50 Best Christmas Movies of All Time: Family, Classic, Funny & Romantic

Few traditions beat a cozy night with the best Christmas movies. This list has 50 favorites grouped by mood, from timeless classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and sweet romances. Use it to plan a movie every weekend from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day.

Best family Christmas movies

1. Elf (2003) — Buddy the elf’s trip to New York is pure joy for all ages.
2. Home Alone (1990) — Kevin defends his house with brilliant booby traps.
3. The Polar Express (2004) — a magical train ride to the North Pole.
4. The Santa Clause (1994) — a dad accidentally becomes Santa.
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 and 1994) — is Kris Kringle the real Santa?
6. Arthur Christmas (2011) — Santa’s son on a one-gift mission.
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) — Dickens with heart and humor.
8. Klaus (2019) — a beautifully animated Santa origin story.
9. Jingle All the Way (1996) — a dad’s chaotic hunt for a toy.
10. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) — Kevin takes on the city.

Classic Christmas movies

11. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) — the ultimate feel-good classic.
12. White Christmas (1954) — songs, dancing and Vermont snow.
13. A Christmas Story (1983) — Ralphie and his Red Ryder BB gun.
14. Holiday Inn (1942) — the film that introduced “White Christmas.”
15. Scrooge (1951) — a beloved take on A Christmas Carol.
16. The Bishop’s Wife (1947) — an angel answers a prayer.
17. Christmas in Connecticut (1945) — a charming screwball comedy.
18. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) — home of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

Funny Christmas movies

19. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) — the Griswolds’ disaster holiday.
20. Scrooged (1988) — a modern, comic Christmas Carol.
21. Four Christmases (2008) — one couple, four family visits.
22. The Night Before (2015) — friends’ last Christmas Eve tradition (adults).
23. Office Christmas Party (2016) — a holiday party gone wild (adults).
24. Fred Claus (2007) — Santa’s troublemaking brother.
25. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) — skipping Christmas isn’t easy.
26. Bad Santa (2003) — a very naughty Santa (adults only).

Animated Christmas movies

27. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) — the short classic.
28. The Grinch (2018) — a colorful modern version.
29. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) — short, sweet and meaningful.
30. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) — the stop-motion favorite.
31. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) — perfect for Halloween-to-Christmas fans.
32. Frosty the Snowman (1969) — a snowman comes to life.
33. Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999) — three heartwarming stories.
34. The Star (2017) — the nativity story from the animals’ view.

Romantic Christmas movies

35. Love Actually (2003) — interwoven London love stories.
36. The Holiday (2006) — a house swap that changes two lives.
37. While You Were Sleeping (1995) — a sweet Chicago romance.
38. Serendipity (2001) — fate, New York and a pair of gloves.
39. Last Christmas (2019) — a London story with George Michael songs.
40. The Family Stone (2005) — a messy, heartfelt family Christmas.
41. Happiest Season (2020) — a holiday romance with family drama.
42. A Christmas Prince (2017) — a light royal romance.

Christmas movies for teens and action fans

43. Die Hard (1988) — the famous “is it a Christmas movie?” debate (adults).
44. Gremlins (1984) — Christmas creatures with rules.
45. Edward Scissorhands (1990) — a quirky, wintry fairy tale.
46. Jack Frost (1998) — a dad returns as a snowman.
47. The Christmas Chronicles (2018) — Santa on an action-packed night.
48. Noelle (2019) — Santa’s daughter saves Christmas.
49. Red One (2024) — a big-budget Santa rescue adventure.
50. Spirited (2022) — a musical Christmas Carol twist.

Plan a Christmas movie marathon

• Pick one movie per weekend from late November.
• Add hot chocolate, popcorn and matching pajamas.
• Rotate who chooses the movie each week.
• Check age ratings before watching with kids.

Counting down? See our Elf on the Shelf ideas, Christmas list ideas and Merry Christmas wishes.

FAQ

What is the most popular Christmas movie?

Home Alone, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story are among the most watched and loved Christmas movies.

What are the best Christmas movies for families?

Elf, The Polar Express, Arthur Christmas, Klaus and The Muppet Christmas Carol are great picks for all ages.

Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?

It takes place on Christmas Eve, so many fans count it — but it is an R-rated action film for adults.