Top 20 Greatest Modern Christmas Movies
#20: “Happiest Season” (2020)
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Christmas has been anything but happy for Abby since her parents passed away. However, it seemed like this year might be different when her girlfriend Harper invites her to spend the holidays with her and her family. That is, until Harper confesses that she never actually told her parents about her sexuality and requests that Abby fake being her heterosexual roommate for the duration of their visit. What follows is a funny, dramatic and heartfelt Christmas movie about love, family, truth and acceptance. “Happiest Season” features good performances from Kristen Stewart and the rest of the cast, and there’s even been talk of a sequel - although nothing concrete has been confirmed.
#19: “Krampus” (2015)
While the Halloween season is replete with horror films, Christmas doesn’t have the same scary movie history. Although, one good film that falls squarely into said category is 2015’s “Krampus.” Based on the Euro folklore of a horned figure who helps Santa by scaring the bad kids, this comedy-horror film embraces its B-Movie inspiration. The movie earned a respectable 67% on Rotten Tomatoes and pulled in over $61 million on just a $15 million budget. If you’re looking for a different kind of holiday movie this Christmas, then “Krampus” may fit the bill; it also received Best Horror Film nominations from both the Empire Awards and the Saturn Awards.
#18: “The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)
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What’s the one thing the Christmas movie genre has been missing? A Kurt Russell Santa Claus, of course. Well, fear not good people, because as of 2018 that missing piece has been found. And it was found in Netflix’s family-friendly comedy,“The Christmas Chronicles.” The film chronicles the adventures of siblings Teddy and Kate, who sneak into Santa’s sleigh, cause an accident and then have to help Old Saint Nick deliver the rest of his presents to save Christmas. “The Christmas Chronicles” is a great choice for holiday family viewing. And if you have the time you can do a marathon with the sequel, “Christmas Chronicles 2” which came out in 2020.
#17: “Carol” (2015)
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Called one of the greatest movies of this century by the BBC, “Carol” is the story of an illicit relationship between an older soon-to-be divorcee and a younger woman in 1950s New York. While Christmas may be secondary to the story, the first part of the film does take place during the holiday season and it’s while Carol is shopping for a gift that she meets Therese for the first time. Rooney Mara is wonderful as Therese and Cate Blanchett is spectacular, as always, as the titular Carol. They both received Oscar nominations, while the dreamy and romantic flick won multiple critics prizes and has a 94% on Rotten Tomatoes. It was also named the best LGBT film of all time by the British Film Institute.
#16: “A Boy Called Christmas” (2021)
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“A Boy Called Christmas” has all the right elements that a fantasy movie based on the season should have: elves, pixies, reindeer, a talking mouse and a map to a magical village called Elfhelm. It also places all these pieces in the right positions to create a good holiday film filled with love, laughs, a few tears - and a big ol’ helping of Christmas spirit. Based on a 2015 book of the same name, “A Boy Called Christmas” rocks an impressive 83% Rotten Tomatoes score. And while we can’t speak to how it compares to said book, we can tell you that as a stand alone flick, it’s one of the most warm-hearted Christmas offerings of the 21st century thus far.
#15: “Tokyo Godfathers” (2003)
If you’re looking for an unconventional Christmas movie, this is it. Or, as Wikipedia defines it - an “adult anime Christmas tragicomedy adventure film.” But whatever else you want to call “Tokyo Godfathers”, we call it very good. Anime fans will no doubt be familiar with the name Satoshi Kon, whose acclaimed oeuvre includes a number of great movies, of which “Tokyo Godfathers” is but one. In this film, Kon explores the idea of "meaningful coincidence" by looking at three disparate unhoused people who are brought together by the discovery of an abandoned baby. Tragedy, discovery, friends and family at Christmas are all brought together in this beautifully animated and directed film.
#14: “The Man Who Invented Christmas” (2017)
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“A Christmas Carol” is an iconic holiday story and one that has been made into countless movies - whether directly or thematically. So, instead of just making “A Christmas Carol” again, director Bharat Nalluri made a film about the writing of said story. “The Man Who Invented Christmas” is a fun, biographical movie set in 1843 as Charles Dickens is conceiving of, struggling with, and eventually writing his now classic holiday novella, “A Christmas Carol.” It’s hard to imagine it now, but at the time Christmas wasn’t the big holiday it is today. And while it isn’t 100% historically accurate, as Time magazine wrote, the film does provide, “a fairly accurate sense of how Dickens successfully changed the way Christmas is celebrated.”
#13: “The Santa Clause 2” (2002)
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In 1994, Tim Allen starred in “The Santa Clause” - a film that grossed $190 million, became a surprise hit and spawned two sequels. Now, the second sequel, 2006’s “The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause” was, to put it kindly… Bad! But 2002’s “The Santa Clause 2” was actually pretty good and showed itself to be worthy of a place on this list. Allen is back as the new Santa and in this installment he must find a Mrs. Claus prior to December 24th… and defeat an animatronic Santa. The film received mixed reviews, but took home over $170 million at the box office and even earned a Saturn Award nomination for Best Fantasy Film.
#12: “This Christmas” (2007)
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Christmas is often a time for family, no matter how dysfunctional that family can be. “This Christmas” centers on the Whitfields, a close-knit group with some well-kept secrets – which all unravel over the festive period. Discussions, debates, arguments and fights ensue over everything from school to relationships, as well as what to do with the family’s dry-cleaning business. Things get heated and quite chaotic at times, but Chris Brown’s carol singing helps bring everyone together – that and a good old-fashioned dance-off or two.
#11: “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” (2009)
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It seems like a tale as old as Christmastime itself: Ebenezer Scrooge bah humbugs the season, only to be haunted by spirits of his past, present and future as he’s given a second chance at life. With Robert Zemeckis in the director’s chair, this Charles Dickens classic was given the Disney treatment in 2009, with magical results. The animated 3D film earned high praise for its visuals, which were produced using motion capture techniques similar to Zemeckis’ earlier and considerably less family friendly film, “Beowulf”. With Jim Carrey starring in multiple voice roles, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” is heaps of holiday fun!
#10: “The Family Man” (2000)
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Jack Campbell is a big shot Wall Street businessman on the verge of a momentous merger deal on Christmas Eve – seemingly, his life couldn’t be sweeter. But after a chance meeting in a convenience store, he wakes up on Christmas Day with a wife and children. In a glimpse into the life he could’ve had, Jack is married to his college sweetheart and earns a modest wage as a tire salesman. His initial anger and confusion is slowly replaced by other more wholesome emotions like loyalty and love, and Jack begins to realize the lesson set before him: life’s not about money, and Christmas is a lot more fun when you have loved ones to share it with.
#9: “Bad Santa" (2003)
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Shopping mall Santas are a staple part of a successful Christmas. But what if the guy giving out gifts isn’t overflowing with good will? What if he’s a petty criminal with multiple vices who’s also hell-bent on robbing the store as soon as security’s back is turned? “Bad Santa” casts Billy Bob Thornton as Willie T. Stokes for an adults-only look at the big guy in red, and is one of the most outrageous alternative Christmas comedies around. Santa’s elf is the fantastically foul-mouthed Marcus, while Mrs. Claus is a more ‘casual’ arrangement with Sue the bartender, who happens to be obsessed with Saint Nick. Essentially, this movie is a who’s who of the naughty list.
#8: “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (2020)
In our wildest dreams we never could’ve imagined a Christmas musical starring Forest Whitaker and Keegan-Michael Key, featuring some music written by John Legend and performed by Usher. Well, sometimes dreams do come true because that is exactly what “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is: great music, and a story that celebrates the Christmas season will have you tapping your toes and smiling from ear to ear. We’re sure the filmmakers were doing the same when they saw the positive critical response and the 10 nominations they earned from the NAACP Image Awards.
#7: “Arthur Christmas” (2011)
This animed flick depicts Christmas in the modern world as an intense, almost military operation for Santa and his elves. The traditional sleigh is replaced by the high-tech S-1, and delivering presents on Christmas night is an ultra-efficient experience. The eponymous Arthur, whose job is to reply to all of the letters to Santa, is a little clumsy and lacking in confidence. But, when he realizes that despite the S-1’s mod-cons, a child has been missed out and is set to wake up present-less on Christmas morning, he reverts back to tradition to put the matter right. A ‘coming-of-age tale’ for Arthur, this movie is a clever reinvention of some classic Christmas themes.
#6: “Klaus” (2019)
In this day and age of multiverses and origin stories, it was just a matter of time before Santa got in on the act - and it came in the brilliant 2019 film, “Klaus.” What if an overindulged and unmotivated student at the postman academy in the 19th century was sent to a far off town? And what if, while there, he met a solitary toymaker named Klaus? And what if….. Just go watch the movie. This animated adventure story is a feast for the eyes and the smart and original story will keep adults just as engaged as any children watching along with them. The film earned a whopping 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and a best animated film nomination at the Academy Awards.
#5: “The Polar Express” (2004)
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This Robert Zemeckis-led motion capture movie is based on the 1985 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Tom Hanks stars in six roles for this film, which sees a boy board a magical train bound for the North Pole on the night before Christmas. Praised for its digital effects and eclectic range of characters, it’s a first-class journey into what makes the holiday season so special. Plus, the soundtrack will stick in your head until at least next summer – it singlehandedly turns hot chocolate into a sing-along experience.
#4: “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
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The Whos down in Whoville adore Christmas. But the Grinch, who lives up in Mount Crumpit, hates it – with a passion. Jim Carrey stars as the entirely unfestive title character for a turn-of-the-century Dr. Seuss adaptation that’s packed full of trademark wordplay and quirky characters. And while most Christmas movies are laden with moral messages and life lessons, this one really tugs at our emotions. A teased outsider pushed into isolation, the Grinch may play the bad guy, but there’s a big heart in there somewhere – and Cindy Lou is set on finding it, no matter how many over-the-top tantrums she has to put up with.
#3: “Love Actually” (2003)
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The ensemble cast for this one is so incredibly strong, it’s a wonder all the names ever fit onto a single trailer or promotional poster. Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, the list goes on and on – and they all come together for a rom-com extraordinaire. “Love, Actually” tells a series of love stories all set at Christmastime, and though some may not have aged as well today, most are heartwarming and will fill you with nostalgia for the early aughts. With scenes that have you crying with laughter, and others that will just plain make you cry, the full spectrum of feelings is tackled here. You’ll never see carol singers, politicians, or airport arrivals gates the same way again.
#2: “The Holiday” (2006)
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A rom-com set on both sides of the Atlantic, “The Holiday” brings together an A-list cast for two interlinked love stories. Cameron Diaz is Amanda, an LA-based producer of movie trailers; and Kate Winslet plays Iris, an editor for the Daily Telegraph in London. With both women seeking to escape their failing love lives for Christmas, they meet online and agree to house-swap for the holidays. It takes them both a little while to adjust to the other’s lifestyle, but unexpected romance quickly has them settled in. And with Jude Law and Jack Black for company, the festive spirit is certainly free-flowing. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Noelle” (2019) Santa’s Offspring Have to Find a Way to Continue Their Late Father’s Legacy “Single All the Way” (2021) Nothing Says Christmas More Than Fake Relationships & Blind Dates…? “Tangerine” (2015) An LGBTQIA+ Christmas Comedy-Drama with Heart “Surviving Christmas” (2004) What Are the Holidays Without (Dysfunctional) Family Gatherings? “Just Friends” (2005) A Christmas-Set Rom-Com About Reconnecting with One’s Past
#1: “Elf” (2003)
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If you aren’t already super excited for Christmas, then 2003’s “Elf” is guaranteed to get you in the merriest of moods. Played by Will Ferrell, Buddy is a fully-grown man who grew up as one of Santa’s little helpers. He’s now back in America and searching for his father, and causing a Christmassy scene wherever he goes. He burps louder than anyone else, throws snowballs faster than anyone else, and he definitely knows a phony Santa when he sees one! But there’s nothing false about “Elf”’s position at the top of today’s countdown. Buddy is everything that’s good about Christmas; all rolled up into one oversized, out of place, but hilarious character. Which 21st Century Christmas movie is your go-to during the holidays? Let us know in the comments
