December 13th 2024.
As Christmas approaches, many of us are looking forward to some well-deserved time off and a chance to relax. And what better way to spend that time than snuggled up in front of the TV, watching some classic Christmas films? From heartwarming musicals to romantic comedies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With options like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect movie to watch. But don't worry, we've got you covered. We've consulted the experts at Rotten Tomatoes to bring you a list of the top-rated Christmas films you won't want to miss this year. So grab some snacks, get cozy, and let's dive into the festive world of cinema.
First up, we have Meet Me in St Louis, a beloved musical starring the iconic Judy Garland. Set 40 years before its release, this film follows the Smith family as they prepare for the 1904 World's Fair. With catchy songs like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song," this movie has become a staple for many during the holiday season. It's no surprise that it holds the highest Rotten Tomatoes rating for a Christmas film, with a perfect score of 100%. And audiences have loved it just as much, with 87% of users giving it a rating of 7 out of 10 or higher. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video and experience the magic for yourself.
Next, we have The Shop Around the Corner, a charming romantic comedy set in late 1930s Budapest. Starring Margaret Sullivan and James Stewart, this film follows two colleagues who can't stand each other but are unknowingly falling in love through anonymous letters. While it was initially a box office flop, it has gained a cult following over the years and is now considered one of the best romantic films of its time. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 99%, it's clear that this film has stood the test of time. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video and see why it's a must-watch this Christmas.
Moving on to a more recent addition to the Christmas film collection, we have The Holdovers. Released in 2023, this film tells the story of an unlikely friendship formed between a cantankerous teacher, a cocky student, and a grieving cafeteria manager who are all left behind at a boarding school over the holiday season. Da'Vine Joy Randolph won an Academy Award for her performance as Mary Lamb, the school's cafeteria manager. And with a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 97%, it's safe to say that this film has the potential to become a family classic. You can rent it on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.
No list of top Christmas films would be complete without mentioning Miracle on 34th Street. This heartwarming comedy has become a staple in many households, with its story about a man named Kris Kringle trying to convince people that he's the real Santa Claus. While there have been multiple adaptations of this story, the 1947 version remains a timeless classic. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 96% and an audience score of 87%, it's clear that this film still holds a special place in our hearts. You can watch it on Disney Plus and experience the magic all over again.
Next up, we have Little Women, a timeless story that has been adapted into multiple films. Both the 1994 version, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Bale, and the 2019 version, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet, and Florence Pugh, have received high praise from critics and audiences alike. The 1994 version has a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92% and an audience score of 84%, while the 2019 version has a rating of 95%. Why not watch both and compare them? You can rent them on Apple TV and make a day of it.
And of course, no Christmas movie list would be complete without It's a Wonderful Life. This heart-wrenching and heartwarming film has become a holiday classic, with its message about the importance of friendship and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 94% and an audience score of 95%, it's clear that this film means everything to people of a certain generation, and it will continue to touch the hearts of future generations. You can rent it on Apple TV and have your tissues ready.
Last but certainly not least, we have The Apartment, a 1960 romantic comedy-drama starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine. While not a traditional Christmas movie, the story takes place during the festive season and features some key moments on December 24 and 26. With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 93% and an audience score of 94%, it's clear that this film has stood the test of time and is still loved by many. You can rent it on Apple TV and see for yourself why it's a must-watch this Christmas.
So there you have it, our top picks for the best Christmas films to watch this year. With a mix of classic and modern movies, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So grab some hot cocoa, get cozy, and let the holiday movie marathon begin. And if you're feeling extra festive, why not watch a few of these back-to-back? Happy holidays and enjoy the magic of Christmas on the big screen.
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