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The Most Popular Christmas Movie the Year You Were Born
The presents are wrapped. The food is cooking. Now go grab some eggnog and cue up one of these festive flicks.
The presents are wrapped. The food is cooking. Now go grab some eggnog and cue up one of these festive flicks.
1942: Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn
Outside of Jesus and Santa, Bing Crosby is basically the king of Christmas. This musical about an inn that's only open on holidays gave us the song "White Christmas," which of course we're all dreaming of.
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1943: The Song of Bernadette
The drama's lead, Jennifer Jones, won an Oscar for her portrayal of a woman having visions of the Virgin Mary. The film however lost the Best Picture race to Casablanca.
Buy It: $8, Amazon.com
1944: Meet Me in St. Louis
Judy Garland stars in this musical featuring the classic holiday tune, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."
Buy It: $23, Amazon.com
1945: Christmas in Connecticut
Holiday romance is the focus of this Barbara Stanwyck film, which was remade for TV in 1992 with the help of director Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1946: It's a Wonderful Life
Every time this movie is on during the holiday season, an angel gets its wings.
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1947: Miracle on 34th Street
If you ever spill the beans about Santa to a kid too early, this movie will restore their faith.
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1948: 3 Godfathers
The story of the Three Wise Men retold as a Western and starring John Wayne is begging for a remake.
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1949: Holiday Affair
Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum co-star in this romantic comedy set during the holidays. It wasn't a huge success when it was released, but still gets played at Christmastime.
Buy It: $8, Amazon.com
1950: The Great Rupert
Alternately titled A Christmas Wish, this movie involves an animated squirrel who helps improve the lives of two impoverished families.
Buy It: $6, Amazon.com
1951: A Christmas Carol
1952: Pluto's Christmas Tree
The classic Disney gang appears in this short film involving Mickey and Pluto trying to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.
Buy It: $65, Amazon.com
1953: Peter Pan
There isn't much Christmas in Peter Pan, but the magic is definitely there.
Buy It: $11, Amazon.com
1954: White Christmas
White Christmas wasn't just popular during the holiday season. It was the second highest-grossing film of 1954.
Buy It: $12, Amazon.com
1955: We're No Angels
Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray play three escaped convicts who learn how to be good while hiding out with a poor family in a French colonial town during Christmas.
Buy It: $25, Amazon.com
1956: Bundle of Joy
It may have nothing to do with Christmas, but try turning on this Eddie Fisher/Debbie Reynolds collaboration while the holiday feast is in the oven and you'll know why it's on the list.
Buy It: $16, Amazon.com
1957: All Mine to Give
Not the most joyful Christmas movie, All Mine To Give is based on the true-life story of six Wisconsin siblings who must take care of each other when both of their parents die.
Buy It: $13, Amazon.com
1958: Bell, Book, and Candle
Jimmy Stewart straps on his Christmas boots again for this love story set during the holiday season. He plays a publisher who falls under the spell of his witch neighbor played by Kim Novak.
Buy It: $9, Amazon.com
1959: Santa Claus
Also known as Santa Claus vs. the Devil, this Mexican import is probably one movie you should watch after the kids have gone to bed.
Buy It: $15, Amazon.com
1960: The Apartment
The action of this Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine Oscar winner culminates at a company Christmas party, which absolutely justifies it as a Christmas movie...right?
Buy It: $10, Amazon.com
1961: Babes in Toyland
Annette Funicello stars in Disney's take on the 1903 operetta of the same name by Victor Herbert.
Buy It: $8, Amazon.com
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