These Holiday Movies Introduced Us To Our Favorite Christmas Songs!
There’s no denying that the Christmas season is defined by its memorable music. Some may argue (me) that it’s the best part of the holidays. It may come as a surprise, but a lot of classic Christmas songs were originally written for movies. Below is a list of the movies that started my Christmas song fixation, as well as some iconic scenes with nostalgic Christmas songs. Add them to your playlist for a boost of holiday cheer.
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
Performed by the unparalleled Judy Garland and written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was originally written for the film Meet Me in St. Louis, which came out in 1944. It’s important to note that this song originally held a melancholy tone, to uphold the scene for the film. After a few rewrites and a twist on the meaning, we can thank this romantic musical comedy for the ultimate Christmas classic.
The film focuses on four sisters on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. The film spotlights the sisters' education in the ways of the world, including learning about life and love.
Streaming on Prime Video.
"You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
“You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” may be the most obvious song that hailed from a movie, specifically, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! And no, I’m not talking about the 2000 movie, I’m talking OG Grinch, the classic from 1966. Don’t worry, I talk about the live-action film too! The song is performed by Thurl Ravenscroft and written by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel.
Originally telecast in the United States on CBS on Sunday, December 18, 1966, it has gone on to become a perennial holiday special for households. Whoville is a happy, joyous village on which the Grinch is perched above. Their favorite holiday is Christmas, and the Grinch plans on stealing their Christmas this year. But, one who in Whoville has different plans for the Grinch.
"White Christmas"
Where would we be without “White Christmas?” According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "White Christmas," sung by Bing Crosby and written by Irving Berlin, is not only the best-selling Christmas single in the United States, but also the best-selling single of all time. It’s had an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide — and we wouldn’t have been graced with this Christmas classic if it weren’t for the film Holiday Inn!
Premiering in 1942, the film’s premise is a whirlwind romance starting with Jim (Bing Crosby) and Lila (Virginia Dale) being members of a performing trio who then plan to quit and run a country hotel.
Streaming on Apple TV.
"Believe"
Written by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri and sung by Josh Groban, “Believe” was a song written exclusively for The Polar Express, which premiered in 2004. It’s hard to compete with a list of Christmas songs adamantly set in stone as classics, but “Believe” triumphed.
When a disbelieving boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on an adventure of a lifetime journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Streaming on Max.
"Christmas Time Is Here"
Who doesn’t love A Charlie Brown Christmas? The TV special, which first aired in 1965, featured the beloved song “Christmas Time is Here,” written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi. From that moment on, “Christmas Time is Here” has been on radios, speakers, in households and more, still capturing hearts every holiday season. And, if we’re being honest, the special’s entire score was downright amazing for Christmas.
If you’re looking for a short and sweet Christmas special along with some unforgettable music, flick on A Charlie Brown Christmas.
Streaming on Apple TV+.
"Frosty the Snowman"
It doesn’t get better than this! “Frosty the Snowman” is a popular Christmas song written by Walter "Jack" Rollins and Steve Nelson, and first recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys in 1950. And for all of the Christmas-song obsessed people out there, I have a fun fact for you — we wouldn’t have Frosty, the cute, bubbly snowman, without Rudolph!
“Frosty the Snowman” was written after the success of Autry's recording of "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.'“ To capitalize on the success of Autry's classic 1949 Christmas tune, songwriters Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote "Frosty the Snowman" the following year. Thank you, Rudolph!
Streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
With the above being said, let’s dive into the ultimate Christmas classic “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”
Let me note that I had to do some extensive research on this song. The good thing is, I did the deep dive so you don’t have to! There was a cartoon that aired in 1948 and actually preceded Gene Autry’s 1949 version of the song. While Autry’s version is the song we all know and love, that’s not to say the 1948 special didn’t pave the way. The character and story of Rudolph first came about in 1939, which inspired the first cartoon that aired in 1948, thus came the first version of the song.
Then, in 1949, Gene Autry took a spin at it and it hit number one in the US charts during Christmas 1949. After 15 years, a stop motion special of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was released in 1964 and featured Burl Ives’ version of the song. Phew, there we have it. Of course, the song has been sung by many others, but the one we all seem to come back to is Gene Autry’s.
Streaming on Prime Video.
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside”
Neptune’s Daughter is a comedy musical with that finds aquatic dance Eve Barrett (Esther Williams) partnering with Joe Backett (Keenan Wynn) in a swimsuit design company. All while Eve is trying to prevent her sister Betty (Betty Garrett), from falling in love with Jose O'Rourke (Ricardo Montalban), a South American polo player. That’s the short synopsis, as the whirlwind plot takes a lot of turns, but the best may be the song “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” — you know the one.
To see how the song plays out in action, you’ll have to watch Neptune’s Daughter, which aired in 1949. While this popular song, written by Frank Loesser in 1944, wasn’t originally written for the film, it’s important to note that ththeis film was popularized it. We wouldn’t have “Baby, It’s Cold Outside'“ without Neptune’s Daughter! It’s also critical to recognize that the true meaning of this song, written in the 1940s, is about a man pressuring a woman. It has been rewritten, but I think it’s salient to listen to the original. While we’ve made progress in women’s rights, ultimately this song showcases a saddening mirror to how times haven’t progressed all that much.
Streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
“All Alone on Christmas”
Writing this list is making me want a Christmas movie night! Written by Steve Van Zandt and sung by Darlene Love, “All Alone on Christmas” was originally featured in the quintessential Christmas movie Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I’m a bit biased towards this movie, Home Alone is always on in my house around the holidays. The second film in the franchise has Kevin alone on the holidays again, but this time in New York. Kevin, of course, gets into his hijinx again, but not without trouble from the Wet Bandits! It’s playfulness, comedic timing, and innocent point of view from Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) makes it the perfect movie for Christmas. Even better, both the first and second film are incredible (if you’re looking to binge!).
Streaming on Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video.
“Christmas Vacation”
As if National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which first hit theaters in 1989, couldn’t get any better, the film begins with an intro like no other. Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and sung by Mavis Staple, “Christmas Vacation” gears viewers up for a hilarious Christmas movie that pokes fun at every holiday annoyance. That’s right, the relatives you only see once a year, the awkward dinner conversations, hosting family, the stress that surrounds the holidays — need I go on?
To watch an amusing Chevy Chase deal with things going awry during Christmas along with a catchy tune, flick on National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Streaming on Prime and Max.
“Where Are You Christmas?”
Any live-action Grinch fans here? Who am I kidding, everyone is! “Where Are You Christmas,” originally titled "Christmas, Why Can't I Find You?," is a song written by Mariah Carey, James Horner, and Will Jennings exclusively for the movie How the Grinch Stole Christmas. In the 2000 movie, it is sung by a young Taylor Momsen, who plays the endearing Cindy Lou Who.
Much like the 1966 cartoon, in this live-action adaptation, the Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. The Grinch comes down from his desolate, secluded mountain top and sneaks into Whoville to swipe everything holiday-related he can find. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters Cindy Lou Who.
Streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+.
“Jingle Bell Rock”
No, “Jingle Bell Rock” wasn’t written exclusively for Mean Girls, but if it were to be written for a movie, I think it would be this one. It’s not an understatement to call this an iconic scene. When people think of this song, originally sung by Bobby Helms, they think of this movie… and then they think of this scene. While Mean Girls isn’t a Christmas movie, this scene is everything and more. It’s so fetch!
Streaming on Hulu, Paramount+, Showtime, and Pluto TV.
“Elf Interlude”
Last, but certainly not least, is the Elf Interlude, written and composed by artist John Debney, from the film Elf. It’s become a cult classic for Christmas movies as well as an endearing holiday favorite. Premiering in 2003, the film celebrates its 20th anniversary this November. To celebrate, participating theaters will release this classic again starting November 17. People are excited — and rightfully so!
Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a baby and then raised to adulthood among Santa's elves. Comedically over six feet tall, with no elf features, and slow at building toys, Buddy cannot shake the feeling that he doesn't fit in amongst the other elves. He travels to New York City, in full elf uniform of course, in search of his real father. After a DNA test proves that cynical businessman Walter Hobbs (James Caan) is his father, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship Buddy and finds Christmas cheer along the way. As Buddy the elf would say, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!
Streaming on Prime Video, Max and in participating theaters starting November 17.
