Published 19 Oct 2024
20 Must-Watch Christmas Movies to Enjoy This Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, and there's no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by snuggling up with a cozy blanket, a cup of hot chocolate, and a great Christmas movie. Whether you're looking for laughs, heartwarming moments, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane, this list has got you covered! Here are 20 must-watch Christmas movies to add to your holiday viewing list:
1. Home Alone (1990)
You can’t talk about Christmas without mentioning Home Alone. Follow Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy accidentally left behind while his family vacations in Paris, as he hilariously defends his home from bumbling burglars. A true holiday classic that never gets old!
2. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell shines as Buddy the Elf, a human raised by elves in the North Pole. His adventure in New York City to find his real father is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and heartwarming lessons about family and holiday cheer.
3. The Grinch (2018)
This animated version of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas brings the Grinch's journey from bitter loner to heartwarming hero to life with colorful animation and whimsical storytelling.
4. Love Actually (2003)
If you're in the mood for love and laughter, Love Actually intertwines multiple romantic and funny Christmas tales, all leading up to the most festive day of the year.
5. The Polar Express (2004)
Based on the beloved children's book, The Polar Express is a magical ride through stunning animation as a boy embarks on a journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
6. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A timeless classic, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, who learns through an angel what life would have been like without him. It's a movie about second chances, perfect for Christmas reflection.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
For a dose of holiday humor, the Griswold family’s hilarious misadventures in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation are sure to entertain as Clark Griswold’s plans for a perfect Christmas unravel spectacularly.
8. A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story follows young Ralphie and his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Filled with quirky family moments, it’s a holiday staple for many.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas blends Halloween and Christmas in a wonderfully spooky yet heartwarming tale of Jack Skellington’s quest to take over Christmas.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A touching Christmas tale about belief and magic, Miracle on 34th Street tells the story of a department store Santa who claims to be the real Kris Kringle and a little girl’s journey to believe.
11. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a father on a mission to get the most popular Christmas toy, showing just how far parents will go to make Christmas perfect.
12. Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated Netflix original tells a fresh and heartwarming origin story of Santa Claus, perfect for family viewing.
13. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen stars in The Santa Clause, where an ordinary man accidentally becomes Santa Claus and learns the true meaning of Christmas.
14. White Christmas (1954)
With memorable songs and stunning choreography, White Christmas is a feel-good holiday classic featuring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye.
15. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas reveals Santa’s high-tech operations and follows his clumsy son Arthur on a mission to save Christmas for one forgotten child.
16. The Holiday (2006)
For a festive rom-com, The Holiday features two women who swap homes for the holidays, finding romance and life-changing experiences in the process.
17. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This animated special brings Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the gang together to find the true meaning of Christmas in a world obsessed with commercialism.
18. Scrooged (1988)
A modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Scrooged stars Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive visited by ghosts who help him rediscover the spirit of Christmas.
19. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This animated classic follows the adventures of Frosty, a snowman who magically comes to life, capturing the whimsical joy of Christmas for kids and adults alike.
20. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell as Santa Claus? Yes, please! The Christmas Chronicles is an action-packed holiday adventure where two kids team up with Santa to save Christmas.
Conclusion: The Perfect Holiday Playlist
From heartfelt classics to laugh-out-loud comedies, these 20 movies will fill your home with the joy and spirit of Christmas. Whether you're reliving childhood memories or creating new traditions, this list will ensure you have plenty of holiday cheer to go around.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some hot cocoa, your coziest blanket, and let the Christmas movie marathon begin!
FAQs
1. What are some good family-friendly Christmas movies?
Movies like Home Alone, Elf, and The Polar Express are perfect for family movie nights, filled with laughs, lessons, and plenty of Christmas magic.
2. Is there a good mix of animated and live-action Christmas movies?
Yes! You can enjoy animated classics like The Grinch and The Nightmare Before Christmas alongside live-action favorites like Love Actually and The Santa Clause.
3. Which Christmas movie is the best for a romantic holiday vibe?
For a romantic Christmas experience, watch Love Actually or The Holiday—both offer heartwarming stories of love and festive romance.
