10 Classic Christmas Movies

This 1942 musical is guaranteed to be on the telly at some point during the Christmas season. Winning an Oscar for the song "White Christmas," the film stars Fred Astaire, Bing Crosby, Virginia Dale and centers around their characters' love triangle.

1945's Christmas in Connecticut stars Dennis Morgan and Barbara Stanwyck and tells the humorous story of New York food writer Elizabeth Lane who for years has been writing columns about her fictitious life in the country. However when her unaware publisher asks her to host Christmas for a returning war veteran, she is forced to marry her friend and host a farcical Christmas in Connecticut.

There's certainly been many remakes, but we think the 1938 original A Christmas Carol is one of the best. Starring Reginald Owen and Gene Lockhart your heart must be made of coal if you're not moved by this heartwarming tale.

Another tearjerker, 1947's Miracle on 34th Street tells the tale of a beloved department store Santa, Kris Kringle, who is institutionalised for claiming he is the real Santa Claus. A young lawyer takes Kringle's court to case, arguing that he is indeed the real thing.

For many a Christmas without 1946's It's A Wonderful Life is like an Easter without any chocolate. This longtime Christmas favourite stars James Stewart and Donna Reed and is widely regarded as one of the most beloved American films of all time. The story focuses on a kind but downtrodden businessman, who is shown what the world would be like without him by an angel.

1965's A Charlie Brown Christmas is a must see for any Peanuts fan. When Charlie Brown is depressed over the thought of yet another Christmas, his friend Lucy suggests he directs the school Christmas play. However when he presents a Christmas tree as part of the set, its humble appearance is mocked and so is Charlie. The film then goes on to show the true meaning of Christmas - family, friends and kindness.

As the name suggests, this 1954 film also features the "White Christmas" hit earlier mentioned in The Holiday Inn. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, they play musical performers that team up to save a failing Vermont inn in time for the holidays.

Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh star in this raucous 1949 Christmas hit. When seasonal clerk (Mitchum) spots beautiful Connie (Janet) taking part in a Christmas fraudulent scheme, he refuses to report her and is fired as a result. He then befriends Connie and hopes to prevent her from marrying her boring but nice boyfriend Carl.

One of Judy Garland's most famous films, 1944's Meet Me in St. Louis is an Edwardian-set coming of age movie about the lives of four sisters. It is perhaps most strongly remembered for its song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," sung by Garland towards the end.

1947's The Bishop's tells the story of a handsome angel Dudley (Carey Grant) who descends from heaven to reply to help from depressed Bishop Henry (played by David Nevan). When his wife (Loretta Young) takes a liking to Dudley, Henry vows to win her affections back.