The holiday season brings a special kind of magic. And Christmas movies have become a beloved tradition for families everywhere.
From timeless classics that have been passed down through generations to fresh releases hitting screens this year, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re looking for laugh-out-loud comedies, heartfelt family stories, or action-packed adventures, the right film can turn any night into a festive celebration.
There’s nothing quite like settling in with loved ones, hot cocoa in hand, and a bowl of popcorn for a Christmas movie marathon.
Christmas Movies List
- Best Christmas Movies – Classic favorites that define holiday cinema
- Hallmark Christmas Movies – Cozy romances perfect for easy viewing
- Classic Christmas Movies – Timeless films from Hollywood’s golden age
- Funny Christmas Movies – Laugh-out-loud comedies for the whole family
- Christmas Movies For Kids – Family-friendly adventures young viewers love
- Christmas Action Movies – Thrilling holiday films with high-stakes action
- New Christmas Movies (2024-2025) – Fresh releases hitting screens this year
- Popular Christmas Movies – Cultural favorites everyone knows and loves
- Underrated Christmas Movies – Hidden gems worth discovering
- Christmas Movies on Netflix – Festive picks streaming now
- Christmas Movies on Disney Plus – Magical tales for the holidays
- Christmas Movies on Amazon Prime – Holiday favorites at your fingertips
- Our Top 10 Christmas Movies – Must-watch classics and new hits
- What Makes a Great Christmas Movie?
- How to Make Your Holiday Movie Night Special
Best Christmas Movies
The best Christmas movies are the holiday favorites that everyone keeps coming back to year after year. They mix laughs with real feelings and remind you why Christmas movies matter.
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human who grew up with Santa’s elves and heads to New York to find his dad. It’s funny and sweet without trying too hard.
Love Actually (2003)
This British film follows several couples falling in and out of love during the holidays. The cast is packed with stars, and every story hits differently.
The Holiday (2006)
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap houses across the Atlantic and both find unexpected romance. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to travel.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Ever wonder how Santa actually gets all those presents out in one night? This animated film shows the high-tech operation behind it all.
Last Christmas (2019)
Emilia Clarke works at a London Christmas shop and meets someone who changes everything. The George Michael soundtrack makes it even better.
Hallmark Christmas Movies
Hallmark Christmas movies keep cranking out new romantic movies every season. These are the latest ones if you want something light and easy to watch.
Christmas Above the Clouds (2025)
Two people fall for each other somewhere up in the sky. It’s as feel-good as it sounds.
Melt My Heart This Christmas (2025)
Winter weather brings two lonely hearts together in this seasonal love story.
A Make or Break Holiday (2025)
A couple faces relationship drama during what should be the happiest time of year.
A Newport Christmas (2024)
A woman from 1905 somehow ends up in modern Newport and finds love across time. Yeah, it’s wild.
Classic Christmas Movies
Old Hollywood films still hold up decades later. Though the stories are simple, classic Christmas movies nail what makes Christmas special.
White Christmas (1954)
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye play singers who help save their old commander’s Vermont inn. The music alone is worth it.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A department store Santa says he’s the real deal. A little girl and her mom have to figure out if they believe him.
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Alastair Sim plays the best Scrooge ever in this version of Dickens’ story about a mean old guy who gets a second chance.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Cary Grant shows up as an angel to help a stressed-out bishop and his wife remember what really matters.
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
Not really a Christmas movie, but it has holiday scenes, and it’s such a classic that it works any time of year.
Funny Christmas Movies
Sometimes you need to laugh at how crazy the holidays can get. And these funny Christmas movies nail the stress and chaos we all know too well from the Christmas rush.
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Three women try to handle the holidays when their own moms show up and make everything worse.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger fights other parents on Christmas Eve trying to get the hottest toy. The whole thing is ridiculous in the best way
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
A couple decides to skip Christmas completely, but their neighbors won’t let them get away with it.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey goes all-in playing Dr. Seuss’s green grouch who hates everything about the holidays.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Chevy Chase wants the perfect family Christmas. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong.
Christmas Movies For Kids
Kids also need their own Christmas movies that work for their age. These films teach good lessons without being boring about it.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024)
The most trouble-making kids in town take over the church play and somehow make it better.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A young boy travels north on an adventure that explains how Santa Claus came to be. It’s beautiful to look at.
That Christmas (2024)
An animated story about a British beach town where a huge snowstorm messes up everyone’s plans, even Santa’s.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen accidentally becomes Santa after a weird Christmas Eve incident and has to figure out what that means.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
The stop-motion classic about the reindeer with the glowing nose who saves the day.
Christmas Action Movies
Who says Christmas has to be all warm and fuzzy? These Christmas action movies bring explosions and fight scenes to the holiday season.
Die Hard (1988)
Bruce Willis takes on terrorists in a Los Angeles building on Christmas Eve. Some people argue this is the best Christmas movie ever made.
Violent Night (2022)
David Harbour plays a tough Santa who has to fight off bad guys to save a family. It’s dark and funny at the same time.
Carry-On (2024)
Taron Egerton is a TSA agent dealing with a terrorist on Christmas Eve at the airport. It keeps you on edge the whole time.
Red One (2024)
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans go on a mission to rescue Santa Claus. Big budget, big action, big fun.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Mel Gibson and Danny Glover become partners during the holidays in this action classic that started a whole franchise.
New Christmas Movies (2024-2025)
If you’ve already watched all the old favorites, try something from this year or the past year. These new Christmas movies just came out or are about to.
Hot Frosty (2024)
A woman brings a snowman to life, and he ’s ridiculously handsome. It’s as silly and fun as it sounds.
A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025)
The Jonas Brothers try to get home for Christmas after a concert in London. Of course, nothing goes smoothly.
Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)
Christina Milian runs all over New York trying to get concert tickets while also maybe falling in love.
Our Little Secret (2024)
Lindsay Lohan stars in this Netflix rom-com about exes who end up spending Christmas together at the same house.
Oh. What. Fun. (2024)
A thriller that takes Christmas traditions and flips them on their head. Different from your typical holiday movie.
Popular Christmas Movies
These are the ones everyone knows. You’ve probably seen them multiple times already, but they’re still worth mentioning.
Home Alone (1990)
Macaulay Culkin protects his house from burglars using traps that would probably kill someone in real life. A whole generation grew up on this.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
James Stewart learns how much his life has mattered to everyone around him. It’s emotional and hits hard.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Harry’s first Christmas at Hogwarts is magical with snow-covered castles and presents in the common room. The whole series has winter vibes, but this one nails the holiday feeling.
Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray plays a mean TV executive who gets visited by three ghosts. It’s Dickens but with Murray’s comedy style.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s stop-motion film about Halloween Town discovering Christmas. People watch it for both holidays.
Underrated Christmas Movies
These underrated Christmas movies didn’t get as much attention as they should have. But they’re actually really good if you give them a chance.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in a crime comedy set during Hollywood’s Christmas parties. Sharp and funny.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
Yeah, it’s a Marvel movie, but it happens at Christmas, and Tony Stark faces some serious problems.
Fatman (2020)
Mel Gibson plays a Santa who’s running out of money and has to deal with some dark stuff. Not your typical jolly Santa story.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005)
Four kids find a winter wonderland through a wardrobe. It’s always winter and never Christmas until they help Aslan. The snow scenes are gorgeous.
Mixed Nuts (1994)
Steve Martin and friends run a crisis hotline on Christmas Eve. It’s weird but entertaining.
Christmas Movies On Netflix
Netflix has been making tons of Christmas content. And here’s what’s worth watching on there right now.
Jingle Bell Heist (2024)
Two people plan to rob a London store on Christmas Eve. It’s a heist movie with holiday vibes.
The Merry Gentlemen (2024)
A woman tries to save her parents’ venue by putting on an all-male Christmas revue. It’s basically Magic Mike meets the holidays.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Lindsay Lohan plays a spoiled heiress who gets amnesia and stays at a lodge. Classic Netflix holiday rom-com formula.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
Vanessa Hudgens is back playing multiple characters who keep swapping lives. The second one is just as fun as the first.
The Noel Diary (2022)
A guy finds his mom’s old diary while home for Christmas, and it leads him to someone unexpected.
Christmas Movies On Disney Plus
Christmas movies on Disney Plus have the family-friendly stuff plus a few surprises. Here’s what to stream there.
Frozen (2013)
Not technically a Christmas movie but it’s winter, there’s snow everywhere, and families watch it every December anyway.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
Clara travels through a magical world to find a key left by her late mother. It’s got all the fantasy visuals Disney does best with a holiday backdrop.
Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick has to step up and save Christmas when her brother bails on being Santa.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
Disney characters act out Dickens’ tale in this short that’s been around forever.
Christmas Movies On Amazon Prime
Prime Video Christmas movies have their own collection of holiday films. Some overlap with other services, but there are exclusives too.
Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Eddie Murphy makes a deal to win a neighborhood Christmas decorating contest. Things get magical and messy.
The Polar Express (2004)
Tom Hanks voices multiple characters in this animated journey to the North Pole. The hot chocolate scene is iconic.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Tim Burton’s version with Johnny Depp has serious winter vibes with all that snow outside the factory.
Happiest Season (2020)
Kristen Stewart goes home with her girlfriend for Christmas, but her girlfriend hasn’t come out to her family yet. It’s funny and real.
The Family Stone (2005)
Sarah Jessica Parker visits her boyfriend’s family for the holidays, and everything goes sideways. Great cast and messy family dynamics.
Our Top 10 Christmas Movies
After watching hundreds of holiday films, these 10 stand out as must-watch Christmas movies that capture what makes Christmas special.
- Elf (2003) – Best for family laughs.
- Love Actually (2003) – Best for romantic holiday vibes.
- The Holiday (2006) – Best for cozy rom-com nights.
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) – Best for magical winter atmosphere.
- Carry-On (2024) – Best for holiday thrillers.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (2005) – Best for fantasy adventure.
- Hot Frosty (2024) – Best for silly Netflix fun.
- Violent Night (2022) – Best for action with heart.
- Frozen (2013) – Best for kids and singalongs.
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Best for family chaos comedy.
What Makes a Great Christmas Movie?
People often wonder what defines the perfect holiday film. The best Christmas movies share certain qualities that make them worth rewatching year after year.
- Great holiday films balance different emotions.
- They make you laugh but also touch your heart.
- These Holiday movies show the stress of the season alongside its joys.
Whether it’s a comedy about family chaos or a romance about finding love, the most memorable movies feel genuine. They capture something true about how people actually experience the holidays.
The setting matters too. Snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and decorated homes create an atmosphere that pulls viewers into the festive spirit. But more important than the visuals are the themes.
The best Christmas movies explore family, generosity, second chances, and hope without feeling preachy. They remind us what the season can mean while entertaining us thoroughly.
How to Make Your Holiday Movie Night Special
Turn an ordinary evening into a festive celebration by creating a cozy, magical atmosphere. Think twinkling lights, plush blankets, and a lineup of your favorite Christmas classics.
Add hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and a few fun decorations to make your living room feel like a luxury holiday cinema, perfect for family, friends, or a relaxing solo night in.
Transform Your Living Room into the Perfect Christmas Cinema
Start with the atmosphere. Dim the lights and let your tree or holiday decorations provide a soft glow. Light some candles or turn on string lights for extra coziness. The right lighting makes any movie feel more special.
Food, Along with a Good Movie, Elevates the Experience
Go beyond basic popcorn with hot cocoa topped with marshmallows or peppermint hot chocolate. Christmas cookies, gingerbread, or candy canes add festive flavor. For bigger gatherings, consider a full snack spread with cheese, crackers, and seasonal treats.
Make It an Event by Creating a Movie Marathon Schedule
Pick a theme like “action Christmas” or “romantic comedies” and watch three or four films back-to-back. Turn off phones and eliminate distractions. The goal is to fully sink into the holiday spirit together with family or friends, creating memories that last beyond the season.
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Ready to take your holiday movie marathon to the next level? Browse our homes with entertainment spaces and start planning your perfect holiday celebration!
