NPR

What makes a true Christmas movie?

Dec. 25, 2024

The movie "It's a Wonderful Life", produced and directed by Frank Capra. Seen here from left, Donna Reed as Mary Hatch Bailey, James Stewart as George Bailey and Karolyn Grimes as Zuzu. Premiered December 20, 1946. Photo by NPR - Photo by CBS via Getty Images

What makes a movie a Christmas movie?

When the movie Die Hard was released on Blu Ray a few years back, the studio called it "the greatest Christmas story ever told!"

It does take place at an office Christmas party, but is that fact enough to make it a Christmas movie?

What about "Elf," "It's a Wonderful Life" or "Eyes Wide Shut" are those Christmas movies? Yes, right? NPR producer Marc Rivers says, "not so fast."

Just what makes any Christmas movie a true Christmas movie?

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