The 10 Greatest Christmas Films of All Time

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

You might think it’s a cop out to anoint the top spot to Frank Capra’s 1946 classic, but It’s a Wonderful Life has stood the test of time for good reason. First of all, it’s one of those really rare old films that’s actually watchable, not just academically “good.” Jimmy Stewart is a dynamite actor and the cast surrounding him is a high class who’s who of 1940’s stars. The dialogue is smart, and the movie moves quickly. Even more, the film is Capra at his most talented; every scene is shot and arranged with more depth and complexity than the simple story would have you believe. The Christmas Eve stroll through the life and times of a man who is down and out is about more than just the meaning of Christmas, it’s an expertly executed love note to the beauty of a life well lived.