Very few films can withstand the test of time and continue to entertain audiences for decades to come—and Christmas movies are no exception.
Isn’t funny how some of the most famous and beloved holiday films are decades old? Despite remakes and new debuts, holiday originals continue to shine above the rest. Here is a list of 5 classic Christmas movies that never get old and where you can watch them this season.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is probably the most classic holiday movie you can watch this year. This 1946 black and white film depicts the life of George Bailey, a banker in the town of Bedford Falls, who has profound impacts on his friends, family and the local community. After facing the initial hardships of the Great Depression, Bailey makes a profound realization after wishing he was never born.
You can watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” for free on Amazon Prime Video. Click here to stream it now.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
While the 1994 remake is also a fabulous movie, the original “Miracle on 34th Street” is another nostalgic holiday film that transports viewers to a different time. If you have any doubts, the 1947 classic proves there is a Santa Claus, and his name is Kris Kringle. Watch to see how the Macy’s store Santa Claus spreads kindness and proves his identity to the world.
You can watch the original Christmas film in black and white for free with your Disney Plus subscription.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The original “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is another classic holiday movie must-see. Snuggle up in your reindeer onesie for this one. Watch how Rudolph learns to embrace his unique nose and save Christmas despite facing criticism from others.
You can watch “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” live on CBS or Freeform this year. Click here to see Freeform’s “25 Day’s of Christmas” Schedule.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
While you may be more familiar with the 2000 remake featuring Jim Carrey (another cinematic masterpiece), the original 1966 animation of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” is a mandatory watch this season. While he may be a “mean one” at the beginning of this short film, you’ll see why Christmas is more than just “packages, boxes, or bags.”
You can usually watch the original TV special on various national networks throughout the month of December, so check your listings as more air dates are announced. However, if you’d like to watch it on your own time, you can rent the 26-minute short film on DVD here.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
If there’s anyone who understands just how chaotic the holidays can be, it’s Clark W. Griswold. Despite his best efforts to deliver the perfect family Christmas, Griswold’s careful plans always seem to go wrong. Between faulty light displays, bickering in-laws, Christmas tree fails, deflated turkey dinners, a squirrel home invasion and a “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” takes a different perspective on the typical, idealistic holiday. This painfully relatable portrayal of the Christmas season will never fail to make you laugh.
You can rent this classic 1980’s Christmas comedy on Prime Video for $3.99, or if you can wait, catch it live on AMC.
Let VALLEY know which classic holiday movies you’re watching with friends and family this year on Instagram. Tag us @VALLEYmag!
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