The Ultimate Guide to the 25 Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time
Celebrate the holiday season with our definitive list of the 25 best Christmas movies of all time From heartwarming classics like It's a Wonderful Life to action-packed favorites like Die Hard, this roundup is sure to bring joy and cheer to your festive movie marathon
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with our top 25 picks for the best holiday movies of all time. Instead of spreading Christmas cheer with loud singing, cozy up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy some classic festive films.
When it comes to Christmas movies, the destination is not as important as the decision on which one to watch. The world of holiday cinema offers something for everyone, from heartwarming rom-coms to chilling horrors and thrilling action films. As December 1st approaches and homes are decorated with shimmering tinsel, it's time to indulge in the first chocolate from advent calendars and celebrate the start of the festive season. Here are our top picks for the greatest Christmas movies of all time.
25. Black Christmas (1974)
Warner Bros.
Black Christmas predates Halloween as the original slasher film by four years. The movie is set in a sorority house where the sisters start receiving obscene phone calls during the festive season. They are later stalked and attacked by the terrifying caller, turning the film into a horror whodunnit. Starring Olivia Hussey, Margot Kidder, and Keir Dullea, and directed by Bob Clark, Black Christmas is the first and most disturbing film on this list.
Watch on: Peacock
Author: Chris Tilly
24. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Disney
Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas is a collection of heartwarming stories that offer audiences three different tales to cherish, each with its own important Christmas lesson. In Donald Duck’s story, his nephews learn the value of appreciating the holiday season beyond just the exchange of gifts. In Goofy’s segment, Goofy and his son, Max, embark on a mission to prove that Santa is real, all in the name of preserving the joy and magic of Christmas.
Catch the heartwarming conclusion where Mickey and Minnie discover the true meaning of Christmas is not about gifts, but about showing love and care to each other. These stories let viewers experience the magic of Christmas with original Disney characters and leave them with a sense of hope, which is the essence of the holiday season.
Streaming on: Disney+
Author: Kayla Harrington
23. Just Friends
New Line Cinema
Just Friends, starring Ryan Reynolds, is a hidden gem that revolves around the theme of going home for the holidays. After Chris Brander accidentally returns to his hometown, he seizes the opportunity to pursue his high school crush Jamie Palamino. Juggling his family, his superficial LA lifestyle, and his history with Jamie, Chris tries to recapture the nostalgia of his hometown romance. Just Friends effectively captures the sentiment of hope that many young adults experience when they return home for the holidays.
Where to watch: On-demand
Author: Josh Tyler
22. Little Women
Sony Pictures
The 2019 version of Little Women by Greta Gerwig is widely regarded as one of the best adaptations of the classic story. While not entirely set during Christmas, the opening scenes are sure to evoke a traditional Christmas atmosphere, inspiring viewers to engage in family activities, share food with neighbors, and decorate with handmade decorations. You can watch it on STARZ.
Author: Lucy-Jo Finnighan
21. Violent Night
Prepare for a wild ride with Violent Night, featuring David Harbour as a tough-as-nails Santa and a slew of clever puns. Directed by Tommy Wirkola, the film brings a fresh and darkly humorous twist to the holiday season, combining action-packed scenes and gory moments with a dose of festive spirit. The charismatic star of Stranger Things is a natural fit for the role, dishing out "seasonal beatings" to the baddies and making Violent Night a delightfully hilarious Christmas success.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Author: Daisy Phillipson
20. Bad Santa
Miramax
Feeling down this Christmas? Watch Bad Santa, the perfect antidote for all you grinches. Terry Zwigoff expertly turns the traditional Christmas story on its head, providing a hilariously irreverent look at the holiday season. Billy Bob Thornton is the ideal fit for the less-than-saintly main character, Willie, whose unlikely bond with the innocent Thurman, played by Brett Kelly, proves that even the most cynical hearts can find happiness and meaning during the holidays.
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Author: Daisy Phillipson
19. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark, offers a more family-friendly take on the holiday season. The film follows a young boy's quest for a Red Ryder air rifle and is set in the 1940s, based on Jean Shepherd's semi-autobiographical anecdotes. Narrated by adult Ralphie Parker, the movie takes a nostalgic look back at his childhood through a series of humorous vignettes featuring young Ralphie and his quirky family and friends. The film's fondness for a bygone era has made it a staple of holiday movie marathons. Despite spawning three sequels, none have managed to recapture the magic of the original.
Where to watch: Max
Author: Chris Tilly
18. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Universal Pictures
Jim Carrey’s version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a humorous and slightly edgy twist on the beloved Christmas story. It offers entertainment for all ages, with entertaining scenes for kids and jokes that will be appreciated by adults on a second viewing. The movie also provides additional background information on the main characters, adding to the charm of the original story. Available for on-demand viewing.
Author: Josh Tyler
17. Last Holiday
Paramount Pictures
Queen Latifah delivers a memorable performance in the beloved 2006 holiday classic, Last Holiday. This heartwarming romantic comedy is a rare gem that captures the essence of living life to the fullest. When Georgia Byrd receives life-altering news, she embarks on a journey to embrace her wildest dreams without compromise. Set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains, Last Holiday is a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments that will resonate with audiences.
Where to watch: Paramount Plus
Author: Gabriela Silva
16. Jingle All the Way
20th Century Studios
Check out "JIngle All the Way" on Disney+. It's a dark portrayal of consumerist Christmas that challenges the Santa Claus tradition and depicts desperate parents. However, it features Arnold Schwarzenegger punching a reindeer, getting upset about someone eating his cookies, and chasing a bouncy ball in a mall. Despite its lack of holiday cheer, the movie is an entertaining depiction of capitalist culture.
Author: Cameron Frew
15. Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street, released by 20th Century Studios, features Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) fighting to prove he's the real Santa Claus in court. The film is no less magical than its predecessor. In fact, despite the absence of Macy's, it's a better and more emotionally fulfilling movie than the original. Since its release in 1994, the film has solidified itself as an American Christmas classic.
Where to watch: Disney+ and Prime Video
Author: Cameron Frew
14. Love Actually
Universal Pictures
Love Actually has become as popular and cherished as its diverse cast. Set in London and featuring a variety of characters, Love Actually offers a delightful look at Christmas from many different viewpoints. While some storylines may not hold up, this only adds to the film's iconic status, capturing the essence of the early 2000s that many of us feel nostalgic for.
Streaming on: Netflix
Author: Lucy-Jo Finnighan
13. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Disney
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas perfectly captures his signature gothic style while blending it with the heartwarming essence of Christmas. The film has also given rise to a goth icon in the lovable character of Jack Skellington. Using groundbreaking stop-motion animation and complemented by Danny Elfman's hauntingly beautiful score, the movie delivers an immersive and visually stunning experience. And let's not forget, this isn't just a Halloween film - it's also an essential part of the Christmas movie lineup.
Where to watch: Disney+
Author: Daisy Phillipson
12. Carol
StudioCanal
Lesbians worldwide consider Todd Haynes' 2015 film to be the ultimate Christmas Carol. Rooney Mara as Therese Belivet at a Manhattan department store encounters Cate Blanchett's alluring Carol, resulting in meme-worthy quotes and festive allure. Haynes' storytelling captures their developing feelings and offers a potential happy ending.
Streaming on: Netflix
Author: Jasmine Valentine
11. Eyes Wide Shut
Experience the holiday season in a whole new light with Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut. Follow Tom Cruise as he embarks on a journey through the dark underbelly of New York, haunted by his wife's dreams of infidelity. Kubrick's final masterpiece is a captivating exploration of darkness and desire, making it a must-watch festive film that redefines the holiday movie experience.
Where to watch: Showtime
Author: Cameron Frew
10. Christmas with the Kranks
Sony Pictures
This holiday DVD was a staple in many of our homes, especially when school was canceled. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play a suburban married couple who are fed up with Christmas after their daughter leaves for the Peace Corps. Christmas With the Kranks humorously shows what happens when you try to skip Christmas - and it goes terribly wrong. With a creepy Snowman Frosty, a delicious hickory honey ham, and neighborly camaraderie, it's the perfect holiday movie.
Available to watch on: Prime Video
Author: Gabriela Silva
9. Home Alone
Home Alone, a film by Chris Columbus released by 20th Century Studios, skillfully balances the line between wish fulfilment fantasy and heartfelt testament to the significance of family. Starring Macaulay Culkin in a memorable performance, this 1990 comedy culminates in a side-splittingly slapstick finale, making it a perennial favorite during the festive season.
Where to watch: Disney+
Author: Leon Miller
8. Gremlins
Warner Bros.
Gizmo, undoubtedly the cutest character in cinema, gives viewers a reason to enjoy Gremlins this Christmas. Despite the adorable singing Mogwai, there are more reasons to appreciate the film. Usually, monsters aren't associated with the holidays, but the gleefully macabre and sometimes frightening havoc makes it a bedtime story that's hard to resist. Remember to check all the cupboards and under the beds, as "you never can tell - there might just be a Gremlin in your house."
Where to watch: Available on-demand
Author: Cameron Frew
7. The Family Stone
20th Century Studios presents
An often overlooked gem of a Christmas movie. When the Stone family's oldest son brings 'the one' (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) home for the holidays, she quickly finds herself at odds with almost everyone – especially the seemingly welcoming yet fierce matriarch (portrayed by Diane Keaton). It's a cleverly written, hilariously tragicomedy that expertly combines humor and heartache – and the awkwardness is delightfully cringeworthy.
Where to watch: STARZ
Author: Cameron Frew
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Disney
The Muppets have a way of making anything seem exceptional, and their version of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is no exception. With Kermit the Frog and Michael Caine, it has become one of the most beloved adaptations. Special mention to Statler and Waldorf for their perfect portrayal of Scrooge's former partners. Available to watch on Disney+ and Hulu.
Author: Jasmine Valentine
5. The Holiday
Universal Pictures
Nancy Meyers never fails to deliver, and The Holiday is no exception – especially with such an amazing cast. Spanning two captivating locations and storylines, The Holiday has already left a lasting impact on pop culture with its use of "gumption" and "meet-cutes." And let's not forget the incredible score by the legendary Hans Zimmer.
Where to watch: Hulu
Author: Lucy-Jo Finnighan
4. Elf
New Line Cinema
Get into the holiday spirit with Elf, a movie that has everything you could ever want at this time of year: the North Pole, elves, Santa Claus, Christmas in New York, a massive toy store, a cynical businessman who’s lost sight of the true meaning of the season, the naughty and nice list, and Santa’s reindeer and sleigh. This heartwarming film is guaranteed to make you laugh and feel merry. Watch it on Hulu and Max.
Author: Cameron Frew
3. Home Alone 2
Home Alone 2, produced by 20th Century Studios, follows a similar formula to its predecessor but surpasses it with higher stakes in a new location. Kevin McCallister is no longer stuck at home; he’s all alone in the Big Apple, evading the same home invaders who tried to harm him in the last movie. The film captures the warm Christmas spirit as Kevin explores beautifully decorated places around NYC, while also serving as a reminder for parents to always keep an eye on their children.
Where to watch: Disney+
Author: Kayla Harrington
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
RKO
You might think It’s a Wonderful Life is just a sappy Christmas movie, but it's actually much more. Jimmy Stewart's character, George Bailey, constantly sacrifices himself and the alternate timeline sequence is pretty dark. The movie's happy ending works because we know George went through a lot to earn it.
Streaming on: Prime Video
Author: Leon Miller
1. Die Hard
Die Hard, released by 20th Century Studios, is not only considered one of the most impactful action films of all time but also a top-tier pick for the holiday season. While the focus is on the intense cat-and-mouse game between Bruce Willis' character, John McClane, and the iconic villain Hans Gruber played by Alan Rickman, at its core, Die Hard tells the story of a man simply wanting to be with his wife and kids on December 25th – a true Christmas movie in our books.
Where to watch: Hulu
Author: Leon Miller
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Editor's P/S
As a movie enthusiast, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on the ultimate guide to the 25 greatest Christmas movies of all time. This festive season, I eagerly anticipate indulging in these cinematic gems that evoke the joy and cheer of the holiday. From heartwarming classics like "It's a Wonderful Life" to adrenaline-pumping favorites like "Die Hard," this diverse selection caters to every taste.
One movie that particularly resonates with me is "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas." This delightful collection of heartwarming tales encapsulates the essence of the holiday season. The stories, centered around beloved Disney characters, teach valuable lessons about appreciating the true meaning of Christmas beyond the exchange of gifts. Mickey and Minnie's heartwarming discovery that Christmas is about showing love and care to one another serves as a poignant reminder of the season's spirit.
