Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, there’s nothing like a Christmas movie to restore your faith in humanity. Or, make you laugh about how crazy we get trying to create the perfect holiday experience for our loved ones. But the true meaning of Christmas isn’t in the glittery decorations or buying expensive gifts for all the good boys and girls on your list. To remind you of what Christmas is really about, here are 8 inspirational, heart-warming films to check out.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
With its cast of acting legends, including Jimmy Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, and Donna Reed, It’s a Wonderful Life is a holiday staple with a timeless message: “No man is a failure who has friends.” The movie starts out in heaven, where God has received the prayers of George Bailey’s family and friends. Humble, self-sacrificing George is definitely in need of help, as he contemplates ending his seemingly pointless life. His efforts to drown himself in the river are thwarted by Clarence, a guardian angel who shows George how he’s touched the lives of so many people in his community. Even more important, George learns that guardian angels aren’t just in heaven. They’re all around us, ready to help if we just have the courage to ask.
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Most people’s holiday playlist wouldn’t be complete without A Christmas Carol, but the story of how Charles Dickens conceived this classic novel is a fascinating tale on its own. In The Man Who Invented Christmas, young Charles is going through a creative and financial slump when his last 3 books fail to resonate with the public. He’s determined to revive his career with A Christmas Carol but has to deal with the Christmas ghosts in his own life, like the irresponsible father he’s always hated and an unhappy wife who’s tired of being second to his work. Does Charles finish the book in time for a Christmas release? Does he reconcile with his family and celebrate the holidays with festive cheer? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out!
Holiday in the Wild (2019)
More than a Christmas film, Holiday in the Wild is about a woman’s journey to find new meaning in her life following a traumatic event. After her son leaves for college, Kate surprises her husband with a trip to Zambia, only to find out he wants a divorce. She goes on the trip by herself and ends up spending the holiday season at an elephant sanctuary. Inspired by her stay, she comes back to America and becomes a vet. But when the sanctuary faces closure due to funding cuts, Kate must decide where her future lies – in her safe, comfortable life in New York, or as a wildlife warrior in the heart of Africa.
A Garfield Christmas (1988)
In this animated special, Jon, Odie, and Garfield head to the countryside to spend Christmas with the Arbuckles. Garfield remains cynical about the joys of Christmas, like singing carols and the annual reading of Binky: The Clown Who Saved Christmas by Jon’s father. But Garfield’s soft side comes out when Odie surprises him with a homemade gift. By the end, Garfield learns what Christmas is really about: “It’s not the giving, it’s not the getting, it’s the loving!”
Jingle All the Way (1996)
It’s no cinematic masterpiece, but this is the film of choice if you need a good laugh this holiday season. The movie features two overworked fathers in their quest to secure a Turbo-Man action figure for their sons on Christmas Eve. The film was inspired by the less-than-dignified behavior of parents at sell-out events for toys like the Cabbage Patch Kids. There should probably be a “trigger” warning for parents who have been in this situation. But the scene where hundreds of adults are fighting tooth and nail over the hottest toy of the year is undeniably hilarious – especially with Johnny Mathis’s It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year playing in the background.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
For a film that was made over 50 years ago, Miracle on 34th Street deals with some very modern-day issues: an overworked single mom, the commercialization of the holiday season, and taking Santa Claus to court. Despite such heavy-handed topics, the movie’s magic lies in the quest to prove that Kris Kringle really is Santa Claus. In the words of movie critic Bosley Crowther, this is a movie for “all those blasé skeptics who do not believe in Santa Claus—and likewise for all those natives who have grown cynical about New York.” Or, for that matter, for anyone who’s stopped believing in miracles.
Love Actually (2003)
If you’re a fan of British flicks like Bridget Jones, then Love Actually is an absolute must for your holiday movie list. The movie takes place 5 weeks before Christmas and is told through 10 different storylines that are all interlinked. It sounds complicated, but it all comes together in a cheeky, romantic comedy about love – in all its various forms. Some of the stories are happy, like Jamie and Aurelia, who fall in love even though they don’t speak the same language. Others are sad or downright awkward, but there’s something here for anybody who’s ever been in love.
Little Women (1994)
There are several versions of this movie, based on Louisa May Alcott’s novel by the same name. This is a modern version starring Winona Ryder and Christian Bale, but it faithfully conveys Alcott’s message of love, hope, and faith, even in the midst of the Civil War. No matter how burnt out you are on holiday cheer, your heart can’t help melting when the girls give up their Christmas breakfast to a poor family – and do it with joy. There are some tear-jerking moments as well, but the family’s resilience through their hardships is an example we can all benefit from this year.
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Christmas movies we can’t do without. But we hope it’s a good starting point for your holiday movie binge-fest. We’d also love to hear about some of your favorite Christmas films. Please let us know in the comments below.
And no matter how you celebrate this time of the year – have a safe and happy holiday season!
Article by Rose Scott. Check out more of Rose’s work at https://thewriterrscott.wordpress.com/
Photo credit: @freestocks
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