Matt Walsh Reviews CHRISTMAS MOVIES

[@shannonellefson444]

Interesting fact about It's A Wonderful Life. James Stewart made this film shortly after WWII. He was suffering from PTSD from his service in the war, and was severely depressed and suicidal in real life. For the rest of his life, he credited It's A Wonderful Life for literally saving his own life. It brought him out of his depression and restored his faith. ❤

[@sam_rod76]

Wow, thanks for sharing.❤

[@WesternTomb7]

Another interesting fact: it wasn’t originally considered a Christmas movie. Only the ending takes place around Christmas time

[@verenov77]

Also, I had read that when cast for the movie he wasn't sure that he would still be able to act like he once did before the war. I'm glad he accepted the role. Such a wonderful movie.

[@hugh2hoob668]

The Exorcist is actually a Christmas movie too released ON Christmas 🎄

[@WesternTomb7]

@@hugh2hoob668 yeah but a lot of movies come out around Christmas because a lot of people are off work. That doesn’t make it a Christmas movie

[@Henrik11679]

It's almost as if the people running Hollywood despise Christmas and its original meaning...

[@MrAquinas1]

Yep. More enlightened than thou leftists tend to be religion haters. Now when they depict religious people, they're always lunatics or criminals. Check out Michael Medved's book Hollywood vs America.

[@larryroyovitz7829]

Yeah, pretty uncanny. It's almost like they can't make a good movie...period. 🤣

[@astevezimm]

Which pretty much explains Jack Black's new Dear Satan movie

[@MrAquinas1]

I made an extensive comment about the religion hatred of Hollywood, but the religion haters of KZbin censored my comment.

[@bcarg69]

@@astevezimm don’t look at Jack Black’s family background

[@JokesOClock]

Klaus is a hidden gem of a Christmas movie that is surrounded by turds. It definitely captures the Christmas spirit that no other modern movies can

[@DadJokesAllDayLong]

Klaus is so good

[@TheHeatIsOnPod]

Came here to say this. The DW crew needs to get Matt to watch Klaus. It's not as good as A Christmas Story, but for modern movies, it's quite good.

[@KMH6290]

Came here to say this 😄

[@dadladfrag]

Polar Express is garbage. Klaus is a masterpiece. Favorite Christmas movie period.

[@BruceCross]

Thanks for the movie recommendation.

[@tomreid9634]

Not including 'Christmas Vacation' is criminal...

[@CLEABEL]

Yep.

[@roberttuss5349]

I would have been devastated had Matt not picked "It's A Wonderful Life" as the number one Christmas movie.

[@Dankness9]

I’ve never watched It’s a Wonderful Life in all of my 58 years. Until this year, after seeing Matt Walsh’s description. I have to say, it was magnificent. I will watch that movie all year and every year from now on.

[@Ali-ys1cs]

Now go watch Mr. Smith goes to Washington

[@josherffmeyer9143]

I watch it every year and and have for over 15 years and its one of the things I look forward to every year

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

@@Dankness9 My grandmother's favorite Christmas movie was Miracle on 34th Street, and she would watch it every year without fail, but she liked It's A Wonderful Life too.

[@jesterday2222]

So glad you liked it! I too watched it recently, although much younger then you but not too young, and wish I had watched it earlier. I watch a lot of black and white movies now. Roman Holiday (1953 ) was one of those movies people gush about but I never watched it, untill 2 days ago. I absolutely loved it.

[@Tedwhiskey]

It's a classic, but personally I think it's better when you space it out every couple of years.

[@raedorin979]

My kids are tiny and they watched wonderful life and LOVED IT. My 6 year old noticed Jimmy Stewart actually shaking when he's praying. He was scared for him! He asked "were things REAL in these old movies??" My 2 year old daughter didn't even move the entire time. She was enthralled and there's no way she understood it.

[@oneangrygeek4575]

Well, it hadn't been that long since he had been bombing Axis targets and watching his brothers-in-arms die. I'm pretty sure that shaking while praying was not acting. Be sure to let your 6 year old know that while ripped muscle bound actors pretend to be soldiers, Jimmy actually was a soldier, even after WWII ended.

[@tomamberg5361]

"My 6 year old noticed Jimmy Stewart actually shaking when he's praying. He was scared for him!" Jimmy Stewart had just come back home from WW2 when he made IAWL. He was a flight officer on bombers in the European theatre, a position which few came back from. It has been said that Stewart's breakdown in IAWL wasn't acting, but was him suffering a PTSD episode from the war.

[@raedorin979]

@tomamberg5361 i have heard that. It was very real. He's actually sweating, so i could believe that. My son is pretty perceptive of real vs fake emotion (a skill i hope he carries into the dating world someday) and he we convinced.

[@Elemiriel]

Real actors can channel those emotions, and put that energy into their performance. It can be therepeutic, or it can be a problem. Heath Ledger was one such actor 🪦🖤

[@Kai0nTheMoon]

@@Elemiriel Very true. I have memories that I can bring up to make me cry on cue within seconds. Many actors cannot do that. Drives me nuts when I see actors "crying" in a scene without a single tear in their eyes. Directors should not accept that. Some actors have spent so much of their lives pretending that they forgot how to be real and have too little actual life experience to draw on.

[@danielfuhrmann6395]

Just watched "It's a wonderful life", hands down the best Christmas movie of all time...

[@NuNugirl]

“ It’s A Wonderful Life”……every time a bell rings an Angel gets it’s wings. My Husband loved that movie. I don’t watch it anymore….without him. It’s just not the same. Matt, hopefully you both will watch it together for many, many years to come, especially with your grandchildren. Much love ❤.

[@Maximum1A]

We watch it on New Year’s

[@amandadavis6220]

Praying to Jesus for you ❤️

[@mfgreviews5028]

You should watch it in his honor he would like that.

[@BruceCross]

Sorry you no longer have your husband.

[@WeberIMayRoam]

Your angel got his wings, bless you 🤍

[@NJBrick22]

So disappointed that he didn’t tackle the whole “is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” debate.

[@bnjmnwst]

I thought the top 2 were going to be Die Hard and Christmas Vacation... I was so disappointed.

[@carhart001]

Die Hard is a great Christmas movie, not for the kids. My relatives have A Christmas Story on while we eat lunch. It makes me wanna put my own eye out.

[@goldenlightpictures6223]

I kinda want to see his take on that now! 😅

[@shaniemarshall7006]

Die Hard is on my list to watch every Christmas season! 😂

[@lyndonstucker6710]

Im going to have to re watch die hard because I have no clue why it would be related to Christmas.

[@newwavepop]

Not just one of my favorite films or favorite Christmas films etc... but "A Christmas Carol" is literally one of my absolute favorite things in the World. there are plentiful versions of it and multiple versions that people will name as the best, i can not name you my favorite version as i just love them all. this story this little book these film versions, they are all a crucial part of my personal makeup and who i am. "It's A Wonderful Life" is a magnificent film, but it is just a different take on "A Christmas Carol". and i Pray that someday i too will find my way through the darkness that filled Scrooge, and come out on the other side with the joy and good will and happiness that Ebenezer found. "God Bless Us, Every one"

[@rcnelson]

Like you I've enjoyed every version of "A Christmas Carol' I've watched, including Mr. Magoo's but I hastily add I've never seen "Elf" or the modern takes. George C. Scott's take in "A Christmas Carol" is the pick of the bunch.

[@Samfan4Films777]

I like Scrooge 1970 the best

[@brisaunders]

1951 Alistair Sim Scrooge

[@buckgulick3968]

1951 Alistair Sim is my yearly fav. But the Patrick Stewart one is a very close 2nd.

[@brianthornton7672]

1984

[@H3brews1014lookitup]

In my opinion, the most underrated Christmas movie of all time is a little movie called Arthur Christmas, essentially the whole premise of the story is that there is no one Santa Claus it’s an entire family line that is basically a family business where once one steps down his son steps up and the old Santa is preparing to retire and he has two sons Steve, who likes modernizing things. He is really in charge of the operation and Arthur, who isn’t really smart, but has the spirit of Christmas and the whole movie revolves around that.

[@p.shermanfortytwowallabyla9488]

Great movie shout out!

[@TrentDobbs]

For years, my wife initially refused to acknowledge the greatness of It’s a Wonderful Life. However, everything changed when our oldest son watched it and proclaimed it the greatest movie of all time. This inspired his siblings to give it a try, and they, too, declared it the greatest movie they’d ever seen. Suddenly, my wife’s perspective shifted, and she revised history, claiming she had always loved the timeless classics since childhood.

[@sitka49]

I seen once 15 yrs ago, that was enough. Too much hype? ( Jimmy Stewart's) George Bailey in the movie is such a ridiculous character being so naïve, dim-witted. Then such a happy ending, please. Maybe because of the time period?

[@JoelDavid1776]

And if anyone is taking movie suggestions from Matt Shabbos Goy Walsh, you’ve always lost all your Aura and should just go away

[@The0Kiyubii0Kid]

​@@sitka49 You clearly dont know anything about script writing. Theres not a wasted line or story beat in that movie it all has purpose that accumulates to a fantastic ending. Most movies today have so mamy pointless useless scenes. We need more quality happy endings in films not less. Cuz movies today mostly suck.

[@JoelDavid1776]

@@sitka49 don’t worry you’re abs right. It’s dry and a copy of 103628 other movies just like it.

[@anthonylosego]

And this folks, is how propaganda works. Best with family. For obvious reasons.

[@michellethree2069]

Miricle on 34th street is very good and white christmas from 1954 is great as well

[@kennethturner8290]

Yeah, I prefer them over 'It's a Wonderful Life'.

[@maddiesenator5491]

The original Miracle on 34th Street is nice. I just can't get into White Christmas, even though I love Bing Crosby music, Danny Kaye, and old Hollywood films. I think it's that there's not much of a story, or that the story isn't interesting. Most of the songs and dance numbers bore me as well. I also don't like the two female leads.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

White Christmas is kind of boring. I like Holiday Inn more (which includes the White Christmas song).

[@rohanlady4]

Just watched both of these - Miracle on Sunday night and White Christmas last night.

[@MansLaughter365]

Perfect recommendations! Bravo!

[@EggmanlandResident]

"It's black and white!" Reminds me of a Calvin and Hobbes strip, where Calvin's dad told him that the world was actually black and white until the 1950s. That should've been your answer, Matt.

[@RTCIvory]

I am certain that Calvin's dad is based on my high school World Civ teacher. Looks like him and drops the same dry bs. 😂

[@tell-me-a-story-]

Calvin’s dad is such a king of BS’ing his kid. 😅

[@elizabethbayless8867]

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! A new movie that’s now a classic, as far as I’m concerned.

[@charlie81dbz]

Calvin and Hobbes is my favorite comic ever. And his dad was hilarious, I remember that strip exactly.

[@DirtySurge0619]

There is a color version of It's a Wonderful Life.

[@poggerwhite]

In It's a Wonderful Life, the bridge he jumps off of is actually about 20 minutes from my house. There's a little plaque and a museum dedicated to the movie nearby!

[@haiav7869]

It's A Wonderful Life is the best movie ever

[@MollyOKami]

It's okay, but it's overrated. The only reason it's so popular is that it was in public domain when it began to gain popularity. It became cheap to show it, so it was played everywhere, becoming iconic in our culture. If anything, it's an important lesson why we need to repeal a most, if not ALL of the copyright laws that Disney put up just so they could be the only ones to profit off of the stories Walt stole the rights to…which were already in public domain.

[@redietmengesha8041]

Agreed 💯 one of my favorites 🥰🥰🥰

[@gooddognigel9992]

@@MollyOKamiin your opinion, why is it overrated? I think it is a classic.

[@kujo62]

I disagree. It's a very good movie but I think Donkey Kong is the best movie of all time.

[@hahshsdh4646464]

I agree with Matt. It's a classic despite George being a red lol.

[@paulmills6189]

Muppet Christmas Carol is pretty good

[@joshua.garner]

Muppets Christmas Carol is actually my favorite version of a Christmas carol.

[@anthonylosego]

The muppets are totally underrated. Good luck selling that today though.

[@tell-me-a-story-]

Yeah it’s pretty cute. Also love the- “It’s the American way!” (Whisper whisper!) “It is the BRITISH way!”

[@jwill7998]

By "pretty good" do you mean "amazing"?

[@johnneilbunting2750]

how Dare you??? You and the other treasonous commenters who dare besmirch the Original with Alastair Sim? Humbug, I say sir, Humbug!!!

[@Carissa11-18]

I personally feel like "The Family Man" with Nick Cage was pretty heartwarming.

[@elemntmusic]

Came here to comment this. I love that movie.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

Underrated. I don't know why the score is kind of low on IMDB. I am not a huge Cage fan, but he did well here.

[@chrislindsay3104]

I watched it first time this year--loved it. Sort of an inverse _It's a Wonderful LIfe_ I'm going to watch it every Christmas now.

[@rightyouareken7587]

Family Man is a really good movie.

[@Jim-Mc]

I think it was ahead of it's time. There's a couple generations now of men and women who are basically Cage's character.

[@rosswatson9144]

Miracle on 34th St.… where Natalie Wood plays the little girl… And of course Alastair Sims in a Christmas Carol. Unforgivable to miss those two.

[@Kmb33831]

I weep hysterically every time I watch It’s a Wonderful Life. It’s such a great movie. He’s not a commie. He runs an early version of a credit union.

[@Matt-ng9xv]

But then what’s with that band on his left arm in the scene after his father dies? lol I didn’t think so either but I’m watching it right now and I just thought “huh….” Lol

[@Kmb33831]

@ that I have seen in old British movies and shows. Just symbolic that you’ve lost someone I think.

[@patrickready7862]

It was written by commies

[@rorydevlin4756]

@@Matt-ng9xvit’s a black armband, signifying grief. Very common in those days. Also, yes to the credit union comment. He’s a mortgage originator, banker, and credit union in one facility. Pretty much the essence of pre-major fed capitalism. Certainly nothing resembling communism; his speech about how ethics informs his business, and that his efforts to help people build their own homes in an economic fashion to lift themselves up and become better citizens, that’s the most American thing maybe ever seen in a movie. And when his business is destroyed without his existence, the town turns to vice immediately, and everyone becomes an overcharged tenant of Potter, not owning anything themselves. That plus the charity piece the film displays in a small community- it’s just perfect. Truly perfect. And no, not communist.

[@lorrainethemain]

I had it's a wonderful life on in the background while I was wrapping presents this year. I don't even need to watch it to envision every scene anymore. And I was just wrapping and just sobbing lol

[@quailstudios]

Elf was a movie I could never get through. I tried it once and turned it off.

[@Polluticorn100]

I’ve learned from family members that you either love it or hate it. I have both camps in mine.

[@shannonellefson444]

I actually did,regrettably, watch it all the way through, hoping that at some point it would get better, because I had seen so many people online who adore it. I totally don't get it. I thought it was awful.

[@betyouwont2440]

I saw it as a child at Christmas in theatres. We were very poor, and the only time we ever went to movies was Christmas. That was our present… so it holds a spot in my heart… then it started getting played on TV all day every day… and lost its magic.

[@JonO387]

I refuse to watch that movie.

[@kelljanesmith]

I haven't seen anyone mentioning the George C. Scott Christmas Carol. It's the best version of the best Christmas story ever.

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

Fact.

[@elijeremiah1058]

It’s so great. You have good taste.

[@wavyremix]

Muppet Christmas Carol is the best tho.

[@TheSteve2305]

Agree!!!.....I put it in my list (before I saw your post 😁)

[@maddiesenator5491]

Totally agree!

[@FLM142]

I see nothing wrong with a somewhat remake of Its A Wonderful Life for a more modern time and making it less boring and putting some more comedy in it. I wouldn't blatantly call it the same title. Make it different enough that people later figure out it's inspired by the original. Commence the HATE speech

[@twincrier]

Polar Express is a horror movie.

[@sarahjoy1977]

Polar Express is Yzma level creepy. (scary beyond all reason)

[@jjwissler]

I worked on it. Lol

[@GaryORiveraSr]

@@twincrier 🤣

[@BlueLightningHawk]

​@@jjwisslerYou spawned nightmare fuel, I took a film class in college and they used that film to represent the uncanny valley lol

[@anthonylosego]

This is my childhood nightmare. But I still love it as a family thing. Family draws you in.

[@TheSazukiultra23]

A recent Christmas movie that is actually good? Klaus. It was a wonderful surprise when I first saw it and now I watch it every year. However, my favorite will always be the Muppet Christmas Carol. It’s got memorable songs, plenty of laughs, and a phenomenal performance from Michael Caine.

[@vladvlad11299]

i dont see matt walsh even bothering to watch that. its really good

[@markzuckergecko621]

Violent Night is great. Not your typical feel good Christmas movie, because it's.... Well, violent. But it does have a good message and some feel good stuff towards the end. After all the violence.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

I just watched Christmas Story (2007) which is Finnish. If you like Klaus, you will like this one.

[@bryceoliver8899]

I was looking for someone to say Klaus.. I agree, it was good

[@JaredPeterson-xb4yc]

I also love Klaus, its my favorite Christmas movie, second is Muppets Christmas Carol, and third is Its a Wonderful Life.

[@ccorbin7128]

Good job, Matt. You left off your list the movie, Scrooge (A Christmas Carol) from 1951, which is my favorite version of that book. Also, you should give us sometime your top 15-20 movies of all time. Merry Christmas.

[@ByOurLove]

Also, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is a fantastic movie!

[@alisondamiano7185]

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is #1! Even when EVERYTHING goes wrong, Christmas brings us together ❤️

[@kittenmittentheatreadventu3185]

Crap movie. Chevy is an obnoxious person. Your bar is way to low.

[@mjolnir-101]

I always thought that movie had a subtle message that the family was only able to enjoy Christmas until after they put their selfishness aside, and focused on caring for each other.

[@Jim-Mc]

Yeah the scene where he's watching old home movies in the attic and all the old people are young in them gets me every time. It's more wholesome than it gets credit for.

@@kittenmittentheatreadventu3185 All these actors are obnoxious IRL. Its still a great movie.

[@RawKnitter]

It definitely deserves mentioning. My favorite, for sure. 🎄

[@sockatome2106]

Your annoyance in this video was hilarious! Love ya Matt! God bless you are your family this Christmas ❤

[@srice6231]

I totally agree with your top two....especially "It's a Wonderful Life being such a great movie! I love when he is crying out to Clarence that he wants to live but then he cries out to God and instantly it starts to snow and you know he is alive again!

[@Axl_colts]

Good movie!

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

my list in no particular order: It's a Wonderful Life, the original Miracle on 34th Street (with Edmund Gwenn and Natalie Wood), White Christmas (with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), etc etc.

[@spencerheaton3332]

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is GREAT!

[@rrsafety]

Agree. Great movie Matt should review.

[@KingofBVP]

I’ve waited to watch it all year, just because life is so busy. Finally got to see it last night (Christmas night) and it was perfect. At least according to Matt’s description of movie perfection. The movie is totally Christmas and makes only one reference to Santa. And instead of the main characters “saving Christmas”, this movie makes it very clear that Christmas happened to save us. Watch it. You will not be disappointed.

[@jandurham6231]

I loved it and it stayed pretty close to the book.

[@m2lookmtn358]

Anyone for Miracle on 34th street? True classic. Solid Christmas spirit and "perfectly" completes it's mission.

[@mikeallen7566]

Yes

[@JS-jn8ku]

Love Miracle on 34th Street.....and It's a Wonderful Life.

[@ukfan0711]

I thought it would be this movie and It's a Wonderful Life... Hot take incoming... I'm not a fan of The Christmas Story movie.

[@anarosa8370]

It’s my favourite!

[@Bob-kq1hw]

The original...absolutely YES!!

[@arubaguy2733]

"..wouldn't be a Matt Walsh video without me complaining about something..." You're never wrong when you complain.

[@stevekirkpatrick1612]

Don't say that too loud, quite a few enemy combatants think it as well. We understand context here, so you get no flags. Also congratulations on being the single instance of a "right winger" agreeing with the rabid left (if they happen to go looking).

[@agentx4315]

I agree. Something about his monotone voice makes him come off as a completely miserable person that can only see the bad in the word. Like he's a negative Nancy.

[@JohnGramer06]

@@agentx4315you took that way too deep, hun.

[@VelvetRose-444P]

@@agentx4315he sees reality. Life isn’t a joke.

[@suz7082]

The Bishop's Wife with Cary Grant is one of our favorites. Great acting and such a warm Christmas spirit.

[@annme7638]

The just released “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” movie will be a new Christmas classic.

[@taragerding7914]

Was looking for this comment!

[@eaglescout323]

100% agree. I was touched by this movie more than most have in the past decade. This truly is the best Christmas movie of the 2020s

[@mommymaureen]

Completely agree! It has that missing something Matt spoke of. A new classic.

[@MsMaryLS]

We didn't care for it. The book is sooooo much better!!!

[@teohproject]

The 1983 version with Loretta Switt is way better and it’s free on KZbin!

[@KlingonCaptain]

I do love both of your choices, but I think that there is room for "The Muppet Christmas Carol" and "Christmas in Connecticut."

[@victoriaeinbinder9487]

My husband enjoys A Christmas Story, and he can't watch It's a Wonderful Life. I consider A Christmas Story to be ridiculous and crass, but It's A Wonderful Life is arguably THE best film of all time.

[@ilyakats54]

Boring boring boring

[@happydog6537]

Is this Beaver cleaver’s mother? How is a Christmas story crass? Have you heard rap music in the last 30 years?

[@christygarcia4843]

Finally! Someone who agrees with me about A Christmas Story.

[@unholyhulk9198]

​@@ilyakats54 Don't watch then.

[@raedorin979]

My dad wouldn't let us watch Christmas story but i saw it as an adult and thought it was charming and funny. Had an uncle like the dad. He tried not to cuss but sometimes it just slipped out when he was raging

[@TomieJaeger]

To me it’s so much more than just a Christmas movie but The Holdovers from last year was genuinely such a beautiful story. It’s not a Christmas movie in the traditional sense but it feels so human, so heartwarming, and to me has the true essence of a Christmas story. Not exactly kid friendly but I think everybody can resonate with it in one way or another.

[@BearfootAnimation]

Have you seen Klaus? 2019. Beautiful animation and really good Christmas spirit 😊 You should try it out for sure!

[@goldenlightpictures6223]

Thank you! I’m glad to see someone mention this one! My favorite recent Christmas movie 😁

[@benhyzeutuft8yyr945]

This

[@deefitzpatrick5810]

My favorite Christmas movie is from 1940…The Shop Around the Corner, with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. I absolutely love it.

[@WitchBye]

Oh Yes!! Forgot about that one. Excellent film.

[@charlesroeckeriv6226]

George C Scott's version of A Christmas Carol, made in the 1980s by Richard Donner's son. Greatest Christmas Carol ever put out.

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

ABSOLUTELY!! ❤🎄

[@tcoop1801]

Came here to say this, a masterpiece by Mr. Scott. I believe it was only made for TV too, I'll be watching on Christmas Eve again, for about the 20th or so time since the 1980's

[@papierebitte2029]

That was my favorite! Even with the old special effects it was still magic. George C Scott was incredible!

[@TheGumbyGuy]

1970 scrooge is my favorite version.

[@thinkforyourself2109]

Alistar Sim in Scrooge (1951) is quite good.

[@MasonOuimet]

The 2008 animated version of "A Christmas Carol" with Jim Carrey is one of my favorite movies! You should watch it; it's amazing!

[@buckgulick3968]

I must admit that version is excellent!

[@LoLifeHiTech]

Ernest Saves Christmas will always be a favorite of mine...my dad was friends with Jim Varney so I saw all the Ernest movies as a kid and loved most of them.

[@stephenshelton4267]

I watch it every year because I love it, but sadly I think it is getting forgotten. I hasn't even been given a Blu-ray release.

[@LoLifeHiTech]

@ such a shame! It’s not the best movie ever but definitely worth a watch at least once a year! I bet Matt hates it 🤣

[@Rustingrain6577]

How neat. My mother in law is related to Jim varney. 2nd cousins I believe with Jim’s dad. Varney was her maiden name.

[@StevieChilds]

One of the two Ernest movies I like! (The other is Ernest scared stupid, I'm a sucker for Halloween movies lol)

[@LoLifeHiTech]

@ yes! Scared Stupid is the best Ernest movie. Saves Christmas is next. There are a few other decent ones that are fun to watch but those two are just awesome. Know what I mean Vern?

[@doddsino]

Seriously...no Miracle on 34th Street? I mean the one with Edmund Gwenn, not John Hammond.

[@stephenshelton4267]

I have curated a collection of Christmas films that I watch throughout the month, but Christmas Eve is special and reserved for the Miracle on 34th Street and capped with Alastair Sims' Christmas Carol. Those 2 sit above them all, and of course, I only watch the b&w versions!

[@Mrsg123]

Yes, that’s one of my favorites too! But it’s tied for third with Meet Me in St. Louis and the George C Scott Christmas Carol. The top two are actually Matt’s picks exactly.

[@Hungryman97sCollectibles]

I like to think Miracle was an honorable mention by Matt (not actually mentioned). I agree with you.

[@MrAquinas1]

He might have had a drunken memory lapse to not even think of it.

[@Sr71_sable]

Matt is so right, make Christmas great again. MCGA

[@anglo-sperm]

you won't do that with a christmas story. that movie is a boring piece of crap

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

Matt, actually the movie "I Heard the Bells" which tells the story of how Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came to write the famous Christmas carol, was made in 2022 by Sight & Sound Films. It's a wonderf movie. Whoever checks this comment section should tell Matt he needs to watch it.

[@jakkijelene]

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever is the closest thing to a Christmas classic that I've seen in the theater in many years. Of course, it's based on a book from 1972.

[@erikfm77]

Dallas is a great director 🙂

[@massageplease]

It’s a beautiful film!

[@harrisd1983]

Yeah. My wife loves the book. I had never heard of it until recently. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

[@OVERDEAUXIS]

You‘re right with most things but Home Alone and the NY sequel are masterpieces

[@paul_308]

We can't forget the really nice man (DJT) in Home Alone 2 who helped Kevin find his way through the hotel.

[@icanpreptoo6673]

Prancer (1989) with Sam Elliot is hands down the best most wholesome christmas movie. If you want a movie that captures the spirit of christmas it's this one.

[@BigDog366]

I have just posted about Prancer! I think we must be the only two people in the world who've heard of it.

[@katrinathomas7518]

True! Prancer is prob the most underrated christmas movie. Should be on a top ten christmas list

[@Noname-yu8qw]

And Trading Places is a great Christmas movie, on Italian tv they show it every Christmas since 1983

[@markallen2984]

"The Bishop's Wife" with Cary Grant and David Niven should be better known and should be added to the roster of Christmas 🎄 movies that are viewed annually.

[@daviddaniels6917]

❤

[@CeeLiberty]

Yep! I know his wife will want to watch that glorious film with him!

[@carlfranz6805]

Still my favorite. Everyone I've recommended this film to says the same thing.

[@RemyRackham]

Great movie

[@christinepaige2575]

I agree! It is precious to me. It goes very deep, thanks to Cary Grant's incredibly nuanced acting. He could put across more with a look, or with the subtlest change in his tone of voice, than most other actors could in an entire soliloquy.

[@CBDhotdog]

You’re on thin ice for not recognizing The Santa Clause (1994) as an S tier Christmas movie

[@EricMOTOWN]

It's A Wonderful Life makes me cry multiple times every time I watch it. It's a rare movie that almost everyone who watches will relate to George Bailey in one way or another. It's a perfect film.

[@Nursing2024-i9z]

At 8:58 I’m dying laughing😭😭😭. Seasons beatings LMAO

[@kellynch]

A Christmas Story takes place in the late 1930s/early 1940s, not the 1950s. You should also read the book it's based on - In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash. It's BRILLIANT.

[@SandyL0uise]

This is funny because since I saw this movie in the 80s up until a couple of years ago I had assumed the movie was set in the early 60s. I had given it no thought, I just assumed.

[@BubbaCoop]

Actually, it's exactly 1940. 1939 would have been the earliest because of the Wizard of Oz characters. It's surely not 1941 because there's no reference to WWII or Pearl Harbor which was Dec 7. That would have been the end of childhood innocence. But the proof is the Orphan Annie decoder pin. The style changed every year, and they use the 1940 model in the movie.

[@justylex]

@@BubbaCoopmy grandparents loved it when I was a kid (I am 52). They used to always comment on how they remembered having the same car, the same furnace, the same socket full of plugs. They would have been young adults in 1940 (my dad was born in ‘43, my mom in ‘44).

[@MrAquinas1]

@@BubbaCoop I think Ovaltine was post war.

[@BubbaCoop]

@MrAquinas1 A quick search would show that Ovaltine was introduced in 1904.

[@vanthdreadstar8039]

I submit for Matt's list, A Christmas Carrol with Alistair Sim and Miracle on 34th Street with Edmund Gwenn.

[@13ShelbyGuy]

Christmas Carol with Sim is a Xmas eve staple!!!

[@enigmaticallis3110]

My favorite Christmas movie, well, at least one that will always hold a special place in my heart is 'The Family Man' with Nicolas Cage, which was actually inspired by 'It's a Wonderful Life' so I kinda wish Matt had covered that one lol My dad LOVED that movie!! We used to watch it every year and I try to hold that tradition in my family every year on his behalf (since he passed away in 2015😢😢) and its just a very sweet and funny film full of love 😄🥰 that was the last Christmas movie that had that magic that Matt Walsh is talking about imo ✨️🎄🎀

[@marvelguy8101]

GREAT call. Absolutely love that movie. Another fabulous one is "Midnight Clear" that came out in 2006 (NOT the war movie by the same name). Simply excellent writing and a great story.

[@truejoie]

Yes love that one

[@enigmaticallis3110]

@@marvelguy8101 I've never heard of that one..🤔🤔 who's in it??

[@wib6044]

Nick cage. I watched it again earlier in the season and it’s a different take on the what if I turned out rich and successful Hollywood trope. Great movie.

[@Jim-Mc]

Yeah as a late-teen I thought it was slow and kind of sad. Now I'm 40 and I think it's slow and pretty much devastating 😅 But it's good.

[@emilypaulos7993]

Other classics: “Remember The Night” with Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray. “Holiday” with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn. “Holiday Inn” with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. “White Christmas “ of course

[@Wrecksy]

Matt has clearly never seen 8-Bit Christmas.

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

A Christmas Carol (1984) with George C. Scott is #1 chefs kiss! White Christmas comes in at #2.

[@sheckylemoine]

I was just about to comment the George C Scott Christmas Carol is 2nd only to A Christmas Story. I’m so glad to see I’m not the only one who loves that movie!

[@314jph]

Glad you posted. I'm almost with you, I'd have It's a Wonderful Life split between those two movies. Though Crosby first gave us White Christmas (the song) in Holiday Inn.

[@gregmeyer1805]

White Christmas is my mom's favorite Christmas film. She watches it every year without fail. A Christmas Story is my personal favorite followed by Miracle on 34th Street, the 1940s original, in black and white and not that awful colorized version where Santa looks purple lol

[@seans9134]

In one of the greatest crimes in history - Matt Walsh not having Die Hard on the list. For shame.

[@pahbert]

Because it's not a Christmas movie. Saying it's a Christmas movie was a hot middle school take in 2004. The joke is played OUT.

[@unholyhulk9198]

​@@pahbert Joke?

[@seans9134]

@@pahbert Die Hard is a Christmas movie, this is fact. Actually your take is in the minority which makes your comments related to 2004 and middle school pretty dumb.

[@BUFFALO_cougar_slayer]

If Die Hard is a Christmas movie, so is The Proposition. And The Proposition is arguably a better film, too. Or at least its equal

[@pahbert]

@@seans9134 It's a movie set during christmas, but it's not a christmas movie (and what a weird use of the word "fact" lol). Seriously, this take was edgy 20 years ago. Now, it's always the same low IQ idiot trying to "provocative" at a party by bringing up Die Hard as if they had just come up with the idea. You can even see it in the face of the person saying it ... they actually think it's some big controversial and mindblowing talking point lol Saying Die Hard is a christmas movie would be like... a bunch of terrorists take over a baseball stadium and calling that a baseball movie. Christmas has nothing to do with the film. It would be just as good if it was set around New Year or Tuesday, March 19th. It's not clever to call it a Christmas movie.

[@padzzz9377]

Smoke(1995). One of the warmest movies ever made, and although it’s not Christmas movie per say, I watch it every year. Merry Christmas, good peeps!

[@MissMisery-y8u]

Is that the one where Harvey Keitel goes to steal from an old blind woman and she thinks he’s her nephew?

[@padzzz9377]

@ Yes😅

[@Hulkamatychuk]

Polar express scared the sh!t out of me forever because of that incredibly creepy animation

[@reimannsum9077]

Sorry, but Alistair Sims' (1951) A Christmas Carol is the greatest Christmas film ever made.

[@13ShelbyGuy]

No argument here

[@Cyraxior]

That's a good one, but I like the Muppets one more.

[@BigDaddy-dr8gf]

That is an excellent portrayal of the Dickens classic, but for my taste I liked the George C. Scott version.

[@joec5544g]

The '38 version is better?

[@chriswaltner7028]

The 1951 is a very fine film, but the 1938 and 1984 films are also similarly profound. It comes down to personal preference from there.

[@palusma1]

We're no angels with Peter Ustinov and Humphrey Bogart

[@czarnick2]

Excellent choice! How about The Lion in Winter?

[@arthurw8054]

Loved this film when I was a kid. Didn't translate as well as an adult.

[@sterling557]

"But First... we'll wash the dishes."

[@sicastro100]

I just watched “the greatest Christmas pageant “ and it was fantastic

[@Mara8591-f4t]

Okay Matt I'll bite- Why do you think George Baily's character is a bit of a Commie? (@ 4:30). Since capitalist Baily turned out to be the person that took over the family's Building and Loan, and seemed fairly patriotic, celebrating in his hero brothers' return from the war.

[@Thomas-Hastings]

Shapiro has also made this critique, citing his low rates and low bar-to-entry on his loans, but I always viewed this as a man who has trust in his community and a community which holds itself to high account

[@aclark903]

I think he may have been joking, or referring to the FBI at the time seeing the film as ‘pro communist’. Bailey is clearly not a fan of the immoral unrestrained profiteering represented by Potter. Capra himself was no fan of Roosevelt, but you could be forgiven for mistaking that in this movie.

[@jwc03b]

I’m jumping in because I’ve thought about this over the years. No, he’s not a commie. I think it could be argued George Bailey is a communitarian. He’s pro-capitalism but only insofar as it cultivates a healthy local community.

[@Thomas-Hastings]

@@jwc03b in other words, “conservative”

[@jwc03b]

@@Thomas-Hastings kinda. Communitarianism overlaps with economic conservativism, but not all economic conservatives are communitarian in that they do not all prioritize the local (like Old Man Potter in the film)

[@GeneralSpergy]

Matt Walsh is 100% scientifically correct.

[@JoWilliams-ud4eu]

He always is

[@Cyraxior]

What's the statistical and systematic uncertainty on that?

[@jennygelati]

I concur 🤓

[@Bigwayne1984]

Good one. you are funny.

[@kimberlycrisler6834]

The Man Who Invented Christmas is currently #1 in our family. Merry Christmas Matt & thanks for a great year of videos!!!

[@elizabethhamm5320]

Love that movie. It’s A Wonderful Life is basically the reverse of Christmas Carol. Both perfect stories

[@chrisbetsy898]

Yeah, that's a good one.

[@thatllwork_official]

I’m curious your thoughts on Klaus 🤔 I thought that one was great 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimmazurek5589]

The two GOAT Christmas movies are It’s a Wonderful Life and the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol with George C Scott as Scrooge. How on earth could you not have seen that? 1 for 2 this time, my friend. Have a blessed and beautiful Christmas!

[@MrAquinas1]

And a top three would include Miracle on 34th Street.

[@jimmazurek5589]

@@MrAquinas1 Agreed!

[@daimerous]

You forgot Die Hard. It's a very heartwarming movie.

[@gregorymoore2877]

Don't forget Gremlins.

[@nhmooytis7058]

And Die Hard 2 Die Harder.

[@wilhelmbuzzkyll]

And Die Hard With A Vengeance

[@MrAquinas1]

Absolutely. As tender as Loretta Young in Come To The Stable.

[@PrimarchBentley]

Polar Express is an Uncanny Valley nightmare. I liked the book just fine as a kid, but watching the movie is like what I would imagine Disney animatronics wearing human skin suits would be like.

[@stephenshelton4267]

Arent all of tge faces based on Tom Hanks'?

[@calvincoolidge1207]

Agree. It lacked emotion and I didn't care much about the characters. I gave it 6/10.

[@squidface4381]

If only it was a little longer…

[@Doppity]

Klaus and Arthur Christmas are underrated Chritmas gems that cannot be overlooked.

[@archstanton3430]

I just saw Prancer for the first time last year, and was surprised how good it was. A good wholesome family movie to watch with your kids.

[@icanpreptoo6673]

Which version? The one from 1989 is the best one in my opinion.

[@archstanton3430]

@@icanpreptoo6673 yeah, '89. Didn't know there was another one.

[@Anonymous-wd2yg]

*opens IMDB for research* “Scrooged” with Bill Murray - made in 1988 Phew, it makes the Walsh rules cut😅 That’s one of my underrated favorites

[@blvp2145]

Die hard came out in 1988 as well.

[@terrisjarocki4715]

Scrooged absolutely the best

[@zomday71]

Agreed. LOVE Scrooged, it is my second favorite, only behind It's a Wonderful Life.

[@gsigs]

Concur, and please stop the GD hammering!

[@sistergoldenhair54]

@@gsigs will you please, for the love of God and your own body stop the gd hammering?! 😂😂

[@YankeeStacking]

My wife doesn’t like It’s a Wonderful Life either, Matt. The pain cuts deep. But she loves Christmas on the Hallmark Channel…so, there’s that monstrosity. 😆

[@BruceCross]

Ha, women love the Christmas romances.

[@robingow7276]

You should try “The Worst Christmas Pageant Ever”, it was pretty good

[@juanroberts5974]

I’m 54. About 10 years ago I bought the leg lamp in Cleveland where the Christmas story house is. Anyone who loves the movie should go there. I was there with my son for a hockey tournament. Four years ago my son bought me the red Ryder BB gun. Best gift I ever received. I love you buddy. Merry Christmas. RIP.

[@hoibsh21]

Ya, but yr forgetting all those Christmas Carol movies, some notable ones being Alistair Sim and George C. Scott as Scrooge.

[@Logicislost81]

If anyone tells me Elf is a good Christmas movie. I lose all respect for them

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

It's a good Christmas movie.

[@Logicislost81]

@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat respect lost, lol

[@hattedsandwich2415]

A man of conviction

[@calvincoolidge1207]

It is not among the best but it is fun.

[@cottoncandyjellybean8539]

Guess I have lost my respect from you.

[@ab-gail]

My favorite Christmas anything is “Santa Claus is comin’ to Town.” Favorite movie is Home Alone but I think it’ll be knock out by “It’s a Wonderful Life” when I FINALLY see it. Also shout out to Matt for acknowledging the Polar Express. Genuine Christmas spirit despite the older mocap.

[@meganmccoig285]

The Man Who Invented Christmas is also a great Christmas movie. It's about Charles Dickens coming up with the story "A Christmas Carol." One of my faves!

[@modernjosephus356]

Definitely underrated.

[@wittymystic7361]

Yeah, I wonder if Matt even knows about that film. It was SO good.

[@wib6044]

Tried watching it when it first came out, and couldn’t get through it. Watched it the next year and thought it was good. Has reached greatness in the last couple years. Most of it is based on true events/facts, which make it even better. Brilliant take on a well covered story.

[@sterling557]

"Copperfield!"

[@Kattydid19]

After learning what an awful human Dickens was (mainly and especially to his poor wife, who he cheated on and abandoned for an 18 yr old, after first blaming her for the fact that they kept having kids, as though he wasn’t 50% of the reason why that kept occurring), I find it difficult to have any respect for him.

[@francisj9003]

They dont make relatable blue collar movies anymore.

[@chipperdrewski]

Producers forgot Klaus

[@tiffanyfree5135]

This is the best movie, in my opinion. In order: Klaus, what a wonderful life, Christmas vacation, Fred Claus, Christmas story, muppets Christmas.

[@creekandseminole]

Yeah it's a great animated film and it slept on as well. Keep telling as many people about it as you can

[@random-nz7dy]

Klaus is freaking great

[@joellynshort3949]

Totally agree with you on “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Princess Bride”. Cant stand “A Christmas Story” 😂😂😂

[@jillbrown137]

“The best Christmas pageant ever!” It has the true meaning of Christmas and it will make you cry, tears of joy.

[@jerrys1]

Anytime someone like Dallas Jenkins does a Christmas movie, I won’t touch it with a ten foot pole.

[@jillbrown137]

Is that good or bad or just prejudiced?

[@macadameane]

This was a superb movie.

[@ericweissenborn]

The story is great. There was an earlier version made for TV, I believe. I remember watching the earlier version and being touched by it.

[@jaymegall05]

I agree with #1. Every year since I was a child my entire family watches It’s a Wonderful Life. Used to think it was boring because it was in black and white but as I got older, came to love it, my favourite part of Christmas Eve.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

There is a colorized version as well which I prefer.

[@stevekirkpatrick1612]

​@@calvincoolidge1207been a while since, but my recollection of the colorized version was that it.... lost something. It's b&w or nothing for me when it comes to It's a Wonderful Life. I am the tail side of your coin on this opinion.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

@@stevekirkpatrick1612 My aunt is the same. I am not opposed to b/w films and perhaps the lack of color makes you focus more on the plot. Christmas Carol (1951) works better in b/w as it makes it creepier vs. the 1984 version (also great-but lacking the creepy touch). I first saw it in b/w and enjoyed it. It is my #1 movie of all time and I even enjoy it in summer.

[@sterling557]

I dont mind it if i skip ahead through the fiirst half.

[@MarkJoseph81]

It's not boring because it's B&W. It's boring because it's boring!

[@mfgreviews5028]

Women get bored with Its a Wonderful Life movie because it's about a family man's struggle which they'll never understand

[@Charlotte_Martel]

Agreed. Far more men than women centre their identities around providing for their families and would self-delete if they permanently lost their jobs

[@HopeLaFleur1975]

I love that movie and I am a women his wife has no soul if she can’t find the goodness in this film classic film! About destiny and Gods will George was meant to stay in Bedford Falls as Potters was a tyrant and would have made the town Godless!

[@shannonellefson444]

I resent that! I'm a woman and I adore that movie! ☺️

[@Matt-ng9xv]

They don’t like anything they can’t play on their phone while watching

[@Matt-ng9xv]

To be fair, there’s an upmost certainty she’s never actually watched it before lol and just hates it cuz she wants to hate it. When are used to getting out of things they don’t want to do by complaining and lying about prior struggles. Some smartly reserve it for a couple specific things, like Matt’s wife. I doubt she has very many other things that they don’t share and she adamantly hates lol. But theeeen you get this generation, where every experience they don’t like is a hate crime

[@2a0r1h0]

8-bit Christmas is my new favorite go to. It used to be A Christmas Story, but since 8-bit came out, I tend to rewatch that over and over

[@laurabuckles7961]

So I assume you include the classic "Ernest Saves Christmas" in your great Christmas movies list, since it came out in 1988. It's like a fine wine that mellows with age. Know whut I mean, Vern?

[@blvp2145]

Die hard came out in 88 to.

[@stephenshelton4267]

I *love* Ernest Saves Christmas.

[@calvincoolidge1207]

I watched it last week and found it funny. It is sad he died relatively young.

[@RevDungeonMaster]

No mention of the masterpiece that is A Muppet's Christmas Carol? I'm not mad. I'm just disappointed.

[@GrumpyMeow-Meow]

I’ve heard that is a good one! I’m thinking of renting it.

[@flightTime123]

Lmao the muppets? Nah dude.

[@RevDungeonMaster]

@@flightTime123 Don't be a Philistine. Michael Caine is a treasure and the Muppets is one of the most book-accurate versions of the story.

[@Jim-Mc]

It's one of those "better than it has any right to be" movies. Caine just played it straight and and acted his butt off and it worked.

[@MarkJoseph81]

​@@RevDungeonMastertrue

[@bnorris8625]

3:47 never seen either film. Walsh would cancel me for that lol

[@morticiaheisenberg9679]

You are definitely canceled 😂😂😂

[@mariekearney236]

I saw a comment that said “Polar Express is a horror movie” and I went to the comments to like it but it disappeared, so I’m just going to reiterate that comment because it IS a horror movie. I can’t tell whether I hate Polar Express or Elf more.

[@FlameMoose37]

I came into this video believing two things. 1. It’s a Wonderful Life better be in the top 2. 2. Elf better be mentioned as overrated.

[@davidhess7410]

Lethal Weapon and Die Hard are my favorite Christmas movies

[@nhmooytis7058]

Amen.

[@frostedicepharoah7723]

1) Christmas Vacation 2) It’s A Wonderful Life 3) Scrooge 1970 4) Home Alone 2

[@cynthiarohr9405]

Holy crap, you read my mind...

[@Fit-s5j]

Same!

[@matthewthomasjames]

Home Alone 2 was definitely a great sequel.

[@musicalnomad8]

I really like the movie “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” that was released this year but I also love “It’s a Wonderful Life.”