Every December, I start looking for classic Christmas movies to watch with the family. Then someone picks up the remote, somebody wants a cartoon, somebody else wants a comedy, and twenty minutes of scrolling later, the popcorn is already going cold. Sound familiar?
So I put together this list of Christmas favorites to settle the argument before it starts. From old Hollywood classics and beloved animated favorites to modern holiday movies that have become traditions of their own, there’s something here for different ages and moods.
Save this list because you’ll probably come back to it every December.
The Old Hollywood Classics Christmas Movies
These are the black-and-white and early-color Christmas films your grandparents or parents may have grown up watching. They move a little slower than today’s movies, so grab a blanket, make something warm to drink, and let them set the mood.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A Christmas classic for a reason. George Bailey is struggling with the feeling that he hasn’t accomplished what he hoped, until an angel gives him a chance to see what his community would look like without him. It’s heartfelt, emotional, and definitely one to keep tissues nearby for.
2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A department-store Santa claims that he really is the real Santa Claus, leading to a courtroom battle over whether he’s telling the truth. It’s sweet, funny, and built around that familiar Christmas question: do you still believe?
3. White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, big musical numbers, beautiful costumes, and plenty of old-fashioned Christmas charm. If you want your living room to feel like a cozy holiday inn for a couple of hours, this is an easy pick.
4. Holiday Inn (1942)
This is the movie where the song “White Christmas” was first introduced. It’s a fun choice if your family enjoys old-fashioned musicals, classic Hollywood stars, and plenty of singing and dancing.
5. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Cary Grant plays an angel who arrives to help a struggling bishop and his family. It’s charming, romantic, and quieter than some of the more energetic Christmas movies on this list.
6. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
A food writer who can’t actually cook has been pretending to be the perfect homemaker and farmhouse cook. Then she has to keep the story going when a Christmas visit is arranged. If you’ve ever tried to make real life look more organized than it actually is, you’ll probably relate.
The Family Favorites Kids Grew Up On
If you’re watching with younger children, these are some of the easiest choices to start with. Several are short enough that you don’t have to commit the whole evening to one movie.
7. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Short, gentle, and full of heart. Charlie Brown’s little scraggly Christmas tree somehow becomes one of the sweetest parts of the story.
8. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The beloved stop-motion Christmas special about Rudolph, Hermey, and the Island of Misfit Toys. The animation has an unmistakably old-fashioned look, but that’s part of its charm.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
The original animated Grinch is short, simple, and still wonderfully entertaining. At around half an hour, it’s especially handy when you’re looking for a quick Christmas movie before bedtime.
10. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Another short Christmas favorite that works well for younger children. Frosty’s story is simple, cheerful, and easy to fit into a busy December evening.
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
One of my favorite versions of the Dickens story. Michael Caine plays Scrooge completely straight while the Muppets bring their usual humor and personality to the story. It works surprisingly well for both children and adults.
12. The Polar Express (2004)
A magical train ride to the North Pole, a little boy’s Christmas Eve adventure, and that unforgettable hot chocolate scene. This one is especially fun when everyone is already in pajamas with a blanket nearby.
13. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen accidentally becomes Santa after a very unexpected Christmas Eve event. It’s funny, lighthearted, and an easy choice when you want something the whole family can enjoy.
The Modern Classics (2000 and Beyond)
These are the newer Christmas movies that have already earned a spot in many holiday movie rotations. They may not be as old as White Christmas or It’s a Wonderful Life, but give them a few more Decembers and some of them may feel just as familiar.
14. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
An ordinary boy named Nikolas embarks on a snow-bound quest to find his father and the mythical elf village of Elfhelm. Joined by a headstrong reindeer and a loyal pet mouse, he discovers his magical destiny in this vibrant, heartwarming Christmas origin story.
15. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
A couple decides to skip Christmas and take a cruise instead, only to discover that their neighborhood isn’t exactly willing to let them off that easily. It’s cheesy, chaotic, and surprisingly easy to rewatch when you want something light.
16. The Family Stone (2005)
A funny, messy, and heartfelt family Christmas with a cast full of familiar faces. It’s especially relatable if you’ve ever brought a new partner home for the holidays and wondered how the family gathering would go.
17. Fred Claus (2007)
Santa’s older brother Fred is almost everything you’d expect him not to be: messy, selfish, and definitely not ready to live at the North Pole. Vince Vaughn brings plenty of humor to this silly but warm Christmas comedy.
18. Arthur Christmas (2011)
An animated Christmas movie that deserves more attention. It imagines Santa’s operation as a huge high-tech mission, complete with an enormous sleigh and an equally impressive Christmas Eve delivery system. It’s funny, fast-paced, and genuinely sweet.
19. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell makes a very entertaining Santa in this family adventure. Two siblings accidentally get pulled into a wild Christmas Eve adventure after sneaking into Santa’s sleigh. It’s a fun pick when you have a mix of ages watching together.
20. Klaus (2019)
A beautifully animated Christmas story that reimagines how Santa Claus became part of Christmas tradition. It has plenty of humor, but there’s also an emotional side that sneaks up on you. A good choice for older children and adults watching together.
21. Last Christmas (2019)
A cozy romantic Christmas story set in London, with plenty of George Michael music throughout. It’s best suited to teens and adults and works well for a quieter December evening.
22. Spirited (2022)
Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds put a modern musical spin on A Christmas Carol. It’s colorful, energetic, funny, and packed with big musical numbers, making it a good choice when you want something more upbeat.
23. Red One (2024)
Santa gets kidnapped, and an action-packed rescue mission follows. It’s more of a Christmas action-comedy than a traditional family holiday movie, so it’s better suited to teens and adults who enjoy a little more chaos with their Christmas entertainment.
The Comedies That Have Become Christmas Traditions
These are the movies that tend to get quoted long after the credits roll.
24. A Christmas Story (1983)
The leg lamp, the BB gun, the frozen pole, and Ralphie’s unforgettable Christmas wish. It’s full of the kind of childhood Christmas moments that are ridiculous, funny, and strangely relatable.
25. Home Alone (1990)
Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone and turns his house into a surprisingly elaborate obstacle course for two burglars. Watch it again as an adult and you may find yourself wondering why the grown-ups didn’t have a better plan.
26. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
This time Kevin ends up in New York City, and the chaos gets even bigger. It’s a fun follow-up if your family already loves the first movie.
27. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold is determined to give his family the perfect Christmas, which naturally means almost everything goes wrong. This one is better suited to teens and adults because of its humor and content.
28. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human who was raised by elves and travels to New York City to find his biological father. It has become a modern Christmas favorite thanks to its silly humor, Christmas spirit, and very enthusiastic main character.
The Cozy, Feel-Good Ones
These are for evenings when you want something a little more romantic, sentimental, or relaxed.
29. Love Actually (2003)
This one is best for adults and older teens rather than younger children. It follows several interconnected relationships during the Christmas season, so there’s plenty of romance, humor, and emotion.
30. The Holiday (2006)
Two women swap homes for the holidays and unexpectedly find romance and a fresh start along the way. It’s a cozy choice for a girls’ night, a quiet evening at home, or whenever you want something light and romantic.
31. Jingle All the Way (1996)
A dad goes on a frantic Christmas Eve search for the year’s most wanted toy. Anyone who has ever waited until the last minute to buy a Christmas gift will recognize the panic.
The Slightly Spooky Holiday Picks
Christmas doesn’t always have to be sweet and cheerful. If your family enjoys a little darkness with its holiday movies, try these.
32. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? People still can’t agree, which is part of the fun. Jack Skellington’s attempt to take over Christmas makes this a great choice for families with older kids who enjoy something a little different.
33. Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray plays a selfish television executive who gets an unexpected visit from several Christmas ghosts. It’s a darker and more sarcastic take on A Christmas Carol, so it’s better suited to older teens and adults.
34. Gremlins (1984)
It’s set during Christmas, but don’t let the holiday setting fool you into thinking this is a movie for little kids. The cute little creature quickly turns into something much more chaotic. Save this one for older viewers or after the younger children are in bed.
35. Die Hard (1988)
Yes, we’re going there.
The movie takes place during a Christmas Eve office party, which is why it has become part of the annual “Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?” debate. Whether you count it as a Christmas movie or simply a great action movie set during the holidays, it’s definitely one for the adults.
How to Pick the Right Christmas Movie for Your Family
Here’s the trick that can save you from twenty minutes of scrolling: choose based on who’s actually in the room.
1. If you have toddlers or preschoolers
Start with the shorter options such as A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, or the original Grinch. A shorter runtime can make a big difference when little ones have limited attention spans.
2. If you have a mix of ages
Try Elf, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, or The Muppet Christmas Carol. They have enough humor and story to keep adults interested while still being enjoyable for younger viewers.
3. If it’s just the grown-ups
This is when you can settle in with Love Actually, The Holiday, It’s a Wonderful Life, or Christmas in Connecticut. Make something warm to drink, put the phones away for a while, and enjoy the quiet.
Tips for a Better Christmas Movie Night
You don’t need much to turn an ordinary movie into a little Christmas tradition.
- Let everyone choose one movie. If you’re watching several movies throughout December, give each family member a turn choosing.
- Make a simple snack board. Popcorn, cookies, candy canes, chocolate, fruit, and whatever you already have in the kitchen can make movie night feel special.
- Put the phones away. Even putting them in a basket for the length of the movie can make everyone feel more present.
- Keep a running movie list. Write down what you watch each year. After a few Christmases, you’ll have your own little family tradition to look back on.
- Make it cozy. Pajamas, blankets, Christmas lights, and a warm drink are sometimes all you need.
FAQs About Classic Christmas Movies
1. What is the No. 1 Christmas movie of all time?
There isn’t one universally agreed-upon No. 1 Christmas movie. Different audiences and lists favor different classics, from It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street to Home Alone and A Christmas Story. The best choice really depends on the kind of movie your family enjoys.
2. What are 10 classic Christmas movies?
A good starting list includes It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, Home Alone, Elf, The Muppet Christmas Carol, A Charlie Brown Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Polar Express.
3. What is a good classic Christmas movie for kids?
For younger children, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas are good places to start because they are shorter and easier for little ones to follow. For older children, Home Alone, Elf, and The Muppet Christmas Carol are fun options.
4. What’s the latest Christmas movie?
New Christmas movies are released every year, particularly on streaming services and television networks. If you’re looking for something brand new, check your preferred streaming service’s holiday lineup when the Christmas season begins.
5. Is Die Hard really a Christmas movie?
That’s still up for debate. The story takes place during a Christmas Eve office party, so it definitely has a Christmas setting. Whether that makes it a Christmas movie is a question each family can answer for itself.
Conclusion
The best classic Christmas movies aren’t always about having the perfect plot. Sometimes it’s the couch, the blanket, the Christmas lights, and the people sitting beside you arguing over what to watch next.
Pick a movie, make some popcorn, get comfortable, and let the Christmas season begin.
What’s your family’s must-watch Christmas movie? Tell me in the comments. I’m always looking for another favorite to add to our December movie nights.
