Summary
- Christmas musicals are the perfect combination of festive stories and charming music, providing holiday fun for all fans.
- "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) deserves recognition for creating one of the most iconic villain songs, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch."
- "Spirited" (202
- is a new Christmas musical that impresses as both a comedy and a full-blown musical, with catchy songs that get stuck in people's heads.
During the holiday season, many people need to croon a Christmas carol to get through the day. Not surprisingly, the world of film and TV does too, which means that there's a fine collection of Christmas musical movies to binge and sing along with. From jazzy song-and-dance numbers to melodies that melt fans' hearts, Christmas musicals have that extra dash of magic for making spirits bright.
Christmas musicals combine two things everyone wants from the holiday season – to watch a festive story and hear some charming music. From TV specials to movies to animated adventures, there is a perfect kind of Christmas musical for all fans with more coming every year including 2022's Spirited. So everyone looking for holiday fun, songs, and dance can rest assured there are even more of the best Christmas musicals to go around.
20 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Starring the voices of Boris Karloff and June Foray
For a special that's only 30 minutes long, it's impressive to see how much musical magic can be contained in such a brief amount of time. While it's true that the soundtrack is essentially different renditions of the same two songs, that doesn't mean they aren't without their merits.
"Welcome Christmas" is practically the anthem of Who-Ville, but the special as a whole earns a mention simply for creating one of the most iconic villain songs of all time. "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" is easily one of the most replayed Christmas songs during the season, and it has this musical special to thank for its existence. That alone makes it one of the best Christmas movie musicals.
19 A Christmas Story: Live! (2017)
Starring Maya Rudolph and Matthew Broderick
On paper, it might seem strange to give a movie like A Christmas Story a musical adaptation, but as unusual as it is, the production is truly unique and entertaining as long as the audience doesn't take the adaptation too seriously. There are musical numbers about game shows and, of course, the infamous BB gun, and that's only part of the equation.
The cast also features the likes of Matthew Broderick, Maya Rudolph, and David Alan Grier to bring a healthy dose of star power to all the likable characters from A Christmas Story. It's familiar, but definitely not the '80s original.
18 A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)
Starring Kelsey Grammer and Jane Krakowski
Charles Dickens' classic has been musically adapted countless times, but Hallmark's version in 2004 is blatantly and unapologetically over the top. Of course, when the cast consists of comedic character actors like Kelsey Grammer, Jason Alexander, and Jane Krakowski, it's practically mandatory.
To say it's the most conventional adaptation of the story would be untrue, but it's easily one of the most entertaining, with lively songs performed by the talented cast. It's a bizarre, almost self-aware version that has as much warmth and heart as it does humor.
17 Holiday Inn (1942)
Starring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire
Irving Berlin and Bing Crosby are two names associated with musicals and Christmas and for very good reason. Not only did the pair bring listeners the song "White Christmas," but it brought forth one of the best Christmas musical films, with all the song and dance a movie of the era could ask for.
In Holiday Inn, Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire are the swinging duo of this holiday favorite, as a song and dance pair who must come together to perform at the titular Holiday Inn. With music, dancing, and a comical love triangle, there's plenty to enjoy in this black-and-white classic.
16 The Sound Of Music (1965)
Starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer
Though it might be one of the more debatable Christmas movies, The Sound of Music does seem to be aired on repeat around the holiday season. The Oscar-winning musical inspired by the tale of the Von Trapp family singers is an undisputed classic, and rightfully so. From the creative minds of Rogers and Hammerstein comes this tale of music, freedom, and family in a time of turmoil and trouble.
Led by the incomparable Julie Andrews, it's simply one of those flicks that's practically impossible to hate. With songs as memorable as "My Favorite Things," "Climb Every Mountain," and "Edelweiss," the soundtrack alone is reason enough to watch.
15 Spirited (2022)
Starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell
A new addition to the Christmas movie collection from this year is Spirited. The modern reimagining of A Christmas Carol stars Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present who makes it his mission to redeem a vile businessman, played by Ryan Reynolds.
The comedic chops of the two main actors might lure fans looking for a great Christmas comedy. But the movie is more impressive as a full-blown Christmas musical. Its big number "Christmas Morning Feelin'" is sure to get stuck in people’s heads and the surprisingly aggressive "Good Afternoon" is a lot of fun.
14 Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Starring Forest Whittaker and Keegan-Michael Key
In a rare Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey offers a wonderful new holiday adventure. The movie is set in the town of Cobbleton and follows Jernocius Jangle (Forest Whittaker), a once great toy maker, and his inventive granddaughter (Madalen Mills) who seeks to help him recapture the magic he lost. There aren't many Christmas movie musicals based on original ideas, and it is a thrill to be taken into this world of magic and family. The songs range from the fun villain song "Magic Man G" to the powerful duet "Make It Work Again."
13 The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Starring the voices of Mickey Rooney and Shirley Booth
Possibly the most underrated Rankin/Bass classic Christmas special out there, The Year Without a Santa Claus deserves its own stage adaptation if it hasn't received one by now. It definitely feels like one that would make the transition to Broadway with little to no fuss at all.
There are quite a handful of catchy company numbers, not to mention a healthy number of emotional solos like "I Believe in Santa Claus" and "Blue Christmas." And how could anyone ever forget the dynamic, dueling duo of Snow Miser and Heat Miser? Don't leave this one up on the shelf by any means.
12 Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town (1970)
Starring the voices of Fred Astaire and Mickey Rooney
Speaking of Rankin/Bass specials, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town is yet another musical adventure with a selection of seasonable favorites and lovable characters. Not only that, but it's one of the first pieces of Santa-inspired media that depicts him as a younger man. The special sees Kris Kringle go from an abandoned orphan to an outlaw toy maker on the run from the terrible Burgermeister Meisterburger.
Narrated and featuring the one and only Fred Astaire as the storyteller, this tried-and-true classic continues to represent perhaps the most beloved origins of Santa Claus in fiction. A true classic never dies.
11 Scrooge (1970)
Starring Albert Finney and Alec Guinness
It might not be the most popular or accurate version of Dickens' immortal classic, but Scrooge gives A Christmas Carol the full musical treatment with several song-and-dance numbers, emotional solos, and full-on company-led numbers. It's big, it's colorful, and it's a ridiculous ride through the past, present, and future that just has to be watched to be believed.
From Scrooge's appropriate "I Hate People" to the delightful "Father Christmas" and infectiously catchy "Thank You Very Much," there are more than enough reasons to stick around for this strange but enjoyable version. Even if Albert Finney gets a little strange.
