Top 10 Most Underappreciated Christmas Movies
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Date: 2023-11-21
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Comments and reviews: 30
UnseelieRose
I love good holiday movies so here are a few recommendations you've never heard of.
1. If You Believe, in which an embittered editor's inner child comes to life. Don't hold the fact that it's a Hallmark film cause you to skip it; I promise it's not the same old rich guy meets sweet small-town girl sort of plot. In fact, this is a charming, heartwarming piece of magical realism that is well-written and well-acted.
2. Eloise at Christmastime (live action) which is a fun, warm holiday romp full of humor and nostalgic childhood charm. The plot expands one of Kaye Thompson's iconic books, and the cast does a great job bringing the quirky, beloved characters to life.
3. Joyeaux Noel, a period drama based in WWI. A beautiful and touching film that is perfect for those who crave something mor substantial and serious among all the jingle bells.
The Christmas Project, which is a fun family holiday film in the same humorous vein as A Christmas Story, although it's set in the 90s rather than the 30s. It's not quite up to the same level as the film version of Jean Shepherd's tale, but it's still fun, funny, and full of nostalgia.
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I love good holiday movies so here are a few recommendations you've never heard of.
1. If You Believe, in which an embittered editor's inner child comes to life. Don't hold the fact that it's a Hallmark film cause you to skip it; I promise it's not the same old rich guy meets sweet small-town girl sort of plot. In fact, this is a charming, heartwarming piece of magical realism that is well-written and well-acted.
2. Eloise at Christmastime (live action) which is a fun, warm holiday romp full of humor and nostalgic childhood charm. The plot expands one of Kaye Thompson's iconic books, and the cast does a great job bringing the quirky, beloved characters to life.
3. Joyeaux Noel, a period drama based in WWI. A beautiful and touching film that is perfect for those who crave something mor substantial and serious among all the jingle bells.
The Christmas Project, which is a fun family holiday film in the same humorous vein as A Christmas Story, although it's set in the 90s rather than the 30s. It's not quite up to the same level as the film version of Jean Shepherd's tale, but it's still fun, funny, and full of nostalgia.
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Jeff
That missed two of my favorites.
The Homecoming This is a 1972 made for TV movie based on Earl Hamner's memoirs of growing up in rural Virginia during the great depression. It ended up being the piolet for a TV series called The Waltons. It is not glitzy or magical or overly sentimental, but the story and characters were authentic and charming.
A Christmas Carol 1984. My favorite version has George C Scott as Scrooge and I think he did the part better than anyone. And it also includes Scrooge's sister and the specters under the robe of Christmas Present.
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That missed two of my favorites.
The Homecoming This is a 1972 made for TV movie based on Earl Hamner's memoirs of growing up in rural Virginia during the great depression. It ended up being the piolet for a TV series called The Waltons. It is not glitzy or magical or overly sentimental, but the story and characters were authentic and charming.
A Christmas Carol 1984. My favorite version has George C Scott as Scrooge and I think he did the part better than anyone. And it also includes Scrooge's sister and the specters under the robe of Christmas Present.
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heartofalegend
One that I just discovered this year is a beautifully shot, beautifully told, Finnish film about the origin of Santa called, Christmas Story. It came out in 2007 and really made a splash in its native land and is just now becoming more well known in the US. You can find it streaming on various platforms and it is such a joy to watch. Filled with heart and Christmas spirit, it deserves to be thought of as a classic, right alongside many of the ones in this video.
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One that I just discovered this year is a beautifully shot, beautifully told, Finnish film about the origin of Santa called, Christmas Story. It came out in 2007 and really made a splash in its native land and is just now becoming more well known in the US. You can find it streaming on various platforms and it is such a joy to watch. Filled with heart and Christmas spirit, it deserves to be thought of as a classic, right alongside many of the ones in this video.
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Jhanimal
One Magic Christmas, A Christmas Snow, It happened on 5th Avenue, Christmas Vacation, Elf, Holiday Switch, On Strike for Christmas, Scrooged, A Season for Miracles, Scrooge (musical, Miracle on 34th street, A Christmas Memory, A Christmas Diva, Noel, On Strike for Christmas, its a wonderful Life, Christmas story, Bishops wife, Home for Christmas, Come to the Stable, an early Snow, unlikely Angel, Death takes a Holiday.
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One Magic Christmas, A Christmas Snow, It happened on 5th Avenue, Christmas Vacation, Elf, Holiday Switch, On Strike for Christmas, Scrooged, A Season for Miracles, Scrooge (musical, Miracle on 34th street, A Christmas Memory, A Christmas Diva, Noel, On Strike for Christmas, its a wonderful Life, Christmas story, Bishops wife, Home for Christmas, Come to the Stable, an early Snow, unlikely Angel, Death takes a Holiday.
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Just
So glad The Man Who Invented Christmas is on this list. It's such a wonderful film! And Arthur Christmas is so underappreciated! And I've been watching Christmas in Connecticut since I was a kid.
The 2009 Christmas Carol was better than I thought it would be, at least until it gets to the Ghost of Christmas Future, and then it goes off the rails, so it should have been ranked below The Man Who Invented Christmas.
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So glad The Man Who Invented Christmas is on this list. It's such a wonderful film! And Arthur Christmas is so underappreciated! And I've been watching Christmas in Connecticut since I was a kid.
The 2009 Christmas Carol was better than I thought it would be, at least until it gets to the Ghost of Christmas Future, and then it goes off the rails, so it should have been ranked below The Man Who Invented Christmas.
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Kotobukijake
I agree 110% on Ernest Saves Christmas and Klaus, but though I love White Christmas I'd hardly call it underrated. There are some other good picks here, but I'd like to mention four others: The Family Stone; Black Christmas (the original); Tokyo Godfathers; and especially Joyeaux Noel. All great films in their own respective ways, and all generally overlooked by Christmas audiences. Fun list!
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I agree 110% on Ernest Saves Christmas and Klaus, but though I love White Christmas I'd hardly call it underrated. There are some other good picks here, but I'd like to mention four others: The Family Stone; Black Christmas (the original); Tokyo Godfathers; and especially Joyeaux Noel. All great films in their own respective ways, and all generally overlooked by Christmas audiences. Fun list!
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Stuart
Ah cinematic ignorance of youth always amazes me in videos like this.
Let me add just three movies that should be included.
3. Miracle on 34th St. the original with Edmund Gwenn
2. The Bishop's Wife. Cary Grant, David Niven & Loretta Young.
1. Scrooge. Alistair SIM, the best retelling of the classic tale.
These movies will make your Christmas for the rest of your life!
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Ah cinematic ignorance of youth always amazes me in videos like this.
Let me add just three movies that should be included.
3. Miracle on 34th St. the original with Edmund Gwenn
2. The Bishop's Wife. Cary Grant, David Niven & Loretta Young.
1. Scrooge. Alistair SIM, the best retelling of the classic tale.
These movies will make your Christmas for the rest of your life!
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Laura
It's hard to find, but The Man In the Santa Claus Suit was always a family favorite. We also liked All I Want For Christmas, Mr. Krueger's Christmas is a sweet little tv movie, and our favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the musical Scrooge with Albert Finney. (I hard-core disagree with the version of A Christmas Carol you chose here, that motion-capture gimmick is just awful)
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It's hard to find, but The Man In the Santa Claus Suit was always a family favorite. We also liked All I Want For Christmas, Mr. Krueger's Christmas is a sweet little tv movie, and our favorite version of A Christmas Carol is the musical Scrooge with Albert Finney. (I hard-core disagree with the version of A Christmas Carol you chose here, that motion-capture gimmick is just awful)
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Adolph
Most people have a favorite version of A Christmas Carol, and it's usually one of the modern versions, but I feel the 1951 version with Alastair Sim is the best (although I like the Richard Donner update with Bill Murray as well. It's a Wonderful Life is appreciated by most everyone, but the original The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant is a good Christmas film as well.
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Most people have a favorite version of A Christmas Carol, and it's usually one of the modern versions, but I feel the 1951 version with Alastair Sim is the best (although I like the Richard Donner update with Bill Murray as well. It's a Wonderful Life is appreciated by most everyone, but the original The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant is a good Christmas film as well.
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DragonSoul66
I remember watching Klaus when it first got released on Netflix. Sure, I had to work that same night, but I enjoyed every minute of the film. A gorgeous masterpiece when compared to most other Christmas movies made around that time. Hands down, my all time favourite Christmas movie. beating Muppets Christmas Carol by just enough to claim the top spot.
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I remember watching Klaus when it first got released on Netflix. Sure, I had to work that same night, but I enjoyed every minute of the film. A gorgeous masterpiece when compared to most other Christmas movies made around that time. Hands down, my all time favourite Christmas movie. beating Muppets Christmas Carol by just enough to claim the top spot.
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Frank
I was born in '86, so I was more a 90's kid, but I freaking LOVED the Ernest movies!
The made for TV adaptation staring Captain Picard, er, I mean Sir Patrick Stewart has always been my favorite. Maybe its just being a Trekkie and imagining the whole thing is Picard playing Scrooge on the holodeck of the Enterprise, but its incredibly well done.
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I was born in '86, so I was more a 90's kid, but I freaking LOVED the Ernest movies!
The made for TV adaptation staring Captain Picard, er, I mean Sir Patrick Stewart has always been my favorite. Maybe its just being a Trekkie and imagining the whole thing is Picard playing Scrooge on the holodeck of the Enterprise, but its incredibly well done.
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Gisela
Little known Rankin/Bass offering
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is, hands down, my favorite festive favorite. Hey! Maybe MsMojo could rank the Animated and stop motion Christmas specials. I'd love to see how they get ranked (You'd need to do a Top 20, though, I'm thinking. There are just too many good ones)
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Little known Rankin/Bass offering
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus is, hands down, my favorite festive favorite. Hey! Maybe MsMojo could rank the Animated and stop motion Christmas specials. I'd love to see how they get ranked (You'd need to do a Top 20, though, I'm thinking. There are just too many good ones)
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Kathleen
Klaus is wonderful. Not the usual Christmas type of story. Technically, the Jim Carrey film is Disney's A Christmas Carol. Learned that trying to find it on TV. For the whacked Christmas movie, P2 and Better Watch Out can't be missed. The original Cheaper By the Dozen with Clifton Webb is marvelous movie, too.
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Klaus is wonderful. Not the usual Christmas type of story. Technically, the Jim Carrey film is Disney's A Christmas Carol. Learned that trying to find it on TV. For the whacked Christmas movie, P2 and Better Watch Out can't be missed. The original Cheaper By the Dozen with Clifton Webb is marvelous movie, too.
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flyteoffancy
Id add While You Were Sleeping and The Christmas Candle. So many great Christmas movies and I tend to like more obscure ones, like the previously mentioned Comfort and Joy; The Lion in Winter; Were No Angels; Christmas in Connecticut and definitely The Man Who Invented Christmas.
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Id add While You Were Sleeping and The Christmas Candle. So many great Christmas movies and I tend to like more obscure ones, like the previously mentioned Comfort and Joy; The Lion in Winter; Were No Angels; Christmas in Connecticut and definitely The Man Who Invented Christmas.
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KnottyOrchid
As a fellow Rudolph fan I can happily say Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie is completely under appreciated.
You have voice talents such as Eric Idle, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds John Goodman and Whoopi Goldberg
And pretty good animation
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As a fellow Rudolph fan I can happily say Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie is completely under appreciated.
You have voice talents such as Eric Idle, Bob Newhart, Debbie Reynolds John Goodman and Whoopi Goldberg
And pretty good animation
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Arlene
White Christmas is so much better than Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn is a lot more drab and then there is that horrible racist scene. In White Christmas the chemistry between the four is great and the story is so lovely it brings a little tear to your eye.
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White Christmas is so much better than Holiday Inn. Holiday Inn is a lot more drab and then there is that horrible racist scene. In White Christmas the chemistry between the four is great and the story is so lovely it brings a little tear to your eye.
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ProfessorABR
My favorite lesser known classic is Were no angels with Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov. A recent one that surprised me and I like a lot now is Fred Claus. Finally there is Get Santa, which is difficult to find but very good too.
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My favorite lesser known classic is Were no angels with Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov. A recent one that surprised me and I like a lot now is Fred Claus. Finally there is Get Santa, which is difficult to find but very good too.
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Jack
Another underappreciated movie is Ill Be Home For Christmas. Its completely cheesy, but theres just something about it. Its starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel. The nostalgia of that time period, 1998, just brings back good memories.
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Another underappreciated movie is Ill Be Home For Christmas. Its completely cheesy, but theres just something about it. Its starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel. The nostalgia of that time period, 1998, just brings back good memories.
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Stormy
Why is White Christmas even on this list? It's still a regular and very popular holiday staple with everyone I know across the country. Prancer should be a lot higher on the list, and a couple shouldn't be in the top 50, let alone the top 10.
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Why is White Christmas even on this list? It's still a regular and very popular holiday staple with everyone I know across the country. Prancer should be a lot higher on the list, and a couple shouldn't be in the top 50, let alone the top 10.
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AvatarYoda
A Midnight Clear, a forgotten movie from 1992 with Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise. During the Battle of the Bulge, an intelligence squad comes across a small group of German soldiers who want to surrender. It really makes you feel the cold.
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A Midnight Clear, a forgotten movie from 1992 with Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise. During the Battle of the Bulge, an intelligence squad comes across a small group of German soldiers who want to surrender. It really makes you feel the cold.
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Paul
Most of your picks are excellent (especially Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Santa Claus, but my heart sank when you led off with Jim Varney's Christmas movie. I liked him as Jed Clampett in Beverley Hillbillies, but not as Ernest. :-(
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Most of your picks are excellent (especially Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Santa Claus, but my heart sank when you led off with Jim Varney's Christmas movie. I liked him as Jed Clampett in Beverley Hillbillies, but not as Ernest. :-(
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PackOwnerMT
White Christmas and A Muppet Christmas Carol are the main-stays in my house, we watch them every year multiple times, and Klaus is quickly becoming one of those as well. Also, Arthur Christmas is a fantastic movie.
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White Christmas and A Muppet Christmas Carol are the main-stays in my house, we watch them every year multiple times, and Klaus is quickly becoming one of those as well. Also, Arthur Christmas is a fantastic movie.
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Kaldur
I'm so glad Arthur Christmas is on this list! I think it's such a fun way to look at the Santa mythos and I just love the way it handled its characters. Loved Klaus too, but I will admit Arthur Christmas is my favorite
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I'm so glad Arthur Christmas is on this list! I think it's such a fun way to look at the Santa mythos and I just love the way it handled its characters. Loved Klaus too, but I will admit Arthur Christmas is my favorite
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Sir
One Christmas special that needs more respect and to be noticed is Robbie the Reindeer. I mean I know it's not a movie but it's one of the better Christmas specials that always stays fresh no matter how old you get.
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One Christmas special that needs more respect and to be noticed is Robbie the Reindeer. I mean I know it's not a movie but it's one of the better Christmas specials that always stays fresh no matter how old you get.
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Jan
White Christmas is an odd one of the list. I don't think it is underappreciated. We watch it every year. NPR just had an article about it and the forum was full of people talking about how much they love the film.
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White Christmas is an odd one of the list. I don't think it is underappreciated. We watch it every year. NPR just had an article about it and the forum was full of people talking about how much they love the film.
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Damon
Ernest saves Christmas is my second favorite of all time so I agree it is underappreciated.
I just watched the Disney+ Noelle and it definitely makes the list of my top favorites top 20 easy probably 10
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Ernest saves Christmas is my second favorite of all time so I agree it is underappreciated.
I just watched the Disney+ Noelle and it definitely makes the list of my top favorites top 20 easy probably 10
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All
My scout troop went to see Prancer in theater when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. I remember leaving feeling really upset and confused. Maybe it works better for adults, I dunno. Kid me hated it.
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My scout troop went to see Prancer in theater when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade. I remember leaving feeling really upset and confused. Maybe it works better for adults, I dunno. Kid me hated it.
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Niklas
Nothing made after 1999 can be any kind of classic. Studios have done nothing but duplicate and remake scripts since 2000. Not a single original concept in 22 years and counting.
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Nothing made after 1999 can be any kind of classic. Studios have done nothing but duplicate and remake scripts since 2000. Not a single original concept in 22 years and counting.
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jakeakawayne
These are some of my favorite obscure Christmas films:
Fitzwilly (1967)
Period of Adjustment (1962)
A Christmas Memory (1966)
Home for the Holidays (1972)
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These are some of my favorite obscure Christmas films:
Fitzwilly (1967)
Period of Adjustment (1962)
A Christmas Memory (1966)
Home for the Holidays (1972)
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N10
White Christmas is a classic and not underappreciated. I would add Scrooge with Albert Finney and Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger-- both fun family films.
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White Christmas is a classic and not underappreciated. I would add Scrooge with Albert Finney and Jingle All the Way with Arnold Schwarzenegger-- both fun family films.
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