My Top 10 Christmas Movies
The holidays are a perfect time to settle in, hunker down, and let a good film pull you into the spirit of the season. Whether you lean toward heartfelt classics, nostalgic comedies, or something a little left of center, a good Christmas movie has a way of slowing the world down and making the season feel a little more magical.
When I put this list together, I wanted a mix of tones. Some films here are purely sentimental. Others lean into humor and chaotic holiday energy. And a couple stretch the definition of a Christmas movie just enough to spark good natured debate, which is half the fun this time of year.
With all that in mind, I ended up with a list that covers a little bit of everything.
Here are my ten picks, divided into three simple categories to keep things tidy and intentional.
Holiday Laughs
Christmas is at its best when there is laughter in the room, which is why these five lead the list.
A Christmas Story (1983)
A nostalgic trip through the eyes of Ralphie Parker as he attempts to secure one of the most iconic childhood gifts of all time. A Red Ryder BB gun. It is warm, quirky, and packed with memories of holidays past.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold tries to create the perfect family Christmas and everything goes wonderfully wrong. It is a masterclass in holiday chaos and still one of the most quotable films of the season.
Home Alone (1990)
Kevin McCallister turns suburban Chicago into a booby trapped fortress while learning a little something about family. Equal parts slapstick fun and gentle holiday heart.
Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf leaves the North Pole, spreads cheer, drinks syrup, and reminds everyone that kindness still works. A modern Christmas classic through and through.
Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray gives us a delightfully cynical television executive who gets a supernatural attitude adjustment. Sharp, weird, and surprisingly sincere by the end.
Timeless Christmas Classics
These films form the foundation of holiday cinema. Thoughtful, timeless, and perfect with a warm drink.
A Christmas Carol (1951)
Ebenezer Scrooge faces his past, present, and possible future in the definitive adaptation of Dickens’ story. Atmospheric, beautifully performed, and still the gold standard for this tale.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey discovers the impact one life can have when he is shown a world where he never existed. A heartfelt reminder of community, gratitude, and the quiet importance of everyday choices.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Is Kris Kringle the real Santa Claus or simply the most charming man to ever walk into a department store? This gentle, hopeful story still captures the wonder of believing.
Offbeat Holiday Picks
Every good list needs a little mischief. These two films may push the definition of a Christmas movie, but they earn their place in the holiday rotation for both atmosphere and attitude.
Die Hard (1988)
A corporate Christmas party. A single dad trying to reconnect. Holiday decorations. And a little action to warm the spirit. Yes, it absolutely counts. At the very least, it makes for excellent background noise while wrapping gifts.
Gremlins (1984)
Small town charm collides with mischievous chaos as adorable creatures turn into holiday terrors. Snow, carols, twinkle lights, and complete pandemonium. In other words, a realistic depiction of December.
A Cozy Holiday Wrap Up
This list is meant to be well rounded. A blend of comfort, humor, tradition, and playful debate. There are countless holiday films out there, but these ten offer a bit of everything. And when the season gets busy, sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a blanket, a warm drink, and a couple hours with a timeless movie.