10 Christmas films with good music for the holidays

When the holiday season arrives, two things always manage to get people in the Christmas spirit: movies and music. Fortunately, these two treats usually come together, with plenty of Christmas Movies offering tons of warm, happy tunes that are perfect for the holidays.

Of course, holiday favorites can come in many different forms. Some are timeless classics that charmingly present a story based on the lyrics of a beloved Christmas carol, some are completely original features that include heartwarming new Christmas songs, and others are simply holiday films that use lots of songs that feel right at home during Christmas . winter season. Whatever the case, the best Christmas movies and specials often include lots of music that will make anyone feel the Christmas spirit year after year.

10

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)

Santa Claus is coming to town not only does it share the same name as the beloved Christmas song from the 1930s, but it also presents a fun and light-hearted origin story of how the iconic holiday figure came to be, offering a creative take on the song's lyrics. The stop-motion animated special (one of many from Rankin/Bass) follows Kris Kringle as he is raised by a loving family of toy makers, giving the toys they make as gifts to children in the local town, eventually becoming the only Santa Claus.

Santa Claus is coming to town features many timeless Christmas songs, including a lovely version of the titular song sung by Fred Astaire. The special doesn't end its musical repertoire there, it also offers several original songs, including fan favorites like “The First Toymakers to the King” and “Put One Foot in Front of the Other.” With their catchy music and fun lyrics, Santa Claus is coming to town They are an excellent way to start your vacation.

9

The Polar Express (2004)

Popular songs: “Believe”, “Hot Chocolate”

For many people, especially those who grew up in the 2000s, The Polar Express It's a holiday staple. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this popular animated film follows the adventure of a boy who boards a magical train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve, making new friends and learning valuable lessons along the way. The Polar Express is known for many different things, including its heartwarming story and unique visual style, but what really propels it to holiday classic status is its music.

One of the most notable songs The Polar Express is “Believe,” thanks in part to Josh Groban’s smooth vocals. With music by Alan Silvestri and lyrics by Glen Ballard, the song quickly became an iconic holiday tune, even earning a Best Original Song nomination at the Oscars. Of course, no discussion of the music of The Polar Express would be complete without mention of “Hot Chocolate,” the show-stopping song about everyone's favorite holiday drink, with vocals provided by Tom Hanks himself.

8

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Popular song: “You're Bad, Mr. Grinch”

There have been countless adaptations of Dr. Seuss's classic holiday tale over the years, but only one is responsible for providing the world with the beloved song about the titular character. The 1966 animated TV special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!was the first version of the story to feature “You're Bad, Mr. Grinch”, the jazzy Christmas song about the one resident of Whoville who just can't understand why everyone seems to love the holiday so much.

“You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” has proven to be an enduring part of Christmas culture, thanks in large part to the soft bass vocals of Thurl Ravenscroft, whose beautifully low voice certainly stands out among other Christmas singers. The song has been covered countless times over the years, including covers by artists like Pentatonix and Tyler, the Creator. Of course, there's no place the song feels more at home than in the 1966 TV special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

7

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Popular Songs: “What's That?” “Kidnap the Sand Claws”

Although some may argue that The Nightmare Before Christmas it's another Halloween movie, many consider this Tim Burton classic an essential film for the Christmas season. This stop-motion animated film is much darker than most holiday films, telling the story of Jack Skellington, the leader of Halloween Town who decides he should be in charge of Christmas for a change. Of course, with such a dark and unique story, it would be appropriate to include songs that fit that description.

While the opening song, “This Is Halloween,” may feel more at home during the month of October, many entries in the film's beloved soundtrack are perfect for adding a bold yet cheerful twist to the holidays. Songs like “What's That?” and “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” are popular examples of songs from the film that highlight an outsider's perspective on Christmas.

6

The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)

Popular songs: “The Heat Miser Song”, “The Snow Miser Song”

The year without Santa Claus may not be as popular as Santa Claus is coming to townbut this later Rankin/Bass special contains many songs that have captivated its viewers for half a century. This charming stop-motion special explores what happens when Santa Claus decides he needs to take a break from his Christmas duties for a year.. What follows is a heartwarming holiday story filled with songs to get anyone (including Santa) back into the holiday spirit.

The music of The year without Santa Claus offers something for everyone, featuring plenty of recognizable classics and catchy original songs. While the animated special's renditions of “Blue Christmas” and “Here Comes Santa Claus” are always enjoyable to listen to, fan favorites from the special are the songs performed by Heat Miser and Snow Miser. These jazzy songs are fun, exciting, and the perfect way to balance softer, more heartfelt songs. While it's up for debate which version is better, these side songs are sure to liven up the holidays.

5

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Popular Songs: “It Feels Like Christmas”, “Thankful Heart”

First written by Charles Dickens in 1843, A Christmas carol is perhaps the most iconic Christmas tale of all time. The story of the avaricious businessman who learns to change his attitude after being visited by several spirits has been adapted and performed countless times over the years. However, few efforts to adapt the story have been made as creatively as The Muppets' Christmas Carol. This 1992 featurette brings everyone's favorite Muppet characters to life in a new version. A Christmas carolwhich is (like most Muppet projects) a musical.

The Muppets' Christmas Carol does what Jim Henson's colorful characters have always done best; dazzle the audience with fun musical numbers while maintaining a real element of heart. Performed by Muppets new and old, the film features all-original songs that feel right at home during the holidays, like “It Feels Like Christmas” and “Thankful Heart.” The latter even allows Oscar winner Michael Caine to show off his vocal chops, charmingly capturing Scrooge's childlike excitement as he wakes up on Christmas Day.

4

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Popular Song: “Frosty The Snowman”

The animated TV special, Frosty the snowmanserves as another charming example of a popular holiday song that inspires a complete story of its own. Although the original song was first recorded in the early 1950s, the full story of the snowman who magically came to life was never revealed until the release of this 1969 special. This particular special may be shorter than most of the other Rankin/Bass classics, but it still tells a moving story full of Christmas spirit.

Due to its relatively short runtime, Frosty the snowman doesn't include much in the way of original music. However, this in no way detracts from the quality of the special itself. Instead, it allows Ice cream remain fully dedicated to the beloved music that inspired her, reminding audiences why the song became so popular in the first place. For a soulful rendition of a classic Christmas song, Frosty the snowman is an excellent option.

3

The Remnants (2023)

Popular Songs: “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”, “The Wind”

Alexander Payne's 2023 Oscar-winning film, The remnantsIt may not be a musical, but that doesn't mean it's not full of songs that help set the tone for the holiday season. This tender instant classic tells the touching story of the unlikely bond that forms between a strict history teacher, a grieving cafeteria manager, and a lonely student when they are trapped together during Christmas. Along with the writing and performances, part of what made The remnants a great success was its soundtrack.

The remnants is set in New England in the early 1970s, so, fittingly, most of the film's music is from that era. Along with an original score by Mark Orton, the film features songs by artists such as Labi Siffre, Cat Stevens, and The Temptations, among many other prominent '70s musicians. The remnants is specifically a Christmas song, but they still feel right at home during the holidays, often offering warm messages about love and togetherness.

2

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Popular songs: “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”, “A Holly Jolly Christmas”

Rankin/Bass Productions has presented the world with several Christmas specials over the years, but the first was none other than Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. This stop-motion special offers a joyful rendition of Johnny Marks' 1949 song of the same name, which soared in popularity thanks to Gene Autry's voice. Just as the song describes, Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer shows how Rudolph's differences are what makes him special, offering a positive message for young viewers.

Although the best-known song by Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer is the song that inspired the entire special, there are plenty of other songs to love too. A prime example occurs when the special begins. Rodolfo opens with a captivating version of “A Holly Jolly Christmas”, performed by Burl Ives, setting the perfect tone for the story that follows. Other fan favorites from Rodolfo include “We Are Santa's Elves” and “Silver and Gold,” two songs designed to get viewers, young and old, into the holiday spirit.

1

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Popular song: “Christmas Time Is Here”, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”

For many, the holidays simply wouldn't be complete without A Charlie Brown Christmas. Introducing the characters from Peanut comic book by Charles Schulz, this popular special follows a saddened Charlie Brown as he struggles to fully understand the true meaning of the holiday season. By finding joy alongside his friends, Charlie Brown has helped viewers rediscover their love of Christmas year after year.

Of course, the pretty bow on top A Charlie Brown Christmas are the memorable melodies featured in the special. Along with several jazz-inspired instrumentals by Vince Guaraldi, the special features a moving rendition of “Christmas Time Is Here,” sung by a children’s choir. The beautiful chorus of children's voices is enough to help anyone remember what the holidays are all about, providing the perfect melodies to share with your loved ones at Christmas time.