Best vintage Christmas movies to watch now – 11 festive classics and where to watch them

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There are more Christmas movies available now than ever before, as Netflix and other streaming services release a large number of new holiday films each year.

Recently, some excellent films have expanded what we consider classic examples of this type of story – especially Alexander Payne’s highly acclaimed The Holdovers. However, the very best films in this genre are actually from decades ago.

Everyone often mentions “It’s a Wonderful Life” as a classic holiday film, and for good reason! But if you’re hoping for a more traditional movie to watch as Christmas approaches, there are lots of other great older films to choose from.

We’ve created a list of 11 classic Christmas movies, made between 1934 and 1960, to give you some holiday inspiration. It includes everything from a funny film featuring Laurel and Hardy, to a well-loved version of A Christmas Carol, and a few cheerful musicals.

Read on to see our list – and details on how you can watch them.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Frank Capra’s classic isn’t just a heartwarming holiday film; it offers a powerful message about the importance of community. The main character, George Bailey – a man shown the worth of his life by an angel – embodies the best qualities of Capra’s other iconic heroes. Only James Stewart could have so perfectly portrayed the inner struggles of a genuinely good person plagued by self-doubt.

Like all great stories with a clear moral, the villain needs to be truly memorable, and Lionel Barrymore delivers a powerful performance as the wicked Potter. The word ‘Capra-esque’ is often used incorrectly – instead of trying to copy Frank Capra’s style, enjoy the real thing. – David Parkinson

Where to watch: ITVX, Prime Video and NOW

2. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

This charming romantic comedy tells the story of two people who fall in love through letters, unaware they already work together. Margaret Sullavan and a young James Stewart deliver wonderful performances, with Sullavan radiating grace and warmth, and Stewart being utterly captivating.

While the story itself is simple, the film is delightful thanks to the skillful direction of Ernst Lubitsch. It’s based on the play Parfumerie by Nikolaus Laszlo and was later reimagined as the 1998 movie You’ve Got Mail, starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. – Tony Sloman

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £3.49.

3. White Christmas (1954)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This updated version of the 1942 film Holiday Inn – the classic Bing Crosby movie famous for the song “White Christmas” – was also a way for Paramount to showcase its new Vistavision film technology. When Fred Astaire, Crosby’s original co-star, and later Donald O’Connor, couldn’t participate, Danny Kaye unexpectedly agreed to share the spotlight with Crosby, which turned out to be a lucky break for everyone involved.

This classic film follows a talented song-and-dance duo who journey to Vermont to assist their old army officer in preventing the loss of his inn. Danny Kaye delivers a fantastic performance, particularly in a show-stopping dance number with Vera-Ellen. Director Michael Curtiz skillfully leans into the film’s heartwarming story, allowing its emotional core to shine. – Tony Sloman

Where to watch: NOW

4. Babes in Toyland (1934)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Okay, so picture this: pure, old-fashioned fairy-tale fun, starring Laurel and Hardy! As a kid (and let’s be honest, still at heart), I absolutely loved this. It’s based very loosely – like, barely at all – on a Victor Herbert operetta. Basically, Stan and Ollie are Santa’s helpers, and they’re…well, they’re Stan and Ollie. Meaning hilariously incompetent! It’s charming, silly, and perfect for families. Don’t go expecting a faithful adaptation, though – just a lot of laughs.

Instead of creating giant, 600-foot-tall toys, they built 100 wooden soldiers that were six feet tall. These surprisingly large toys become useful when the greedy Silas Barnaby separates Tom-Tom from his favorite sheep, Bo-Peep, and attempts to control the world of Mother Goose. It’s pure, uncomplicated happiness. – Tom Hutchinson

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £3.49.

5. Remember the Night (1940)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

This charming romantic comedy stars Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray, both at their best and with fantastic chemistry. Written by Preston Sturges and directed by Mitchell Leisen, the story follows a shoplifter (Stanwyck) whose trial is postponed over the Christmas holidays. A kind-hearted assistant district attorney (MacMurray) feels sorry for her and invites her to spend Christmas with his family at their cozy country home.

A truly lovely experience, filled with warmth, charm, a touch of nostalgia, and humor, all brought together effortlessly by the talented people involved. – Robyn Karney

Where to watch: Not currently streaming, but available to buy on Blu-ray

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This isn’t the familiar version with Richard Attenborough; it’s the wonderful original film, first released in the UK as ‘The Big Heart’. Natalie Wood stars as a cynical young girl who’s lost faith in Santa Claus because her mother, Maureen O’Hara, manages the annual Christmas parade at a New York department store, and she’s always seen Santa played by actors who’ve had a bit too much to drink. But then Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) arrives and starts to bring some real Christmas spirit to life.

The film’s clever story earned Oscars for both its screenplay and original concept, and Gwenn rightfully won Best Supporting Actor. He became so well-known for the role that he was often asked to play Santa Claus at the homes of Hollywood figures like Louis B. Mayer during the holidays. While children might enjoy the more recent remake, parents will likely appreciate this charming and captivating original. – Tony Sloman

Where to watch: Disney+

7. Scrooge (1951)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

This adaptation of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol is widely considered the best film version of the classic holiday story. Alastair Sim gives a perfect performance as the grumpy Scrooge, who learns the importance of kindness with the help of three Christmas spirits.

Michael Hordern is excellent as Jacob Marley, and Mervyn Johns perfectly portrays the gentle Bob Cratchit. George Cole shines as a young and lighthearted Scrooge. With beautiful sets by Ralph Brinton and surprisingly skillful direction from Brian Desmond Hurst, this film is a must-see. – David Parkinson

Where to watch: Tubi

8. Meet Me in St Louis (1944)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Though some critics found this movie’s depiction of an ideal American family – with Mary Astor as the mother and Judy Garland as one of her four daughters – overly sentimental when it was released, it’s now celebrated as a classic MGM musical. Any small weaknesses the film might have are easily overshadowed by its spectacular musical performances, like “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Trolley Song,” and “Skip to My Lou,” all beautifully directed by Vincente Minnelli, who was at the peak of his career.

As a total movie buff, I have to say this film really captures a sweet, nostalgic view of St. Louis around the turn of the 20th century. It’s a charming story, and honestly, it feels like one that needs that older, simpler time period to really work. But it’s genuinely delightful and, for me, absolutely worth watching. – Peter Freedman

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £3.49

9. Holiday Affair (1949)

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

This delightful but often overlooked Christmas film from RKO stars Janet Leigh as a mother who’s recently widowed and choosing between two suitors – Robert Mitchum and Wendell Corey. Naturally, she finds herself leaning towards the man her son likes best. The movie begins with a heartwarming scene and beautifully captures the feeling of Christmas in New York City, bringing to mind classics like Miracle on 34th Street.

As a film buff, I always appreciate seeing Robert Mitchum showcase his incredible subtlety – this role really highlights what a nuanced actor he was. And Janet Leigh? She’s just captivating on screen, consistently charming and delightful. Look, if you’re a real cynic, this probably isn’t for you. But if you’re looking for something feel-good and seasonally appropriate, I think you’ll really enjoy it. – Tony Sloman

Where to watch: BBC iPlayer

10. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

While a bit cheesy and clearly from another era, this movie remains a pleasant watch. Barbara Stanwyck plays a stylish journalist who writes about the joys of home cooking and rural life. As a publicity stunt, she’s tasked with caring for a naval officer (Dennis Morgan) over Christmas, which is complicated by the fact that she’s a city dweller who can’t cook and needs to rent a country cottage in Connecticut to pull it off.

The film’s premise is strong, but Peter Godfrey’s direction feels overly emotional and lacks creativity. Sydney Greenstreet shines as Stanwyck’s employer, and while the movie isn’t particularly funny – it makes you wish a comedic master like Billy Wilder or Preston Sturges had worked on it – it’s significantly better than the 1992 television remake, surprisingly directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and starring Dyan Cannon as Stanwyck. – Tony Sloman

Where to watch: Rent or buy on Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £3.49.

11. The Apartment (1960)

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

Billy Wilder’s beloved film centers on CC Baxter, a downtrodden insurance clerk played by Jack Lemmon, who lets his bosses use his apartment for affairs. He hopes this will earn him promotions, but they never materialize, making him a truly sympathetic character. Despite the potentially serious subject matter, Wilder masterfully presents the story as a charming and funny romantic comedy.

Jack Lemmon’s excellent acting immediately draws us into the story, and his character finds redemption when he helps Shirley MacLaine, who plays an elevator operator caught in a difficult situation – she’s having an affair with her dishonest boss, Fred MacMurray. Director Billy Wilder and writer IAL Diamond crafted this potentially controversial story into a timeless and beloved romance, which famously won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay. – Andrew Collins

Where to watch: ITVX

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Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time, he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2025-12-12 10:40