Three Overlooked Christmas Classics That Deserve a Spot On Your Holiday Watchlist

Settling in with a cozy blanket, a warm drink, and a feel-good Christmas movie is an essential part of celebrating the holidays. But if you’ve watched your usual favorites a million times already, this year might be the perfect year to switch it up and add in a few overlooked films into your holiday movie marathon.

Christmas Lilies of the Field (1979)

Christmas Lilies of the Field was released in 1979 as a sequel to the classic Lilies of the Field, where handyman Homer Smith (Billy Dee Williams) returns to visit the chapel he once built for a group of nuns. But things have changed, dozens of children have taken refuge with the sisters, and Mother Maria wants Homer to build an orphanage before the government relocates the kids into foster care.

This movie is a touching story about stepping up when you’re needed most. It’s a reminder that the holidays are about generosity, community, and showing up for each other.

Unlikely Angel (1996)

Dolly Parton plays a country music singer who passes on and becomes an angel on a mission. In Unlikely Angel, Parton plays the role of Ruby Diamond, a bold, sassy performer who suddenly dies in a car crash, only to find herself at the pearly gates being denied by St. Peter because Ruby lived a selfish life. She’s not getting into heaven unless she completes one selfless act back on Earth. Her mission is to reunite a grieving family by finding a mother for two lonely kids and their widowed father, all before Christmas.

This Christmas movie serves as a reminder that compassion and kindness can change everything. It’s sweet, funny, and teaches the audience that even the most selfish people can grow, heal, and surprise you.

A Christmas Romance (1994)

In A Christmas Romance, Olivia Newton-John plays Julia Stonecypher, a widowed mother trying to give her daughters a joyful Christmas despite looming eviction and financial struggles.

She crosses paths with Brian Harding, the bank vice president sent to foreclose on her home. Brian ends up stranded and injured during a snowstorm and is forced to spend Christmas with Julia and her girls.

What starts as an uncomfortable situation slowly turns into a story of unexpected connection. Watching Gregory Harrison’s character go from a grumpy banker into a man touched by the warmth of this little family is delightful. 

Why These Three Films Belong on Your Holiday List

Whether you’re in the mood for Dolly Parton’s sass, Billy Dee Williams’ heroism, or Olivia Newton-John’s resilience, these classic films will bring lots of Christmas spirit to your movie marathon.

Looking for even more ways to watch and enjoy excellent movies & TV series?!? Head on over to YouTube and subscribe to Grapevine Documentaries, Multicom Entertainment, and TheArchive. These channels are dedicated to aficionados and lovers of cinema. You’ll find rare, retro, and restored films and TV, ranging from indies and series to Oscar-winning docs, unearthed MOWs, a killer horror library, and MORE!  

TheArchive channel is dedicated to aficionados and lovers of story, craft, and silver screen fun – streaming rare, retro, and restored films and classic TV. From indies and series to Oscar-winning documentaries, unearthed MOWs, and a killer horror library, TheArchive delivers forgotten, never-before-seen gems for free and many in 4K. Marilyn, Karloff, and Orson Welles stream alongside Reese, Keanu, and Samuel L. Jackson. Find true stories of Queen, Hendrix, and Sinatra, an LGBTQ library, MLK bios, and world history docs. TheArchive has the movies and shows you either saw, should’ve seen, or should be watching now!