When it comes to the title of “Christmas Classics,” modern audiences tend to think of more contemporary titles. While movies like Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and even movies like Love Actually make many viewers’ lists, there’s nothing wrong with going back a few decades for some holiday cheer.
Some of the holiday’s best and brightest have been around long before the invention of technicolor. Thanks to the magic of streaming services like Disney+, Netflix, and Amazon Prime, movie buffs can gather around the glow of their screens and enjoy these black-and-white throwbacks all through the season.
10 The Apartment (1960) (Tubi)
While this romantic comedy from director Billy Wilder might not be a Christmas movie in the literal sense, it does go on a lot of binge lists. When a businessman has to lend his bosses use of his swanky apartment for their various love affairs, it’s only a matter of time before things start to go south.
A comedy about extramarital flings might not be everyone’s cup of tea for the holiday season, but it does feature outstanding performances from the likes of Jack Lemon, Fred MacMurray, and Shirley MacLaine. There’s an office Christmas party and plenty of seasonal moments, too. Plus, it’s currently free to stream on Tubi.
9 The Thin Man (1934) (Amazon Prime)
For most individuals, murder is only something that’s contemplated when spending the holidays with too many people. In the case of The Thin Man, happy holidays and murder mysteries go hand in hand. William Powell plays Nick Charles, a retired detective who is suddenly called back into the line of duty when a young woman’s father mysteriously disappears.
The interesting combination of murder-mystery and Christmas movie will definitely get a few viewers’ attention, and keep them invested until the reveal. Those looking to give this film a try can view it on Amazon Prime for $2.99.
8 The Bells Of St. Mary’s (1945) (Tubi)
Like The Apartment, The Bells of St. Mary’s might not focus on Christmas, but the season does play a part in the film’s mood and setting. When a parish school is on the verge of being condemned, the pious and faithful Sister Mary Benedict must lock horns with the eccentric Father O’ Malley in order to win the favor of a local businessman and save the school.
Bing Crosby is definitely no stranger to Christmas movies, and this movie was definitely not the first nor the only one in his career. This story of faith, hope, and charity is currently available for free on Tubi.
7 The Lemon Drop Kid (1951) (Amazon Prime)
Not many modern audiences might be familiar with The Lemon Drop Kid, but they are most definitely familiar with the song “Silver Bells,” which originated in the film. In this Bob-Hope-led comedy, a slick conman makes the mistake of cheating a notorious mob boss and is forced to come up with $10,000 by Christmas or else he “won’t make it to New Year’s.”
Holiday hijinx and Santa Claus schemes ensue as the Lemon Drop Kid tries to scrape up the funds before he’s sleeping with the fishes. For $3.99, this Christmas comedy can be watched currently on Amazon prime.
6 Holiday Inn (1945) (Amazon Prime)
Nearly a full decade before White Christmas premiered, it was Holiday Inn where Irving Berlin’s iconic Christmas tune premiered. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire play a song-and-dance duo who turn an old retreat into an entertainment venue open primarily during the holidays. Easily a yuletide classical amongst film buffs, casual viewers will at least want to stay for the music alone.
While the enchanting and musical White Christmas is arguably the more popular of the two Berlin films, there’s no reason not to include this toe-tapping entry to the Christmas binge list. For $3.99 on Amazon, it’s well within the possibility.
5 Christmas In Connecticut (1945) (Hulu)
A common theme present in many Christmas movies seems to involve secret identities being revealed, and Christmas In Connecticut is no exception when a columnist masquerading as a housewife on a Connecticut farm must suddenly throw together a charade when she’s asked to entertain a returning war hero. As with many of these ’40s romcoms, romance and situational humor are soon to follow.
Liars being revealed is a common trope in the realms of both comedy and suspense, and this film provides both in spades. Those subscribed to Hulu can find this little number wrapped nicely on their screens.
4 A Christmas Carol (1938) (HBO Max)
It doesn’t get more classic than A Christmas Carol, and the 1938 production starring Reginald Owen as Scrooge is definitely worth a watch. Being one of the first feature-length-film adaptations of the Dickens classic, viewers can’t go wrong in including it in their Holiday lineup.
Owen gives a solid performance as Scrooge, though he does give himself over to the holiday spirit a touch easier than other incarnations. But his redemption and mirth are nothing if not infectious, and both can be enjoyed with a subscription to HBO Max.
3 Scrooge (1951) (AMC+)
Before the introduction of George C. Scott or Sir Patrick Stewart to the list of great Scrooge performances, the golden standard was Alastair Sim in the 1951 adaptation. Following the same formula as most versions of the Christmas Carol mythos, nothing in the script really changes except for Scrooge himself, but that’s a good thing.
Sim is absolutely wicked in this role, and his version of Scrooge is possibly one of the most villainous portrayals of the character. That being said, it makes it all the more worth it to see the old miser redeemed at the end. This version might be harder to find on most streaming services, but can be purchased on Amazon and streamed with a subscription to AMC+.
2 Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (HBO Max)
There are few versions of Santa Claus that are quite as popular or well-known as Miracle on 34th Street, and it’s definitely a timeless classic that many viewers continue to ritually watch each year. Half holiday comedy, half courtroom drama defending the existence of St. Nick, all jolly and joyful when everything is soon revealed.
Santa is easily a must-have figure in any Christmas movie collection, and there’s certainly something to be said for Edmund Gwenn’s performance of Kris Kringle. While this classic was unfortunately removed from services like Disney+, both the original and remake can be seen on HBO Max.
1 It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) (Amazon Prime)
It’s a Wonderful Life is an unmistakable timeless treasure. The subject of the impact one person’s life has on an entire community is something pretty deep for a family-friendly Christmas movie to tackle, yet it continues to be aired and streamed year after year.
Not only is it a heartfelt character exploration, but it’s a thought-provoking narrative that continues to strike an emotional chord with every new generation of fans that watches it. The saga of George Bailey losing and finding his will to live is a rollercoaster of intense emotions that not only entertains but grants a merry life lesson on a yearly basis. Available free with Prime membership, it’s always a good idea to put this one on repeat.
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