IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE (1947) dir. Roy Del Ruth
This sweetly sentimental film pokes fun at class striation and aligns with Frank Capra's philosophies of an idealized America where Community triumphs over societal ills.
THE REF (1994) dir. Ted Demme
Denis Leary shovels his trademark stand-up crankiness into this crass and subversively warmhearted comedy about a thief that holds a dysfunctional family hostage on Christmas Eve.
ARTHUR CHRISTMAS (2011) dir. Sarah Smith
Fast-paced, stuffed with joy and clever twists on the idea of Santa in a contemporary world, this Aardman Animations (creators of Wallace & Gromit) film puts a bow on every Christmas season.
3 Godfathers (1948) dir. John Ford
Nothing about this film explicitly says “Christmas movie” – but the spirit of Christmas lives in this “minor” John Ford Western about three bank robbers (read: wise men) who promise to shepherd a dying woman’s baby safely across the desert in order to redeem their sins.
Klaus (2019) dir. Sergio Pablos
This beautifully animated Netflix film, sets the Santa Claus mythology in remote northern Norway where the pampered postmaster’s son (Jason Schwartzman) must create a thriving post office under impossible conditions in order to preserve his inheritance. With the help of a cantankerous and reclusive woodsman (J.K. Simmons), he just might succeed.
CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) dir. Peter Godfrey
This screwball comedy features deception, frothy dialogue, good food, and Barbara Stanwyck.
THE MERRY GENTLEMAN (2008) dir. Michael Keaton
Christmas is the backdrop for an angst-plagued hitman and a lonely woman. Watch for subtle twists to traditional Christmas imagery. Stars Kelly MacDonald and Michael Keaton in his directorial debut.
DREAMING OF A JEWISH CHRISTMAS (2017) dir. Larry Weinstein
This delightful, informative documentary focuses on fresh information about the Jewish songwriters responsible for your favorite Christmas tunes. Inventive, original performances will make you want to sing along.
Frozen River (2008) dir. Courtney Hunt
This struggles of working class mother, Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo), set in upstate New York during the Christmas season. The subtle symbolism may be reminiscent of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), but this tale is full of reality as Eddy smuggles immigrants across the frozen St. Lawrence River in the trunk of her Dodge Spirit.
A MIDNIGHT CLEAR (1992) dir. Keith Gordon
Starring Ethan Hawke and Gary Sinise, this tense anti-war is a parable with strong spiritual undertones. The cinematography is key to the story.
