When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than cozying up on the couch with some hot cocoa and watching a classic Christmas movie. From heartwarming tales that capture the true meaning of the season to hilarious comedies that have you laughing all the way, Christmas films have a special way of getting us into the holiday spirit.
So grab a blanket, settle in, and join us as we count down the 25 best Christmas movies of all time. These are the must-watch films that have become an essential part of celebrating the most wonderful time of the year.
25. The Polar Express (2004)
We start off our list with the visually stunning adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s classic children’s book. Tom Hanks stars in multiple roles in this CGI adventure as a young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. With a beautiful score and groundbreaking animation, The Polar Express is a treat for the eyes and ears. Its message about the importance of believing captures the childlike wonder of the season.
24. The Santa Clause (1994)
In this clever comedy, Tim Allen stars as an ordinary man who must step into Santa’s boots after the big guy takes a tumble off his roof on Christmas Eve. He’s magically transported to the North Pole and informed that he must take on the role of jolly old St. Nick. Watching his physical transformation into Santa is hilarious, and Allen’s comedic chops are in full effect. It’s a fun, original story that spawned several sequels.
23. Gremlins (1984)
While it may not be a traditional Christmas movie, this comedy horror gem directed by Joe Dante has become a holiday favorite. When a young man receives a strange creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas gift, he inadvertently breaks three important rules and unleashes a horde of mischievous, dangerous gremlins on his small town. With its mix of humor and horror and its Christmas setting, Gremlins is perfect for those who like their holiday movies with a bit of a bite.
22. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The debate rages on, but one thing is certain – The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stunningly original and creative film. Produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated musical follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and decides to put his own spooky spin on the holiday. The visual style is breathtaking, the songs are insanely catchy, and the story is both funny and heartwarming.
21. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The original 1947 version of this classic cannot be topped. The film stars Maureen O’Hara as a single mother who doesn’t want her daughter to believe in fairy tales. But when an old man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) is hired to play Santa at Macy’s, he challenges her beliefs. Is he really Santa Claus? The film leaves you questioning what you believe as well. It’s a charming, feel-good story that exemplifies the magic of the season.
20. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Who would have thought that one of the best adaptations of Charles Dickens’ iconic story would star a bunch of puppets? But The Muppet Christmas Carol is an absolute delight, with Michael Caine giving a fantastic performance as Ebenezer Scrooge alongside Kermit, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet gang. The original songs are great, the humor is spot-on, and it manages to stay faithful to the source material while still putting a unique spin on it. It’s a version of the classic tale that the whole family can enjoy.
19. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
While it may not quite reach the heights of the original, this sequel to The Santa Clause brings plenty of laughs and holiday cheer. This time around, Tim Allen’s Santa must find a Mrs. Claus or he’ll lose his position as the big guy in red. The film expands the mythology of the North Pole in fun ways, and Allen’s interactions with the various elves and legendary figures are a hoot. It’s a worthy follow-up that keeps the Christmas magic alive.
18. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This underrated animated gem from Aardman Studios (the folks behind Wallace & Gromit) is a clever, funny take on the logistics of how Santa delivers all those presents in one night. When one child’s gift is accidentally left behind, it’s up to Santa’s clumsy son Arthur to deliver it before Christmas morning. The voice cast is great, the jokes are clever, and the film’s message about going the extra mile for others is truly heartwarming. Arthur Christmas deserves to find a larger audience.
17. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
This Rankin/Bass stop-motion classic features an all-star cast of voice talent, including Mickey Rooney as a Santa who’s feeling a bit under the weather and considering skipping his annual gift-giving journey. The film is most memorable for the introduction of the Heat Miser and Snow Miser, two bickering brothers who control the weather. Their musical numbers are the highlight of this offbeat special that puts a unique spin on the Santa Claus legend.
16. Bad Santa (2003)
Definitely not one for the kids, this raunchy comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as a con man who poses as a mall Santa in order to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. He drinks, swears, and fornicates his way through the season. But when he befriends a troubled kid, he starts to question his criminal ways. Bad Santa earns its R rating, but buried beneath all the vulgarity is a surprisingly sweet story about friendship and redemption.
15. The Ref (1994)
This underrated ’90s comedy stars Denis Leary as a cat burglar who takes a bickering couple (Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis) hostage on Christmas Eve. Forced to pose as their marriage counselor when the rest of their family arrives for the holidays, he tries to keep the peace as insults and secrets are hurled over the dinner table. The Ref is a pitch-black comedy that provides big laughs by subverting the idea of the picture-perfect family Christmas gathering.
14. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Cary Grant stars as an angel who comes to Earth to help a struggling bishop (David Niven) and his wife (Loretta Young) as they try to raise money for a new cathedral. The film is a charming, romantic comedy with Grant turning in a typically dashing performance. There’s also a lovely message about not losing sight of what’s truly important in life, a valuable lesson any time of year but especially at Christmas. The Bishop’s Wife is an overlooked gem from Hollywood’s Golden Age.
13. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Speaking of classic Hollywood, this Ernst Lubitsch romantic comedy set during the holidays stars Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as co-workers at a Budapest gift shop who can’t stand each other. Little do they know, they’re also anonymous pen pals who have been falling in love through their letters. The film was later remade as You’ve Got Mail, but the original is still the best. Stewart and Sullavan have incredible chemistry, and the film is both funny and heartfelt.
12. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
One of the most iconic of the Rankin/Bass stop-motion specials, this telling of how Rudolph saved Christmas is a television staple of the holiday season. Narrated by Burl Ives, the special features a colorful cast of characters, including the endearing misfit toys and the abominable snow monster. The songs are classics, especially the title number, and the message of embracing your uniqueness is one that still resonates. Rudolph is required holiday viewing.
11. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
We already covered this one earlier in the list, but it’s so good it deserves a second mention. Director Henry Selick and producer Tim Burton crafted a movie that works equally well as a Halloween or Christmas film, thanks to its stunning animation, unforgettable characters, and a story that perfectly balances light and dark, funny and scary. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a true original that holds up to repeat viewings.
10. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The Peanuts gang is a big part of many holiday traditions, thanks to this classic animated special. Depressed by the commercialization of the season, Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas. The special is funny, thoughtful, and features one of the all-time great soundtracks courtesy of the Vince Guaraldi Trio. But its most powerful moment comes when Linus takes the stage and recites a passage from the Bible, reminding Charlie Brown (and all of us) what Christmas is really about. It’s a scene that still brings a lump to the throat every time.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Vacation series gets a holiday twist in this threequel that finds the Griswold family dealing with all sorts of disasters as they try to have the perfect family Christmas. Chevy Chase is at his comedic best as the perpetually optimistic Clark Griswold, and the rest of the cast is great as well, especially Randy Quaid as Cousin Eddie. The film is endlessly quotable (“Sh*tter was full!”) and features so many memorable scenes, from the Griswolds’ oversized tree to the disastrous turkey dinner. It’s a hilarious look at the craziness of the holidays.
8. White Christmas (1954)
This musical starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a pair of Army buddies turned entertainers is a holiday favorite for its gorgeous songs by Irving Berlin, including the iconic title number. The plot, which finds the guys teaming up with a sister act (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen) to put on a show to save their former commanding officer’s struggling inn, is light but charming. And the film looks fantastic, with colorful sets and costumes that pop off the screen. White Christmas is a feel-good classic.
7. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
We already sang the praises of this classic earlier, but it bears repeating. From Edmund Gwenn’s Oscar-winning performance as Kris Kringle to the film’s smart, funny script, Miracle on 34th Street is a perfect holiday movie. Its story of a man who may or may not be the real Santa Claus captures the wonder and magic of the season while never feeling overly sappy or sentimental. It’s a film that appeals to both kids and adults, one that can be watched and enjoyed year after year.
6. A Christmas Story (1983)
Set in the 1940s, this comedy follows young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) as he desperately tries to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift. Based on the semi-autobiographical stories of Jean Shepherd (who also narrates), A Christmas Story is a nostalgic look back at the joys and frustrations of childhood. The film is packed with iconic scenes, from Ralphie’s friend getting his tongue stuck to a frozen pole to the leg lamp disaster. It’s a hilarious slice of Americana that captures the experience of Christmas like no other movie.
5. The Santa Clause (1994)
We’ve already covered this modern classic and its sequel, but the original earns its place in the top 5 for the way it cleverly updates the Santa Claus mythos. Tim Allen’s transformation from regular guy to the big guy is filled with funny moments, and the depiction of the North Pole as a magical factory is wonderfully imaginative. But the film also has a lot of heart, as it’s ultimately a story about a father reconnecting with his son. The Santa Clause is a perfect blend of humor and heart.
4. Home Alone (1990)
This John Hughes-scripted comedy was a massive hit upon its release and has only grown in popularity since. Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation and must defend his home against a pair of bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). The film is funny from start to finish, and Culkin is absolutely perfect in the lead role. But Home Alone also has a surprising amount of emotional depth, as Kevin learns to appreciate his family. It’s a hilarious and heartwarming holiday classic.
3. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell gives one of his best performances in this modern Christmas classic. He stars as Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. When he learns the truth about his identity, he travels to New York City to find his biological father (James Caan). Fish-out-of-water hilarity ensues as Buddy tries to spread Christmas cheer in the big city. But the film also has a lot of heart, as Buddy helps his family rediscover the true meaning of the season. With quotable lines, memorable scenes, and a fantastic supporting cast, Elf is an instant holiday classic.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra’s masterpiece stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a small-town man who has given up his dreams to help others. When a financial crisis pushes him to the brink of despair, his guardian angel (Henry Travers) shows him what the world would be like if he had never been born. It’s a powerful, emotional story that earns every tear it jerks. Stewart is incredible in the lead role, and the supporting cast is fantastic as well, especially Donna Reed as George’s wife Mary. It’s a Wonderful Life is a film that reminds us of the impact we have on others and the importance of appreciating what we have. It’s a true classic in every sense of the word.
1. A Christmas Carol (1951)
There have been countless adaptations of Charles Dickens’ classic novella over the years, but none can top this 1951 version. Alastair Sim gives the definitive performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and forced to confront the errors of his ways. Sim is equally convincing as the cold-hearted Scrooge and the giddy, reformed man he becomes at the end. The film is a faithful adaptation of the source material, hitting all the iconic moments while also adding some new touches. It’s a beautiful, moving story of redemption that captures the true spirit of Christmas. And that’s why it tops our list of the best Christmas movies of all time.
So there you have it – the 25 best Christmas movies ever made. These films have stood the test of time and become an essential part of the holiday season. Whether you prefer classic comedies, heartwarming dramas, or stop-motion adventures, there’s a Christmas movie out there for everyone. So this holiday season, gather the family, grab some eggnog, and enjoy one (or all) of these timeless tales. Merry Christmas and happy viewing!
