It’s December, and the chilly days make us crave cozy moments with family, friends, and a cup of hot chocolate, don’t they!? But what better way to embrace the holiday season than by gathering around to watch some of the Best Christmas Movies of all time?
From magical adventures with Santa’s helpers to mischievous holiday chaos, and heartwarming tales of family; these Christmas films are sure to bring the holiday cheer. While they span different genres, they all share a single, timeless theme: spreading the joy and magic of Christmas.
So whether you’re in the mood for an old classic or something fresh and exciting, we’ve curated a list — this isn’t your typical “naughty or nice” list — it’s the ultimate collection of Christmas films that will fill your heart with holiday cheer. Don’t turn into the Grinch if your favorite movie didn’t make the cut—there’s always next year!
10 Best Christmas Classics of All Time
| Movie Name | Release Year | IMDb Rating |
| Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas | 1993 | 7.9/10 |
| Home Alone | 1990 | 7.7/10 |
| National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | 1989 | 7.5/10 |
| Gremlins | 1984 | 7.3/10 |
| A Christmas Story | 1983 | 7.9/10 |
| How the Grinch Stole Christmas | 1966 | 8.3/10 |
| White Christmas | 1954 | 7.6/10 |
| Miracle on 34th Street | 1947 | 7.9/10 |
| Holiday Inn | 1942 | 7.3/10 |
| It’s a Wonderful Life | 1946 | 8.6/10 |
1. Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Year of Release: 1993
- Plot: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring the holiday to his world, with unintended consequences.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the best Christmas movies for its unique stop-motion animation and quirky take on the holiday. It’s an ideal pick for those looking for something a little different, filled with dark charm, catchy music, and a heartwarming ending.
2. Home Alone (1990)
- IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
- Year of Release: 1990
- Plot: Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy, is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation. He must defend his house from two burglars using clever traps.
A true holiday classic, Home Alone is one of the best Christmas movies for its perfect blend of family-friendly humor and heart. Kevin’s clever antics and the warm message of family make this a must-watch every holiday season.
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
- IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
- Year of Release: 1989
- Plot: Clark Griswold’s attempts to create the perfect family Christmas holiday go hilariously wrong when his extended family shows up unexpectedly.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is one of the best Christmas movies for anyone who enjoys chaotic family dynamics and slapstick humor. Its outrageous scenes and relatable family moments will keep you laughing all through the holidays.
4. Gremlins (1984)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Year of Release: 1984
- Plot: A young man receives a mysterious creature called a “Mogwai” for Christmas, but when the creature is fed after midnight, it spawns mischievous gremlins that cause chaos.
Gremlins is one of the best Christmas movies for those who enjoy mixing festive fun with a little horror. It offers a unique twist on Christmas cheer, blending dark comedy with holiday chaos, making it a memorable watch for the holiday season.
5. A Christmas Story (1983)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Year of Release: 1983
- Plot: Ralphie Parker dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, but everyone keeps telling him he’ll shoot his eye out.
A nostalgic favorite, A Christmas Story is one of the best Christmas movies that captures the magic of childhood during the holidays. Its humor and heart make it a timeless classic, perfect for families to enjoy together.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
- Year of Release: 1966
- Plot: The Grinch, a creature intent on ruining Christmas for the residents of Whoville, eventually learns the true meaning of Christmas after encountering Cindy Lou Who.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the best Christmas movies because of its timeless message about the power of love and community. It’s short, sweet, and filled with heart, making it a perfect watch for all ages.
7. White Christmas (1954)
- IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
- Year of Release: 1954
- Plot: Two World War II veterans join forces to put on a Christmas show and help their former general save his inn from closing.
White Christmas is one of the best Christmas movies for anyone who loves classic musicals. With its unforgettable songs, like the iconic title track, it’s perfect for getting into the holiday spirit while enjoying a heartwarming tale of friendship and love.
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
- Year of Release: 1947
- Plot: A department store Santa claims to be the real Santa Claus, leading a young girl and her mother to question the magic of Christmas.
This beloved classic is one of the best Christmas movies because of its heartwarming message about the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas. It’s a wonderful reminder of what truly matters during the holiday season.
9. Holiday Inn (1942)
- IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
- Year of Release: 1942
- Plot: A man opens an inn that operates only on holidays, where he performs musical numbers to entertain guests, all while falling in love with a dancer.
Holiday Inn is one of the best Christmas movies for its classic musical numbers and romantic storyline. Featuring Bing Crosby’s iconic performance and the unforgettable song “White Christmas,” it’s perfect for those who love vintage holiday cheer.
10. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
- Year of Release: 1946
- Plot: George Bailey, a man facing a crisis, is shown by an angel what life would have been like if he had never been born, realizing his impact on the world.
Widely regarded as the ultimate holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the Best Christmas Movies for its emotional depth and timeless message. It reminds us all of the profound impact our lives have on others and is perfect for reflecting on what matters most during the holidays.
Top 10 Modern Christmas Movies
| Movie Name | Release Year | IMDb Rating |
| A Boy Called Christmas | 2021 | 6.7/10 |
| Klaus | 2019 | 8.2/10 |
| The Christmas Chronicles | 2018 | 7.0/10 |
| Dr. Seuss The Grinch | 2018 | 6.4/10 |
| The Man Who Invented Christmas | 2017 | 7.0/10 |
| Arthur Christmas | 2011 | 7.1/10 |
| A Christmas Carol | 2009 | 6.8/10 |
| Polar Express | 2004 | 6.6/10 |
| Bad Santa | 2003 | 7.0/10 |
| Elf | 2003 | 7.1/10 |
1. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
- Year of Release: 2021
- Plot: A young boy named Nikolas embarks on an adventure to find his father in the snowy north, discovering the origins of Santa Claus.
A Boy Called Christmas is one of the best Christmas Movies for its heartwarming story and magical feel. It brings a fresh, family-friendly take on the Santa Claus legend, perfect for both kids and adults.
2. Klaus (2019)
- IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
- Year of Release: 2019
- Plot: A postman befriends a reclusive toy maker named Klaus, and together they bring joy and holiday spirit to a town that has long since lost its Christmas cheer.
Klaus is one of the best Christmas Movies because of its stunning animation and unique origin story of Santa Claus. The heartwarming plot and unforgettable visuals make it a must-watch for the whole family.
3. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Year of Release: 2018
- Plot: Siblings Kate and Teddy team up with Santa Claus to save Christmas after they accidentally crash his sleigh.
The Christmas Chronicles is one of the best Christmas Movies for its fun adventure, humor, and lively portrayal of Santa Claus by Kurt Russell. It’s perfect for those seeking a family-friendly action-packed Christmas film.
4. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
- IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
- Year of Release: 2018
- Plot: The Grinch, a curmudgeonly creature intent on stealing Christmas from Whoville, learns the true meaning of the holiday through his encounters with a young girl named Cindy Lou Who.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is one of the best Christmas Movies for its charming animation and whimsical humor. While it’s a familiar story, the fresh take and vibrant visuals make it an enjoyable watch for all ages.
5. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Year of Release: 2017
- Plot: A dramatized account of how Charles Dickens came to write A Christmas Carol, showing the struggles and inspirations behind the creation of one of the most famous Christmas stories ever told.
The Man Who Invented Christmas is one of the best Christmas Movies for those interested in the backstory behind the holiday classic. It’s a fascinating, heartfelt look at Dickens’ creative journey, perfect for fans of historical dramas.
6. Arthur Christmas (2011)
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Year of Release: 2011
- Plot: Arthur, the clumsy son of Santa Claus, embarks on a mission to deliver a forgotten present to a young girl, learning valuable lessons about family and the Christmas spirit.
Arthur Christmas is one of the best Christmas Movies because it offers a fun, modern take on Santa’s operations with plenty of heart. It’s a delightful and visually engaging film that emphasizes family values and holiday magic.
7. A Christmas Carol (2009)
- IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
- Year of Release: 2009
- Plot: A motion-capture animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic novella, focusing on Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation after being visited by three ghosts.
This animated version of A Christmas Carol is one of the best Christmas Movies for its stunning visuals and compelling retelling of a timeless classic. Jim Carrey’s performance adds both depth and humor, making it an engaging watch for all.
8. Polar Express (2004)
- IMDb Rating: 6.6/10
- Year of Release: 2004
- Plot: A young boy boards a magical train to the North Pole, where he learns about the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of believing.
Polar Express is one of the best Christmas Movies for its beautiful animation and heartfelt message about belief. The magical train journey to the North Pole is a classic holiday experience, making it a perfect family movie.
9. Bad Santa (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
- Year of Release: 2003
- Plot: A cynical conman who poses as Santa Claus at shopping malls plans a heist with his partner, but his relationship with a troubled boy changes his outlook on life.
Bad Santa is one of the best Christmas Movies for those who enjoy a dark comedy twist on the holiday. Its irreverent humor and unexpected moments of heart make it a unique and refreshing holiday film.
10. Elf (2003)
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
- Year of Release: 2003
- Plot: Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, travels to New York City to find his real father, spreading Christmas cheer along the way.
Elf is one of the best Christmas Movies for its humor, charm, and heartwarming holiday spirit. Will Ferrell’s unforgettable performance as Buddy makes it a must-watch that will have you laughing and feeling festive.
6 Traditional Christmas Games to Make Your Holidays Interesting!
In addition to enjoying the best Christmas movies, the holiday season is also a great time to bond with family and friends through fun Christmas games. Here are six traditional and cultural Christmas games that add excitement and joy to your festivities:
| Game | How to Play |
| Secret Santa | A popular Christmas game where participants draw names and secretly buy a gift for the person they drew. |
| Christmas Carol Charades | A twist on the classic charades game, where players act out popular Christmas carols for others to guess. |
| Pin the Nose on Rudolph | This Christmas version of “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” involves blindfolding participants and having them try to pin a red nose on a poster of Rudolph. |
| Holiday Pictionary | A drawing and guessing game where participants sketch holiday-related words and phrases, such as “snowman” or “gingerbread house,” for their teams to guess. |
| Gingerbread House Competition | Participants or teams build and decorate gingerbread houses using candy, icing, and other edible decorations. |
| Toilet Paper Snowman | In this fun and silly game, teams race to create the best snowman using rolls of toilet paper. The team with the most creative snowman wins! |
Conclusion
These best Christmas Movies are perfect for any holiday celebration, offering a mix of laughter, love, and timeless messages. Whether you enjoy the charm of Christmas Classics or the humor of Modern Christmas Movies, this list has something for everyone. So, grab some cookies, gather your loved ones, and enjoy these festive favorites this Christmas season!
FAQs
- What is considered the best Christmas movie?
Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is often considered the best Christmas movie due to its emotional depth, timeless message, and its ability to inspire audiences to reflect on the importance of family and community during the holiday season.
- What is the #1 most watched Christmas movie?
Answer: Home Alone (1990) is the #1 most-watched Christmas movie. It earned $914.8 million worldwide and continues to be a fan favorite, with an average earnings of $304.9 million. Its combination of humor, heart, and memorable performances has made it a staple of the holiday season.
- What is the best Christmas ever movie rated?
Answer: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) holds the title of the best Christmas-ever movie, with an IMDb rating of 8.6/10. The film’s exploration of personal impact and the joy of the holiday season makes it a timeless favorite.
- What is the darkest Christmas movie?
Answer: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993). Directed by Tim Burton, this stop-motion animated film blends Christmas with Halloween, creating a unique and somewhat eerie atmosphere. The story follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he attempts to take over Christmas, with unexpected and chaotic results. Its dark themes, quirky characters, and Gothic visuals make it one of the more unconventional, yet beloved, Christmas films.
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