‘Tis the season for holiday movie marathons! Among classics like “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and the hundreds of Hallmark movies available during this season are a handful of films that get their holiday magic from books.
Some of these stories have been adapted several times over the decades (we’re looking at you “A Christmas Carol”) and become the films we watch year after year while other lesser known novels inspired some of the most iconic Christmas films of all time.
We scouted out a few of the best books-turned-movies for you to pair together this holiday season. Do any on this list surprise you?
“A Christmas Story”
All Ralphie wanted for Christmas was a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200- shot range model air rifle, was that too much to ask? Hilarity ensues as he tries to convince the adults in his life that it was, in fact, the perfect gift. This cult classic film was based on the 1991 book, “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash,” by humorist Jean Shepherd. Filled with semi-fictional anecdotes about childhood, the movie highlights four short stories featured in the book.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Written in 1957 by Dr. Seuss, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” follows the grouchy Grinch as he tries to cancel Christmas by stealing gifts and decorations from the homes of the people who inhabit Whoville. There are not one, not two but three film adaptations, including the 1966 animated TV special, the classic Jim Carrey version and the latest adaptation, the 3-D animated “The Grinch.” Alongside its films, the book spurred a musical stage version as well as a prequel film, interactive e-books, audiobooks, and even a 13-minute song performed by the Boston Pops Orchestra.
“It’s A Wonderful Life”
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It doesn’t get any more classic than this holiday drama! Weary businessman George Bailey has given up his dreams to help his small town of Bedford Falls. When a situation not of his making drives him to the brink of despair, his guardian angel shows him just how many lives he’s touched. The story is much the same in “The Greatest Gift,” a short story written by Philip Van Doren Stern in 1943. Both the short story and the movie explain that George has already received the greatest gift of all: the gift of life. A sweet and sentimental message, paired with holiday cheer, makes this a must-read and watch this season.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol”
There are countless adaptations of “A Christmas Carol” to choose from, including animated films like “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” and modern live-action twists like “Ghost of Girlfriends Past.” But there’s one worth highlighting that rises above the rest: “The Muppet Christmas Carol.” Featuring loveable characters like Kermit the Frog as Bob Crachit, Gonzo as the great author Charles Dickens and Michael Caine as Ebeneezer Scrooge, “The Muppets Christmas Carol” takes these beloved characters on a journey through one of the most iconic and beloved stories of all time.
“The Polar Express”
A beloved tradition for generations of families, “The Polar Express” is a story for all who believe in the spirit of Christmas and for those who can still hear the bell ring. The 1986 story written by Chris Van Allsburg was adapted into a jolly musical movie in 2004 with Tom Hanks conducting both the story and the train.
“Christmas with the Kranks”
It’s probably been a while since you thought of this hilarious 2004 comedy featuring the talents of Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, but even seemingly random Christmas movies can pull from the works of great authors — in this case, John Grisham of all people. Empty-nesters Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip the Christmas season in favor of a tropical Caribbean cruise, but they’re about to discover that skipping Christmas has enormous consequences. “Christmas with the Kranks” and its novel companion, “Skipping Christmas,” are classic tales for modern times about the chaos of the holiday season.
“Die Hard”
“It’s the battle that rages every December — is “Die Hard” really a Christmas movie? It’s a story that takes place during a most revered holiday tradition, an office Christmas party. The movie pulls key plot elements from the book “Nothing Lasts Forever” by Roderick Thorp, where we find an NYPD detective fighting off terrorists to save hostages, including his family. Just the usual office party shenanigans, right? Whether you agree or disagree, “Die Hard” takes place during Christmas and is a can’t-miss movie for your next holiday movie marathon.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.