Christmas movies are an essential part of the holiday season. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales of family togetherness, hilarious comedies, or heart-wrenching dramas, there’s a Christmas movie out there for everyone. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Christmas movies, some of the most popular titles of all time, and some newer releases that are sure to become holiday classics.
History of Christmas Movies
The tradition of Christmas movies goes back nearly a century. One of the earliest examples is the 1914 film “The Adventure of the Wrong Santa Claus,” a silent movie that tells the story of a department store Santa who accidentally takes the place of the real Santa and delivers presents to children all over the city. In the years that followed, more and more Popular Christmas movies were made, and they became an important part of the holiday season for many families.
Some of the earliest and most enduring Christmas movies were produced by the legendary Frank Capra. In 1946, Capra released “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a heartwarming tale of a man who learns the true value of his life and the people around him. The movie wasn’t an immediate success, but over time it has become one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.
In the decades that followed, many other classic Christmas movies were released. Some, like “White Christmas” and “Holiday Inn,” were musicals that featured memorable songs and performances. Others, like “A Christmas Carol” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” were adaptations of beloved holiday stories.
Popular Christmas Movies
Over the years, dozens of Christmas movies have become holiday classics. Here are just a few of the most popular titles:
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) – This movie tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has given up on his dreams to help others, and who learns the true value of his life with the help of a guardian angel.
- “A Christmas Carol” (1938) – This classic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ story follows the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly businessman who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and learns the true meaning of the holiday.
- “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) – This heartwarming movie tells the story of a man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Claus, and the little girl who believes in him.
- “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966) – This animated special based on the book by Dr. Seuss tells the story of the Grinch, a curmudgeonly creature who tries to steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville.
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965) – This classic animated special follows Charlie Brown as he tries to find the true meaning of Christmas, with the help of his friends and a little tree.
- “Home Alone” (1990) – This hilarious comedy follows a young boy named Kevin as he defends his home from burglars while his family is away for the holidays.
- “Elf” (2003) – This modern classic stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human who was raised at the North Pole and sets out to find his true identity in New York City.
Newer Christmas Movies
Every year, new Christmas movies are released that add to the already long list of holiday classics. While it’s always fun to re-watch our favorite films from years past, it’s also exciting to discover new titles that may become part of our annual holiday traditions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the newer Christmas movies that have been released in recent years.
- “Klaus” (2019)
“Klaus” is a heartwarming animated movie that tells the story of Jesper, a lazy and selfish postman who is sent to a remote, frozen island in the Arctic Circle. There, he meets Klaus, a reclusive toymaker who teaches him the true meaning of Christmas. The film is visually stunning and features the voice talents of Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, and Rashida Jones.
- “Last Christmas” (2019)
“Last Christmas” is a romantic comedy that takes place in London during the holiday season. Emilia Clarke stars as Kate, a young woman who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. When she meets Tom (Henry Golding), her life starts to take a different turn. The film features a soundtrack filled with George Michael songs and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
- “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)
“The Christmas Chronicles” stars Kurt Russell as Santa Claus, who finds himself in trouble when his sleigh crashes in Chicago. He enlists the help of siblings Kate and Teddy to help him save Christmas. The film is full of action, humor, and heartwarming moments, and is perfect for the whole family.
- “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (2020)
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is a musical that tells the story of a once-great toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle, who has lost his magic and his inspiration. When his granddaughter comes to visit, she helps him rediscover his passion for inventing and his love for the holidays. The film features a star-studded cast, including Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Phylicia Rashad, and is filled with joy and wonder.
- “The Knight Before Christmas” (2019)
“The Knight Before Christmas” is a romantic comedy that follows a medieval knight named Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse) who is magically transported to present-day Ohio. There, he meets Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens), a high school science teacher who helps him navigate the modern world. The film is light-hearted and charming, with a fun twist on the classic fish-out-of-water story.
- “Holidate” (2020)
“Holidate” is a romantic comedy that follows Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey), two strangers who agree to be each other’s platonic plus-ones for all of the major holidays throughout the year. As they spend more time together, they start to develop real feelings for each other. The film is a fun and lighthearted take on the holiday movie genre.
In conclusion, while there will always be a special place in our hearts for the classic Christmas movies of the past, the newer films on this list show that there is still plenty of holiday magic to be found on the big screen. Whether you’re looking for romance, comedy, or heartwarming tales of the season, these movies are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.
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