The Most Popular Christmas Movie the Year You Were Born

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite as comforting as snuggling up with a warm cup of cocoa and immersing yourself in the magic of a Christmas movie. Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics that have stood the test of time or prefer heartwarming romantic comedies, rest assured that the perfect film for you is just waiting to be discovered—and we’ve got you covered with this fantastic list. Once your gift shopping is complete and your Christmas tree sparkles with festive cheer, why not indulge in one of these most popular Christmas movies from the year you were born? It’s a delightful way to pass the time while eagerly anticipating Santa’s arrival!

1942: Holiday Inn

Starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, this movie spawned the smash hit and enduring holiday favorite “White Christmas.” Crosby and Astaire are a magical duo as they battle for the affections of a pretty dancer named Linda Mason, played by Marjorie Reynolds. Although Holiday Inn is considered a beloved Christmas classic, the tree doesn’t have to be up for you to enjoy this movie. True to its name, it makes many holidays its focal point, including Easter and the Fourth of July. Both Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are at their best in Holiday Inn. Astaire dazzles in the Independence Day dance sequence, his stage presence brighter than the fireworks he uses as a prop. Meanwhile, Crosby’s velvety voice makes all the songs in this movie an auditory delight.

1943: The Song of Bernadette

The Song of Bernadette is a 1943 biographical drama film based on the 1941 novel of the same name by Austrian-Jewish novelist Franz Werfel. It stars Jennifer Jones, then twenty-four, as Bernadette Soubirous, a young peasant girl who experiences 18 apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1858. Critics and audiences praised The Song of Bernadette its performances, direction, and music. Jones was particularly lauded for her portrayal of Bernadette. In fact, she won an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1942—a much-deserved accolade!

1944: Meet Me in St. Louis

Meet Me in St. Louis is a 1944 American musical film, directed by Vincente Minnelli and produced by Arthur Freed. The film stars Judy Garland as Esther Smith, a teenage girl living in St. Louis, Missouri at the turn of the century. Separated into seasonal vignettes, it shows snippets of the Smith family’s lives during the year leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. Some of the most popular songs from the film include “Meet Me in St. Louis”, “The Trolley Song”, and, of course, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” At 21, Judy Garland was eager to divorce from juvenile roles, but Minnelli convinced her it would be the highlight of her career. Considering that it was the second highest-grossing film of 1944, we’re sure Garland later agreed!

1945: Christmas in Connecticut

Starring the incomparable Barbara Stanwyck, Christmas in Connecticut is a true comedy of errors and a pioneer of the romcom genre. The film tells the story of a journalist who fabricates an entire farm and family and gets tangled in her web of deceit after a war hero wants to spend Christmas at her nonexistent farm. Christmas in Connecticut is still a charming, heartwarming film that audiences continue to enjoy. While the film is proof that honesty is the best policy, it also shows that forgiveness and compassion can also go a long way.

1946: It’s a Wonderful Life

This classic Christmas film needs no introduction. It’s A Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who loses his faith in life and contemplates suicide. Donna Reed plays Mary Bailey, George’s loving wife and childhood sweetheart. Clarence Odbody, an angel assigned to help George, takes him on a journey through an alternate reality in which he never existed, showing him how many lives he has touched and the positive impact he’s had on the world. The film inspired many directors, including Steven Spielberg, who once said, “It’s a Wonderful Life shows that every human being on this earth matters—and that’s a very powerful message.” We couldn’t agree more!

1947: Miracle on 34th Street

Did you know that the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade footage used in this movie was real? Actor Edmund Gwenn put a smile on the faces of parade-goers when he appeared as Santa Claus in the 1946 Macy’s parade. Natalie Wood’s character may not have believed in Kris Kringle, but Natalie herself was convinced that Gwenn was, in fact, the real Santa. While the film was remade in 1994, you truly can’t beat the classics. Many still consider the 1947 version one of the greatest films ever made. We would go so far as to say that it’s essential holiday viewing!

1948: The Bishop’s Wife

Originally, Cary Grant was slated to play the role of the Bishop, while David Niven was set to play Dudley, the smooth-talking angel. However, Cary wasn’t fond of the Bishop’s dialogue, so the roles were switched. We happen to feel this only benefited the movie in the end! Grant plays Dudley with his signature charm and wit. Meanwhile, Loretta Young is at her loveliest in the role of the eponymous Bishop’s wife. It’s not hard to see why Dudley was so taken with her! While it wasn’t a box office smash hit, The Bishop’s Wife did nab five Oscar nominations and bring home one. Interestingly, Grant and Young didn’t get along on set. Despite the real-life friction, the chemistry between their characters is undeniable. Talented actors, indeed!

1949: Holiday Affair

Holiday Affair doesn’t quite have the staying power as its other Christmas contemporaries, The Bishop’s Wife and It’s a Wonderful Life. Regardless, it’s worth a watch! Janet Leigh stars as Connie Ennis, a war widow with a young son. While Christmas shopping, she meets Steve Mason, played by Robert Mitchum, a charming but irresponsible department store salesman. Connie is engaged to the reliable but boring Carl Davis (Wendell Corey) but soon finds herself drawn to Steve’s carefree spirit. The film was released on Christmas Eve to middling reviews and success. However, annual showings on the Turner Classic Movie Channel have transformed Holiday Affair from a box office bomb to a Christmas movie staple.

1950: The Great Rupert

The 1950s heralded the advent of a new era and the 1950 comedy film The Great Rupert. This film revolves around the Amenolda family, a trio of down-on-their-luck circus performers who move into a rundown apartment and meet a kilt-wearing squirrel named Rupert. Rupert was a puppet whose movements were achieved through stop-motion. Reportedly, director and producer George Pal received countless letters from viewers who wanted to know how to train a squirrel. While not a juggernaut like some other movies on this list, The Great Rupert still managed to charm audiences and critics alike. The notoriously hard-to-please critic Bosley Crowther gave it a favorable review, stating that “there is a wholesome ingenuousness about it—a brisk enthusiasm—that makes it unimpeachable. Talk about good, cheap ‘family pictures.'”

1951: Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol has been made countless times over the years. Even The Muppets put their spin on the classic Victorian tale in 1992! However, no version is as captivating and charming as 1951’s Scrooge. Alistair Sim plays the irascible Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter and miserly businessman who learns the true meaning of Christmas through three paranormal encounters. The film is based on the 1843 novella of the same name by Charles Dickens. While it was initially a box office bomb in the United States, it later became a holiday viewing staple for many households in the 1950s and 60s.

1952: Pluto’s Christmas Tree

This list wouldn’t be complete with a classic Mickey Mouse cartoon! Pluto’s Christmas Tree is the 125th installment in the Mickey Mouse film series. The short sees Mickey Mouse and Pluto go Christmas tree shopping in the forest and end up cutting down the home of Chip ‘n’ Dale instead. The mischievous chipmunk duo retaliates by wreaking havoc on Mickey’s home and Christmas decorations. It’s a classic Mickey Mouse tale, with stunning animation, beloved characters, and strong themes of friendship.

1953: The Snows of Kilimanjaro

Based on the short story written by Ernest Hemingway, The Snows of Kilimanjaro was one of the most successful films in the early 1950s. The story centers on Harry Street, a disillusioned writer on safari in Africa. As he lies dying from an infected wound, Street reflects on his life and the choices he’s made. Like It’s a Wonderful Life, this film is about the importance of living a meaningful life. It features a star-studded cast that includes Gregory Peck, Susan Hayward, and Ava Gardner. Although not as festive as some other films on this list, The Snows of Kilimanjaro is a timeless classic that can still be enjoyed during the Christmas season.

1954: White Christmas

White Christmas may be one of the most beloved holiday films ever, and it’s not difficult to see why. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, this film tells the story of two Army buddies who become a duo act and run a successful nightclub act. Along the way, they cross paths with a pair of sisters named Betty (Rosemary Clooney) and Judy (Vera-Ellen). White Christmas has just about everything: memorable songs, captivating dance numbers, lovable characters, and an idyllic setting. Interestingly, it was also the first movie to be filmed in Technicolor. White Christmas also has another surprising connection to Holiday Inn. Columbia Inn is the same one featured in Holiday Inn over a decade earlier. Between revisiting the set from his earlier film and singing “White Christmas” again, we have to wonder if Bing Crosby felt a little déjà vu!

1955: We’re No Angels

If you’re looking for a holiday film on the funnier side, then look no further than We’re No Angels, starring Humphrey Bogart. The film is based on the 1953 French play La Cuisine des Anges by Albert Husson. After escaping from Devil’s Island, a trio of convicts take refuge in a convent in French Guiana. The nuns are preparing for Christmas, and the convicts decide to help them out. Of course, holiday hijinks ensue! While fun and whimsical on the surface, the film also reminds us that even the worst people can change and that it’s never too late for a fresh start. A great message around the holidays and any other time of the year!

1956: Bundle of Joy

A musical remake of the 1939 film Bachelor Mother, this version stars the then-married couple, Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds. Polly Parish is a single salesgirl who finds an abandoned baby on a doorstep. After Polly decides to raise the baby, more misadventures arise when her coworkers assume the father is Dan Merlin, the storeowner’s son. Debbie may have enjoyed playing this role even more than usual, since she was pregnant with her daughter Carrie during filming. While not a Christmas film, Bundle of Joy was released in December, making it the perfect winter flick.

1957: All Mine to Give

If you’re expecting a fun, frolicking tale like The Great Rupert or White Christmas, you may want to steer clear of this film. All Mine to Give is the true story of a family of six children in Wisconsin. After their parents pass away, the Eunson siblings are left to fend for themselves. All Mine to Give is a poignant tale of family, loss, and resilience. It explores the bonds of siblinghood, highlighting the importance of unconditional love and support in the face of adversity. You may want to have some Kleenex on hand if you decide to watch this one because it’s a tear-jerker!

1958: Bell, Book and Candle

Jimmy Stewart starred in yet another movie lauded as a holiday classic. This time, it’s Bell, Book and Candle, a stageplay-turned-supernatural-romcom that stars the lovely Kim Novak. Stewart, in his final role as a romantic lead, plays Shepherd Henderson, a publisher and bridegroom-to-be. He soon falls under the spell of his neighbor, Gillian Holroyd. Literally. If you’re a fan of Bewitched, you’ll want to add Bell, Book and Candle to your holiday watchlist this Christmas season. It served as the inspiration for the beloved 1964 sitcom starring Elizabeth Montgomery.

1959: Santa Claus

Don’t let the simple title fool you. This Mexican fantasy film is not as straightforward as it might seem on the surface! Also known as Santa Claus versus the Devil, this film has a unique approach to the Christmas story. After Lucifer sends one of his minions to Earth to kill Santa Claus, Santa must stop him from ruining Christmas and turning all the children of Earth evil. If that premise seems familiar, perhaps you’ve seen the 1993 episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. The cast lampooned the film and its somewhat outlandish premise, elevating it to cult status. While the original movie was a moderate box office success, its appearance on MST3K cemented it as a Christmas film to remember.

1960: The Apartment

Many viewers probably won’t associate Billy Wilder’s The Apartment with Christmas, but some consider it a holiday movie since the events play out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Apartment is a somewhat controversial movie due to its subject matter. While critics and audiences alike were divided, Jack Lemmon and Shirley Maclaine won Golden Globe Awards for their roles. The film also nabbed several accolades at the 1960 Academy Awards, including the much-coveted Best Motion Picture.

1961: Babes in Toyland

Dancer and Disney darling Annette Funicello stars in this charming adaptation of Victor Herbert’s 1903 operetta. After the evil Barnaby kidnaps her beloved Tim Piper, Mary seeks help from the toys in Toyland, a magical kingdom where toys come to life. With the help of the toys, Mary (Funicello) sets out to defeat Barnaby and save Tom. Funicello, who had a passion for dancing, reportedly said this was her favorite filming experience. Though it was the first live-action musical Disney ever produced, it was a box-office failure. However, the legacy of this film is honored in many of the Disney parks today. The toy soldiers featured in the film still appear in Disney’s annual Christmas parades.

1962: Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol

Many people know Jim Backus from his role as Thurston Howell, III on Gilligan’s Island. However, Backus also lent his distinctive voice to Mr. Magoo, an elderly gentleman with notoriously bad eyesight. Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol was the very first made-for-TV animated holiday special. If you’re familiar with Charles Dickens’s novella of the same name, then you’ll already know the plot of this Christmas special. However, Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol sets itself apart from other versions by installing Magoo in the titular role. This movie, much like Backus himself, is a hidden gem.

1963: The Sword and the Stone

Disney’s take on the famous Arthurian legend is charming, fun, and unforgettable. Based on the 1958 T. H. White novel of the same name, the film follows the adventures of Wart, a young orphan boy who dreams of becoming a knight. Wart, whose real name is Arthur, lives with his foster brother Kay. In classic Disney fashion, he’s often treated as a servant. Sadly, this was the last film Walt Disney produced before his death. Most people probably wouldn’t think of The Sword and the Stone as a holiday movie, but it was released on Christmas Day.

1964: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Often lauded as one of the best Christmas films ever made, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer continues to resonate with audiences nearly sixty years after its premiere. It’s based on the popular song of the same name by Johnny Marks. The story follows Rudolph, a reindeer with a distinctive bright red nose. While initially outcast and bullied for being different, Rudolph’s “curse” becomes a blessing when he helps guide Santa’s sleigh through the fog. The film teaches us that it’s okay to be different and that everyone has something special to offer. No wonder this movie is still a beloved holiday classic today!

1965: A Charlie Brown Christmas

Last but certainly not least is one of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time. A Charlie Brown Christmas strikes out against the rampant commercialism and greed that sometimes makes the holiday season less special. Linus reminds both the gang and viewers what the Christmas season is all about. A Charlie Brown Christmas was awarded the Emmy Award for “Outstanding Children’s Program” a year after its release. Many people still consider it a Christmas staple, with TV stations broadcasting multiple showings every holiday season. Perhaps Charlie Brown doesn’t enjoy the Christmas season, but it’s impossible not to smile after watching this timeless classic.