Top 24 Best Christmas Movies of Each Year

Jim Carrey’s maniacal energy carries this adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic tale. Directed by Ron Howard, the fantasy comedy is a unique spectacle; it picked up a well-deserved Oscar for Best Makeup, along with nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Costume Design. However, it’s Carrey’s performance as the Grinch that makes the movie worth the watch. His outrageous antics bring the character to life, and the Grinch’s turn from Christmas cynic to true believer still warms our hearts even two decades later.

Alright, so this might not really be a Christmas movie. The year 2001 wasn’t great for festive films. But “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” did make Christmas more magical when Hogwarts was engulfed by the snowy holiday. You only have to witness the decorations in the Great Hall to feel that holiday spirit well up within. Even more touchingly, we got to see Harry receive his first ever real Christmas gifts. That included the iconic Invisibility Cloak that we’ve all wanted for ourselves at some point.

Music is a big part of Christmas, and 2002 graced us with this dark comedy Christmas musical. Based on a play, “8 Women”, or “8 Femmes” in French, is set in a country manor at Christmas time in the 1950s. It kicks off with the master of the house being found dead. The eight women within, including relatives and servants, are all suspects. Dun-dun-dunnnn. Despite that dark premise, the movie never takes itself too seriously. Inspired by screwball comedies, and featuring an impressive ensemble cast, “8 Women” is a fun and silly Christmas movie with a murder-mystery twist.

For many of us, rewatching Jon Favreau’s comedy Christmas film is a December tradition. “Elf” tells the story of Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves, as he discovers his real heritage, and brings Christmas spirit everywhere he goes. As Buddy, Will Ferrell charmed audiences, so much so that on a budget of $33 million, the movie brought in $225 million at the box office! While it’s “Elf” that stole our hearts in 2003, we also have to give a shoutout to another Christmas movie from that year - “Bad Santa”, which was more for the adults, but also hilarious in its own way.

Many a child has dreamed of visiting Santa Claus. Based on a book by Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” takes audiences on just such a ride, following a boy as he journeys by train to the North Pole. Director Robert Zemeckis was no stranger to groundbreaking animation. After all, this is the man who directed 1988’s “​​Who Framed Roger Rabbit”. “The Polar Express” was yet another trailblazing film, using motion capture to animate the cast, which included Tom Hanks in multiple roles. The result was visually stunning, pushing technology to its limits.

Christmas is the perfect time to curl up on the couch for a romantic comedy! After being humiliated as a teen, Ryan Reynolds’ Chris returns to his hometown 10 years later. As he bats away the advances of pop star Samantha, played by Anna Farris, he reconnects with his childhood best friend and love interest, Amy Smart’s Jamie. We can’t say it’s Ryan Reynolds’ best, but it is good fun. It even has some original songs to get your spirits into gear. And a great decoration destruction scene for the Grinches.

Based on this film alone, “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”’s Rosa Diaz has a strong case for why she’s so passionate about the movies of Nancy Meyers. Meyer’s hit rom-com follows two women, Kate Winslet’s Iris and Cameron Diaz’s Amanda, who trade their homes for the holidays - with Iris traveling to the US and Amanda to the UK. Both grow and find love, in the form of Jack Black’s Miles and Jude Law’s Graham. Sure, it’s somewhat predictable, but if you want a sweet movie that warms your heart on a frosty evening, “The Holiday” is one to go for.

What’s Christmas without a big helping of family drama? With a star-studded cast, including Idris Elba, Loretta Devine, Delroy Lindo, and Regina King, this 2007 comedy follows the Whitfield family as they prepare for the holidays. Each family member brings their own tensions and drama; Elba’s character Quentin Jr., a musician, hasn’t been back for years, and trouble is hot on his heels. Will the family come apart at the seams, or come together for Christmas? It’s a question many of us have probably asked ourselves!

Every few years, France seems to bring out a barnburner of a Christmas film. In 2008, it was “Un conte de Noël”, or in English “A Christmas Tale.” The comedy-drama was recognized by critics as one of the year’s best, which is pretty rare for a Christmas film. As in our last entry, the story is about a bickering family during the festivities. When the family matriarch reveals that she has leukemia and needs a bone marrow donor, family loyalties are put to the test. “A Christmas Tale” was nominated for a bevy of awards, including the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and won the César Award for Best Supporting Actor. Witty, mischievous, and eccentric, it’s a holiday film that doesn’t hold back.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” has been adapted countless times. So it’s hard to stand out in the crowd. But then, in walks Robert Zemeckis with another animated classic. As in “The Polar Express”, Zemeckis used motion capture to animate the cast. Playing Ebenezer Scrooge, as well as the three ghosts who visit him, Jim Carrey gives yet another dedicated performance. The cast also features beloved names like Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes, and Bob Hoskins. While it met with mixed reviews, the stunning visuals and energetic performances still hold up.

France is back as the unsung heroes of the Christmas film realm, this time in a collaboration with Australia. Based on the TV series “SantApprentice”, “Santa's Apprentice” , or “L'Apprenti Père Noel”, feels like a true throwback with its charming animation. The story sees the council of retired Santas telling the current face of the brand to get an apprentice with a pure heart; so he takes young Nicholas under his wing. The film is filled with whimsical magic and heartwarming moments that will probably bring a tear or two to your eye. If you’re keen for more, check out the 2013 sequel, “The Magic Snowflake.”

Usually, Santa Claus is depicted as a traditional fella who uses magic to traverse the world. “Arthur Christmas” turns this upside down by giving him modern technology. Co-produced by Sony and Aardman Animations, the animated comedy sees strife break out within the Claus family, as members jostle for the role of Santa. Their conflict dramatizes a struggle between the spirit of Christmas and modern ideals of efficiency and productivity. Voicing the characters are beloved British actors James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, and Imelda Staunton, who knock it out of the park with their performances. Exploring themes of ambition, aging, and family dynamics, the movie is as funny as it is touching.

The same year the Avengers first assembled, another powerhouse team united to save the day! Directed by Peter Ramsey, who went on to co-direct “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” this animated feature sees a team of mythical characters join forces to stop the Boogeyman. Leading the team is Nicholas St. North, aka Santa Claus. Also on the team are the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, Sandman, and eventually, the spirit of winter Jack Frost. Despite an all-star voice cast, the movie bombed at the box office. But the story is fun, and the animation is gorgeous. Definitely check it out if you’ve never watched it!

For some, Christmas is a relaxing and heartwarming time. For others, it’s a period of friction, drama, and hopefully, some unintentional comedy. If you’re of the latter persuasion, we recommend 2013’s “The Best Man Holiday.” A sequel to 1999’s “The Best Man,” the plot involves old friends meeting up together for the first time in 14 years to celebrate Christmas. But secrets, old wounds, and tragedy all rear their heads. It’s like a big-budget, festive soap opera. With a fantastic cast all reprising their roles from the first film, the movie is a great choice for those who like both drama and comedy.

Want more “Elf”? We don’t blame you! This stop-motion musical is based on both the film and Broadway version. While only Ed Asner reprises his role from the film, the new cast succeeds in bringing the characters to life. Jim Parsons voices Buddy, and is joined by the likes of Mark Hamil, Kate Micucci, Rachael MacFarlane, and Fred Armisen. The animation brings a new comedic element, with Buffy’s goofy design juxtaposed with the dour human world. And the songs are actually pretty great too!

Christmas comedies often venture into cliche territory, resting on time-tested but tired jokes. If you want something a little different, with more adult themes, this stoner comedy might be for you. Starring Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie, “The Night Before” follows three friends in search of an elusive party in New York City on Christmas Eve. There are plenty of side-splitting shenanigans, but also an undercurrent of more serious themes, such as adulthood, commitment, and parenthood. Just to make sure you’re in that Christmas spirit, there’s even a Santa fight!

In recent years, it seems like there’s been an explosion of Christmas horror and thriller movies. One of the very best is 2016’s “Better Watch Out.” Starring Olivia DeJonge as babysitter Ashley, and Levi Miller as 12 year old Luke, the film starts out as a home invasion movie. However, not everything’s as it seems, and it’ll mess with your mind with one twist after another. It’s kinda like a horror version of “Home Alone.” Without giving too much away, it’s a disturbing tale that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat.

If you’ve ever watched a Christmas film and thought, “Gee, this would be better with zombies,” then we present you 2017’s “Anna and the Apocalypse.” This British zombie musical is about preparing for life after school and getting through the festive period. But that changes when the living dead shamble onto the scene and wreak havoc. Ella Hunt’s work in the title role and Paul Kaye as the unhinged Arthur Savage are magical. With catchy songs, comedy, and graphic action, “Anna and the Apocalypse” is a fun watch from start to finish.

While it’s fun to mix up the festive genre from time to time, sometimes it’s great to just go back to basics too. And this Christmas comedy, with Kurt Russell in the red coat and bushy white beard, is a perfect example. As he’s making the rounds, Santa has his work disturbed by two children, causing him to lose not only his reindeer, but also everyone’s presents. Together, the trio must save Christmas before it’s too late. The movie might not reinvent the wheel, but there’s plenty of amusing moments, and some serious themes about grief and healing. Due to its popularity, Netflix released a sequel in 2020, “The Christmas Chronicles 2”.

Some of these movies are just the best of their respective years. Others are among the best Christmas movies of all time. “Klaus”, dare we say, is one of them. Eschewing computer animation, director Sergio Pablos breathed new life into traditional animation techniques, creating a unique style for his directorial debut. Set in 19th-century Norway, the adventure-comedy is an alternative origin story for Santa. When entitled, spoiled Jesper Johansen is forced to become a postman on a remote island, he befriends local toymaker, Klaus. Both characters grow as a result, in a story that manages to be hilarious, poignant, and beautiful all at the same time.

Set in a steampunk-inspired world, this whimsical musical fantasy film is a joy to behold. The story centers on struggling toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, the apprentice who betrayed him, and Jeronicus’s invention, Don Juan Diego. After reconnecting with his family and getting to know his granddaughter Journey, Jeronicus begins to find himself again. It’s not easy to choose which of the original songs is our favorite. But if we had to, we’re partial to “Magic Man G.” Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Madalen Mills put in wonderful performances, as does Ricky Martin with his voice work.

Based on Matt Haig’s book of the same name, this fantasy film captures everything we love about the holiday spirit. On Christmas Eve, the elderly Aunt Ruth tells three children who lost their mother the origin story of Santa. It’s a magical tale that draws on Nordic mythology to explain how a boy named Nikolas became Father Christmas. The story will break your heart, mend it, then fill it with Christmas hope. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, but well worth the journey. If that doesn’t persuade you to see it, then the top-notch cast of Maggie Smith, Stephen Merchant, and Jim Broadbent should.

What if “Die Hard’s” John McClane … were Father Christmas? It’s a question we never thought to ask. When mercenaries take a wealthy family hostage, it’s up to Santa to kick butt and save the day. Director Tommy Wirkola is no stranger to snow-filled action comedies; he previously directed the 2009 horror comedy “Dead Snow” about zombie Nazis and its 2014 sequel. “Violent Night” has a similarly zany premise, with David Harbour’s Santa going on a savage rampage. It’s not one for the kids, but it is a hell of a good time!

Set in a New England boarding school in 1970, this comedy-drama follows dislikable classics teacher Paul Hunham as he’s forced to babysit students over Christmas break. Director Alexander Payne reunited with his lead from “Sideways”, Paul Giamatti, for the film. While there are funny moments, the drama plays a heavy role, especially when it comes to the heart wrenching stories of Angus Tully, played by Dominic Sessa, and Mary Lamb, played by Da'Vine Joy Randolph. The movie deals with themes of mental illness, grief, and new beginnings. It’s one of the best films of the year, and not just the Christmas-related ones.

What Christmas classic do you watch every December? Tell us in the comments.