There really is no wrong way to make a Christmas movie. A dash of snow, a sprinkle of sappy music and a warm ending make for a perfectly wonderful holiday film.
However, the formulaic Hallmark holiday films produced year after year don’t always cut it. Sometimes, the best of the best Christmas films are the classics — no matter how many times you have seen them.
Hailey Stewart | Argonaut
While there are many to choose from, here is a ranking of the best classic Christmas films.
“White Christmas” — No. 1
A film with classic stars like Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen has to take the top spot in this lineup.
When recent veterans turned performers Bob and Phil learn their former commander’s quaint Vermont inn is in financial trouble, the two plan a festive performance in the hopes of bringing more customers. To up the star power and maybe find a little love in the process, they team up with sister-act Judy and Betty.
Battling a blizzard, the foursome attempt to pull together the greatest holiday party the small Vermont town has ever seen.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” — No. 2
Despite the holly, jolly holiday season filled with family and friends, George Bailey, played by James Stewart, feels he has little left to live for. An array of flashbacks show how George’s problems came to be as he stands atop a bridge, ready to jump.
However, everything changes when George ends up saving Clarence. Little does he know this mysterious man is actually his guardian angel.
Clarence then shows George what the lives of those around him would have been if it weren’t for all the good George brought into the world.
A classic sad turned feel-good Christmas film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has to take the coveted second place on this list.
“A Christmas Story” — No. 3
Aside from the classic quote “You’ll shoot your eye out,” this film offers up a plethora of classic Christmas quotes.
The film is based around a single Christmas season in the life of young Ralphie Parker. Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, tells the tales of his narrow escapes from school bullies, his funny parents and his lifelong dream of owning a “Red Rider air rifle.”
A visit with a hilariously creepy Santa and a near doctor visit with a rifle, Ralphie and his family make for the perfect Christmas tale.
“Miracle on 34th Street” — No. 4
Both the 1947 original and the 90s remake hold a special place in this Christmas film lineup.
It’s not every day the real Santa Claus walks into Macy’s and fills in as the store’s look-alike. However, in this classic film the real Claus does happen to walk into Macy’s and makes a connection with a young, bright-eyed child.
When Chris Kringle begins touting himself as the actual Santa Claus, his mental health and claims turn into a court case.
It takes the love of doting children and a whole lot of Christmas spirit to get Claus out of this predicament.
“Christmas in Connecticut” — No. 5
This classic Christmas may be in last place on this list, but it’s still one of the best holiday rom-coms around.
Elizabeth Lane is admired by 1940s housewives everywhere because of her perfect farm life filled with a wonderful husband and an adorable child that she writes about for the city newspaper. She is also unexpectedly admired by a recently discharged war hero, Jefferson Jones.
However, all of Elizabeth’s perfect Connecticut life is just a falsity for the New Yorker.
In a twist of events, Jefferson and Elizabeth meet when her secret is leaked.
It’s a perfect blend of the classic Christmas meet-cute and holiday romance.
Hailey Stewart can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @HaileyAStew