Top Christmas Movies 2024: A Curated List for Every Taste
The Christmas season is a time for reflection, family gatherings, and of course, heartwarming films. Whether you prefer timeless classics, faith-based stories, or animated adventures, there's a Christmas movie out there for everyone. This year, we asked notable film directors, actors, and critics to share their top picks, offering a diverse selection to make your holiday season truly special.
Vatican-Approved Classics
Several films from the Vatican's curated list make for excellent Christmas viewing. Topping many lists is the undisputed classic, It's a Wonderful Life. Father Michael Ward, co-author of Popcorn with the Pope, a book exploring the Vatican's film list, calls it “the best Christmas movie of all time.” Its timeless message of hope, second chances, and the importance of community resonates deeply during the holiday season. The film's depiction of George Bailey and his family's journey is a powerful testament to faith and the transformative power of answered prayer. It's a masterpiece that deserves to be watched and rewatched by generations.
Andrew Petiprin, Ward's co-author, also champions It's a Wonderful Life, praising it as a “profound study of the Catholic virtue of solidarity.” However, Petiprin's personal top pick is Babette's Feast. This Danish film, while less well-known, offers a beautiful exploration of gratitude, making it particularly apt for Christmas. Petiprin emphasizes its suitability for family viewing, promising a shared, special experience for all ages. David Baird, another contributor to Popcorn with the Pope, agrees, recommending Babette's Feast for families with older children, while still acknowledging the enduring charm of It's a Wonderful Life.
Beyond the Vatican List: Expanding Your Christmas Movie Selection
Venturing beyond the Vatican-approved selections, Petiprin suggests Holiday, a 1938 classic starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. He describes it as a delightful Christmas-set love story, a testament to simpler times and a genre rarely seen today. For a more mature audience, he recommends Whit Stillman's Metropolitan, a charming film exploring sincerity and virtue amidst cynicism, perfect for “grown-ups and precocious teens.” Father Ward adds Paddington 2 to the list, highlighting its wit, wholesomeness, and stunning visuals. He proclaims it a must-see for all ages and demographics, a true cinematic masterpiece.
Animated Adventures and Faith-Based Films
In the realm of animation, The Star, a 2017 release featuring celebrity voices like Patricia Heaton and Oprah Winfrey, remains a popular choice. Catholic animator Tim Reckart, while omitting his own film from his recommended list, points to the film's exploration of the Nativity story from the animals' perspective. He explains his inspiration from Pope Francis' encyclical Laudato Si, highlighting how the film's depiction of animals' relationships with humans connects to environmental and ethical considerations. The film's simple yet profound message of love and hope makes it a crowd-pleaser for families and children alike. My five-year-old daughter loved it, engaging in imaginative play that made her appreciate the film’s heart-warming message. Reckart also praises The Muppet Christmas Carol and Mickey's Christmas Carol, praising their ability to blend humor with profound emotional impact.
Reckart offers a unique curveball: Children of Men. While certainly not suitable for children, he suggests this science-fiction film as a thought-provoking counterpoint to the traditional Christmas narrative. The movie explores themes of hope in a seemingly hopeless world, echoing the Nativity story's message of light conquering darkness.
A Hilarious Twist on Tradition: Sugar Plum Twist
Those Hallmark movies at Christmas have been a matter of contention in our house for years. My partner loves this form of escapism, finding delight in the predictable happy endings. I, on the other hand, find the plots too repetitive and shallow. The series of standard plots vary little with the successful career girl coming home from the big city for Christmas and falling in love during five days with a local guy she perhaps once dated. Or the plot twists with a successful fellow coming home for Christmas and falling in love with an old school friend. There are almost always a skating scene with one person unable to skate well and the other supporting. There are standard scenes with the Christmas tree hunt, decorating trees and making Christmas cookies. One shouldn’t forget the daughter trying to save the family store or bakery from closure or a big bad developer’s plans. But this year, one movie stood out: Sugar Plum Twist. This film playfully mocks the familiar Hallmark tropes. It features a fairy character who constantly remarks “that would make a Hallmark movie,” subtly commenting on the formulaic nature of the genre. The movie cleverly incorporates a classic Hallmark subplot, the struggling businesswoman who saves the old family resort, while simultaneously subverting expectations and adding a layer of self-awareness.
While I dislike most of the Hallmark movie plots, I watch them with my partner because I enjoy spending time with her. We recently saw a news item mentioning Netflix's take on the Hallmark formula. These Netflix films are more risqué, featuring more explicit displays of physical intimacy. Given Netflix's less restrictive environment, it will be interesting to see how this formula evolves in the future.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, love, and laughter. May your Christmas be as magical as a well-crafted film, or at least a well-crafted Hallmark movie, however predictable. The important thing is enjoying the company of those you love. The memories you create with loved ones this season will be far more memorable than any film! May the New Year bring you happiness.
