Top 30 Best Christmas Movies of All Time

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.

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!

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!

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”.

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.

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.

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.

If you haven’t seen this classic Christmas movie, put it on your list this holiday season. “The Bishop’s Wife” stars old Hollywood film stars David Niven, Cary Grant, and Loretta Young, telling the story of a bishop who asks for divine intervention in his quest to build a cathedral. Grant plays Dudley, an angel who comes to lead the bishop onto the right path. The story culminates on Christmas Eve when all the characters have finally realized what is really important to them and all's right with the world.

Based on the premise alone, you can tell that “Bad Santa” isn’t going to be a conventional holiday movie. Billy Bob Thornton stars as Willie T. Soke, an alcoholic who dresses up as a mall Santa in an elaborate scheme to rob department stores. His collaborator is Marcus, who plays one of Santa’s elves. As dark and mean-spirited as this black comedy can be, our main character does manage to find an eency-weency bit of good in himself and embrace the magic of the holidays. It’s ultimately a tale of redemption and, in Willie’s case, even the slightest good deed could be seen as a Christmas miracle.

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.

What’s the harm in one more “A Christmas Carol” adaptation? This jolly flick stars Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds as the Ghost of Christmas Present and the heartless media exec he hopes to redeem. If that iconic comedic duo isn’t enough to sell you on why this film is so wonderful, let us remind you that it’s also… a musical! The performances, the songs, and the story’s twists and turns have quickly cemented it as a modern Christmas classic. It’s bound to warm the hearts of even the Scroogiest of folks!

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirited_(film)

Bringing Back Christmas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lOU_HN5bY4
Good Afternoon - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMkJIR9pX1w
Christmas Morning Feeling - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVirAsKISyc

Whether you love it or not, nobody can deny that this rom-com is chock full of Christmas spirit. While we all know the main story lines, it’s the minor ones that really shine here. The aging rock star who professes his love for his manager? The actor stand-ins who adorably fall in love? The little kid who wants to impress his crush by playing drums and eventually runs through Heathrow airport? No matter how many times we see it, every holiday season we remember why we actually love this movie.

This story starring Tim Allen manages to ignite that spark of childhood wonder that we all once felt about the magic of Christmas. When divorced dad Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof, he finds himself having to take St. Nick’s place. Watching Scott try to convince everyone around him that he’s actually Santa is pretty hilarious. It’s a movie that’s filled with fun and sentimental moments, taking viewers to the North Pole and back as Scott rediscovers his belief in the unbelievable. While the film spawned two sequels, the original is definitely the best.

Welcome to Halloween Town... all hail the Pumpkin King! From the mind of Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film has developed a massive cult following and its hero has become an emblem of misunderstood souls everywhere. Nobody does Halloween quite like Jack Skellington, but he decides to try celebrating a new holiday upon stumbling upon Christmas Town. What ensues is a holiday mashup of epic proportions as the season to be jolly clashes with the season to be scary. The big question is, “do you watch this movie at Halloween, at Christmas, or both?”

Charles Dickens’ classic novella, “A Christmas Carol,” has been adapted countless times for both animated TV specials and serious feature films. In this modern take on the story, however, Scrooge is actually a TV exec named Frank Cross (played by Bill Murray) who’s trying to force his staffers to work over Christmas. Just like in the original tale, the loathsome protagonist is visited by a series of ghosts who show him what the meaning of Christmas is all about. This version is both poignant and funny, leaning heavily on Murray’s comedic wit.

Dr. Seuss' classic holiday book, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” has been a perennial Christmas favorite and has been adapted for the screen several times. Jim Carrey’s performance in the titular role, however, is what sets this version apart. While we, of course, have a soft spot for the 1966 animated TV special, this adaptation is laugh-out-loud funny and features plenty of jokes that are clearly meant to entertain older audiences. Because it’s a feature-length film, we also get expansions to Dr. Seuss’ original tale that take the story in wacky directions that no one could have expected.

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.

The Muppet version is a perfect adaptation for the younger set. The well known tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, his employee Bob Cratchit, and Tiny Tim is modernized to feature Muppets in all the major roles - as well as a few welcome additions, like Gonzo the Great playing Dickens himself and Rizzo the Rat adding humorous commentary throughout. Oh, and of course there’s Michael Caine as Scrooge. The songs are catchy, the story is time-honored, and the jokes never get old. “The Muppet Christmas Carol” will always be a favorite.

Kids’ Christmas specials aren’t supposed to make you cry like a baby… are they? No matter how many times we watch “Frosty the Snowman,” we’ll never forget the horror of the first time we witnessed Frosty melting and fully believed he was done for. Luckily, this story always has a happy ending! While we’re all familiar with the TV special by this point, did you know that it was actually based around the classic Christmas song by Walter E. Rollins and Steve Nelson? Romeo Muller, who worked on the stop-motion “Rudolph,” adapted the song into this special.

“Frosty the Snowman” isn’t the only animated special by Rankin/Bass Productions that went on to achieve Christmas classic status. Five years earlier, the 1964 stop-motion version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was broadcast on our TV screens. The special won the hearts of many with its timeless tunes, inventive story, and unforgettable cast of characters - featuring an elf who wants to be a dentist, a bouncing bumble, a helpful prospector, and of course the eponymous red-nosed reindeer. No holiday season is complete without it.

Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? No matter where in the world you live, you can have one when watching this vintage holiday movie. The well known holiday tune was previously performed by Bing Crosby in 1942’s “Holiday Inn,” but was reprised in this 1954 film. Crosby also stars in “White Christmas,” which is set after World War II and tells the story of two entertainers who have to work together to save their commander’s lodge. It’s a heartwarming setup that’s sure to bring out the Christmas spirit in you.

John Hughes wrote and produced this entry in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” franchise. The Griswold family is trying to celebrate Christmas but of course, there’s no way it’s going to go smoothly. This is perfect viewing for those who want to feel as though at least someone is having a worse holiday season than you are. While Clark may not get the “fun old-fashioned family Christmas" he was hoping for, it’s a good reminder to temper your expectations and simply enjoy spending time with the people you love.

It’s not often that a movie immediately becomes a holiday classic, but that’s what happened when “Elf” hit theatres in 2003. Will Ferrell had one of his most iconic performances in this movie about an orphan raised at the North Pole who decides to go meet his biological dad in the big city. The fact that Ferrell is quite an imposing man only makes his elf costume all the more ridiculous. It’s absurd and hilarious, and will keep you laughing from beginning to end. If you’re lacking holiday cheer, Buddy the elf will be sure to bring you some.

“Home Alone” is an annual must-watch for the antics of the Wet Bandits and their epic takedown by Kevin McCallister. Kevin learns the hard way that you should be careful what you wish for when he imagines a world where his family disappears. While there are a lot of unrealistic aspects to this story (both Harry and Marv probably should have died several times over from the accidents that befall them) we can suspend our disbelief and enjoy the ride. This movie is full of unforgettable moments that will make you laugh, cringe, and wonder how a family could possibly leave one of their children behind and fly to Paris.

A man named Kris Kringle finds himself taking over the position of Santa Claus at Macy’s department store when he points out that the previous Santa is drunk on the job. But Kris ends up being a little too genuine in his interactions with people, telling them the truth and even *gasp* recommending they shop at other stores. Ultimately, he claims to be the real Santa Claus and leaves everyone in a tizzy. This is a holiday classic that stands the test of time and reminds us that anything is possible when you believe in the magic of Christmas.

Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” remains beloved because its message is perpetually relevant. Though it has been adapted many times, the 1938 film is a staple in many households around the holiday season and is considered by many to be the ultimate version of the tale. You already know the story, but if you haven’t seen this re-telling, it’s time to give it a try. If you’ve already seen the 1938 adaptation countless times, give the 1951 version a try because it’s also a favorite.

When it comes to annual Christmas specials, is there anyone you look forward to watching more than this? After viewing “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” you could never look at an artificial tree the same way again. You might even be more inclined to pick out the saddest one in the lot. This special has been airing since 1965 and there’s a reason it has never gone out of style. It’s so simple, and yet so poignant, sincere, and touching. Are your dance moves ready for the school Christmas pageant? We hope so!

“A Christmas Story” is a holiday film that doesn’t sugarcoat how difficult it is to feel like an outsider in your own family. It’s always playing on repeat on cable so you’ll be sure to catch a glimpse of it whether you want to or not. Ralphie desperately wants an air rifle for Christmas but his mother won’t allow him to have one because, as she famously says, [“you’ll shoot your eye out."] Along with Ralphie’s main story, we see vignettes featuring his family and other characters, making this a well-rounded movie that’s extremely re-watchable.

Could we have picked anything else for our number one spot? There’s a reason why “It’s a Wonderful Life” is considered THE essential Christmas movie. It has a pretty dark beginning, but its magical realism teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of a single life. By seeing how the world would have looked if George Bailey had never been in it, he realizes the impact he has had on those around him. It’s sentimental, it’s uplifting, and it isn’t Christmas without watching it.

What Christmas movie do you watch every year? Let us know in the comments below!