Your December Plans Are Set With This List of the Best Christmas Movies Ever
Your December Plans Are Set With This List of the Best Christmas Movies Ever
There are so many surefire ways to get into the holiday spirit—baking the most festive Christmas sugar cookies, listening to your favorite carols, and of course, curling up on the couch for a Christmas movie marathon with the best Christmas movies of all time. So pull out the mounds of blankets (at least one for each family member!), pour the hot chocolate into your beloved Santa mugs, and cuddle up in your Christmas PJs for for some quality screen time.
But first things first, what to watch. The choice is easy—and difficult—at the same time because: So. Many. Options. Queue up the best Netflix Christmas movies, stream Amazon Prime Christmas movies, or check out the stellar lineup of Hallmark Christmas movies (and play Hallmark Christmas movie bingo while you watch!).
Whether your crew is in the mood for an old classic or a laugh-out-loud Christmas comedy, we've rounded up enough funny and heartfelt options to fill up Santa's sleigh. And after the kids are nestled all snug in their beds, take a little time with the one you love with romantic Christmas movies to keep the spark alive and celebrate this most wonderful time of the year!
1) It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Although not considered a success when first released, the Frank Capra film starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed has become a beloved holiday favorite.
2) A Christmas Story (1983)
From "You'll shoot your eye out!" to the infamous leg lamp, the '80s movie has given us many hilarious holiday one-liners and references (those bunny PJs!).
3) A Christmas Carol (1951)
The 1951 iteration of the Charles Dickens classic is probably the most iconic of the versions.
4) How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The adorable animated film is certain to make your heart grow three sizes.
5) Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street kicks off, well, on 34th Street in Manhattan, during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. But make no mistake, this movie is all about Christmas and teaches a very important lesson: "Faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to."
6) The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen takes on the role of Santa in this feel-good family Christmas movie.
7) Love Actually (2003)
The star-studded British Christmas comedy connects nine stories with one central theme: Love is actually all around.
8) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) is determined to host the perfect family Christmas. Of course, everything goes horribly (and hilariously) wrong.
9) Elf (2003)
He may not be a real elf, but Buddy (Will Ferrell) saves Christmas (and his dad from the naughty list) with his endless supply of cheer.
10) Home Alone (1990)
Precocious Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) gets left behind and manages to make do—despite the efforts of a pair of con men.
11) You've Got Mail (1998)
Rom-com faves Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in this film where two people who despise each other in real life are in love through email.
12) Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Since much of this movie takes place during Christmastime, we think Bridget Jones is the ideal holiday companion, just the way she is.
13) The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
It's up to Mrs. Claus and Santa's elves to save Christmas when Santa decides to skip delivering presents for a year in this stop-motion classic.
14) Noel (2004)
Five strangers become linked on Christmas Eve in New York City by a series of events, with an all-star cast including Paul Walker and Penélope Cruz.
15) Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol (1962)
There are never too many adaptions of A Christmas Carol, and this magical, animated musical proves it.
16) Rise of the Guardians (2012)
Jack Frost joins forces with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and more on their mission to save the children of the world from the evil spirit Pitch.
17) The Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
Three kids discover a mysterious wardrobe and are transported to a magical world full of adventure (and one very evil witch).
18) Frozen (2013)
We know the song says otherwise, but we just can’t let this movie go! If your family is full of Frozen fans too, then you’ll definitely want to watch the Frozen sequel after re-watching the original.
19) Prancer (1989)
A young girl discovers a wounded reindeer who she believes is the real-life Prancer. With the help of Sam Elliot’s character, they take care of Santa’s sweet animal.
20) The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell is one cool Santa in this Netflix original Christmas movie. His real-life partner, Goldie Hawn, even makes an appearance as Mrs. Claus! Make it a double feature and watch the sequel too.
21) Jack Frost (1998)
A boy is crushed after the unexpected death of his father. But when the man returns as a snowman, the two get one last chance to bond.
22) Serendipity (2001)
This romantic Christmas movie follows two star-crossed New Yorkers who try to find each other years after their initial meeting.
23) I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas took a break from the popular sitcom Home Improvement to film this Disney classic about a boy who needs to get his priorities in line before the holidays.
24) Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
Mickey and the gang will get your kids in the spirit of the season with this film that features several treasured holiday stories.
25) The Grinch (2018)
The latest version of the beloved Dr. Seuss book stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the grouchy, titular character.
26) The Princess Switch (2018)
Two women realize they're somehow identical, and decide to trade lives for a day. Considering one is a princess, things obviously get messy.
27) Little Women (1994)
The 1994 film, based on Louisa May Alcott's classic novel, covers several years in the lives of the March family, but some of the most memorable and heartwarming scenes take place during a classic New England Christmas.
28) A Christmas Carol (1984)
There are enough film versions of A Christmas Carol to watch all season long, but this one starring George C. Scott is a favorite for many.
29) Four Christmases (2008)
A Reese Witherspoon romantic comedy-meets-Christmas movie? Sign us up!
30) Babes in Toyland (1934)
This holiday film featuring all kinds of childhood characters, including Little Bo-Peep, the Three Little Pigs, and yes, Santa Claus, is a classic as it airs around Christmas every year.
31) Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Steve Martin and John Candy face off in this funny film fit for the holidays, whether Thanksgiving or Christmas.
32) The Preachers Wife (1996)
Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington star in this remake of the 1947 classic, The Bishop’s Wife, which tells the tale of an angel that comes to visit a downtrodden preacher eager to help his church yet suffering a bit of a mid-life crisis. In the process he discovers a renewed affection for his devoted wife as he sees the angel and his wife make a special connection.
33) Edward Scissorhands (1990)
This quirky fairy tale sparkles in its holiday scenes, including when Johnny Depp’s sharp-handed character carves an ice sculpture in Winona Ryder’s likeness.
34) Remember the Night (1940)
A shoplifter and her prosecutor are able to find love together thanks to the magic of the Christmas season.
35) Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors (2016)
The country star's iconic song, "Coat of Many Colors," inspired this heartwarming holiday movie.
36) The Apartment (1960)
Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are brilliant opposite one another in this film set in the celebratory season.
37) Trading Places (1983)
Starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy, this movie spans the holiday season, from Christmas to New Year’s.
38) Gremlins (1984)
Though certainly unconventional, Steven Spielberg's fantasy-horror film consistently makes people's lists of the best underrated Christmas movies.
39) The Gathering (1976)
Ed Asner and Maureen Stapleton star in this holiday film centered on forgiveness and family.
40) Barbie in the Nutcracker (2001)
The Nutcracker's not the only doll in this fantastical adaptation. Animations of Barbie and Kelly bring the tale to life for a younger audience.
41) Happy Christmas (2014)
All about friendship, this film is sure to inspire some soul-searching this holiday season.
42) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
43) While You Were Sleeping (1995)
A misunderstanding lands Sandra Bullock's character in the home of her crush, celebrating Christmas with his family.
44) The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Cary Grant is an angel (literally) in this cute fantasy film.
45) A Christmas Prince (2017)
People had a lot of feelings about the Netflix original Christmas movie A Christmas Prince. Those who loved it can rejoice, because it got a sequel!
46) The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Set at Christmastime, this classic romantic comedy is so good, it inspired two remakes: In the Good Old Summertime (1949) and You've Got Mail (1998).
47) Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger's character's Christmas shopping turns into quite a quest.
48) Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey manages to make the famously grumpy character even more lovable by the time the credits roll.
49) Arthur Christmas (2011)
Ever wonder how Santa can possibly deliver all those presents? Find out in this charming kids' Christmas movie!
50) Batman Returns (1992)
Christmastime scenes earn this star-studded superhero movie a spot on our list.
51) Home Alone 2 (1992)
The kid is back, and this time he takes on the same criminals in the Big Apple.
52) The Holiday (2006)
Two women swap houses for the holidays and find love unexpectedly.
53) Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)
Judy Garland made "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" a hit in this MGM production.
54) Holiday Inn (1942)
Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds shine in the musical that popularized the song "White Christmas."
55) White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby continued his reign as king of the Christmas movie genre with White Christmas, this time alongside Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen.
56) Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
A food writer pretending to be a housewife on a charming Connecticut farm has to try and fool her war hero fan at Christmas.
57) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The sweet stop-motion special gives hope to "misfits" everywhere.
58) A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The Coca-Cola Company commissioned this cute illustrated TV special based on the Peanuts comic strip.
59) A Holiday Affair (1949)
Janet Leigh is a young widow caught in a love triangle in this Christmas movie.
60) The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
In this sequel to the 1994 movie, The Santa Clause, Santa A(played by the hilarious Tim Allen) must find a Mrs. Claus.
61) Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Schoolchildren bring their snowman to life in this whimsical animated short.
62) Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
Another stop-motion staple, this one tells the fantastical tale of Kris Kringle.
63) Scrooged (1988)
The modern remake of A Christmas Carol stars Bill Murray as the Scrooge-like lead.
64) Die Hard (1988)
Although perhaps an unconventional choice for the holidays, Die Hard does take place at a Christmas Eve party.
65) The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloweentown king Jack Skellington is enchanted by another holiday in Christmastown.
66) Bad Santa (2003)
This Christmas comedy is naughty, not nice, as a conman (Billy Bob Thornton) poses as Santa.
67) Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Another beloved holiday flick featuring Tim Allen (along with Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Aykroyd0)! This one's about a couple that angers their neighbors when they want to forego Christmas festivities in favor of a cruise.
68) The Polar Express (2004)
69) Joyeux Noel (2005)
The French film based on the historical "unauthorized Christmas truce" of World War I was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year.
70) The Family Stone (2005)
A powerhouse cast captures the complicated concepts of family and the holiday season.
71) Noelle (2019)
The daughter of Kris Kringle goes on an adventure to save her brother and Christmas, discovering a destiny she’s always meant to take on.
72) Black Nativity (2013)
A young boy travels to spend the holidays in New York City with his estranged family only to discover he feels stifled by his family’s strict rules. He then makes a journey to get back to his mother, discovering faith and family in the process.
73) The Family Man (2000)
A high-powered business man gets a glimpse into an alternate reality during the holiday of what his life would have been like, had he not left the love of his life years ago.
74) Last Christmas (2019)
A wayward young London woman has a life changing encounter with a man during the holidays that was in fact the man who saved her life.
75) Almost Christmas (2016)
A retired widower brings his family together for the Christmas holiday only to realize the Christmas miracle may be everyone surviving living under one roof over the holiday.
'Tis the season for Christmas movies for kids or the whole family. From classics like Holiday Inn to newer hits like The Holiday, here are the best Christmas movies of all time.