Top 10 Movie Musicals for the Holiday Season
#10: “Spirited” (2022)
What makes a holiday classic? Usually, the secret recipe is time, nostalgia, and endless TV reruns. “Spirited” is a modern take on the classic “A Christmas Carol” cautionary tale. In a spin on the usual story, the Ghost of Christmas Present, played by the hilarious Will Ferrell, seeks his own redemption by helping the Scrooge-like Clint, played by Ryan Reynolds. Acting as both a satire and homage to the original story, what follows is a gut-busting but effective musical about kindness and change. If that’s not your thing, it also doesn’t skimp on the risqué humor.
#9: “Anna and the Apocalypse” (2017)
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Adolescent angst, family strife, and Christmas decorations take on new and deadly meaning for a group of teenagers when a zombie plague breaks out. And they sing through it all, because after all, the show must go on. “Anna and the Apocalypse” is a rare instant classic because it dares to give us something different. After all, the quirky and innovative festival hit found a way to bring together the coming-of-age, zombie apocalypse, and Christmas musical comedy genres. How many flicks do you know who can say they’ve done that? Full of horror and teen movie influences, it’s certainly an atypical holiday movie, but one that deserves more love.
#8: “The Polar Express” (2004)
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Robert Zemeckis’ misunderstood fantasy musical takes a lot of flak for its distinctive animation style, but it’s a fun and spirited modern classic of the season. Indeed, despite what some have said, it’s a delightful and surprisingly touching movie. Based on a children’s book, “The Polar Express” is a whimsical story following a young boy who has lost the Christmas spirit. He and several children board a magic train enroute to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Featuring the vocal stylings of unlikely musical lead Tom Hanks, the movie doesn’t have many original songs, but they’re all certainly memorable.
#7: “Scrooge” (1970)
Stuffed with some of the greatest British actors of the time, this 1970 musical boasts impressive set designs and charming performances. Led by Albert Finney as Scrooge and Alec Guinness as the ethereal Jacob Marley, the movie leans into the wildness as much as it does the emotion of the original story. Although it was made at a time when movie musicals were going out of style, it charmed contemporary audiences and critics alike. “Scrooge” was nominated for four Oscars, scoring two citations for its music. It’s undoubtedly a fun time capsule of the era, and remains a truly enjoyable watch.
#6: “Frozen” (2013)
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Disney not only gave us one of its all-time greatest songs with “Let It Go,” they also gave us a new annual holiday must-watch. This bonafide box office megahit cast aside the standard prince and princess love story for something deeper and closer to home, the bond between sisters. Princesses Elsa and Anna make for an iconic duo, and their friends, including the endlessly merchandisable Olaf, are also incredible additions to the Disney pantheon. While “Frozen” technically doesn’t take place on any specific holiday, there’s snowmen, reindeer, and family themes. If that’s not a holiday movie, what is?
#5: “The Sound of Music” (1965)
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Here’s another pick that just feels like a holiday movie, even though it’s not technically about a particular one. In this adaptation of a Broadway hit, Julie Andrews plays governess to the singing von Trapp children. After hours of feel-good musical cheer courtesy of the indomitable Rodgers and Hammerstein, it’s kind of hard not to be filled with a warm and fuzzy feeling. The 1965 epic usually sees a resurgence, both on TV and in theater sing-along versions, every year around the holidays. Songs like “My Favorite Things” have even become unofficial anthems for the season.
#4: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)
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There are a lot of fantastic things about this movie. The absolute best one might be the genius of casting Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge opposite the other characters, who are mainly played by Muppets. Completely outnumbered by his often whimsical and clownish co-stars, he staunchly refuses to join the merriment and be a silly goose. He’s playing this character completely straight. Of course, that’s what’s so brilliant about it. Caine’s Scrooge completely fails the vibe check, which is exactly what Scrooge would do. Plus, the songs are fantastic and the humor is on point. If you talk to anyone born in the ‘90s, they might just tell you this is their favorite version of the classic story.
#3: “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944)
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This Judy Garland-led musical follows a St. Louis family, the Smiths, through different seasons over the span of a year. Winter finds the Smiths facing what they initially think will be their last Christmas in their hometown, and Garland’s character introduces what soon became a classic to comfort her sister. If there is a somewhat haunting quality to “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” it’s probably because so much uncertainty is hanging over them at this point in the story. The movie and its songs have lived on as standouts of the old Hollywood musical, and it continues to be an admirable entry in the holiday canon.
#2: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
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It’s commonly considered a part of the Tim Burton universe, and yes, he’s responsible for the story and co-production of this stop-motion marvel. However, director Henry Selick was the hand behind this twisted and brooding musical about a Halloween-themed town that suddenly becomes aware of Christmas. Using gothic-style imagery, the movie captivated audiences of the 1990s and managed to become a staple of the season. Despite its darkness, it still gets across a pretty solid holiday message. Plus, the soundtrack by Danny Elfman features songs like “This Is Halloween” and “Sally’s Song,” that are as integral to the season as any traditional Christmas carol for many.
#1: “White Christmas” (1954)
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If you want some good, old-fashioned, straightforward holiday cheer, it’s hard to beat this
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney vehicle. “White Christmas” is an Old Hollywood musical about two song-and-dance teams who join forces to try and save a failing inn. Featuring songs by American master Irving Berlin, the film reintroduced its title song to the masses and features several great numbers. Not just that, “White Christmas” really fills the holiday movie bingo card. Fireside romance, showbiz antics, and a sprinkling of nostalgia come together to create a lasting time capsule, fitting for a comfy nighttime watch on a cold winter’s night.
Did our list make you feel festive? Leave a present for us in the comments.
