I love those predictable, and comfortingly cheesy Hallmark movies; however, this is a list of Christmas classics outside of beloved Hallmark Movie Channel. Seriously, if you honestly can't say you've seen every one of these movies at least once, you're missing out. I'm going to assume you've seen the classic 30-minute cartoons, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, A Charlie Brown Christmas, etc. and list longer films.
1) It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Released Christmas Day in 1946, this classic should be part of any household's Christmas celebration traditions. The main focus of this story is realizing that family is extremely important, and no matter how insignificant your life may feel, you can and are making a difference. There are some people (aka my sister) who don't care for this movie. She likes the more modern take entitled Family Man (2000) starring Nicholas Cage, but for me, Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed are an adorable and irreplaceable duo telling the sentimental story of George Bailey and how he helps Clarence get his wings.
2) Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This story technically starts on Thanksgiving with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade of 1947, but it follows the main characters all the way to December 25. The big names of the movie are Maureen O'Hara and John Payne mainly because the adorable, and practical Susan is portrayed by Natalie Wood before she became a household name. Again, it seems that every time a really good story is told, there is a sub-par version created in the form of a re-make. This movie's remake debuted in 1994 with the same title and the same concepts throughout the script; however, personally, I enjoy the originals as opposed to the newer versions of almost any movie.
3) White Christmas (1954)
While Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye are highly unbelievable as soldiers in the Army, the story-line following that foundation is so good that the lack of belief in their acting is forgivable. Despite his lack of soldier's decorum, Kaye is adorable as the clumsy, risk-taking best friend of the serious character portrayed by Crosby. Also, Crosby's classic "White Christmas" is obviously included, and sang multiple times throughout the film. Rosemary Clooney also sings with her "sister" of the movie Vera-Ellen. It's a classic in every way, leaving its audience with all the sentimental feelings of Christmas.
4) Polar Express (2004)
As you can see, the top of this poster says one name: Tom Hanks, and that about sums up the cast. If the story wasn't already brilliant, just watching Hanks play practically every character would be worth the time. While I'm not a fan of believing in Santa Clause, the ability to believe in something is always powerful. Plus, the soundtrack throughout this movie is pretty great as well.
5) While You Were Sleeping (1995)
I know there are dozens of other perfect Christmas movies that could fill the space of number five on this list, but I had to pull the biased decision here. Not only is this one of my favorite Christmas movies, it's one of my favorite movies to watch year-round. Sandra Bullock, of course, does a wonderful job of playing the quirky heroine, Lucy, who's Christmas Day goes from another day at work to an all out two-week adventure with a family she doesn't even know. Bill Pullman plays Jack, the love interest for Lucy, perfectly. Too often, actors try too hard to be overly charming and handsome, making their character seem way too fake for the heroine; however, Pullman does a perfect mixture of down to earth and uniquely sweet that makes everyone root for him to get the girl. Seriously, it's on Netflix right now, so there's really no excuse.
