30 Best Christmas Movies Of All Time You Should Watch This Year

Christmas is around the corner, and hosting a movie night before or after the holiday celebrations will never get old.

But when movie night finally rolls around, spruce up in the coziest jammies and Christmas socks and sit in bursts of nostalgia by watching some of these timeless holiday-themed movies that indeed make for a holly jolly Christmas.

1. "Tokyo Godfathers" (2003)

If you haven't seen this Satoshi Kon masterpiece yet, now is the time to add it to your must-watch list this Christmas.

This heartwarming yet humorous Christmas classic follows three homeless yet multidimensional protagonists in Japan's metropolitan core after being accidentally sent on a mission to find the mother of an abandoned newborn they found in a trash bin on Christmas Eve.

In comparison to his previous works, "Perfect Blue" (1997) and "Paprika" (2006), both psychological thrillers, Kon deviated from his normal formula with "Tokyo Godfathers" since it included a good mix of magical realism, comedic relief and emotional depth. Kon's beating heart may be found in this touching tale, which dismantles the traditional family norms, tackles societal issues with empathy, and shows that home isn't always found in a four-cornered wall.

2. "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946)

This Frank Capra classic is never unqualified or unlisted as one of the best Christmas movies of all time.

The endearing premise of the fantasy drama encapsulates the genuine spirit of Christmas with its emphasis on humanistic values among family and community, compelling questions of morality and the unyielding bonds of friendship.

3. "Die Hard" (1988)

There are so many Christmas references in "Die Hard" that it is considered a Christmas picture even though it does not exhibit the usual festive holiday film.

From the soundtracks "Winter Wonderland," "Let It Snow!" and "Jingle Bells," to the protagonist's wife, Holly, scattering Christmas trees around the building, to its antagonist Hans Gruber acting to some degree like the Grinch, it's clear that "Die Hard" is an action film set on Christmas Eve.

4. "Home Alone" (1990)

Not everyone will be able to spend Christmas with their family this year. Take the company of Macaulay Culkin's portrayal of Kevin McCallister in "Home Alone," which is one of the most beloved Christmas comedies of all time.

In this comedy-tinged movie, Kevin outwits a pair of marv merchants by setting up cunning traps around the house. More than picturing the fear of every child, there's joy and purity in this family comedy template.

5. "Little Women" (2019)

"Little Women" is a perfect film to watch after watching "It's a Wonderful Life" since it gives off the same tones of comfort cinema or after "Die Hard" to lighten the mood.

The old-fashioned melodrama set after the Civil War gives an uplifting commentary on girlhood, vain dreams, feminist platitudes, hopeless romance and family life.

This stars top-billed actors and actresses, including Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Bob Odenkirk, Laura Dern and Meryl Streep.

6. "Elf" (2003)

Well, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is by watching "Elf" once a year! And why not this time of the year?

The filmmaker behind "Iron Man," Jon Favreau, also helmed this wholesome and humorous Christmas hit. Will Ferrell plays "Buddy," a man who becomes one of Santa's elves after slipping down his gift sack. But beyond the life-changing event involves self-discovery, leadership and an all-around unapologetic optimism that captures the spirit of Christmas.

7. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" is Henry Selick's stop-motion gem based on a Tim Burton story, released in 1993 and continues to be a cult favorite today.

It feastures the iconic characters of Jack Skellington, the living skeleton in a white-striped black jumpsuit with attached coattails, and Sally, the ragged-up doll yet loving girlfriend of Jack.

8. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)

Jim Carrey's legendary portrayal of the Grinch in this 1999 film adaptation of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" created one of cinema's most unforgettable villains.

With its quirky and bizarre art direction and underrated acting chops, this film is definitely a lot of fun to see over the Christmas season.

9. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" (1989)

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" is one of the early Christmas flicks that snowballed ugly sweaters on the big screen. It also remained a must-see classic during the holidays, thanks to its hilarious shenanigans, relatable dysfunctional family setup and endearing characters, all rolled into one during Christmastime.

10. "Klaus" (2019)

Netflix's "Klaus" earned nods and praise in 2019 and 2020, whether from the public or prestigious awarding bodies such as the Annie, BAFTA and Oscars.

It's easily one of the most recommended festive films that will send its viewers on a rollercoaster ride of emotions owing to its phenomenal animation style and heart-rending storyline.

11. "Krampus" (2015)

It's the most wonderful time of the year, or is it?

Maybe Christmas isn't always a fuzzy wonderland or a goofy family time, but sometimes an event that could turn the tables and stir grueling horrors tied in a bloody red bow. The creative and monster classic picture "Krampus" stars the one and only supreme scream queen Toni Collette.

Legend has it that Krampus, a creature made of human and goat parts, hunts out misbehaving children just before Christmas and drags them off to hell as punishment.

12. "Silent Night, Deadly Night" (1984)

It seems like Halloween is not over and extending until Christmas. Santa in the slasher film "Silent Night, Deadly Night" isn't the friendly rosy-cheeked old man who greets the protagonist, Little Billy, with presents left down the chimney on Christmas Eve; but a Santa-suit-clad killer who murdered his parents.

13. "Carol" (2015)

Of course, the Christmas genre would be incomplete without romantic holiday films. The slow-burn romantic drama film "Carol," starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, will leave viewers yearning because of a forbidden love story set over Christmastime in New York City.

14. "Love Actually" (2003)

The holiday-themed romantic comedy film featured nine intertwined love stories. This is also the origin of the iconic yet controversial cue card scene, "To me, you are perfect," which has been adopted as a romantic gesture in real life!

15. "A Christmas Carol" (2009)

Based on Charles Dickens's classic novel from 1843, this animated picture is a heartwarming narrative that also fits the bill of a ghost story due to the presence of nightmares, spirits, misery and redemption — all taking place on Christmas Eve.

16. "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (1965)

Some people may find it simple to take part in Christmas festivities, but answering profound questions about the meaning of Christmas might be perplexing. A prime example of this is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."In the film, Charlie has a deep realization about the true spirit of Christmas.

17. "In Bruges" (2008)

Even if this comic crime drama is a subgenre of a Christmas feature-length, it's hard to see anybody passing up the chance to witness the popularity made by Colin Farrell's exquisite and expressive eyebrows. This black comedy stars Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as two Irish hitmen, set at Christmas.

18. "Scrooged" (1988)

Add this family-friendly fantasy holiday film, decked out in tuxedos and fairy ghosts during the holidays, to your must-watch list. It stars Bill Murray as a bad-tempered TV executive who finds redemption and revelations when he is visited by ghosts during Christmas.

19. "The Holiday" (2006)

Here's another holiday-themed romantic flick to get on in the holiday spirit.

The film is about falling in love, falling in love alone and everything in between. This stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black.

20. "Batman Returns" (1992)

Though Gotham City is blanketed in snow, this isn't a typical holiday popcorn film. After vanquishing the Joker, Batman is ready to take on the Penguin and rescue Christmas in Gotham. Tim Burton was the genius behind this 1992 Batman film.

21. "Edward Scissorhands" (1990)

Another alternative this year is the non-traditional "Edward Scissorhands," which may still be considered a Christmas film that emphasizes family and love. The dark fantasy tale also has elements of Christmas, such as holiday ghost stories and the setting itself, which takes place at Christmas.

22. "The Polar Express" (2004)

It's Christmas time, and "The Polar Express" will let everyone's imagination run wild, and all that's left to do is believe.

All aboard! This Robert Zemeckis fantasy adventure film has a multitude of eye-catching visuals and character animation to feast on.

Interestingly, Tom Hanks also lent his voice to several characters in the film: the Hero boy, The Conductor, Father, Hobo, Santa Claus and the Scrooge puppet.

23. "While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, played by Sandra Bullock, took some time off during the holidays to focus on herself in the film "While You Were Sleeping." At the same time, this was the start of pandemonium in her romantic life. Even though it can come off as unrealistic, the film does have a certain charm that would keep viewers glued to their screens.

24. "The Apartment" (1960)

As one of the all-time greats, "The Apartment" is a dark, underrated Christmas film released in 1960. In telling the story of an insurance worker whose morals and choices are tested by his exploitation at work and in his personal life, the film manages to dive into comedy and drama.

25. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

"Miracle on 34th Street" is a delightful Santa-centered black-and-white narrative slated in 1947. This film may only be a few minutes long, but it will have its viewers either believe in magic or a miracle during the most wonderful time of the year.

26. "Gremlins" (1984)

In the 1980s fantasy horror film "Gremlins," the once-cute Mogwai named Gizmo has evolved into a mischievous critter that has spawned even more gremlins. If the three rules get broken, winter wonderland mayhem might just ensue.

27. "Black Christmas" (1974)

It's beginning to look a lot like a bloody, dark Christmas. The hair-raising "Black Christmas" is one of the earliest slashers in the '90s. With its stone-cold camera work and lighting, this might just become one of your favorite slashers of all time.

28. "Santa Clause" (1994)

What happens when Santa Claus himself can't bring you Christmas?

A Santa saga falls on the shoulders of Scott Calvin, played by Tim Allen, who becomes conflicted about becoming the new Santa after a tragic incident occurs to the original Santa.

29. "A Christmas Story" (1983)

In the 1940s, a young character named Ralph only wants one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. "A Christmas Story" is another holiday tradition full of charm and unthinkable moments that could leave the audience weeping with laughter. Sometimes, it's fun to enjoy a no-brainer film and simply soak up the vibes.

30. "Meet Me in St. Louis" (1944)

Have a Merry Christmas and a week-long marathon by watching the festive MGM classic "Meet Me in St. Louis," starring Judy Garland. The plot revolves around four beautiful sisters seeking love in the year before 1904.