Though much beloved and holiday staples, yet another viewing of “A Christmas Story” or “Home Alone” might be enough to bring out your inner Grinch … with a vengeance.
Looking for something still holiday-ish, that might just become a new favorite?
Here are 10 to consider:
1. ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ (1944)
IMDb says: “In the year leading up to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.”
Judy Garland croons “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in this one. That alone is worth a watch.
2. ‘We’re No Angels’ (1955)
IMDb says: “Three Devil’s Island escapees (Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov) hide out in the house of a kindly merchant and repay his kindness by helping him and his family out of several crises.”
These three wise men make it a happy holiday for a down-on-its-luck family.
3. ‘Desk Set’
IMDb says: “Two extremely strong personalities (Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy) clash over the computerization of a television network’s research department.”
With these two stars and a few Christmas scenes, let’s just consider this a fun new addition to your holiday classics list.
4. ‘Black Christmas’ (1974)
IMDb says: “During their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls (including Olivia Hussey and Margot Kidder) are stalked by a stranger.”
If you like your Christmas a little less merry and a whole lot more scary, this one is for you. There is also a 2006 remake if you’d like to compare and contrast.
5. ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1984)
IMDb says: “An old bitter miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.”
We all know the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. This time he’s played to perfection by the late, great George C. Scott. It might just warm your heart to see this exceptional version of the classic tale.
6. ‘Prancer’ (1989)
IMDb says: “A farm girl nurses a wounded reindeer she believes is one of Santa’s, hoping to bring it back to health in time for Christmas. Her holiday spirit inspires those around her, something her disheartened father (Sam Elliott) is having trouble understanding.”
A truly heart-warming story of one little girl’s faith and the ripple effect it has on her family, friends and townsfolk. A reindeer and Sam Elliott … can you really go wrong with this one? We think not.
7. ‘The Family Man’ (2000)
IMDb says: “A fast-lane investment broker (Nicolas Cage), offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives, wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a mini-van and wife.”
Think of it a modern-day retelling of “It’s a Wonderful Life” with a twist. It answers the age-old question of what might have been.
8. ‘The Night Before’ (2015)
IMDb says: “On Christmas Eve, three lifelong friends (Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) spend the night in New York City looking for the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.”
If you like your holiday movies on the raunchy and irreverent side, this is the one for you … hands down.
9. ‘Love the Coopers’ (2015)
IMDb says: “The intertwined stories of four generations of Coopers unfold right before the annual family reunion on Christmas Eve.”
In addition to the stellar cast — including John Goodman, Diane Keaton, Ed Helms, Marissa Tomei — look for the many Pittsburgh area landmarks that pop up in this holiday film.
10. ‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’ (2017)
IMDb says: “The journey that led to Charles Dickens’ creation of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ a timeless tale that would redefine Christmas.”
An utterly charming portrayal of Dickens (Daniel Stevens) and his imagined conversations with Scrooge (Christopher Plummer) as he toils to complete what would become a Christmas staple.
