by Michael Lyons
There sure are Christmas movies to choose from...a lot of them! Since cameras started rolling in Hollywood, it seems almost as if filmmakers have created films about Christmas, films set at Christmas, and movies with Christmas scenes in them.
Most of them have become traditional favorites for many this time of year, and Christmas movies have become such a genre unto themselves that a number of these cinematic yuletide treasures are celebrating some significant anniversaries.
What follows is a list of some of these Christmas movies that are reaching Merry milestones:
Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009) - 15th Anniversary
Director Robert Zemeckis uses motion capture to effectively re-tell Charles Dickens most famous story of the season. Brimming with stunning computer animation, the film provides dizzying Victorian backdrops and ghastly creative takes on the three Ghosts of Christmas. This version of A Christmas Carol is not only faithful (albeit with some theme-park attraction-like trickery) but is centered by a fantastic performance by Jim Carrey as Scrooge and all three ghosts!
Christmas with the Kranks (2004) - 20th Anniversary
Author John Grisham's somber book, Skipping Christmas, which featured subtle cynicism about the season, was given the Home Alone-stapstick treatment in this film adaptation about the title couple (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis), who decide to forego the holiday season. To the dismay of their Christmas-loving neighborhood, they decide to take a trip to the Caribbean.
Christmas with the Kranks is about as subtle as falling off the roof while decorating or chasing a canned ham through a parking lot, but its multiple airings on cable over the past two decades have secured the film an audience.
The Polar Express (2004) - 20th Anniversary
Robert Zemeckis’ first foray into motion capture technology translated author Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book into a 3D IMAX holiday event. With Tom Hanks in multiple roles, including the title character (Hero Boy), the Conductor, and a shadowy "Hobo," the film tells a dream-like tale of a magic train ride that transports children to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
As the technology wasn't "fully formed" at the time with The Polar Express, many criticized the "stiffness" of movements and "lifeless" eyes as "creepy," and the film has become divisive. But, the sweetness within the story and its messages around the power of faith (and of doubt) have, in turn, catapulted this film to a Christmas-time tradition and, for many, a modern-day classic.
The Santa Clause (1994) - 30th Anniversary
At the height of his Home Improvement popularity, Tim Allen headlined this comedy about Scott Calvin, who dons Santa's coat after the big guy falls off his roof and, by doing so, takes on the title of Santa himself.
A surprise hit at the time, the popularity of The Santa Clause has only gained momentum in the three decades since its debut, spawning two theatrical sequels and two seasons of a Disney + streaming series. This proves multiple generations still love effective comedy wrapped up in 90s nostalgia.
Prancer (1989) - 35th Anniversary
"Oh yeah! Prancer! I kind of remember that one," is what most people say when this film comes up in conversation.
A young girl (Rebecca Harrell) comes across an injured reindeer and nurses it back to health, as she believes it is Prancer, one of Santa's reindeer, and must eventually convince her family and friends in her small town.
With a solid supporting cast, including Sam Elliot, Cloris Leachman, Abe Vigoda and Michael Constantine, and direction by John Hancock, Prancer sets its fantastical story against a realistic backdrop. It all comes together in an entertaining film that deserves to be remembered this season during its anniversary.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - 35th Anniversary
When it debuted thirty-five years ago, it was dismissed by critics (Roger Ebert wrote: "You have the odd sensation, watching the movie, that it's straining to get off the ground but simply doesn't have the juice.") and now it is one of the most-watched, most-quoted Christmas movies ever made.
Chevy Chase's Clark Griswold, the long-suffering husband and father looking to make everything perfect, becomes relatable to all of us as he struggles with lights that won't light, a tree on fire, and a Jelly of the Month Club as a bonus.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation has become a comedic yet comforting extended family time capsule of the late 80s-early 90s. It allows us to laugh at how seriously we take the holidays while missing the chance to enjoy them.
White Christmas (1954) - 70th Anniversary
From one of the most popular Christmas songs and, well, just plain ol' popular songs of all time (written for the 1942 film Holiday Inn) came this big ol' Hollywood spectacle of a movie. The first to be filmed in Paramount's widescreen format, VistaVision, it tells the story of two song-and-dance men (Bing Crosby, who else, and Danny Kaye) who are trying to save a failing inn owned by their former Army commander.
It also stars Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Allen and is filled with Irving Berlin songs, including the title song, "Sisters," and "Counting Your Blessings." White Christmas was the biggest film of 1954 and has been at the top of holiday movie lists ever since.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) - 80th Anniversary
It's a year in the life of a family in. turn-of-the-century St. Louis, featuring some of the film's most iconic songs, including the title number and "The Trolley Song." Still, it's most closely connected with this season, thanks to Judy Garland's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to her heartbroken sister, played by Margaret O'Brien.
The song, written for this film, has become a poignant standard for all of our Christmases ever since.
And, so it seems the perfect way to end this selection of Christmas movie anniversaries by simply saying: "Have yourself a Merry little Christmas, let your heart be light."
Head over Words From Lyons to for more of my writing, podcasts and books!
