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 Christmas fantasy movie without Santa Claus, 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.
10 Dr. Seuss's How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen
The first remake of the 1966 classic, this adaptation of the Grinch might not seem like musical material at first, but thinking back on it, there are moments where the characters are suddenly bursting into songs. True, it's no Chorus Line number, but it deserves to be counted.
"Welcome Christmas," "Where are you, Christmas," and the oh-so-popular "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" make for stand-out singing moments in this weird but beloved movie. Though it's not the musical most think of, it is worth watching if only for Jim Carrey's hilarious performance as the evil Christmas movie villain.
9 The Polar Express (2004)
Starring the voices of Tom Hanks and Nona Gaye
It's not exactly ready for Broadway, but The Polar Express is definitely an underrated musical that needs more appreciation for its melodious talents. Though the true musical elements of the film don't even properly begin until after the "Hot Chocolate" number, it still deserves the full musical treatment.
The soundtrack to this magical movie has more than a few invigorating numbers to keep passengers and viewers entertained as they travel to the North Pole. From its own theme song to Josh Groban's performance of "Believe," the songs might be brief, but they're unforgettable nonetheless.
8 Babes In Toyland (1961)
Starring Ray Bolger and Annette Funicello
Though the original is based on a very famous operetta, Disney's musical version of Babes in Toyland is definitely one of the most stand-out versions there are. Known famously for its "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers" it's a wild and colorful musical that, though dated, does still give off classic Christmas vibes.
The plot is a standard Disney fairytale, complete with an over-the-top villain and happily-ever-after ending, but it's well-choreographed with many marvelous musical numbers. Though it might be a product of its time, viewers can still find enough reasons to enjoy it.
7 Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
Starring the voices of Jim Backus and Morey Amsterdam
In spite of the goofy, near-sighted old man, this is actually a first and foremost musical version of A Christmas Carol featuring Mr. Magoo in the title role of Ebeneezer Scrooge. The special is not only somewhat of a cult classic, but features some pretty catchy musical numbers as well.
Songs like "Ringle Ringle" and "Plunderer's March" will definitely linger in some heads for more than a little while after the credits roll. It's not the most well-known version of the classic story, but it deserves a little love.
6 Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Starring Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien
It's with this Judy Garland favorite that things really start to take a more classic turn. Though not strictly a Christmas film, Meet Me in St. Louis is a musical film with some serious chops.
Though perhaps most well known for Judy Garland's rendition of "The Trolley Song," it also gave viewers one of the most beloved Christmas carols."Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" was written specifically for Garland and has since become one of the most played songs of the season.
5 White Christmas (1954)
Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye
This iconic musical has viewers trading St. Louis for Vermont with this festive feature starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. Maybe not as popular as it was back in 1954, but it's been aired and performed countless times thanks to its standard but splendid Hollywood-musical formula.
When two army buddies/performers encounter their old general at his failing country inn, they rig up a big wonderful musical revue to help save the place. The numbers and the plot get a little cliché, but it's hard to beat Crosby, king of the crooners. Especially when he's dreaming of a White Christmas.
4 Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Starring the voices of Billie Mae Richards and Burl Ives
Since no one can resist a banjo-playing snowman singing "Silver and Gold," Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer deserves more than a rewatch or two. This Rankin/Bass original is an all-time holiday juggernaut that has been played, replayed, and even given a stage adaptation since its debut in 1964.
Aside from the titular song, other timeless tracks have been incorporated into the current Christmas season. From "Holly Jolly Christmas" to "There's Always Tomorrow," viewers owe it all to a certain stop-motion reindeer with a glowing red nose.
3 Emmet Otter's Jugband Christmas (1977)
Starring the voices of Jerry Nelson and Frank Oz
Though it has a very specific audience of fans, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas deserves to be pulled out of obscurity. It's a delightful special from the brilliant imagination of Jim Henson, and it's certainly a heartwarming story that desperately needs more attention. At least Kermit will vouch for it.
Emmet and his Ma are two poor, but happy, otters who enter a music contest to win the other one money for Christmas gifts. In a twist on Gift of the Magi, viewers are given a touching musical that shows off some of the best of Jim Henson's work with great songs and incredible puppetry.
2 The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Starring Michael Caine and the voice of Frank Oz
Another Jim Henson adventure features his beloved Muppets in a classic Christmas story. For many fans, The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best adaptation of A Christmas Carol and certainly one of the most musical versions out there. With the colorful Muppet cast alongside Michael Caine as Scrooge, it's easy to get on board.
It's the catchy songs that put this version of the Christmas classic on the map, mainly because viewers still occasionally hum tunes like "Marley and Marley" well after the movie's over.
1 The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Starring the voices of Chris Sarandon and Catherine O'Hara
Based on Tim Burton's children's book of the same name, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the all-time best Christmas musical for many fans. Not only is it a perfect film for Halloween, but the Christmas holiday season as well.
Jack's Christmas takeover might not be the most successful adventure, but it's certainly a wild ride that viewers continuously put on repeat. Pair the two conflicting holidays with the magic of Disney and the result is a delightfully demented tale of merry and macabre. It's a favorite of musical fans.