Celebrate the holiday spirit with an enchanting journey through the best Christmas movies of all time. For the boomers among us, prepare to be transported back to a simpler era with this nostalgic list. Picture a time before the buzz of smartphones, the constant connectivity of the internet, and the endless scroll of social media.
A time when families would gather around the single TV set in the living room, eagerly awaiting the annual screenings of classics like “Miracle on 34th Street,” “Home Alone,” or “A Christmas Carol.” Yes, those were indeed the good old days, filled with simple joys and shared experiences.
Driven by a blend of curiosity and festive cheer, I embarked on a digital exploration to uncover the most-watched Christmas films during this magical season. What I discovered was a treasure trove of cinematic gems, a rich tapestry of stories that have warmed hearts for generations. Inspired by the success of my previous Teacher Movies list, I decided to delve deeper and curate a list of the most beloved Christmas movies of all time.
From timeless classics that have become a staple of holiday traditions to modern tales that bring a new twist to the festive season, this compilation promises to rekindle the warmth of Christmases past and create new memories.
Best Christmas Movies of All Time
Here is the list of the best Christmas movies of all time
1- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)(PG-13)
In “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” the Griswold family’s dream of a perfect Christmas quickly spirals into comedic chaos. With Chevy Chase leading the charge, this hilarious journey through holiday disasters captures the essence of family dynamics during the festive season. It’s a laugh-out-loud reminder that sometimes, the best memories come from the most unexpected mishaps.
Directors: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Starring: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis
Genres: Comedy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 37 min
2- Elf (2003) (PG)
“Elf” is a heartwarming tale of Buddy, a human raised among Santa’s elves, who embarks on a whimsical journey to find his identity in the bustling New York City. Will Ferrell’s portrayal of Buddy’s childlike innocence and unwavering Christmas spirit brings laughter and joy, making this film a delightful celebration of self-discovery and the magic of the holiday season.
Directors: Jon Favreau
Starring: Leon Redbone, Will Ferrell, James Caan
Genres: Comedy, Kids, Fantasy, Adventure, Romance
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages: English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 36 min
3- Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018) (PG)
This modern retelling of a classic story, “The Grinch,” showcases a cynical grump’s journey from a Christmas thief to a heartwarming figure, influenced by a young girl’s kindness. Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice brings a new dimension to the Grinch, offering a fresh and humorous perspective on the power of community and the spirit of giving
Directors: Scott Mosier, Yarrow Cheney
Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson
Genres: Comedy, Animation, Kids, Fantasy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 25 min
4- Polar Express (2004) (G)
“Polar Express” takes us on a magical train ride to the North Pole, seen through the eyes of a doubting young boy. This film is a visual spectacle that reinforces the timeless message that wonder and belief are ageless. Tom Hanks’ multifaceted performance adds depth to this enchanting story, making it a must-watch for believers and dreamers of all ages.
Directors: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Tom Hanks, Nona Gaye, Peter Scolari
Genres: Comedy, Animation, Kids, Fantasy, Adventure, Arts, Entertainment, and Culture
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 39 min
5- Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (200) (PG)
Jim Carrey’s transformative performance in “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” brings the beloved Dr. Seuss character to life in this visually stunning and humorous adaptation. The film cleverly intertwines the Grinch’s comical antics with a heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas, making it an entertaining watch for both kids and adults.
Directors: Ron Howard
Starring: Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Genres: Comedy, Kids, Fantasy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 45 min
6- A Christmas Story (1983) (PG)
“A Christmas Story” is a nostalgic trip to the 1940s, where young Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun becomes a relatable and humorous depiction of childhood dreams. This classic film captures the essence of the holiday spirit through the eyes of a child, blending humor and warmth in a way that resonates with viewers of all ages.
Directors: Bob Clark
Starring: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
Genres: Comedy, Kids, Drama
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 33 min
7- Home Alone (1990) (PG)
“Home Alone” is a timeless adventure of wit and resilience as young Kevin McCallister, ingeniously defends his home against bumbling burglars. The blend of humor, ingenuity, and festive cheer makes this a quintessential holiday movie. Macaulay Culkin’s iconic performance has cemented this film as a Christmas classic, enjoyed by generations.
Directors: Chris Columbus
Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Genres: Comedy, Kids
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 42 min
8- Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (PG)
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a dazzling blend of whimsy and macabre, where Jack Skellington, from Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and is instantly enamored. His attempts to bring Christmas under his spooky umbrella lead to a series of misadventures. This unique stop-motion film masterfully blurs the lines between Halloween and Christmas, creating a visually stunning experience that appeals to fans of both holidays.
Directors: Henry Selick
Starring: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey
Genres: Animation, Kids, Fantasy, Arts, Entertainment, and Culture
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 16 min
9- Christmas with the Kranks (2004)(PG)
In “Christmas with the Kranks,” Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip the traditional Christmas hullabaloo for a Caribbean cruise, much to their neighborhood’s dismay. This comedy unfolds as they navigate the backlash from their Christmas-loving community. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis bring to life the humor and chaos that ensues when one tries to buck holiday traditions.
Directors: Joe Roth
Starring: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd
Genres: Drama, Kids
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 39 min
10- Scrooged (1988) (PG-13)
“Scrooged” is a modern twist on the classic Dickens tale, featuring Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive whose life echoes that of Ebenezer Scrooge. This darkly comic adaptation explores the themes of redemption and holiday spirit, as Murray’s character confronts his past, present, and future through ghostly visits, leading to a heartfelt transformation.
Directors: Richard Donner
Starring; Bill Murray, Karen Allen, Carol Kane
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 40 min
11- The Santa Claus (1994)(PG)
“The Santa Claus” is a festive adventure where Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, inadvertently becomes Santa Claus and has to embrace his new identity. The film combines humor and heart, capturing the wonder and disbelief of the magical transformation, and the challenges of convincing the world – and himself – of his new role as Santa.
Directors: John Pasquin
Starring: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Kids, Fantasy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 37 min
12- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)(NR)£
Although not strictly a Christmas film, “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” is a beloved holiday road-trip comedy. Steve Martin and John Candy shine as an odd couple forced to travel together in a desperate attempt to get home for Thanksgiving. Their journey is filled with mishaps and frustrations, but ultimately leads to a heartwarming conclusion about the importance of kindness and connection.
Directors: John Hughes
Starring: Laila Robbins, Steve Martin, John Candy
Genres: Comedy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 32 min
13- Jingle All The Way (1996)(PG)
“Jingle All The Way” is a hilarious take on the holiday shopping frenzy. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a dad in a race against time and other desperate parents to find the season’s hottest toy. This slapstick comedy highlights the lengths to which parents will go to make their children happy for Christmas, often losing sight of the holiday’s true meaning in the process.
Directors: Brian Levant
Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sinbad, Phil Hartman
Genres: Comedy, Kids, Adventure
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 29 min
14- Almost Christmas (2016) (PG)
“Almost Christmas” is a heartwarming tale of a family patriarch who wishes for nothing more than his family’s harmony during the holidays. The film, filled with humor and relatable family dynamics, explores themes of forgiveness, bonding, and the chaotic yet loving nature of family gatherings during the festive season.
Directors: David E. Talbert
Starring: Kimberly Elise, Danny Glover, John Michael Higgins
Genres: Drama, Romance, Comedy
Subtitles: None available
Duration: 1h 52 min
15- Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (1947)(All)
“Miracle on 34th Street” is a timeless classic that captures the essence of Christmas magic. The story revolves around a kind old man, hired as Santa Claus at Macy’s, who claims to be the real Santa. His sanity is questioned, leading to a heartwarming court case that explores the themes of belief, innocence, and the holiday spirit. Edmund Gwenn’s portrayal of Santa brings a sense of wonder and warmth, making this film a cherished holiday tradition.
Directors: George Seaton
Starring: Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Edmund Gwenn
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Kids
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 36 min
16- A Christmas Carol (1984) (7+)
This adaptation of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” stars George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser visited by spirits on Christmas Eve. The film masterfully captures Scrooge’s journey from bitterness to redemption, offering a poignant reminder of the power of compassion and the true spirit of Christmas.
Directors: Clive Donner
Starring: George C. Scott, Angela Pleasence, Edward Woodward
Genres: Drama, Kids, Fantasy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 41 min
17- Arthur Christmas (2011)(7+)
“Arthur Christmas” reveals the high-tech operations at the North Pole, focusing on Santa’s clumsy but well-meaning son, Arthur. When one child’s gift is left behind, Arthur embarks on an urgent quest to deliver it, showing that behind all the gadgets, the heart of Christmas is about caring for each individual.
Directors: Sarah Smith
Starring: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy
Genres: Comedy, Animation, Kids
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 37 min
18- The Christmas Candle (2013)(PG)
Set in the 19th century, “The Christmas Candle” blends legend with the dawn of the electric age. A small English village holds a tradition where an angel touches a candle granting miracles, but a new minister’s modern ways threaten this tradition. This film beautifully weaves together themes of faith, tradition, and the wonder of miracles.
Directors: John Stephenson
Starring: Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville
Genres: Drama, Romance
Subtitles: English [CC], Español [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 1h 40 min
19- It’s A Wonderful Life (Black & White Version) (1947)(13+)
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is an enduring classic that follows George Bailey, a man who is shown what life would be like if he never existed. This heartwarming tale, directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, explores the profound impact one life can have on others, reinforcing the value of gratitude and community spirit.
Directors: Frank Capra
Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
Genres: Kids, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English
Duration: 2h 10 min
20- Office Christmas Party (2016)(R)
“Office Christmas Party” turns the holiday spirit upside down with a wild and outrageous comedy. When a branch is threatened with closure, the staff throws an epic Christmas party to impress a potential client and save their jobs. It’s a hilarious take on office dynamics and holiday celebrations, packed with comedic talent.
Directors: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
Starring: Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, T.J. Miller
Genres: Comedy
Subtitles: English [CC]
Audio: languages English, English [Audio Description]
Duration: 1h 45 min
Final thoughts
From the heartwarming classics that have stood the test of time to the contemporary tales that add new dimensions to our holiday celebrations, each movie on this list offers its unique blend of joy, laughter, and holiday spirit.
These films remind us of the simpler times, evoke memories of Christmases past, and encourage us to create new traditions with our loved ones. They highlight the universal themes of love, family, and the true spirit of the holiday season, transcending time and technology.
As an educator and a lover of stories, I believe these movies have the power to teach us about the richness of human experience and the importance of keeping our hearts open to the wonders of the world. They inspire us to believe in the magic of Christmas and the potential for goodness and miracles in our everyday lives.
So, this holiday season, whether you’re introducing these classics to a younger generation or enjoying them for the umpteenth time, I invite you to cherish these moments. Let these movies transport you to a world of festive joy and wonder. May they bring a twinkle to your eye, a smile to your face, and warmth to your heart.
