12 Christmas Movies—that go beyond ELF!

Here are some classic (and a few lesser known) Christmas movies that have themes of faith. Perfect for getting into the spirit of the season this Advent!

Pictured: Carey Grant (who plays an angel) and Loretta Young in The Bishop's Wife

The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945)

• Starring Bing Crosby as Father O'Malley, this movie focuses on the efforts to save a Catholic school, highlighting community, charity, and kindness.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

• This classic speaks to themes of sacrifice, redemption, and seeing the value of one’s life through God’s eyes.

The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

• Starring Loretta Young, Cary Grant, and David Niven, this classic story features an angel who helps a bishop find his faith again, resurrect his marriage, and rediscover the true meaning of Christmas.

Come to the Stable (1949)

• Two nuns are on a mission to build a children’s hospital. This heartwarming story highlights faith and perseverance.

The Trouble with Angels (1966)

• A lighthearted story about two mischievous girls in a Catholic boarding school who learn valuable lessons under the guidance of a caring Mother Superior, played by Rosalind Russell. A great vocational twist happens at the end!

The Little Drummer Boy (1968)

• Narrated by Greer Garson, this animated classic tells the story of a boy who offers his music as a gift to the newborn Christ, emphasizing generosity and humility. *Perfect for smaller children

Jesus of Nazareth (1977)

• Hailed by Ven. Fulton J. Sheen as the greatest evangelization tool of its time, this classic story reflecting the life of Christ begins with the Annunciation, making it a good reflection for Advent. Though lengthy, this miniseries can be broken up for multiple viewings and covers the life of Christ in a deeply reverent and cinematic way. 

The Blue Carbuncle (1984)

• A Christmas episode from the Sherlock Holmes series starring Jeremy Brett. Holmes takes on a case involving a valuable gemstone hidden in a Christmas goose. The story explores themes of mercy, justice, and compassion, fitting well with the Christmas spirit.

A Christmas Carol (1984)

• Dickens’s timeless story of redemption aligns with Christian themes of forgiveness and charity, reminding us of the transformative power of Christmas.

The Fourth Wise Man (1985)

• A retelling of Henry Van Dyke’s story about a fourth Magi who misses the journey to Bethlehem but spends his life helping others in Christ’s name.

The Tailor of Gloucester (1993)

• Part of the World of Peter Rabbit and Friends animated series, this charming Christmas story follows a poor tailor who receives unexpected help from a group of mice to complete a coat for a Christmas wedding. It captures the themes of kindness, gratitude, and the beauty of the season. *Perfect for smaller children

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005) 

• The ever-classic C.S. Lewis fantasy with Christian allegory and a Christmas setting.

The Nativity Story (2006)

• A beautiful portrayal of the journey of Mary and Joseph leading up to the birth of Jesus. It captures the hardships they face and their faith in God.