35 Best Christmas Movies to Watch this Holiday Season!
From 'A Christmas Story' to 'Violent Night,' Moviefone ranks the greatest holiday movies of all time!
Bruce Willis as John McClane in 'Die Hard.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Christmas is finally here again, which means it's time to watch lots and lots of holiday movies!
While there are many great theatrical and made-for-TV movies to choose from this holiday season, Moviefone has assembled a collection of fun, unique and beloved Christmas classics to make sure you add to your annual holiday watchlist, including a few that were just released this year.
Let's begin and Merry Christmas!
35. 'Dear Santa' (2024)
(L to R) Jack Black and Robert Timothy Smith star in Paramount Pictures presents a Farrelly Brothers / Kraymation Films production, a Bobby Farrelly film, 'Dear Santa'.
Likeable 6th grader Liam (Robert Timothy Smith) writes to Santa asking him to prove that he's real. But Liam is dyslexic and accidentally sends his letter to Satan (Jack Black) instead, who shows up at Liam's house, excited to have his first fanboy letter and wanting a little of Liam's soul.
Dear Santa
Likeable 6th grader Liam writes to Santa asking him to prove that he's real. But Liam is dyslexic and accidentally sends his letter to Satan instead, who shows up... Read the Plot
34. 'Silent Night' (2023)
Joel Kinnaman as Godlock in 'Silent Night'. Photo Credit: Carlos Latapi.
From legendary director John Woo and the producer of 'John Wick' comes this gritty revenge tale of a tormented father (Joel Kinnaman) who witnesses his young son die when caught in a gang’s crossfire on Christmas Eve. While recovering from a wound that costs him his voice, he makes vengeance his life’s mission and embarks on a punishing training regimen in order to avenge his son’s death. Full of Woo’s signature style, Silent Night redefines the action genre with visceral, thrill-a-minute storytelling.
33. 'Spirited' (2022)
(L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell in 'Spirited,' premiering November 18, 2022 on Apple TV+.
In 'Spirited,' Will Ferrell plays Christmas Present, who is considering retirement after the holidays but chooses to haunt Clint Briggs (Ryan Reynolds), an arrogant public relations executive who is completely aware of Charles Dickens’ famous story and that Present is trying to teach him about the true meaning of Christmas. The result is a fun twist on ‘A Christmas Carol,’ with fantastic musical numbers created by ‘La La Land’s Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
32. 'The Polar Express' (2004)
2004's 'The Polar Express.' Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.
No matter where you come down on the “creepy or cute” debate over this film’s CGI characters, Robert Zemeckis’ first animated holiday film has a surprisingly tender and important message for audiences of all ages as a young boy goes on an odyssey to prove that he can hold onto his Christmas spirit in the face of too many reasons not to believe.
31. 'The Night Before' (2015)
(L to R) Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt in 'The Night Before.' Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
As quite possibly the only Jewish-themed Christmas movie (at least on this list), Jonathan Levine’s story of three friends (Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie) searching for the ultimate Christmas party offers tons of laughs but also some surprisingly mature messages, all anchored by an unexpectedly delightful turn by Michael Shannon as the trio’s would-be guardian angel.
30. 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964)
1964's 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.' Photo: NBC.
Sam the snowman (Burl Ives) tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his glowing nose, teams up with Hermey (Paul Soles), an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius (Larry D. Mann), the prospector. They run into the Abominable Snowman and find a whole island of misfit toys. Rudolph (Billie Mae Richards) vows to see if he can get Santa (Stan Francis) to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. But Santa's sleigh is fogged in. But when Santa looks over Rudolph, he gets a very bright idea...
29. 'Trading Places' (1983)
Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthorpe III in 'Trading Places.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.
A snobbish investor (Dan Aykroyd) and a wily street con-artist (Eddie Murphy) find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.
Trading Places
28. 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever' (2024)
(L to R) Pete Holmes and Judy Greer in 'The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'. Photo: Lionsgate.
The Herdman kids are undeniably the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, cheat, bully and overall terrorize their small community. But this Christmas, they're taking over their local church Pageant – and they just might unwittingly teach a shocked little town the true meaning of Christmas.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
27. 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)
(Left) Jim Carrey as the Grinch in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
This Ron Howard directed live-action remake of the beloved 1966 animated Dr. Seuss TV movie stars Jim Carrey in the title role and was an instant Christmas classic when it was released in 2000.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
26. 'The Santa Clause' (1994)
Tim Allen as Scott Calvin / Santa Claus in 'The Santa Clause.' Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
Tim Allen’s 1990s hot streak continued with this story of a man who inadvertently inherits the mantle of Santa Claus and must adjust - and adjust his wardrobe - to accommodate the demands of one of the world’s most important jobs.
The Santa Clause
25. 'Die Hard 2' (1990)
Bruce Willis as John McClane in 'Die Hard 2.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Off-duty cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) is gripped with a feeling of déjà vu when, on a snowy Christmas Eve in the nation’s capital, terrorists seize a major international airport, holding thousands of holiday travelers hostage. Renegade military commandos led by a murderous rogue officer plot to rescue a drug lord from justice and are prepared for every contingency except one: McClane’s smart-mouthed heroics.
24. 'Arthur Christmas' (2011)
2011's 'Arthur Christmas.' Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
If the movies teach us anything it’s that Santa has a lot of family members - but this might be the first time he not only has kids, but a father of his own. In this delightful animated film, Santa’s son and old, OLD Saint Nick team up to deliver a lost gift to a young girl in time for Christmas.
Arthur Christmas
23. 'Lethal Weapon' (1987)
(L to R) Danny Glover and Mel Gibson in 'Lethal Weapon'. Photo: Warner Bros.
You may not remember, but 'Lethal Weapon' is totally a Christmas movie as it takes place over the holiday. On the eve of retirement, veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh (Danny Glover) is assigned a new partner, Vietnam veteran Martin Riggs (Mel Gibson), a recent widower with suicidal tendencies. After initially bumping heads, the two come together to solve a homicide, bring down a group of heroin smugglers, and rescue Murtaugh's family.
Lethal Weapon
22. 'Bad Santa' (2003)
Billy Bob Thornton as Willie T. Soke in 'Bad Santa.' Photo: Miramax Films.
Terry Zwigoff’s midnight-black comedy offers a rejoinder to the notion that Christmas stories must be cheerful and bright, as alcoholic safe-cracker Willie Soke (Billy Bob Thornton) eats and drinks his way through the holiday season, holing up in the house of an outcast kid name Thurman who think he’s the real article as his partner Marcus tries to keep him in check (and sober enough to complete their annual Christmas Eve heist).
21. 'That Christmas' (2024)
'That Christmas'. Photo: Netflix.
It's an unforgettable Christmas for the townsfolk of Wellington-on-Sea when the worst snowstorm in history alters everyone's plans — including Santa's.
20. 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
1947's 'Miracle on 34th Street.' Photo: 20th Century-Fox.
The best holiday stories are those that remind you what it was like to be a kid - or at least that there’s some magic in the world - and this one is no exception: when a man dressed as Santa Claus and claiming to be him gets institutionalized, a young lawyer sets out to prove that he’s the real thing.
Miracle on 34th Street
19. 'Gremlins' (1984)
1984's 'Gremlins.' Photo: Warner Bros.
Joe Dante created this mischievous romp about a mysterious little creature and the trouble caused when his owner (Zach Galligan) fails to obey the very simple and strict rules for taking care of him. Featuring a cavalcade of manic, menacing, oddball creatures and plenty of Dante’s own impish creativity, it’s a highly unconventional holiday film that has earned its place in the canon.
Gremlins
18. 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas!' (1966)
1966's 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' Photo: MGM Animation/Visual Arts.
At 26 minutes and using only hand-drawn animation, this television special might lack some of the pizazz of the live-action and computer-animated versions that followed. But its adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic children’s book gets all of the details the most right, and features the immortal Boris Karloff as narrator, lending the character’s journey from crank to Christmas superfan a theatrical elegance that’s never been matched.
17. 'A Christmas Story' (1983)
Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker in 1983's 'A Christmas Story.' Photo: MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Bob Clark’s adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash” skillfully pays tribute to a bygone era of childhood fantasy and hilariously exposes the simple truth that it never really existed. Peter Billingsley is so good as the kid who wants nothing as much as a Red Ryder BB gun and will engage in any and all subterfuge to obtain one - and protect it even after his parents’ worst fears come true.
A Christmas Story
16. 'Candy Cane Lane' (2023)
Eddie Murphy as Chris Carver in 'Candy Cane Lane.' Photo: Claudette Barius. © AMAZON CONTENT SERVICES LLC.
A man (Eddie Murphy) is determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest. After making a pact with an elf (Jillian Bell) to help him win, the elf casts a spell bringing the 12 days of Christmas to life and unexpectedly bringing chaos to town.
15. 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special' (2022)
Chris Pratt as Peter Quill / Star-Lord in Marvel Studio's 'The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.'
Written and directed by 'Guardians of the Galaxy' James Gunn, the movie follows Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) as they set out to give Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) the best Christmas ever, after discovering that Yondu (Michael Rooker) ruined the holiday for him as a child. So, the two Guardians travel to Earth to kidnap Peter’s childhood hero, the ‘Footloose’ actor Kevin Bacon (playing himself), as the ultimate gift for Peter.
The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special
14. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
1965's 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' Photo: CBS.
This would make the list on the strength of Vince Guaraldi’s music alone, but this animated special qualifies as Charles Schulz’ magnum opus, as his beleaguered title character tries to find the true meaning of Christmas in a landscape marred by rampant commercialism.
13. 'The Holiday' (2006)
(L to R) Cameron Diaz and Jude Law in 'The Holiday'. Photo: Sony Pictures Releasing.
Two women, one from the United States (Cameron Diaz) and one from the United Kingdom (Kate Winslet), swap homes at Christmas time after bad breakups with their boyfriends. Each woman finds romance with a local man but realizes that the imminent return home may end the relationship.
The Holiday
12. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
1993's 'The Nightmare Before Christmas.' Photo: Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.
Tim Burton combines the best of two holidays with this stop-motion animated film about Jack Skellington (Danny Elfman), an authority on all things Halloween who decides to turn his macabre creativity loose on Santa’s favorite day of the year.
11. 'Elf' (2003)
(Right) Will Ferrell in 'Elf.' Photo: New Line Cinema.
Jon Favreau’s comedic chops balance perfectly with Will Ferrell’s wholesome, silly enthusiasm in this endlessly entertaining story of a human raised at the North Pole who treks to civilization and reconnect with his father, a cynical workaholic book publisher played to perfection by James Caan.
10. 'Violent Night' (2022)
(L to R) Alexis Louder, and David Harbour in 'Violent Night.' © Universal Studios.
Asking the age old question: "What would Santa Clause do if he was in 'Die Hard?'" 'Violent Night' stars David Harbour as Father Christmas, who has lost faith in mankind. While delivering gifts to a wealthy family on Christmas Eve, he discovers a group of criminals have taken the family hostage, and its up to Santa to save the day and rescue a little girl and her family, who teaches him that some people still believe in Christmas miracles.
9. 'Home Alone' (1990)
Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister in 'Home Alone.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
John Hughes transitioned into decidedly more family-friendly territory with this script about a kid who gets left behind while the rest of his family heads out for their Christmas vacation. Macaulay Culkin became a star overnight as the precocious preteen who fends off burglars and holiday loneliness in Chris Columbus’ monster hit film.
8. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)
Chevy Chase in 1989's 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.' Photo: Warner Bros.
Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo come clashing back together as Clark Griswold and his loving, long-suffering wife Ellen, this time trying to survive the holiday season that much like every other Clark family gathering seems destined for disaster.
7. 'Scrooged' (1988)
Bill Murray as Frank Cross in 'Scrooged.' Photo: Paramount Pictures.
There have been a lot of great versions of Charles Dickens’ 'A Christmas Carol,' but Bill Murray makes his version of Scrooge one of the wildest, this time a television executive who loses his way in a cutthroat industry and gets visited by three ghosts unafraid to beat him (literally) into a Christmas morning epiphany.
Scrooged
6. 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
(Center) James Stewart as George Bailey in 'It's a Wonderful Life.' Photo: RKO Radio Pictures.
Frank Capra’s 1946 film initially achieved ubiquitousness by virtue of endless syndicated showings on television, but it became a classic on the strength of its story - a portrait of sacrifice and generosity - as well as a performance by Jimmy Stewart that utilized both his fragile desperation and scrappy determination.
It's a Wonderful Life
5. 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang' (2005)
(L to R) Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. in 'Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.' Photo: Warner Bros.
A petty thief (Robert Downey Jr.) posing as an actor is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl (Michelle Monaghan) and a detective (Val Kilmer) who's been training him for his upcoming role.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
4. 'The Holdovers' (2023)
(L to R) Dominic Sessa stars as Angus Tully and Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham in director Alexander Payne’s 'The Holdovers,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, 'The Holdovers' follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them -- a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) -- and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
3. 'Love Actually' (2003)
(L to R) Emma Thompson as Karen and Alan Rickman as Harry in 'Love Actually.' Photo: United International Pictures.
Richard Curtis’ enchanting tapestry of relationships in the days and weeks leading up to Christmas continues to inspire debates about exactly how healthy the behavior some of its cast of characters are, but that’s sort of the point of the movie itself: what we all want, what we’re pursuing, and at what cost all connects through love, even if in some cases that means the fractured relationship between a husband (Alan Rickman) and wife (Emma Thompson), and others, the recognition of a soul mate in a long-suffering tour manager (Gregor Fisher) and his unpredictable rock-star client (Bill Nighy).
2. 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)
1992's 'The Muppet Christmas Carol.' Photo: Walt Disney Pictures.
This “Christmas Carol” adaptation has largely been reduced by the internet to a meme of its Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine) dancing along with one of Jim Henson’s human-sized puppets, but the film remains one of the most magical - and emotional - versions of the story ever told, thanks to a Bob Cratchit, played by Kermit the Frog, who irresistibly embodies the everyman everyone loves.
1. 'Die Hard' (1988)
Bruce Willis as John McClane in 'Die Hard.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.
Before John McClane became a superhero and Bruce Willis descended into super-stardom, his performance in this iconic original installment oozed with everyman charm as the New York cop loses his shoes, battles a skyscraper full of terrorists, and tries to make peace with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia).
Die Hard
