Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer(1964):
This classic made-for-TV movie premiered in 1964 and it's been delighting generations of kids ever since. Its popularity is so lasting that you can buy plush-toy versions of the characters. You probably saw this film when you were a child, but if not, it tells the story of Rudolph, a reindeer with a nose that light up. He's looking for a place where he belongs. After some searching, he finds that place leading Santa's sleigh. Special guest appearances by the Abominable Snowman and the misfit toys make this movie extra-special. More...
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Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town(1970):
This movie (made with the same stop-motion animation as Rudolph) is also a holiday favorite. It's about Kris Kringle — the man who becomes Santa Claus — and how he brings toys to children in a town that has outlawed them. Kris is helped by an adorable penguin who wears a striped scarf. Along the way, he meets the future Mrs. Claus and they get married. But what really makes this a classic is the fearsome Winter Warlock's transformation into a compassionate wizard with the wonderful song "Put One Foot In Front of the Other."
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A Christmas Carol:
Whether you like the 1984 version starring George C. Scott or the 1976, 1977, 1999, or 2000 version — a remake seems to come out every year — this is a holiday classic. Based on a story by Charles Dickens about an old miser named Scrooge who learns compassion when three ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve. This makes a great holiday movie because it's thrilling and it has a nice message. You may want to choose a version you're familiar with, because some representations of the Ghost of Christmas Future can be pretty scary.
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How the Grinch Stole Christmas:
The original 1966 animated classic is the only version that does justice to Dr. Seuss. In it, the Grinch (a non-human Scrooge) tries to ruin Christmas for the Whos in Whoville by stealing their presents, trees, and holiday treats. Of course, the Grinch has a change of heart and finds love and friendship with the Whos. Boris Karloff is the excellent voice of the Grinch. Kids will be enchanted by the whimsy and wonder — and by the Grinch's pet dog.
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It's a Wonderful Life:
What holiday movie list would be complete without this 1946 Frank Capra classic, starring James Stewart? It wasn't originally intended to be a Christmas movie and the plot summary may sound grim: a man about to commit suicide during the holidays because he's financially ruined is stopped by an angel who shows him what life would be like if he'd never existed. It's shown on TV about 200 times during the holiday season, which obscures the fact that it's a charming movie — part romance, part pathos, and a celebration of life.
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