The Unmissable 30 Best Christmas Movies For Your Holiday Bliss

Jimmy Henton
Nov 21, 2023
Nov 22, 2023

As the festive season approaches, there's a special kind of magic in the air – the enchanting glow of twinkling lights, the comforting scent of freshly baked cookies, and the joyous melodies of classic carols. Amidst the warmth of loved ones and the spirit of giving, what better way to enhance the holiday cheer than by indulging in the timeless tradition of watching Christmas movies?

We've curated a list that goes beyond mere entertainment; these films are a journey into the heart of the season, each one brimming with emotion, laughter, and the unmistakable charm that makes Christmas truly magical. Join us as we unwrap the 30 Best Christmas Movies, each a gift in itself, promising to fill your heart with joy and your home with the spirit of the season. Let the festivities begin!

#1. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

Clark's attempts to increase Christmas cheer in his family of Grinches always backfire, making things worse. The situation is exacerbated by power outages caused by too many lights, cancellation of much-needed Christmas bonuses, and unexpected visitors showing up. This comedy film is an all-time classic.

#2. 'White Christmas' (1954)

Source: Rosemary Clooneytunes / Youtube

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Rosemary Clooney star in a musical nominated for an Oscar for its song, "Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)."

#3. 'Bad Santa' (2003)

Source: Miramax / Youtube

Willie and Marcus are professional thieves who rob shopping malls every Christmas season while working as Santa Claus and his elf. This raunchy comedy features an all-star cast including Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham, and Octavia Spencer. The film covers everything from cons to unhealthy relationships and culminates in a heartwarming resolution.

#4. 'Jingle All The Way' (1996)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

When fathers Howard and Myron go shopping on Christmas Eve in search of an action figure that their respective sons desire, they almost have a fistfight (well, they do). After several detours, the fathers don costumes resembling the action figure and his adversaries, and engage in combat. They ultimately settle on what they view as a win-win solution.

#5. 'Arthur Christmas' (2011)

Source: Sony Pictures Entertainment / Youtube

With its cast of legendary British actors, "Arthur Christmas" is the "Love Actually" of Christmas films. The animated film, directed by James McAvoy and starring Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, and Imelda Staunton, among others, centers on Santa's son Arthur as he attempts to fix a misplaced gift.

#6. 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

It's this timeless film that gave rise to the beloved song "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The historical drama, which takes place in St. Louis prior to the World's Fair, stars Judy Garland. However, the film was released in the midst of World War II, which gave the melancholic song additional meaning for those who were missing loved ones.

#7. 'The Princess Switch' (2018)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

See "The Princess Switch" and then its two progressively absurd but entertaining films. Vanessa Hudgens portrays identical, unrelated women. One is a Chicago baker, and the other is a member of the nobility in a tiny, made-up European nation. During the Christmas season, they get together and, just for fun, decide to trade places.

#8. 'Last Christmas' (2019)

Source: Universal Pictures / Youtube

With a title that refers to the well-known Wham! song "Last Christmas," you'll be left wondering and in awe until the very end of the film. There's something Henry Golding's character isn't saying in Emilia Clarke's portrayal of a couple who fall in love over the holidays.

#9. 'The Perfect Holiday' (2011)

Source: Vendetta Films / Youtube

This heartfelt Christmas romantic comedy features beautiful narration by Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard, who occasionally step in to break the action. Over and over, Nancy (Gabrielle Union) prioritizes her three children over herself. Thanks to a little romance, she gets to be the protagonist of her own story this Christmas.

#10. 'Carol' (2015)

Source: StudiocanalUK / Youtube

On this list, there are several different versions of "A Christmas Carol"; however, Todd Haynes's version of the Carol is distinct. During Christmas shopping, Cate Blanchett's character, a wealthy and bored housewife from New Jersey in the 1950s, strikes up a deep conversation with Rooney Mara, the department store clerk.

#11. ‘Klaus’ (2019)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

"Klaus" demonstrates that it is still possible to create an entirely unique Christmas film, despite the abundance of these kinds of films. This fairy tale, with stunning animation, reimagines Santa as a tough woodworker. In the film, he makes friends with a postal worker posted to a remote northern town, and together they devise a scheme to deliver gifts to the children residing in the community, which is split along small lines.

#12. 'Bridget Jones' Diary' (2001)

Source: Screen Bites / Youtube

Let's say you want a movie that understands the meaning of the season and what it's like to feel alone during a time of celebration instead of a Christmas film. For you, "Bridget Jones' Diary" is the perfect romantic comedy, filled with endearing leading men, real charm, and ugly Christmas sweaters.

#13. 'Spencer' (2021)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Trailers / Youtube

While this film about Princess Diana is undoubtedly gloomy, it is also unmistakably a Christmas film. The biopic directed by Pablo Larrain imagines three days during the holidays at Balmoral, when Princess Diana and the then-Prince Charles were celebrating the end of their marriage. This could be the perfect movie for you if your days aren't feeling festive and bright.

#14. 'The Family Stone' (2005)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

It's difficult to join a new family, particularly the Stones. Instead of expecting a warm welcome when Meredith (Sarah Jessica Parker) travels to her boyfriend's hometown for the holidays, she encounters a new group of people (and obstacles).

#15. 'Christmas with the Kranks' (2004)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

Two empty nesters decide to forego Christmas in favor of a vacation after decades of extravagant festivities, but they quickly change their minds when their daughter surprises them on the occasion.

#16. 'Noelle' (2019)

Source: Walt Disney Studios / Youtube

Nick Kringle was positioned to inherit the family business as Santa's son. The sole problem? Not that he wants it much. This Disney+ original begins with Nick (Bill Hader) suddenly leaving the North Pole. Noelle, his sister, played by Anna Kendrick, is resolved to track him down and return him home in time for Christmas. It appears that the Kringles also experience stress during the holidays.

#17. 'The Christmas Chronicles' (2018)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

In this Netflix series, which stars Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as Santa and Mrs. Claus, Santa is more awesome than ever. When two children in the first episode catch Santa in their home, they naturally try to sneak onto his sleigh and take off with him, which throws him off-balance.

#18. 'Office Christmas Party' (2016)

Source: Paramount Movies / Youtube

In the film "Office Christmas Party," the fate of the tech giant Zenotek in Chicago hangs in the balance during a pivotal corporate event. With the company on the brink of closure, the desperate team is determined to impress a potential investor who requires concrete evidence of a thriving and content workforce.

In a bold move, Zenotek hosts an extravagant office Christmas party in an attempt to charm the investor. However, as expected, chaos ensues, and everything that can go wrong does, adding a hilarious twist to their high-stakes efforts to save the company.

#19. 'A Castle for Christmas' (2021)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

In the romantic comedy "A Castle for Christmas," Brooke Shields stars as Sophie Brown, a romance author who, following a scandal, seeks solace in Scotland. While visiting a castle with familial ties, she encounters the aristocratic owner (Cary Elwes), sparking a delightful mix of clashes and chemistry.

#20. 'A Boy Called Christmas' (2021)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

Experience the magical tale of "A Boy Called Christmas," a heartwarming fairy tale exploring the origins of Christmas. With an enchanting atmosphere and an all-star cast featuring Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Jim Broadbent, Maggie Smith, Michiel Huisman, and the talented Henry Lawfull, it's a festive journey you won't want to miss.

#21. 'Dear Secret Santa' (2013)

Source: Hybrid LLC / Youtube

After her dad suffers a hard fall, Jennifer (Tatyana Ali) finds time in her hectic schedule to return home and see her dad. She receives love letters while she is back at home from a person who passed away three years ago.

#22. 'Ghost of Girlfriends Past' (2009)

Source: MOVIE PREDICTOR / Youtube

The romantic comedy "Ghost of Girlfriends Past" is based on "A Christmas Carol." In the film, Matthew McConaughey portrays a dedicated bachelor tormented by the "ghosts" of his former relationships. Their mere presence could be enough to motivate him to alter his behavior.

#23. 'Frozen' (2013)

Source: Walt Disney Animation Studios / Youtube

Celebrate the season with Disney's "Frozen," a magical tale of sisterhood, magic, and reindeer. Although not holiday-themed, its wintery charm perfectly complements the Christmas spirit. Follow Princesses Anna (Kristen Bell) and Elsa (Idina Menzel) as they navigate their bond strained by tragedy.

When a charming prince arrives, Anna hopes for a new connection. Ultimately, the story unfolds in an unconventional way, restoring the sisters' relationship, with a lovable snowman remaining their steadfast friend.

#24. 'The Search for Santa Paws' (2010)

Source: AnimationIL / Youtube

In the heartwarming family comedy "The Search for Santa Paws," dogs prove to be Santa's best friends. When Santa and his furry companion journey to New York City to visit a friend, a mishap leaves Santa separated from his memories and crew. In a captivating, nonlinear adventure, two determined elves leave the North Pole to search for Santa in the bustling streets of New York, creating a tale filled with heart and holiday spirit.

#25. 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' (2018)

Source: Walt Disney Studios / Youtube

Experience the enchanting world of "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms," a mesmerizing and star-studded reimagining of a classic tale. On Christmas Eve, a father presents his children with gifts left by their late mother. Clara (Mackenzie Foy) receives a locked, egg-shaped box, setting off on a captivating journey to find the key. The film, a sensory delight akin to the ballet, features a dreamy atmosphere, and even real-life ballerina Misty Copeland makes a magical appearance.

#26. 'Elf' (2003)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

Will Ferrell plays Buddy in the beloved film "Elf," a human who was raised by Santa's elves. Buddy visits New York to meet his biological father and seek some answers after he grows out of his world. Leaving the North Pole is hard, but so is bringing its culture to the Big Apple. Buddy must choose his identity in this new city.

#27. ‘Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Trailers / Youtube

Christmas is a time to get together with old friends, real and imaginary alike. The cast of the 1999 film "Best Man" reunites for "Best Man Holiday". Wounds are healed and secrets are revealed. Their characters are portrayed by Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau, Monica Calhoun, and Melissa De Sousa.

#28. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)

Source: Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers / Youtube

Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), while getting ready for his family's Christmas vacation in Paris, inadvertently gets trapped behind. Kevin foils two thieves who are attempting to loot his family's home while he is by himself at home. Kevin's mischievousness was initially criticized, but in the end, it comes to the rescue.

#29. ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)

Source: Universal Pictures All-Access / Youtube

A beloved Dr. Seuss children's book, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is a beloved film that is sure to delight moviegoers. Jim Carrey's character, The Grinch, is determined to make Christmas as unpleasant as possible for everyone else, so he pilfers every gift in the city. The Grinch realizes he could never stop Christmas and no longer wants to, but the townpeople continue to celebrate it.

#30. ‘Jingle Jangle’ (2020)

Source: Netflix / Youtube

Look no further if you're searching for something truly unique: "Jingle Jangle" has an exquisite set, an original story, and original music. Forest Whitaker's character Jeronicus Jangle is a toy maker whose most well-known designs were pilfered by Keegan-Michael Key, a former apprentice. The long-lost granddaughter of Jeronicus is determined to retrieve his work.

The Unmissable 30 Best Christmas Movies For Your Holiday Bliss

#1. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)

#2. 'White Christmas' (1954)

#3. 'Bad Santa' (2003)

#4. 'Jingle All The Way' (1996)

#5. 'Arthur Christmas' (2011)

#6. 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944)

#7. 'The Princess Switch' (2018)

#8. 'Last Christmas' (2019)

#9. 'The Perfect Holiday' (2011)

#10. 'Carol' (2015)

#11. ‘Klaus’ (2019)

#12. 'Bridget Jones' Diary' (2001)

#13. 'Spencer' (2021)

#14. 'The Family Stone' (2005)

#15. 'Christmas with the Kranks' (2004)

#16. 'Noelle' (2019)

#17. 'The Christmas Chronicles' (2018)

#18. 'Office Christmas Party' (2016)

#19. 'A Castle for Christmas' (2021)

#20. 'A Boy Called Christmas' (2021)

#21. 'Dear Secret Santa' (2013)

#22. 'Ghost of Girlfriends Past' (2009)

#23. 'Frozen' (2013)

#24. 'The Search for Santa Paws' (2010)

#25. 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' (2018)

#26. 'Elf' (2003)

#27. ‘Best Man Holiday’ (2013)

#28. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)

#29. ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000)

#30. ‘Jingle Jangle’ (2020)

Related Articles