20 essential classic holiday films to watch this year

Little Women (1949/1994)

There are multiple cinematic versions of Louisa May Alcott’s seminal tale of women persevering over hardship. Greta Gerwig is directing a new version for release on Christmas next year. The lives of the March sisters have defined many women’s lives, and it’s become a holiday staple, despite not being set on Christmas, though portions of it do revolve around the holiday.

The first major film iteration of Alcott’s novel was released in 1933, starring Katharine Hepburn as the fiery Jo March. But for the purposes of this article we’re talking about the 1949 and 1994 versions. The ‘49 one isn’t a popular choice, being a glittery, gaudy Hollywood version of Alcott’s text, with America’s girl-next-door June Allyson as Jo March, Elizabeth Taylor as the snooty (and now older) Amy, and Margaret O’Brien playing the tragic Beth. It’s a beautiful Technicolor adaptation. The more famous version is Gillian Armstrong’s from 1994 starring Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, and baby Christian Bale as everyone’s favorite terrible boyfriend, Laurie.

Hollywood loves stories of celebrating the holidays during times of strife, and in the wake of WWII, Little Women was an attractive concept. Even in the ‘90s, there was something appealing about the March sisters’ ingenuity. The Christmas scenes are decked out with holly and ivy, creating an old-school take on the holiday that gives off the warm and fuzzies.

Rent both versions on Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, and Vudu.