Great Holiday Movies for All Ages

Whether it's curling up by yourself in front of the fireplace or getting together with family and friends with popcorn, a good movie is always a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Hollywood has gifted us with quite a few truly great holiday films, and more than one is the subject of a traditional viewing every year. Not all films are for all tastes, for example, my husband snores through the Capra classic "It's a Wonderful Life". Still, there are many more to choose from, and hopefully the following list will help you find a few you love.

Of course there are the classics of all time, and a few have been included on this list, but I'm hoping to have a couple on here that maybe will open a new experience for a few people. I'm leaving off the aforementioned "It's a Wonderful Life", and I'm also omitting such necessities as "Miracle on 34^th Street" and the wide variety of stop action animated tales like "Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer". These staples of the season are pretty much already very well known, and I feel it would be somewhat redundant to put them here.

10. "The Bells of St. Mary's"

Starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, this black and white classic film directed by Leo McCarey is a fantastic movie to get you in the giving spirit. Bing Crosby plays a Catholic priest and Ingrid Bergman the nun he shares friendly banter with. Both are caught in the drama of attempting to save the Catholic school Bergman runs and Crosby is sent to help, which has been slated for condemnation. Their very different methods of doing things often leads to good natured rivalry. As Crosby tries to convince Bergman that the school should be closed for the good of the children, Bergman tries just as hard to get Crosby to see that the school is a sanctuary for good old fashioned values and faith.

9. "3 Godfathers"

While it may be odd to see a Western film on a holiday movie list, "3 Godfathers" is a must have. Have a man who won't be caught watching some sissy feel-good film? This is the movie for them. Starring John Wayne and Harry Carey, Jr., and directed by the legendary John Ford, this film is a classic rendition of the good natured interior disguised by a gruff exterior. When three men on the run from the law come across a dying woman and her infant, they promise the woman that they will see the baby safely to a proper place. This leads them to a variety of situations, some comical, some dire. As they wander across the wilderness, attempting to evade the law and take care of the baby, we find out that not all bad men are really bad. Hard choices are made, and even tougher sacrifices are called for.

8. "Christmas Vacation" aka "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"

Instead of getting in trouble on the road, this time the Griswolds decide to have chaos in their own home. Starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo, and directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik, this laugh a minute comedy follows the insane happenings of a regular American family as they struggle to have the perfect Christmas, get invaded by relatives, deal with neurotic yuppie neighbors, and hope the cat survives the process. Chevy Chase plays a dad who wants an over the top holiday for his family. His heart's in the right place, we're just not always sure where his brain is.

7. "A Christmas Carol" - 1999

This modern remake of the classic Dickensian tale stars Patrick Stewart as the man we all love to hate, Ebenezer Scrooge. Directed by David Hugh Jones, this film takes full advantage of Stewart's incredible range and talent. Keeping with the classic Victorian feel of the tale, we follow Scrooge as he is transported through Christmas past, present, and future to realize what a miserable jerk he really is, and how to stop being one. The Ghost of Christmas Present, memorably played by Joel Grey, is a highlight of this piece. Gorgeously costumed and with beautiful set dressing, this one is not to be missed.

6. "Scrooged"

We go from a thoroughly traditional rendition of "A Christmas Carol" to a definite non-traditional one. Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a decidedly unpleasant television executive who gets a wake up call one Christmas. Richard Donner directed this film, giving us laughs galore with an all star cast, including Carol Kane, Robert Mitchum, Bobcat Goldthwait, and John Glover. There are cameos of the Solid Gold dancers (remember them?), Robert Goulet, and Lee Majors. Bill Murray shines and delivers laugh after laugh as we watch him handle the ghosts with a modernly cynical attitude, which of course gets thoroughly changed as we travel with him. We definitely get that warm fuzzy feeling as we chuckle at the newly reformed executive's antics.

5. "White Christmas"

Holiday musicals at their hokey best. If you're in the mood for sappy feel good movies, then this is the one for you. Starring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and the irrepressible Danny Kaye, this movie brings the best of the genre together as two old army buddies get together to try and save the failing inn of their former commanding officer. Huge dance numbers, vivid visuals, and a couple of sweet romances round out this classic. Worth watching if only for the number "Sisters" as performed by Crosby and Kaye.

4. "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

That bald kid's Christmas special is a definite must for anyone, helping you to appreciate the joys and the meaning of Christmas as the Peanuts gang sorts through the usual trials and tribulations, including a nativity play. I mean, come on, it's Snoopy in a Santa Claus costume. 'Nuff said!

3. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" - 1966 Animated

One of the ultimate holiday classics, based on a work by Dr. Seuss. Narrated by Boris Karlof with songs performed by Thurl Ravenscroft (aka Tony the Tiger), this cartoon treat infuses everyone with the spirit of Christmas. Follow along with the evil Grinch and his trusted sidekick as he tries to stop Christmas from coming to Whoville. Directed by Chuck Jones of Warner Brothers' fame, this cartoon embodies the best of the holiday spirit.

2. "Elf"

One of the few contemporary films I truly feel is destined to become a beloved holiday classic. Starring Will Ferrell and James Caan, this movie follows a human who was raised by Christmas elves as he tries to find his birth father. Once he hits New York, all bets are off. Ferrell gives a wonderful performance full of naiveté and innocence, which clashes with the harsh, cynical city attitude. In the end, you may not admit Santa Claus exists, but you probably will believe! It also features Bob Newhart and Ed Asner.

1. "A Christmas Story"

For me, this movie is the epitome of holiday movies. Follow Ralphie as he deals with his family during the Christmas season, all the while trying to get the go ahead for the paramount gift of gifts, "an official Red Ryder carbine action two-hundred shot range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time". An All-American Christmas tale, Ralphie dreams of warding off criminals and not shooting his eye out with his new peacemaker, his father and mother wrangle over the major award leg lamp, and Ralphie and his friends learn about basic physics and that tongues do stick to frozen flag poles. This movie has laughs and sentimentality all wrapped up in a neat and tidy Christmas package. One not to miss!

I hope these recommendations may help out a few with finding the perfect movie to watch with friends and family, or just a hot cup of cocoa. This time of year is the time when we can let our guards down a little bit and indulge in over-the-top cheese, melodrama, and camp, and not feel a teeny bit guilty or low brow about it. So, give in to your inner child and delight once more in the feeling of Christmas. You're never too old to believe in Santa Claus.