Meet Me in St. Louis (1945)
This holiday classic is on every cinephile's holiday watch list. Released in 1945 and nominated for four Oscars, this film tells the tale of the four Smith daughters as they prepare to move to New York. This film is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and is holding limited screenings in theaters around the United States, but you can also catch it on Amazon.
Extra bonus...this film introduced the world to the now classic Christmas song, I’ll be Home for Christmas.
Color by Technicolor.
Scrooged (1988)
This updated twist on Charles Dickens’ novel A Christmas Carole stars Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a selfish, cynical television executive haunted by three spirits who teach him life lessons on Christmas Eve.
This film, directed by Richard Donner, features a musical score by Danny Elfman, who later went on to do the scores for The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, Corpse Bride and Men in Black.
Top moments: A crazy taxi ride with the Ghost of Christmas Past, played by David Johansen, otherwise known as the lead singer in the New York Dolls, and a ridiculous TV spot featuring the Six Million Dollar Man (Lee Majors).
Color by Technicolor.
You can watch Scrooged on Amazon.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Released in 1989, this holiday film celebrated its 30th anniversary on December 1. Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by 80’s phenom John Hughes, it has become a cult classic for the holidays.
The sequel to National Lampoon’s Family Vacation, it starred Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Johnny Galecki, and Randy Quaid as the Griswold family, whose plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.
Most memorable scenes include a squirrel in the family Christmas tree and an extremely well-done turkey for Christmas dinner.
Color by Technicolor.
You can watch National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Amazon.
The Polar Express (2004)
Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, this animated feature was the very first all-motion capture film ever made. The story follows a young boy without a name, who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Along the way, our “Hero Boy” learns about friendship, bravery and the true spirit of Christmas.
Trivia/things to look for: Robert Zemeckis directed Back to the Future and included several references to that film in The Polar Express. Look for a photo of Santa on strike outside the “Twin Pines Mall” (where Marty McFly successfully time travels) and a flux capacitor hidden on the wall of the train's engine room.
Color by Technicolor.
You can watch The Polar Express on Amazon.
Blizzard (2003)
This Canadian film tells the tale of Katie and her magical friendship with Blizzard, one of Santa’s newest reindeers. Blizzard uses her special powers to help Katie realize her own inner strength and potential, but by doing so risks being banished from Santa.
Technicolor’s MR. X was onboard early in development and provided VFX on this film, which won the Best of the Fest award at the Chicago International Children’s Film Festival and the DGC Team Award from the Director’s Guild of Canada.
You can watch Blizzard on Amazon.
Noelle (2019)
Directed by Marc Lawrence and released on November 12, this Disney film tells the story of Santa’s daughter Noelle (played by Anna Kendrick). Noelle has always supported and encouraged her older brother Nick, who was ordained to take over as Santa when their father retired. However, Noelle finds herself having to take over the family business when Nick goes missing right before Christmas.
Added bonus: Shirley MacLaine plays Elf Polly.
You can watch Noelle on Disney+.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Released in 1964, this animation stop motion TV movie is a true American tradition. With a loveable reindeer who just doesn’t fit in and a misfit elf who wants to be a dentist instead of a toymaker, this holiday classic has charmed every generation since its release. With a soundtrack that has some of the season’s most recognizable tunes, including Silver and Gold, The Most Wonderful Day of the Year, A Holly Jolly Christmas and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, you’re sure to be humming or singing along. Queue it up now because Christmas just wouldn’t be complete without a viewing of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
Color by Technicolor.
Watch or buy Rudolph on Amazon.
The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
This holiday film tells the tale of a medieval English knight, Sir Cole, who is transported to the present day where he falls in love with a high school science teacher who doesn’t believe in love.
Will Sir Cole fulfill his mysterious one true quest – which is the only act that will return him to his home – or will he opt to stay in the present time with the object of his affection?
Directed by Monika Mitchell and starring Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse, this modern feel-good movie is sure to add a little romance to your holiday.
Color, Sound and VFX by Technicolor.
Available now on Netflix.
