Christmas Movies Based on Novels

Posted on:
Books Hooks
Christmas Movies Based on Novels 1

There is no Christmas without Christmas movies! Everyone will be having a Christmas movie night during the holidays, and we can give you a tip on what to watch. From classic Christmas movies to new Сhristmas movies, we’ve made a list of six movies that you’ll definitely enjoy. So get your cozy blanket and a cup of cocoa ready!

Little Women

Let’s start with something classic. Well, you may say that the story of Little Women isn’t about Christmas. Technically, it’s true. However, the movie takes place over a few years and has many scenes that happen at Christmas. That’s why we think it’s a good fit. Also, we think that everyone should watch one of the movie adaptations (even if you still haven’t read the book).

It’s such a great coming-of-age story, suitable to watch with kids in 4th grade and above. You may go really classic and watch the 1994 Winona Ryder version—it’s very close to the book and has plenty of Christmas scenes. Or you can watch a more recent adaptation directed by Greta Gerwig—an absolutely cool movie. Though, if you are an Ascott fan, be prepared: Greta Gerwig made a radical change to the ending. If you’ve watched all the previous adaptations, you can try this: a South Korean television series directed by Kim Hee-won. It’s loosely based on the book and is both thrilling and suspenseful. Yet, if you’re really up to some new Christmas movies in 2022, here it is.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Everyone knows Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Some of you also watched its adorable ’90s classic adaptation—with Kermit the Frog and friends. Yet, we insist you watch it together this Christmas evening! Ebeneezer Scrooge (played by Academy Award winner Michael Caine) is visited by three ghosts on Christmas. The meeting opens his heart to the true meaning of Christmas.

We honestly consider The Muppet Christmas Carol one of the top Christmas movies—with all the hilarious Muppets and all. And we are positive you’ll have a magical night watching it with your kids!

The Small One (1978)

If you want to watch something endlessly sweet, here is our suggestion: The Small One. The short animated film is based on the book by Charles Tazewell, where a young boy discovers the true spirit of Christmas when he gives away his beloved donkey—Small One—to someone very special. The cartoon featurette was released on December 16, 1978; however, don’t just brush off the idea because it’s too old. Instead, watch it with your kids. It lasts barely half an hour, but it’s full of kindness. Besides, it has cultural aspects that might be great for discussion about diversity.

The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

Another well-known story, but this time, in its new adaptation, or should we say, a classical ballet, reimagined—The Nutcracker and the Four Realms—is a true family Christmas movie. In it, after getting a mysterious gift from her late mother, Clara goes on a trip to four secret realms—where she enters a magical world and discovers her strength. The movie is opulent, with vibrant colors, magnificent costumes, great music, stunning ballet, and plenty of eye-popping, lavish sets.

There are plenty of actors you know well, too. Regardless of whether you are a fan of the classic story—The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T.A. Hoffmann—or you are open to all adaptations, we recommend it as one of the good Christmas movies.

The Gift of the Magi (1958)

If this time you want to watch old Christmas movies, we have another unconventional suggestion for you: The Gift of the Magi—a very sweet classic black and white movie version of O. Henry’s novel released in 1958. It’s a tale about Jim and Della, a newly married couple who can’t afford much but want to give each other presents for Christmas, so they make very sad but endearing sacrifices.

Yes, it’s a tale about poverty, love, and generosity; it’s also a reason to watch an old black and white movie once in a while. That’s why we suggest you include this romantic Christmas movie in your list. Besides, you remember that it was the magi who invented the art of giving Christmas presents, don’t you? Exactly, that’s where the title comes from. We also recommend reading the entire book of O. Henry’s short stories; they are fantastic.

It’s a Wonderful Life

If you liked The Gift of the Magi, here’s the most classic of classic holiday movies—It’s a Wonderful Life. Based on the story The Greatest Gift by Philip Van Doren Stern, this classic holiday movie has become synonymous with Christmas. Released in 1946, it was broadcast a lot on television at Christmastime and became hugely popular.

Even now, it remains one of the most beloved and inspirational movies in American cinema. We bet that even if you haven’t watched the movie, you’ve definitely heard about George Bailey, Mr. Potter, and Clarence and have heard their dialogues here and there: “What do you want, Mary? You want the moon? Just say the word and I’ll throw a lasso around it and pull it down.

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas

Oh, and our last suggestion is a good holiday mystery! How about a good old Agatha Christie, tricky plot twists, the tyrannical patriarch, an estranged family, and a dead body on Christmas Eve? You can have it all in Hercule Poirot’s Christmas! Who’s the murderer? Wait and see; a famous Belgian detective will make everything clear. Not exactly a classic Christmas movie but a great classic detective story with a classic British flare and Christmas decorations. Try to find out the truth before Hercule Poirot does!

Natalie Song