As someone who has spent countless hours curled up with a cup of hot cocoa and a festive film during the holiday season, I can confidently say that these films not only bring joy and warmth but also offer a glimpse into different eras and lifestyles.
As the festive season sets in and Christmas draws near, people are indulging in their beloved holiday traditions to foster a sense of joy and merriment. Rotten Tomatoes, a popular destination for various streaming requirements, has long been relied upon by viewers to navigate through the highs and lows when it comes to movie releases on the big screen.
Rotten Tomatoes has thoughtfully compiled a list of what they consider the top holiday films, using the Tomatometer scores given by different critics as their basis for selection. This list includes timeless favorites like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Miracle on 34th Street,” as well as more contentious picks such as “Die Hard.” Here are the 11 best Christmas movies, as chosen by Rotten Tomatoes.
11 ‘Arthur Christmas’ (2011)
92% Tomatometer
In the heartwarming holiday comedy titled “Arthur Christmas“, it’s James McAvoy who lends his voice to the title character. The story revolves around Santa Claus’ youngest son, the quirky and compassionate Arthur, who steps up when Santa inadvertently overlooks a child’s gift due to a malfunction at the North Pole’s advanced operation. Joined by his unconventional grandfather (played by Bill Nighy), an enthusiastic elf, and loyal reindeer, Arthur embarks on a mission to correct this oversight and bring Christmas joy to the child in question.
A Dazzling Visual Spectacle
Arthur Christmas was meticulously crafted by the talented team at Aardman Animations, known for their work on box-office hits such as Chicken Run and Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Over a period of 18 months, they carefully crafted the engaging storyline and memorable characters that made this comedy a hit. The movie eventually earned $147.4 million at the box office, received six Annie Award nominations including Best Animated Feature, and was praised for its positive message and exceptional cast performances.
10 ‘The Apartment’ (1960)
93% Tomatometer
During the joyful Christmas period in the Upper West Side, renowned filmmaker Billy Wilder’s romantic comedy-drama, titled The Apartment, revolves around C.C. “Bud” Baxter (Jack Lemmon), a forlorn insurance clerk who offers his apartment to his corporate superiors for their extramarital rendezvous in order to advance within the company. When Mr. Sheldrake (Fred MacMurray) brings Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), the woman he admires, to this hidden location, Bud finds himself at a crossroads between love and his career ambitions.
An Award-Winning Cinematic Hit
Often hailed as one of the best films ever produced, “The Apartment” garnered a remarkable ten Academy Award nominations and eventually took home five awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Wilder. Additionally, both Lemmon and MacLaine received Golden Globes for their outstanding performances. Admired for its subtle humor, warm ambiance, and captivating romance, the comedy has further solidified its status as a classic in the years following its release and is considered one of Wilder’s most significant contributions to cinema.
Stream on Prime Video
9 ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
94% Tomatometer
Without a doubt, one of the most cherished and timeless Christmas stories ever told, the extraordinary holiday tale “It’s a Wonderful Life” showcases James Stewart as George Bailey, a man grappling with his past decisions and abandoned dreams, which he made to help those in need in his town. This internal turmoil leads him to consider taking his own life. However, when his guardian angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) arrives, George receives a glimpse of what the world would be like if he had never existed.
Time Helps the Drama Become a Classic
Every year since its first showing, “It’s a Wonderful Life” has become a cherished Christmas tradition. However, when it was initially released, it did not receive widespread acclaim from critics or audiences. It wasn’t until 1974, when the film entered the public domain and began airing on television, that it gained popularity as a beloved holiday classic. The American Film Institute (AFI) recognizes “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a cinematic triumph and one of the greatest American films ever produced. In the words of the Chicago Reader, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is “an emotional film highpoint and a transcendent viewing experience.
Stream on Prime Video
8 ‘Carol’ (2015)
94% Tomatometer
Under the spotlight, boasting a stellar cast headed by Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Sarah Paulson, the enchanting romantic drama titled Carol is adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt. This captivating film unfolds in New York City during Christmas, narrating a forbidden love story between Therese Belivet (Mara), an aspiring photographer, and Carol Ayer (Blanchett), a glamorous woman on the brink of divorce. As their intense and deep connection develops, it creates complications in both their personal lives.
Blanchett & Mara’s Moving Love Story
The electrifying chemistry between Blanchett and Mara was raved about by critics and audiences alike, as their tender and all-consuming courtship movingly unfolds on-screen. Carol premiered at the Cannes Film Festival where it competed for the Palme d’Or and took home the Queer Palm, while also garnering six Academy Award nominations (with both Mara and Blanchett earning a nod). The drama has also been lauded as one of the finest LGBTQ films of all time and currently holds a phenomenal 94% Rotten Tomatoes score.
Stream on Netflix
7 ‘Die Hard’ (1988)
94% Tomatometer
For over three decades, there has been a fierce debate about whether or not the iconic ’80s action classic Die Hard is in fact a Christmas movie, with the unforgettable Bruce Willis flick taking place on Christmas Eve and following the tough and sardonic NYPD detective John McClane as he sets out to attend a holiday party at a Los Angeles skyscraper to win back his estranged wife. When the tower is taken over by terrorists, McClane must step up and take down the dangerous bad guys before it’s too late.
Die Hard Becomes an Unlikely Christmas Staple
Though there are certainly skeptics out there who refuse to accept Die Hard as a Christmas flick, there’s no denying that it definitely falls under the category as it is set during Christmas Eve, features a man trying to put his family back together, and holiday imagery is heavily included all throughout the cinema knockout. Both director John McTiernan and screenwriter Steven E. de Souza have openly declared Die Hard is without a doubt a Christmas movie, and it remains a must-watch all year round.
Stream on Prime Video
6 ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
95% Tomatometer
In simple terms, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, a captivating stop-motion fantasy musical, was originally thought up by renowned director Tim Burton and brought to life by Henry Selick. This classic tale follows Jack Skellington, the ruler of Halloween Town, who discovers the enchanting realm of Christmas Town. Inspired, he devises a plan to introduce Christmas to his fellow spooky inhabitants, but as you might expect, things don’t quite go as planned for our pumpkin king.
An Animated Favorite For Any Season
Much like the classic film Die Hard, there continues to be debate over whether the animated movie The Nightmare Before Christmas is most appreciated during either the eerie or holiday season. Audiences have consistently enjoyed this blockbuster for both thrilling events, making it a popular choice for fans of all ages and backgrounds. The musical numbers, such as “What’s This”, “This is Halloween”, and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” make it a captivating experience, and its devoted fanbase has only grown since its original release.
Stream on Disney+
5 ‘Klaus’ (2019)
95% Tomatometer
In a stunning first attempt at directing, Sergios Pablos introduced the world to the enchanting film “Klaus,” a creative reimagining of Santa Claus’ origins. Set in the captivating landscape of 19th-century Norway, this adventure comedy centers around Jesper Johansen (played by Jason Schwartzman), a kind-hearted postman who strikes up a friendship with the solitary Klaus, a skilled toymaker. As they join forces, these two well-intentioned individuals endeavor to bring harmony and cheer to their quarrelsome community.
A Heartwarming Origin Story
Klaus received widespread praise for its deep emotional content, touching narrative, and exceptional voice acting performances. It was the first animated Netflix film to be recognized by the Academy Awards (receiving a nomination for Best Animated Feature). The beloved movie garnered seven Annie Awards and a BAFTA, garnering positive reviews from both fans and critics. Within a month of its release on the popular streaming platform, Klaus accumulated close to 30 million views.
Stream on Netflix
4 ‘Tangerine’ (2015)
96% Tomatometer
A less traditional yet still heartwarmingly poignant holiday movie is the dramedy “Tangerine”, set on Christmas Eve in bright Hollywood, where transgender sex worker Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) returns from jail and seeks to embrace the holiday cheer. Upon learning that her boyfriend and pimp had been unfaithful during her imprisonment, Sin-Dee turns to her closest friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) for assistance in exacting revenge on the unfaithful couple.
A Refreshing & Innovative Dramedy
Director Sean Baker creatively filmed Tangerine using three iPhone 5S smartphones to manage its modest $100,000 budget. This innovative approach led to the release of a charming dramedy that made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, where it was praised for its vintage humor, groundbreaking casting, and unconventional filming methods. Tangerine also made history as the first film to launch Academy Awards campaigns for openly transgender actresses who were backed by a film producer. However, neither Rodriguez nor Taylor received nominations.
Stream on Netflix
3 ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
96% Tomatometer
The heartwarming film “Miracle on 34th Street,” set in New York City during the holiday season from Thanksgiving to Christmas, features stars such as Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, and John Payne. In this timeless ’40s classic, an elderly gentleman named Kris Kringle steps in for a tipsy Santa Claus in the parade and takes on the role of the department store’s primary Claus. After Kringle insists that he genuinely is Santa Claus, the store manager and her child seek help from a persuasive attorney to defend his claim.
Hollywood’s Cherished Christmas Favorite
A beloved perennial Christmas favorite, Miracle on 34th Street was the recipient of three Academy Awards including Best Supporting Actor for Edmund Gwenn’s scene-stealing performance. Fans couldn’t get enough of Gwenn’s wholesome chemistry with Wood, and the dramedy has kept audiences completely enchanted for over seventy years, with the New York Daily News writing in their retrospective review, “It is light, it is charming, it is delightfully funny and completely captivating. It is all that, and something more.”
2 ‘The Shop Around the Corner’ (1940)
99% Tomatometer
In a charming blend of cinematic enchantment, James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan captivated audiences when they acted together in the heartwarming romantic comedy-drama titled “The Shop Around the Corner“. This film is based on the Miklós László play “Parfumerie “, with its narrative revolving around the unexpected romance between Klara Novak and Alfred Kralik, two employees at a leather goods store who often clash but end up falling in love with each other without realizing it. Their bond deepens through secret correspondence during the holiday season.
An Influential & Iconic Rom-Com
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the timeless charm of “The Shop Around the Corner.” This heartwarming masterpiece has left an indelible mark on cinema history, being recognized as one of the most impactful romantic comedies to have graced our silver screens. It has served as a source of inspiration for subsequent remakes, such as Judy Garland’s “In the Good Old Summertime” and the ’90s sensation “You’ve Got Mail,” starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
1 ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ (1944)
100% Tomatometer
As per a well-known and trusted movie review aggregator site, the top holiday film ever made is the remarkable ’40s musical “Meet Me in St. Louis,” starring Judy Garland as Esther Smith. In this film, Garland, famously known for her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” portrays Esther, a character from a lively family who are eagerly waiting for the upcoming St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Throughout the story, the siblings experience the ups and downs of life and love, all while enjoying catchy songs and colorful musical performances.
A Festive Musical Full of Christmas Cheer
In the cherished film “Meet Me in St. Louis,” Judy Garland demonstrated her exceptional talents as both an actress and singer, captivating audiences with timeless songs such as “The Trolley Song” and “The Boy Next Door.” Additionally, she introduced the heartwarming holiday classic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The film was critically acclaimed and successful at the box office, earning $6.6 million during its initial release, and solidifying Garland’s status as a prominent leading lady in Hollywood while becoming a beloved holiday tradition.
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2024-11-18 00:34