Top 15 Christmas Movie Soundtracks Of All Time
Christmas is by far my most favorite holiday. It’s the one time where my family keep a strong tradition and makes it an evening not to forget. It’s also a time for celebration, a time for films and music. Every year I have certain rituals where I’ll watch my favorite Christmas movies, and of course it’s the one time of year that I don’t have to feel guilty for listening to Christmas music.
I have my favorites and I’m sure you have yours also. The list I compiled means something to me, more than just the fusion of film and music, they are nostalgic and have a very strong sense of emotional attachment. The best music of any season is that which evokes emotions in me, whether it is happy or sad. Here is a list over what I think is the Top 15 Christmas Movie Soundtracks of all time:
Top 15 Christmas Movie Soundtracks Of All Time
15. All I Want For Christmas by Bruce Broughton
Not a classic, but a cute little Christmas story and Bruce Broughton was brought in to give it that extra special Christmas sound. I like the warmth of this very short score (only about 16 minutes). Bruce Broughton’s other Christmas score Miracle On 34th Street is perhaps more famous and let’s not forget Eloise at Christmastime, but I always liked this one better.
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14. The Holiday by Hans Zimmer
I love romantic comedies, it’s true. A hopeless romantic, but it has given me many hours of (some would say pointless) entertainment. The Holiday is a great couch-watch if you are in the romantic mood this Christmas. It also shows that Hans Zimmer is not all Mr. Macho Action guy, but also a bit of a soft, cute, cuddly kitten. Okay, weird mental image, but joking aside, this is a really nice romantic comedy score with all the trimmings. Enjoy!
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13. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by Harry Gregson-Williams
Not technically a movie about Christmas — actually not at all — but who said it would be? It’s all about memories and I remember, this one came out just before Christmas and I watched and enjoyed it so much. The excellent score by Harry Gregson-Williams was slightly magical as well.
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12. The Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman
Yes, why #12 you ask? Shouldn’t this be #1? Well, yes and no. As a movie it clearly is a Christmas classic and as an accompanying soundtrack. However I am judging it by the score away from the songs, and without the funny voices it doesn’t have the same charm to it. Still a wonderful tie-in with the movie and that’s why it’s up here at nr. 12.
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11. Jingle All The Way by David Newman
A very fun movie that never ceases to wake up the kid in me. Yeah I know it’s childish, but the energy of it is great and David Newman managed to capture that in the score. It just needs a little bit of polishing to make it ascend in rank. All in all an entertaining Christmas score.
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10. Santa Claus The Movie by Henry Mancini
I just have a soft spot for these old Christmas comedies. This one is technically a fantasy, but pure fun nonetheless. The score has a mystical but Christmassy feel to it. Just a wonderful trip back in time that still holds up well in 2009. Just don’t expect an all-out Christmas score when you get it.
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09. Love Actually by Craig Armstrong
I know what you’re thinking. Yet another romantic comedy. Even though I watched it at Christmas, the movie is not near as good as Craig Armstrong’s excellent score. Pure Christmas candy this, but it goes well for all seasons. The theme might be a bit pompous and overachieving, but hey it’s Christmas right?
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08. Blizzard by Mark McKenzie
Who knew that this movie no one really remembers has such a great energetic score? It does and from the first cue it just scoops you up on a wonderful journey. It’s very uplifting so you Tim Burton fans better be careful with this one. I love inspirational scores like this.
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07. Jack Frost by Trevor Rabin
Another great thematic score by Trevor Rabin. This is what he does when he is at his best. He just writes one hit after another and this extremely short score has it, and leaves you wanting more. A fun movie to boot and you will get in that Christmas mood in no time.
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06. A Dog Named Christmas by Jeff Beal
Fresh out of the stores, this came out of nowhere and totally surprised me. I have been a Jeff Beal lurker for a while, sitting on the fence, but this score finally sold me. What an uplifting inspirational family-friendly score! This has the potential of being a Christmas classic, but ask me in 5 years or so if it’s still up there.
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05. Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) by Philippe Rombi
French Christmas doesn’t come better than this (Even if it’s not… well… see the movie). In fact, it’s pretty hard to beat by any country. Philippe Rombi has constructed a Christmas classic that will touch you with it’s minimalistic beauty.
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04. The Polar Express by Alan Silvestri
He does know how to make a classic doesn’t he? Recently he tried with A Christmas Carol and didn’t quite make it, but go back 5 years and you have The Polar Express which is delightful from start to finish. In fact, watch this movie today and be mesmerized by Silvestri’s wonderful lush orchestral score.
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03. Noel by Alan Menken
Five New Yorkers come together on Christmas Eve, seeking a miracle, or so the synopsis say. Well I say they found a Christmas miracle in this wonderful score. It’s so full of heart and great themes, that just listening to this will give you goosebumps.
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02. Edward Scissorhands by Danny Elfman
The original gothic Christmas, the way only Johnny Depp, Tim Burton and Danny Elfman could do it. It doesn’t get much better than this. Wonderful movie, wonderful story, wonderful acting, wonderful directing and wonderful music by Danny Elfman. The soft instruments, windy choirs (which are by far the centerpiece of the score), the magical melodies, take your pick! No Christmas without Edward Scissorhands!
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01. Home Alone by John Williams
Oh John, how do you come up with the goods over and over? Hands down one of the best Christmas comedies ever, just pure fun and required watching at Christmas. Then comes the enthralling sound of John Williams on top of it all. The main theme itself is just the beginning, but you recognize the tones everywhere. They say Christmas lasts until easter, but I have been heard humming this in June, just saying. This is THE Christmas classic folks, so make sure you have a wonderful John Williams Christmas!
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Agree or disagree? Let me know your comments and your favorite Christmas soundtracks in the comments section below.
I have my favorites and I’m sure you have it too. The list I compiled means something to me, more than just the fusion of film and music, but they are nostalgic and have a very strong sense of emotional attachment. The best music is when it evokes emotions in me, whether it is happy or sad. Here is a list over what I think is the Top 15 Christmas Movie Soundtracks of all time:
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