A listicle? It's never been done before! These are all the classic Hollywood Christmas films I think you'll want to watch while you sew, or drink hot chocolate and pet your dog. I've put them roughly in my order of preference and picked out some key info for each film to help you choose something you'll enjoy. I've also included things you might want to be aware of for each one* so you're not ambushed by blackface or a dog in peril while you're just trying to have a nice festive evening.
*It goes without saying these films are depressingly white for the most part. Just as we've learned using asbestos as fake snow is a bad idea, I hope we can also learn that all white-passing casts are also a bad idea.
The Ultimate Old Hollywood Christmas List
Desk Set (1957)
If you only watch one film from this list in December 2024, please make it this one. Although it's absurdly fanciful for the tech of the time, this film is hilariously prophetic on the topic of AI replacing humans and all that comes with it. Plus you get to see Katherine Hepburn being hilarious and brilliant with a backdrop of truly stunning office outfits from 1957. Don't watch the trailer, it gives too much away, just trust me on this one!
Festiv-o-meter: 6/10, Religiosity: Low, Children: None, Animals: Safe and Sound, Costumes: Stunning
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
White Christmas (1954)
The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942)
I'll Be Seeing You (1944)
Christmas Eve / Sinners Holiday (1947)
Holiday (1938)
Remember the Night (1940)
The Thin Man (1934)
The Bishop's Wife (1947)
The Cheaters (1945)
It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
Holiday Affair (1949)
Meet John Doe (1941)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Beyond Tomorrow (1940)
The Holly and The Ivy (1952)
The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)
Meet Me in St Louis (1944)
Bachelor Mother (1939)
Christmas Holiday (1944)
We're No Angels (1955)
A Dream for Christmas (1973)
The Bells of St Mary's (1945)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Scrooge/A Christmas Carol (1951)
Holiday Inn (1942)