Of all the holiday themed movies that exist, none are more prevalent than Christmas themed movies. There have been countless features that center around this specific holiday. As such, finding good ones to view over the season can be difficult. Here is my personal top five Christmas movies to watch over the holiday season. A Christmas Story
Yes, I know, this movie is at the top of everyone’s list. In all honesty, however, how can it not be? It’s a classic. Based on the works of author Jean Shepard (who also wrote the movie and its screenplay), the movie tells the story of Ralphie (played by Peter Billingsley), a young boy growing up in Hammond, Indiana, who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Narrated by Shepard himself, the movie is one which not only lacks an epic story, but doesn’t need one. What this movie gives is a simple glimpse at family life during the holidays. Any Christmas Special by Rankin/Bass
Though you my be unfamiliar with the name, I guarantee you’re familiar with their work. Rankin/Bass Productions has brought some of of the most iconic Christmas specials that ever aired on television, such as Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, The Little Drummer Boy, Santa Clause is Coming to Town, etc . If the special was filmed with stop-motion puppets, there’s a good chance it was done by Rankin/Bass. These old animations may be a bit cheesy, but they’re so full of nostalgia that it’s hard to not watch at least one during the holidays. How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
This is another animated classic that many consider a must-view during Christmas. Directed by Chuck Jones of Warner Bros. fame and narrated by Boris Karloff, this special is about an angry individual known as the Grinch who lives alone atop a mountain above a place called Whoville. Unable to stand the noise of the festivities, he embarks on a quest to steal Christmas from Whoville. Being one of the most famous Dr. Seuss stories with one of the most famous Christmas songs (You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch), this is definitely a classic worth watching at least once per Christmas season. The Polar Express
I honestly don’t know why a lot people make fun of this movie so much. It’s not a terrible movie; the “dead eyes” effect of the CGI might be a bit unsettling if you really pay attention, and I know there was a book, but as someone who’s never read it, this wasn’t a terrible movie. The story is about a nameless boy, voiced by Daryl Sabara, who’s lost his faith in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve night, a train stops in his front yard, and is informed by the conductor, voiced by Tom Hanks (who voices several characters in the film), that the train is headed for the North Pole. The movie has a nice feel to it, with some beautiful CG scenes, and tells the tale of a boy who’s trying to regain that childlike wonder and faith he once had when he was younger. It also helps that the ending song was sung by Josh Groban.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Of course there needs to be a version of this movie on here. Personally, the Muppet version is my favorite. Like with all Christmas Carol stories, this movie is about Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Michael Caine, who is consumed by greed and contempt for his fellow man. After giving his employee Bob Cratchit, played by Kermit the Frog (played by Steve Whitmire), a day off for Christmas, Scrooge is visited by his old partners, Jacob and Robert Marley, played by Jerry Nelson and Dave Goelz respectively. Scrooge is then taken on a journey by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, in an effort to save himself and change his cold heart. The classic Charles Dickens story combined with Muppet brand humor makes this movie a memorable experience that should be added to anyone’s Christmas movie list, especially for Muppet fans.
Sources:
IMDB, A Christmas Story, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/fullcredits#cast
IMDB, Rankin/Bass Productions, http://www.imdb.com/company/co0093733/
IMDB, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060345/fullcredits#cast
IMDB, The Polar Express, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0338348/fullcredits#cast
IMDB, The Muppet Christmas Carol, http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104940/fullcredits#cast
Share your experience in medical health