Top Three Classic Christmas Movies You Must See

By Allison Schroeder
Web Content Assistant Manager

It’s the week of Christmas and there are so many holiday-themed movies to watch in time for Christmas, but with very little time left, which movies should you watch?

When it comes to Christmas movie staples, I think of the classics. The movies before my time, the movies that hold a deeper meaning and put the holidays into a maybe a new perspective to those who watch them.  

Don’t get me wrong, many Christmas movies are classics for example “The Santa Clause,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” “Home Alone,” “Polar Express” and others. But, there are three movies that hold a special place in my heart and deserve to be watched annually.

In no particular order, here are three classic Christmas movies you must see!

It’s a Wonderful Life

I’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” until recently, and I must say I wish I would have seen it earlier in my life. I also know that my younger self may not have comprehended the film as I do now.  

The film stars Donna Reed and James Stewart as Mary Hatch and George Bailey. Bailey is followed throughout the film by his guardian angel showcasing how Bailey has made selfless decisions in order to help those in need. He never put himself first.

At times when Bailey finally thinks of himself, things go awry within the town of Bedford Falls and must halt all of his personal plans. After a major mistake was made, Bailey reconsiders his life and believes his family and friends would be better off without him. After a journey of revisiting the past, Bailey realizes that he is essential in the lives within his community.

This film brings about strong emotions, but won’t let you down. It helps one recognize their true value because we are interconnected in life. One small action can do so much.

You can watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Amazon Prime for free with a paid membership!

Miracle on 34th Street

This film was an instant favorite when I first watched it several years ago. It’s the movie I watch annually because it is the perfect film to watch either on Thanksgiving to officially mark the beginning of the Christmas season (although every year I continually watch Christmas movies way before the official start of the season), or anytime during the holiday season.  

It follows the storyline of Kris Kringle entering the lives of Doris Walker, Susan Walker and Fred Gailey by becoming the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa after a drunken incident led the previous one to be fired. Ms. Walker does not believe in Santa nor does she let her daughter Susan believe in Santa, but when Mr. Gailey enters their lives he questions their non-belief of Santa. 

When Mr. Kringle comes into their lives, he helps the Walkers believe in Santa along with a whole community of New Yorkers despite some challenges along the way.

This film brings about youthful joy in the holiday season and represents the spirit of believing and wishful thinking. It is the ultimate Christmas delight.

You can find “Miracle on 34th Street” on HBO Max!

White Christmas

“White Christmas” is a film featuring Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney (yes, that’s George Clooney’s aunt), Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen. Crosby and Kaye’s characters, Bob and Phil, became best friends in the army during WWII. 

The two ended up meeting the Haynes sisters (Clooney and Vera-Ellen) at their show and ended up following them to Vermont. 

In Vermont, the men ran into General Waverly as he is running the inn the Haynes sisters are to perform at. Throughout the film, the four try and help save Gen. Waverly’s inn and show him how appreciated he is for all that he has done.

As a military child, this film symbolizes what I have seen from my father’s career in and out of the military, which is a lifelong family that will always be willing to help their brethren. This film is a must-see for everyone this Christmas (and every Christmas in my opinion).

You’ll be able to find “White Christmas” on Netflix!

If you have any must-see Christmas or holiday classics comment them below to share your favorites.

Featured Image by Allison Schroeder