There are many Christmas activities and traditions to try out with family and friends, but there is something special about watching Christmas movies together. The Christmas holiday is an excuse to relax, be merry, and have fun after all the stress of a long year.
Get caught up in the lives of other fictional characters as they navigate through different obstacles and challenges to get their Christmas wishes fulfilled.
So snuggle and experience the holiday cheer/magic of Christmas with this compilation of the 50 best Christmas movies to see with your loved ones. Enjoy!
1. Home Alone(1990)
Home alone is among the best Christmas movies of all time, it is pretty popular too, and your holiday movie list is not complete without it.
Home Alone follows the story of Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, who is mad at his family after a row with his older brother.
Sent to the attic on Christmas eve as a punishment for his behavior, he wakes to realize his family forgot about him in their rush to make it to the airport for a vacation.
Kevin’s holiday is quite eventful as he has to protect his home from burglars who call themselves “the wet bandits” with his creative yet unrealistic traps. This movie stresses the importance of family and is a great family comedy you should watch this season.
2. Merry Happy Whatever(2019)
A short family comedy series starring Dennis Quaid, a strong-willed father and traditionalist who meddles in his children’s lives and is trying to navigate the needs of his problematic family who come home to celebrate Christmas.
It does not get easier when his youngest daughter, Emily Quin(Bridget Mendler), brings home her new boyfriend, a musician seeking his approval so they can get married.
What does the strict patriarch say? No! Because “There is the Quin way and the wrong way”. Will the magic of Christmas work in this case? That is for you to find out.
3. Over Christmas(2020)
Over Christmas is a German miniseries with the Bastian(Luke Mockridge) as the central character. He makes it home for Christmas to discover a surprise that does nothing to lift his already down spirit.
He continually bickers with Niklas(Lucas Reiber) for being with his ex-girlfriend, Fine(Cristina de Rego), until another family secret unfolds.
Over Christmas might not make it to your list of best Christmas movies to watch this season, but if you do not mind a laidback comedy show with a cliché plot, then this should do.
4. How To Ruin Christmas: The Wedding(2020)
A romantic comedy set in South Africa, Johannesburg tells the story of Tumi(Busi Lurayi), the black sheep of her family who arrives in time to ruin her younger sisters perfect wedding.
Tumi is the opposite of her sister, unconventional, lively and with mummy issues, unlike her rule-playing and sweet sister, Beauty(Thando Thabethe).
She ruins the wedding by making out with her in-law- to be, and “the wedding of the century” is called off by the Twala family, who is very concerned about reputation and finding the perfect match for their son, Sbu.
This movie is a perfect blend of drama, romance, family traditions, and it depicts a unique African culture and social caste system. It might just be the best Christmas movie that will evoke nostalgic feelings this season.
5. Holiday Rush(2019)
If you are looking for movies to add to your watch list and indulge in this holiday, you should consider Holiday Rush. It is one of the best Christmas movies.
In this series, a widowed radio Dj, Rashon Williams, played by Ramony Malco, loses his job. Due to the financial strain, he has no option other than to move in with his aunt, his four naughty kids in tow while trying to adjust to their new life.
6. Holiday In The Wild(2019)
It is the Christmas holiday, and you can’t see enough cheesy romance movies. So this is another Christmas romantic comedy, with Rob Lowe and Kristin Davis as main characters you will miss once the credits start rolling.
Kate Conrad(Kristin Davis) continues on her second honeymoon trip to Zambia alone after her husband ends their marriage.
She meets Derek(Rob Lowe) in a bar and shares her situation with him, and leaves only to realize he is her pilot as well.
They bond over care for an orphaned elephant they find wounded in the wild. Not too long after, Kate is stuck in a love triangle with Derek and his girlfriend, Leslie, who sees an art painting of Kate and threatens to stop funding the Elephants sanctuary.
Will things work out between them? That is for me to know and for you to find out.
7. I’ll Be Home For Christmas(1998)
Most Christmas themed movies emphasize the importance of family, and this film directed by Arlene Sanford is not an exception.
Jake Wilkinson is a self-absorbed college student who refuses to spend the festive season with his family because his father re-married 10 months after the death of his mother.
However, he changes his mind when his father promises him a vintage Porsche if he makes it home to New York by 6pm on Christmas eve and plans to travel with his girlfriend Allie(Jessica Biel).
Jake’s plans are, however, intercepted by a group of vengeful college jocks, and he is dumped in the middle of the Californian desert dressed in a Santa suit complete with glued beards.
At the same time, his girlfriend hitches a ride with his rival, Eddie(Adam Lavorgna), competing with him for Allie’s affections. Follow this PG-rated movie to see if Jake will make it home in time for Christmas despite the obstacles.
8. A Wish For Christmas
You do not have to surf the net in search of the best Christmas movies to see with your family this season.
A wish for Christmas contains all the ingredients for a perfect holiday movie; Santa, a Christmas party, Christmas cookies and most importantly, romance.
Sara(Lacey Chabert) is a junior web designer who is constantly mistreated by her immediate superior, Dirk. She lets almost everyone get away with just anything until her jerk boss steals her proposal for a business deal, renames it and submits it to their boss as his.
She leaves the office party annoyed, only to bump into Santa, who gives her a Christmas gift.
Santa promises to make all her wishes come true in the next 48 hours, and she asks for bravery and courage to stand up for herself. This is a thrilling movie that will get you in the holiday spirit.
9. Let It Snow(2019)
It seems the best Christmas movies are all in the romance/family/comedy genre. Well, this is another romantic comedy, mainly for teens and young adults.
This movie adaptation is from a book by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle and, like with most adaptations, comes with minor adjustments. A winter storm hits the town where a group of high school kids live.
The weather will bring this group of teens together and help them learn about themselves, connect with each other, and accept themselves. This movie shows the issues teens face mostly, friendship, relationships and love triangles.
10. The Christmas Chronicles(2018)
If you are up for adventurous movies with a holiday theme, consider The Christmas Chronicles. Katy Pierce(Darby Camp) and her brother Teddy(Judah Lewis) attempt to catch Santa Claus to prove if he is real or not.
Their plot fails, and in the process, they wreck his sleigh, making him lose his magical hat and misplace lots of toys.
But, if Christmas is to continue as always without the world returning to the dark ages, they have to make things right and recover the lost items despite the difficulties.
11. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey(2020)
According to the reviews and ratings, Jingle Jangle might just be one of the best Christmas movies you will see. It is quite different from the others as it is a heartwarming musical with a unique storyline.
It is about Jeronicus, played by Justin Cornwell and Forest Whitaker( for the younger and older versions), whose life is nearly ruined after the death of his wife and his apprentice, Gustafan’s betrayal.
He loses all hope and lives as a recluse till his granddaughter arrives to spend the holiday with him. As Jeronicus warms up to Journey, his very optimistic granddaughter, his creativity and inspiration return.
Apart from the happy ending, the magical voices and great songs in this movie is enough to spread the holiday cheer so sit back and enjoy.
12. Santa Claws(2014)
Tommy gives his kittens to Santa after his mother tells him that Santa Claus is fictitious. But, unfortunately, Santa turns out to be allergic to them and can not deliver the presents.
So the kitties take it upon themselves to deliver the gifts to all the little boys and girls around the world.
13. The Holiday Calendar
If you believe in the magic of the holiday season, then you will love this movie as well. Abby(Kate Graham) is a holiday photographer who is not satisfied with her job because she does not express her artsy self through her work.
Her Grandfather(Ron Cephas Jones) gives her an antique, fancy advent calendar that foretells her future and relationship with each passing day, beginning from the first day of Christmas.
14. Santa Girl(2019)
Santa girl might never make it to the list of best Christmas movies but still offers a fresh perspective even though the romance is predictable. In this film, Santa(Barry Bostwick) has a daughter, Cassie Claus, played by Jennifer Stone.
Unfortunately, she is not enthusiastic about taking over the reins of the family business. All Cassie wants is to live an everyday life away from the North pole and, most importantly, the elves and sleighs.
Her father grants her wish to attend university in the real world, but it comes with a clause. She has to go with an elf and pretend to be normal to blend in. Will she return to take over the family business or fall in love and get her heart broken like other girls her age?
15. How The Grinch Stole Christmas
The ratings alone of this movie is enough to add it to the long list of best holiday movies you will ever see. This movie is an adaptation of the book by Theodor S. Geisel, who you would know by his pen name, Dr Seuss.
It is a story about a malevolent creature better known as the Grinch who lives in a cave on a mountain of garbage and goes about trying to disrupt Christmas and ruin the holiday cheer by invading Whoville and stealing presents.
We later learn that the Grinch is the way he is due to a traumatic past; he was bullied as a child for being green and hairy. However, it is the redemptive love displayed by Cindy(Taylor Momsen) that saves him.
16. A Christmas Prince(2017)
If you are interested in royal romance stories or plots, then here is one for you. This is the first in a sequel about a young journalist who goes abroad to get information about a dashing prince.
Like all cheesy romance movies, this will probably end in a wedding and happily ever-after.
17. Holidate(2020)
A Netflix romantic comedy about two people who make a deal to be each other’s dates for events all through the year.
Sloane(Emma Roberts) agrees to Jackson’s (Luke Bracey) proposal to stop her moms matchmaking attempts. While it is not exactly ranked among the best holiday movies, you should find out for yourself.
18. Dash and Lily(2020)
Adapted from Dash and Lily’s book of dares written by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. Dash(Austin Abrams) loathes the festive season that he is still not over getting his heart broken by his ex-girlfriend, Sofia(Keana Marie), the previous year.
His path crosses with that of Lily after he finds a notebook filled with puzzles, notes and dares which he passes back and forth with the mystery girl he really wants to know.
19. A Taste Of Christmas(2020)
Natalie(Annie Krueger) learns that her cousin, Francesca, played by Nia Vardalos, has to cancel the opening of her new Italian restaurant.
Natalie decides to take it on herself to make this possible despite the short time frame and has a hard time convincing the very realistic chef Stefano(Gilles ) of the possibility of her plan. He agrees, however, and the food is not the only thing stirred as they work together.
20. The Santa Squad
The Santa Squad follows the character of Allie(Rebecca Dalton), an art teacher who is out of work and has to take up a job with the Santa squad.
The Santa squad takes care of Christmas chores, and her job takes her to the home of a wealthy, good looking widower, Gordon, played by Aaron Ashmore.
As the CEO of a multinational company, he barely has time for his daughters, Iris(Molly Lowis) and Rose(Hattie Kragten), because his job takes up his time.
Allie’s arrival changes a lot of things; her love and care become the reason for the huge smiles and holiday cheer till Kimmee, her employer’s girlfriend, comes along and ruins things. This movie shows what the holidays represent and the importance of love and family.
21. Christmas Unwrapped(2020)
The best Christmas movies are always synonymous with romance, and this is not an exception.
Charity(Amber Stevens), a driven and skeptical reporter, is sent by Janet to investigate the wealthy and loved billionaire Erik Gallagher(Mario Grazzini).
He runs a charity and claims that all the gifts and toys worth millions he donates on the 12 days of Christmas are from Santa.
Charity finds this extremely difficult to believe but trust the magic of Christmas to make doubters believe.
22. Operation Christmas Drop
This movie emphasizes the importance of kindness and the gift-giving tradition. Angie Bradford(Virginia Madsen) (the frigid congresswoman is appointed head of the base realignment and closure commission.
When she learns that the Air force base in Guam is used mainly for the Operation Christmas drop, she sends her lackey, Erica, to go there and find out about the place and give her a report.
But, unfortunately, Captain Andrew has only one job since her arrival to convince her otherwise.
23. A Christmas Waltz(2020)
Avery(Lacey Chabert), a practical lawyer, is ditched by her fiancé, David few weeks before her Christmas wedding.
She rediscovers her love for dancing and goes ahead with the ballroom dancing lessons with her instructor, Roman(Will Kemp), even though she no longer has a partner.
There are not many dance-themed Christmas movies, and you will surely enjoy this heartwarming film as it is one of the best Christmas movies you will see this season.
24. Christmas Comes Twice(2020)
A Christmas movie about time travel? Yes, please! In this movie, Cheryl(an astrophysicist), played by Tamera Mowry, has regrets and questions about the path she chose in life.
She goes to the Christmas carnival with her sister and finds herself in a magical carousel that takes her back in time and allows her to fix things after she makes a wish.
25. Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone(2001)
You might choose to disagree, but this film tops the list of best Christmas movies this season. There is magic, snow, presents and friendship. What else is needed for a great Christmas movie?
The highlight of this movie is Harry celebrating his first happy Christmas away from Dudley in the home of magic at Hogwarts. He also gets his first fantastic Christmas present and has his buddies around him.
No Christmas miracle is more remarkable for an orphaned child who lived in the attic with mouthful guardians.
26. A Christmas Carol
A timeless classic adaptation of the novel by Charles Dickens tells the story of a mean and uncharitable character, Ebenezer Scrooge, who wants no part in the cheery atmosphere of Christmas or the goodwill either.
He continues this way until he is visited by the Christmas ghosts that show his past, present, and future, just like his late partner. Finally, he gets a second chance at life to redeem himself.
27. The Polar Express(2004)
There is a noticeable absence of the villain in this Christmas movie. The fresh plot, which is totally different from other cliché plots, will make this movie stay in your memory as one of the best holiday movies of all time.
This Christmas classic follows the story of the narrator, a young boy who finds it quite difficult to get some sleep on Christmas eve because the idea of Santa Claus is incredulous and illogical.
So, he lies there listening for the sound of the sleigh bells but what he would hear is the rubble of a train. He gets on board and meets other passengers that he connects with.
While the Polar express heads to the North Pole, where he will get to see Santa himself to believe in the message of Christmas.
28. Last Holiday(2006)
It takes being diagnosed with a rare disease for George Byrd( Queen Latifah) to damn the odds. She starts to tick items off her wish list by buying a ticket to the Czech Republic.
She tastes every meal by her role model, Chef Didier(Gerard Depardieu). George gets to meet several high profile individuals, including Matthew Kragen(Timothy Hutton, owner of the departmental stores where she was working).
His mistress and others become enchanted by her charm and humor. If there is a lesson this movie teaches, it is the importance of gratitude for each passing day.
29. The Santa Clause(1994)
An American comedy series starring Tim Allen who plays the role of Scott, a divorcee that accidentally makes Santa fall from the rooftop to his death.
In a bid to make amends, he dons the suit and delivers Christmas gifts. At his last stop, which is the North pole, Bernard, the head elf, explains the “Santa Clause” in the note he read previously.
This clause states that whoever dons the suit on the death of the previous Santa has to take on the responsibilities and become a full-time Santa.
The highlight of this movie is Scott trying to prove to everyone that he is the new Santa Claus and not mentally challenged.
30. It’s A Wonderful Life(1946)
This film, directed by Frank Capra, is a tale of faith, redemption and humanity and has earned its rank as the best Christmas movie over time.
It is an adaptation of the short story “The greatest gift” by Philip Van Doren. George Bailey, the central character in this holiday classic, is frustrated and attempts suicide as a means of escape.
His guardian angel is sent to show him what the life of his family and community would be like after he’s gone. He changes his mind after this encounter and asks for a second chance which he gets!
31. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation(1989)
A timeless slapstick comedy that you have to see this Christmas and will bring back good memories if you have seen it before.
Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, is insistent on planning the perfect Christmas for his family. Still, his efforts only lead to more chaos and misadventures that weary his two children.
32. A Christmas Tale(2008)
If you are tired of cheesy romance novels or family comedies, A Christmas tale comes with a fresh plot that you will enjoy.
There is a crisis in the Vuillard family. They come home for Christmas because the cold, unemotional matriarch Junon(Catherine Deneuve) is down with leukemia and needs one of her adult children to donate stem cells.
Past traumas, hidden secrets and family rifts are all brought into the light.
33. It Happened On Fifth Avenue(1947)
The ridiculous plot of this film does not stop it from ranking among the best Christmas movies that you have or will ever see.
The storyline features Aloysius McKeever(Victor More), a homeless guy who periodically moves into the wealthy businessman’s mansion, Michael O’Connor (Charles Ruggles) when he goes on a vacation.
The house gets crowded as Mac keeps inviting other homeless folks, including a veteran, Jim Bullock(Don Defore) and O’Connor’s disguising and rebellious daughter, Trudy(Gale Storm).
Amidst the entire mix up, the much needed holiday cheer is not the only thing in the air.
34. Jingle All The Way(1996)
The plot of this comic film revolves around Howard’s (Arnold Schwarzenegger) adventures while trying to get his son the Turboman action figure he liked about buying.
Liz(Rita Wilson) is mad at her ever-busy husband, who disappoints his family by forgetting his responsibilities. If Howard is to have a happy Christmas, he has to struggle with other father’s to get the toy or die trying.
35. Unaccompanied Minors(2006)
Spencer and Katherine Davenport are stuck in the airport with hundreds of other kids while travelling to meet their dad for the holidays because of a snowstorm.
So Spencer devises a plan to have fun with some other kids despite the strict and watchful eyes of the officials.
Unaccompanied minors are not likely to make it to the pile of best Christmas movies you have watched, but the actions and adventures of these kids will thrill you, even if for mere seconds.
36. Deck The Halls(2006)
Deck the halls is a family comedy about decorations, the holiday spirit and feuding neighbors who have different ideas on how to go about the Christmas celebrations.
Steve Finch prefers organization and quiet, unlike his spontaneous neighbor, Buddy Hall, who goes all out with his decorations and even gets livestock for a nativity play.
Their rivalry increases, and their families leave the two men to celebrate Christmas on their own. This is a lesson to teach them tolerance and acceptance.
37. Fred Claus(2007)
For those who have not met him, this movie introduces you to Santa’s older brother, Fred(Vince Vaughn), who has been up to no good.
He has to assist with toy making in the North Pole to pay back Nicholas for bailing him out of jail.
Unfortunately, Fred has never been the do-gooder and might end up ruining the holiday season for Santa and his elves or not.
38. Prancer(1989)
An 8-year-old farm girl, Jessica Riggs, refuses to be swayed in her belief in Santa. On her way home, she sees a wounded reindeer and nurses it back to health.
She goes out of her way to provide food for the animal she believes is Santa’s third reindeer. Though this movie is in the fantasy genre, it is as realistic as they come.
With no extraordinary events except you count its disappearance when Jessica’s father wanted to put it down.
39. Miracle On 34th Street
Doris Walker and her daughter, Susan, are skeptics and very realistic.
Hence, when the man she hires for the departmental store Santa role declares that he is the actual Kris Kringle, she makes him undergo a mental evaluation.
Fred Gailey, who likes her, takes up the case to save the old man and make Doris and Susan believe in miracles.
40. Krampus(2015)
Imagine a scenario where the nice and the naughty get just what they deserve? Krampus is an anti-Santa spirit that rewards the naughty. This film is a horror-comedy that depicts a dysfunctional family that finds it challenging to tolerate themselves.
Max somehow summons the demon of Krampus, who wreaks havoc on his family, and somehow that is all it takes to unite them.
41. The Bishop’s Wife(1947)
Bishop Henry Brougham, played by David Niven, gets engrossed in a new church project and neglects his wife, Julia(Loretta Young).
An angel, Dudley(Cary Grant), who is on a mission to remind the Pentecostal leader of his priorities, ends up falling in love with his wife.
42. Remember The Night(1940)
You will surely learn one or two things about second chances after viewing this holiday romance with Fred MacMurray playing John Sargent. This character ends up falling in love with a Jewel thief he is supposed to prosecute.
He gets to know more about Lee(Barbara Stanwyck) after spending the night on a road trip with her and realizes that his character might just be due to his privileged upbringing.
43. Carol(2015)
Cate Blanchett is an unhappy housewife that falls in love with Therese, a sales attendant at the store. Their relationship will threaten Cate’s access to her child and come with a lot of challenges. Will love conquer all?
44. The Shop Around The Corner(1940)
In this movie, Alfred Kralik(James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Magaret Sullavan) are co-workers who can’t stand each other.
Alfred is in love with his pen pal, whom he intends to propose to and is disillusioned when he realizes that Klara and the girl he loves are one the same person.
45. Bad Santa(2003)
This is not your typical Christmas movie with cheesy romance and redeemed villains. Do not watch if you can not stomach dark humor!
Willie Stokes( Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner, Tony Cox, hide under the cover of Santa and his elf to rob the departmental store where they are hired to work during the festive season.
Thurman(Brett Kelly), a bullied 8 year old chooses to believe in Santa Claus. What he does not know is that this Santa is very bad and might be past redemptive love.
46. Comfort And Joy(1984)
Dealing with heartbreak on a typical day is difficult enough, but the lead actor, Bill Patterson, suffers a breakdown after getting dumped by his girlfriend just before Christmas.
His Christmas miracle is most unusual but maybe getting caught up in a feud between two ice cream vendors is just what he needs to snap out of the hurt and loneliness.
47. The Knight Before Christmas(2019)
This movie might have a predictable and cliché plot, but the happy ending is what really matters this season. The film follows the adventures of a medieval Knight, Sir Coles(Josh Whitehouse), who is transported to the present.
He falls in love with Brooke(Vanessa Hudgens), a teacher who has just gotten her heart broken. It will take a lot to convince Brooke of this possibility.
48. The Night Before(2015)
This film, directed by Jonathan Levine, begins with the narration of a Christmas story about three best friends, Ethan(Joseph Gordon Levitt), Isaac(Seth Rothen) and Chris(Anthony Mackie).
They have always spent Christmas Eve together over the years till adulthood kicks in with its responsibilities. Not only does this get in the way of their fun and relationships, it also shows the various challenges they have to face on their own.
49. The Best Man Holiday(2013)
This is the sequel to the movie The best man.
In this holiday movie, Lance(Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace(Regina Hall), Mia(Monica Colhoun) and the rest of their college friends meet at Lance’s home for a holiday reunion.
It is also an opportunity for Harper to make amends for his past behavior and give their friendship another chance.
50. Godmothered(2020)
Over the years, there has been little need for fairy godmothers, and for this reason, Eleanor’s school, “The Godmothering Academy”, might shut down. So she takes it upon herself to keep the place running and prove the need for a godmother.
Going through the files, she finds a letter from 10year old Mackenzie. When she arrives in Boston to grant her wishes, she realizes that her candidate is considerably older with more problems than an amateur godmother can fix.
However, still, she makes an effort that does not only better Mackenzie’s life but that of her children as well.
Final Thoughts
Watching Christmas movies is a fun Christmastime activity to bond with your loved ones and make the most of the holiday but amidst the enjoyment, try not to miss the moral or message in every movie you see.
It is imperative to point out these messages to our children and family members and the importance of positive behavior concerning the actions and inactions of the members of the cast.
Check out the ratings and review of these movies to know what ages it is suitable for so you do not get disappointed.
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