8 Classic Christmas Movies To Watch If You Love It’s A Wonderful Life

One of the best ways to celebrate the start of the holiday season is by enjoying a nice, heartwarming Christmas movie. While there are many options, one of the most beloved holiday films is the 1946 Frank Capra classic, It’s a Wonderful Life. Starring James Stewart, the iconic film tells the story of George Bailey. Just when George is at his lowest, his guardian angel reveals to him how drastically different the world would be if he had never existed. The film is a beautiful encapsulation of the holiday spirit and a valuable story about the importance of every life.

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While the film will remain a life-long favorite for many, there are plenty of other classic Christmas movies that fans of It’s a Wonderful Life may also find that they love. Some are quite popular in their own right, while some are underappreciated gems. Each one of these classic films features a heartwarming story that is perfect for the holidays, and sure to appeal to audiences new and old. Although it is practically impossible to capture the same magic of It’s a Wonderful Life, these timeless Christmas movies are excellent choices too.

8 Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

Directed By George Seaton

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Miracle on 34th Street Not Rated

The Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street follows a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the actual St. Nicholas and a lawyer who defends him in court. Released in 1947, the original movie was later remade in 1994 by John Hughes.

Director George Seaton Release Date June 11, 1947 Studio(s) 20th Century Writers George Seaton , Valentine Davies Cast Edmund Gwenn , John Payne , Natalie Wood , Maureen O’Hara , Gene Lockhart

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Released only one year after It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle On 34th Street is a timeless holiday classic with a unique, charming story. Written and directed by George Seaton, the film follows Kris Kringle, a department store Santa who claims that he is, in fact, the real Santa Claus. Kris’s claims are met with doubt by most, but his relentless kindness and good nature begin to make some hopeful individuals believe that he may be telling the truth.

Miracle on 34th Street
is a great choice for a film to help recapture the childlike wonder that makes the holidays so special.

Miracle on 34th Street is the perfect way to bridge the gap between Thanksgiving and Christmas, seeing as the film itself begins during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, before transitioning smoothly into the Christmas season. The classic film has been a favorite of many since its release, thanks to the clever writing and Oscar-worthy performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Miracle on 34th Street is a great choice for a film to help recapture the childlike wonder that makes the holidays so special.

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7 Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

Directed By Vincente Minnelli

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Meet Me in St. Louis

Meet Me in St. Louis, directed by Vincente Minnelli, is a musical film set in the early 20th century. The narrative follows the Smith family over the course of a year as they anticipate the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Starring Judy Garland, the film explores themes of family, love, and hope against the backdrop of a changing America.

Director Vincente Minnelli Release Date November 28, 1944 Cast Judy Garland , Margaret O’Brien , Mary Astor , Lucille Bremer , Tom Drake , Marjorie Main Runtime 113 Minutes

Judy Garland may be best known for her iconic performance as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, but her work in Meet Me In St. Louis is just as dazzling, particularly for fans of musicals. This 1944 film may not occur entirely during Christmastime, but its lighthearted tone and positive message make it fit right in with other holiday classics. Directed by Vincente Minnelli, Meet Me In St. Louis presents a series of musical vignettes following the lives of one American family during the months leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair.

When it comes to Christmas movies, few have music as timeless as
Meet Me In St. Louis
, especially thanks to Garland’s breathtaking voice.

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The film introduced the world to beloved songs like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and “The Boy Next Door,” both of which were later popularized by Frank Sinatra. With these mesmerizing tunes and a touching holiday story, it is no surprise that the film has maintained a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Viewers should certainly check out Meet Me In St. Louis for a tender glimpse at what Christmas was like over a century ago.

6 White Christmas (1954)

Directed By Michael Curtiz

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white christmas

White Christmas is a musical film directed by Michael Curtiz, released in 1954. It follows two talented song-and-dance entertainers who join forces post-war, becoming a top show business act. They befriend and romantically engage with the Haynes sisters, leading to charming musical adventures.

Director Michael Curtiz Release Date October 14, 1954 Cast Bing Crosby , Danny Kaye , Rosemary Clooney , Vera-Ellen

With the music of Irving Berlin, the direction of Michael Curtiz (perhaps best known for Casablanca), and a performance by Bing Crosby, viewers can be certain they’re in for a dazzling musical extravaganza with the 1954 Christmas classic, White Christmas. The film follows two song-and-dance duos who work together to ensure that a former World War II commander can have the happy, struggle-free Christmas he deserves. White Christmas is optimistic and sweet from beginning to end, making it a lighthearted holiday favorite for many.

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White Christmas may not have the dramatic side that It’s a Wonderful Life had, but it is nonetheless a thoroughly enjoyable feature that captures all the most powerful themes of the season. The film is a vibrant showcase of Berlin’s timeless music, neatly wrapped in a tender story about togetherness and love. Plus, it is hard to go wrong when combining beloved Christmas tunes with the soothing voice of Bing Crosby.

5 Christmas In Connecticut (1945)

Directed By Peter Godfrey

Christmas In Connecticut 1945

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Christmas in Connecticut

Director Peter Godfrey Release Date August 11, 1945 Cast Barbara Stanwyck , Sydney Greenstreet Main Genre Romantic Comedy

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With a charming cast led by Barbara Stanwyck and Dennis Morgan, Christmas in Connecticut is a lighthearted film that tells a clever romantic comedy story in a rural Christmas setting. Stanwyck stars as Elizabeth Lane, the popular writer of a newspaper column about her quaint life on a farm with her loving husband and baby. There is only one major problem: the entire column is a lie, as Elizabeth is actually a single woman living in New York. When a returning war hero requests to meet her, Elizabeth must create a complex ruse to avoid having her secret discovered.

Although the story is openly rather silly, Christmas In Connecticut is undeniably sweet and full of love, making it a great film to watch around the holidays. Like many great Christmas movies, the film never shies away from its humorous side, but does so in a way that complements its tender holiday themes, instead of detracting from them. Christmas In Connecticut is a prime option for audiences who love the timeless cinematic feel of It’s a Wonderful Life, as well as the lighthearted nature of a rom-com.

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4 The Shop Around The Corner (1940)

Directed By Ernst Lubitsch

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The Shop Around the Corner Approved

The Shop Around the Corner, directed by Ernst Lubitsch, follows the lives of two employees at a Budapest gift shop who unknowingly become pen pals and fall in love through their anonymous letters. Starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, this 1940 romantic comedy offers a charming exploration of mistaken identities and blossoming affection against the backdrop of an elegantly depicted pre-war Budapest.

Director Ernst Lubitsch Release Date January 12, 1940 Writers Samson Raphaelson , Miklós László , Ben Hecht Cast Margaret Sullavan , James Stewart , Frank Morgan , Joseph Schildkraut , Sara Haden , Felix Bressart , William Tracy , Inez Courtney Runtime 99 Minutes

It’s a Wonderful Life may have stolen the spotlight, but it wasn’t the only 1940s film starring James Stewart to be set around Christmastime. Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, The Shop Around the Corner tells the story of an unusual but touching holiday romance. In the film, Stewart and Margaret Sullivan star as a pair of coworkers at a small store in Budapest. Frequently getting on each other’s nerves while they work together, each of them fails to realize that the other is the person they have been anonymously sharing romantic letters with.

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The Shop Around the Corner may not fully match everyone’s definition of a Christmas movie, but its holiday setting and themes of love and togetherness certainly make it a valuable film to watch during the holiday season. Fans of Stewart’s powerful performance in It’s a Wonderful Life should give this film a try, as it similarly displays the impressive range of the actor’s abilities. The chemistry between him and Sullivan helped earn The Shop Around the Corner a spot on the AFI’s list of the greatest movie romances.

3 The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

Directed By Henry Koster

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The Bishop’s Wife ComedyFantasyDrama

The Bishop’s Wife follows Episcopal Bishop Henry Brougham as he struggles with his duties and family life while planning a new cathedral. As Christmas nears, an angel named Dudley arrives to assist, though his interventions create unexpected challenges for Henry, leading to concerns about his role and relationships.

Director Henry Koster Release Date December 25, 1947 Character(s) Dudley , Julia Brougham , Henry Brougham , Professor Wutheridge , Sylvester , Mrs. Hamilton , Matilda , Mildred Cassaway , Debby Brougham , Maggenti , Mr. Miller , Mrs. Duffy , Miss Trumbull , Mrs. Ward , Mr. Perry , Stevens , Defense Captain , Attack Captain , Michel , First Lady in Michel’s , Second Lady in Michel’s , Third Lady in Michel’s , Hat Shop Proprietress , Hat Shop Customer , Hysterical Mother Runtime 109 minutes Expand

One year after the release of It’s a Wonderful Life, another major motion picture decided to explore how an angel can impact the life of a struggling man as Christmas approaches. Directed by Henry Koster, The Bishop’s Wife stars Cary Grant as Dudley, an angel sent to help Bishop Henry Brougham, who is desperately trying to raise money for the construction of a new cathedral, a dedication that has been causing strain between him and his family. Dudley soon becomes highly invested in the life of Henry’s wife, Julia, much to Henry’s dismay.

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The Bishop’s Wife offers a clever twist on the idea of an angel coming to answer a man’s prayers, showing how the Angel can influence the lives of not just one person, but the whole world around him. The clever holiday film was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, solidifying it as an all-time classic in the world of Christmas movies. Fans of classic cinema should seize this rare opportunity to see Hollywood icon Cary Grant lend his skills to a holiday film.

2 Holiday Affair (1949)

Directed By Don Hartman

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Holiday Affair Approved

Holiday Affair is a romantic comedy released in 1949, featuring Robert Mitchum as department store clerk Steve Mason, who crosses paths with Connie Ennis, played by Janet Leigh, a comparison shopper. Fired for sparing Connie, Steve’s unexpected bond with her and her son Timmy complicates her relationship with suitor Carl.

Director Don Hartman Release Date December 12, 1949 Cast Janet Leigh , Robert Mitchum , Wendell Corey , Griff Barnett , Esther Dale , Henry O’Neill , Harry Morgan , Larry J. Blake , Helen Brown , Gordon Gebert , Pat Barton , Genevieve Bell , Melinda Casey , Chick Chandler , Jack Chefe , James Conaty , Yvonne Crossley , Michka Egan , George Eldredge , Louise Franklin , James Griffith , Patricia Hall , Don Hartman , Jimmy Hawkins , Mame Henderson Runtime 87 minutes Expand

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Robert Mitchum may have been best known for his darker, more dramatic roles, but his performance in the lighthearted romantic comedy, Holiday Affair, is just as enjoyable. In the film, Mitchum plays Steve, a veteran who loses his job as a salesperson after an altercation with a comparative shopper, Connie. Steve then becomes deeply wrapped up in the lives of Connie, Carl (her longtime romantic partner), and Timmy (her young son). What follows is a witty story of laughter and love surrounding Christmas and New Year’s.

With the memorable tagline, “It happens in December, but it’s hotter than July,” viewers can be certain they are in for an exciting holiday romance for the ages.

For fans of Robert Mitchum, Holiday Affair is an excellent choice for the Christmas season, offering an uncommonly lighthearted performance from the acclaimed actor, one which is boosted even further by his chemistry with Janet Leigh. With the memorable tagline, “It happens in December, but it’s hotter than July,” viewers can be certain they are in for an exciting holiday romance for the ages. Of course, the film is more than just a romance, though, offering a touching story about family and togetherness during the season of giving.

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1 It Happened On 5th Avenue (1947)

Directed By Roy Del Ruth

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It Happened on Fifth Avenue ComedyMusicRomance

It Happened on Fifth Avenue follows a New Yorker hobo who takes residence in a vacant Manhattan mansion, unknowingly gathering companions, including the actual homeowners, into his new makeshift community. Released in 1947, this film explores themes of class and camaraderie in a post-war urban setting.

Director Roy Del Ruth Release Date April 17, 1947 Cast Ann Harding , Don DeFore , Charles Ruggles , Victor Moore , Gale Storm , Grant Mitchell , Edward Brophy , Alan Hale Jr. , Dorothea Kent , Edward Ryan , Cathy Carter , Charles Lane , Arthur Hohl , Edward Gargan , James Flavin , John Hamilton , Chester Clute , Anthony Sydes , Eddie Marr , George Lloyd , Johnny Arthur , Jean Andren , Florence Auer , Leon Belasco , George Blagoi Runtime 116 minutes Expand

Although it certainly leans more to the comedic side than It’s a Wonderful Life, It Happened on 5th Avenue offers another touching holiday tale that is guaranteed to lift the spirits of anyone watching. This classic Christmas comedy follows the story of a homeless man who (along with some newfound friends) decides to live in the extravagant house of the world’s second-richest man while he is away for the holidays. When his presence is made known, what follows is a commentary on wealth that is as insightful as it is humorous.

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Although another holiday film, Miracle on 34th Street, ended up taking home the trophy, It Happened on 5th Avenue earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Story. The heartwarming story is elevated even further by the charming performances and natural chemistry between Don DeFore and Gale Storm, who plays the daughter of the extravagant house’s owner. It Happened on 5th Avenue is an entertaining celebration of the holiday spirit, one stuffed from beginning to end with love and laughter.

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