The Most Popular Christmas Movie the Year You Were Born
Take a gift-wrapping break with one of these festive films.
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When December rolls around, nothing's cozier than grabbing a cup of hot cocoa and turning on a great Christmas movie. Whether you're into classic holiday films, like Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone, or prefer cute, modern rom-coms, trust us when we say the perfect watch for you is out there — and it's probably on this list.
When all of your gift shopping is done and your Christmas tree is decorated to the nines, pass the time waiting for Santa with one of these fan-favorite Christmas movies from the year you were born.
1942: Holiday Inn
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire sing and dance their way through this holiday classic that brought the song "White Christmas" into the world. The film centers around a farm-turned-entertainment-center that is only open for the holidays — including spring holidays, so the film also features "Easter Parade."
1943: The Song of Bernadette
The drama's lead, Jennifer Jones, won an Oscar for her portrayal of a woman having visions of the Virgin Mary. The film lost the Best Picture race to Casablanca, however.
1944: Meet Me in St. Louis
Judy Garland stars in this musical, which made classic holiday tune "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" famous.
1945: Christmas in Connecticut
Holiday romance is the focus of this Barbara Stanwyck film, which was remade for TV in 1992 with the help of director Arnold Schwarzenegger.
1946: It's a Wonderful Life
1947: Miracle on 34th Street
If you ever spill the beans about Santa to a kid too early, Miracle on 34th Street will restore their faith.
1948: 3 Godfathers
This story of the Three Wise Men, retold as a Western starring John Wayne, is begging for a remake.
1949: Holiday Affair
Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum co-star in this romantic comedy set during the holidays. It wasn't a huge success when it was released, but still gets play at Christmastime.
1950: The Great Rupert
Alternately titled A Christmas Wish, this movie involves an animated squirrel who helps improve the lives of two impoverished families.
1951: A Christmas Carol
1952: Pluto's Christmas Tree
The classic Disney gang appears in this short film about Mickey and Pluto trying to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.
1953: Peter Pan
There isn't much Christmas in Peter Pan, but there's definitely plenty of magic.
1954: White Christmas
White Christmas wasn't just popular during the holiday season: It was the second highest-grossing film of 1954.
1955: We're No Angels
Humphrey Bogart, Peter Ustinov and Aldo Ray play three escaped convicts who learn how to be good while hiding out with a poor family in a French colonial town during Christmas.
1956: Bundle of Joy
It may have nothing to do with Christmas, but try turning on this Eddie Fisher/Debbie Reynolds collaboration while the holiday feast is in the oven, and you'll know why it's on the list.
1957: All Mine to Give
Not the most joyful Christmas movie, All Mine To Give is based on the true story of six Wisconsin siblings who must take care of each other when both of their parents die.
1958: Bell, Book, and Candle
Jimmy Stewart straps on his Christmas boots again for this love story set during the holiday season. He plays a publisher who falls under the spell of his witch neighbor, played by Kim Novak.
1959: Santa Claus
Also known as Santa Claus vs. the Devil, this Mexican film is probably one movie you should watch after the kids have gone to bed.
1960: The Apartment
The action of this Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine Oscar winner culminates at a company Christmas party, which absolutely justifies this as a Christmas movie...right?
1961: Babes in Toyland
Annette Funicello stars in Disney's take on the 1903 operetta of the same name by Victor Herbert.
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