As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and a classic Christmas movie. From heartwarming tales to hilarious comedies, Christmas movies have a special way of spreading cheer and warmth. Here’s our list of the top 15 must-watch Christmas movies that are perfect for getting you into the holiday spirit.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) A timeless classic, this film tells the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his extraordinary life in the small town of Bedford Falls.
2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) This charming tale focuses on the true spirit of Christmas as a young girl and a lawyer try to prove that a man claiming to be Santa Claus is the real deal.
3. A Christmas Carol (1951) An adaptation of Charles Dickens’ novel, this film brings to life the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his transformative journey one Christmas Eve.
4. Home Alone (1990) A hilarious adventure of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on Christmas vacation and must defend his home from burglars.
5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) This unique stop-motion film blends Halloween and Christmas in an unforgettable way, as Jack Skellington discovers Christmas Town.
6. Love Actually (2003) A modern classic that weaves multiple love stories into a festive tapestry, showing different aspects of love during the Christmas season.
7. Elf (2003) A heartwarming comedy about Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to find his biological father.
8. The Polar Express (2004) An animated adventure based on the children’s book, where a young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
9. The Holiday (2006) A romantic comedy about two women who swap homes for the holidays and find love in unexpected places.
10. A Christmas Prince (2017) A modern fairy tale set during Christmas, this Netflix original follows a journalist who falls in love with a prince while on an undercover assignment.
11. Klaus (2019) An animated story that reimagines the origins of Santa Claus through the friendship of a postman and a toymaker.
12. The Grinch (2018) An animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic book, this film brings a fresh take on the story of the Grinch planning to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.
13. Last Christmas (2019) A heartwarming story inspired by the music of George Michael, focusing on a young woman whose life takes a turn when she meets a mysterious man during the holidays.
14. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020) A magical musical adventure about a toymaker and his granddaughter who construct a magical invention which, if they can get it to work in time for the holidays, could change their lives forever.
15. Happiest Season (2020) A romantic comedy that captures the range of emotions tied to wanting your family’s acceptance, being true to yourself, and trying not to ruin Christmas.
