film I saw on it's first airing. It's set at Christmas time and isn't a Christmas movie in the usual sense, but it most certainly embodies the meaning of Christmas very fully. This is Natalie Cole's first movie and she does a fine job, so much so, you'd never know this was her first movie. It deals with racial and family issues in a serious way, but it still is heartwarming and moving.
- DirectorRichard SchenkmanStarsVanessa WilliamsRozonda 'Chilli' ThomasJohn TaylorIn this remake of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol", a cold-hearted superstar singer gets a reality check when she meets three Christmas spirits who would change her miserly ways for the better.This one is fun and very well produced. When I saw it VH1 on it's first airing, I knew that it would be a movie that I watched every year. Vanessa Williams brings a star power that illuminates the screen. Out of all the portrayals of Scrooge, Williams delivers the most authentic.
- DirectorJohn PasquinStarsTim AllenJudge ReinholdWendy CrewsonWhen a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.This is certainly a different sort of Christmas tale, but nonetheless is one that is a must watch every Christmas. It's realistic at times, but it's mostly lighthearted comedy. It's most definitely one of Disney's best films overall and it will stay timeless.
- DirectorTroy MillerStarsMichael KeatonKelly PrestonJoseph CrossA father who can't keep his promises is killed in a car accident. One year later, he returns as a snowman who has the final chance to put things right with his son before he is gone forever.This is most certainly the most bittersweet film on my list. I saw it the theater when it first came out and it was worth the price of admission. I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't seen it, so I'll just say that it's definitely a movie that should be in your Christmas collection.
- DirectorGeorge KaczenderStarsSusan LucciWendy CrewsonRon LeaIn this updated retelling of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," ruthless businesswoman and shop owner Elizabeth "Ebbie" Scrooge is taught the true meaning of Christmas by three Spirits who visit her.Yet another modern take on "A Christmas Carol". Susan Lucci, who is best known for her long tenure on a daytime soap opera, takes the lead as Scrooge here and does a fine job at it. Lucci delivers in this adaptation that really fleshes out the character of Scrooge like no other adaptation has. Overall, it's sentimental without being hokey and that isn't always something that is found in Christmas movies.
- DirectorPhillip BorsosStarsMary SteenburgenGary BasarabaHarry Dean StantonAn angel must show a mother the true meaning of Christmas. It's not just presents and materialistic things, but the people she cares about too.This movie is kind of twist on It's A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. It's a dramatic Christmas film that works, because it tells a story that so many people have lived in real life and how they can lose the spirit of Christmas just because of their circumstance. Mary Steenburgen is good in the lead, very realistic.