The Top Christmas Films | YourChristmasCountdown.com

Christmas Movies you have to watch each year

Written 10th June 2024 | Subscribe to our Christmas newsletter

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The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and the cherished tradition of watching Christmas movies.

Whether you seek heartwarming tales that remind us of the true meaning of the season, comedies that bring laughter to family gatherings, or whimsical adventures that ignite the imagination, Christmas movies hold a special place in our hearts.

From timeless classics that have been adored for generations to modern hits that have quickly become holiday staples, these films capture the essence of Christmas in all its magic and wonder.

Home Alone (1990)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 43m ‧ Disney +

The movie is about Kevin, a young boy accidently left at home whilst his family have gone on holiday over the festive period. At first he is pleased and we see the adventures a young boy would get up to whilst home alone, that is until thieves try to break into his home. Kevin fights back to protect his home.

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The Grinch (2018)

U ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 30m ‧ Netflix

The Grinch, released in 2018 tells the story of someone who dislikes Christmas. In this film the Grinch teams up with his dog and plans to post as Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and ruin Christmas.

Elf (2003)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 37m ‧ Now

A comedy about Buddy, a human who as a baby accidently crawled into Santa's sack and was brought to the North Pole. The Elves raised him as their own at the North Pole. He is noticeably bigger than the elves and subsequently discovers he is not an elf. He goes in search of his biological parents and finds his father in New York.

The Santa Clause (1994)

U ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 37m ‧ Disney +

On Christmas Eve, Scott reads "The Night Before Christmas" to his son Charlie. Santa appears on Scott's roof but vanishes, leaving his reindeer, suit, and instructions behind. Scott finishes delivering presents and returns to the North Pole, where elves inform him he is now the new Santa Claus. Scott then struggles to keep this secret from his family.

Rudolf The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Musical/Fantasy ‧ 55 mins ‧ Amazon Prime

Despite being nearly 60 years old, this film remains a top Christmas classic. When Rudolph is born, his parents are surprised by his glowing red nose and try to hide it so he fits in. However, the other reindeer shun him when they discover the nose. On Christmas Eve, a snowstorm strikes, and Rudolph's red nose guides Santa's sleigh to safety. Rudolph is then accepted and hailed as a hero.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 45m ‧ Netflix

The story of the Grinch, who lives along just outside Whoville. He hates everyone and desprises Christmas. He tries to stop Christmas happening by ruining it. That is until he meets Cindy Lou, a six year old girl who tries everything to make him love Christmas as much as she does.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 2 hours ‧ Disney +

Kevin goes to the airport with the family but accidentally boards a flight to New York City and gets separated from his family who are on their way to Miami. He spots the theives from Home Alone 1, who are planning to rob a toy store. Kevin's clever plans of boobie traps will catch them again.

Frosty The Snowman (1969)

Adventure/Animation ‧ 25 mins ‧ Amazon Prime

On Christmas Eve a group of children build a snowman, they call him Frosty. A little girl puts a hat on his head and he becomes real. Frosty fears he will melt unless he can get to the North Pole. The film follows the story of a group of children getting Frosy to the North Pole so that he can live forever.

A Christmas Story (1983)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 34m ‧ Amazon Prime

A comedy based around youngster Ralphie Parker, who spends most of his time dodging a bully. He tries to convince everyone that a Red Ryder air rifle is the perfect Christmas gift.

The Polar Express (2004)

PG ‧ Family/Adventure ‧ 1h 39m ‧ NOW

The heartwarming story of a young boy who isn't sure he belives anymore. He receives a ticket on Christmas Eve and boards a train and embarks on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus, meeting special people along the way.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

U ‧ Family/Fantasy ‧ 2h 10m ‧ Amazon Prime

The story of George Bailey, a compassionate but frustrated businessman who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. Before he can carry out his plan, he's visited by Clarence, an angel trying to earn his wings. Clarence shows George what life in his town, Bedford Falls, would be like if he had never been born. Through this journey, George realizes the profound impact he's had on others and the true value of his life.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

U ‧ 1947 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 36m

Follows the heartwarming tale of Kris Kringle, a man hired to play Santa Claus at Macy's department store in New York City. However, Kris claims to be the real Santa Claus, leading to skepticism and a trial to determine his mental state and authenticity. Through his genuine kindness and belief in the magic of Christmas, Kris touches the lives of those around him. As the trial unfolds, the true spirit of Christmas is revealed, affirming faith, love, and the possibility of miracles.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Age Rating: 12 ‧ Comedy/Family ‧ 1h 37m ‧ NOW

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they attempt to have the perfect Christmas. With hilarious mishaps at every turn, from malfunctioning lights to unexpected relatives, chaos reigns supreme. Despite the mayhem, the Griswolds learn that the true meaning of Christmas lies in being together as a family, no matter how imperfect the holiday may seem.

Die Hard (1988)

Age Rating: 18 ‧ Action/Thriller ‧ 2h 11m ‧ Disney +

"Die Hard" is a classic action film set during Christmas Eve. It follows NYPD officer John McClane as he battles terrorists who have taken hostages in a Los Angeles skyscraper.

Love Actually (2003)

Age Rating: 15‧ Comedy/Romance ‧ 2h 9m ‧

"Love Actually" intertwines the lives of several characters as they navigate love and relationships during the Christmas season in London. From romantic gestures to heartbreak, the film explores the complexities of love in its various forms, ultimately highlighting the power of connection and the enduring spirit of the holidays.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 TV special)

U ‧ 25m ‧ Apple TV

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" follows Charlie Brown as he struggles to find the true meaning of Christmas amid the commercialism of the holiday season. With the help of his friends and a scraggly little Christmas tree, Charlie Brown discovers the importance of love, friendship, and embracing the simplicity of the season.

Scrooged (1988)

PG ‧ 1h 41m

"Scrooged" is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," set in the 1980s. The film follows Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive played by Bill Murray, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. Through their visits, Frank confronts his past, present, and future, ultimately rediscovering the true spirit of Christmas and the importance of compassion and generosity.

White Christmas (1954)

U ‧ Musical/Family ‧ 2 hours ‧ Amazon Prime

"White Christmas" follows two World War II veterans turned entertainers who team up with a sister act to save a failing Vermont inn owned by their former commanding officer. With catchy songs, dazzling dance numbers, and a heartwarming storyline, the film captures the magic of the holiday season and the power of friendship, love, and the spirit of giving.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

U ‧ Family/Musical ‧ 1h 25m ‧ Disney+

"The Muppet Christmas Carol" retells Charles Dickens' classic story with a whimsical twist, featuring beloved Muppet characters alongside human actors. Join Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit, and Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of redemption and holiday cheer. With catchy musical numbers and Muppet humor, this adaptation brings joy to audiences of all ages while delivering the timeless message of compassion and generosity.

Gremlins (1984)

Age Rating:15‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 1h 46m ‧ NOW

"Gremlins" is a dark comedy horror film that follows a young man who receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a Christmas present. However, chaos ensues when the creature's three simple rules are broken, unleashing a horde of mischievous and destructive gremlins upon a small town during the holiday season. Full of thrills, laughs, and memorable moments, "Gremlins" offers a unique twist on the Christmas movie genre.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

U ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 37m ‧ NOW

"Arthur Christmas" is an animated film about Arthur, Santa's clumsy but kind-hearted son, who sets out on a mission to deliver a missed present on Christmas Eve. Along the way, he learns the true spirit of Christmas.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 29m ‧ Disney+

"Jingle All the Way" is a comedy film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a father determined to get his son the year's hottest Christmas toy, even if it means facing off against other frantic shoppers and getting into absurd adventures.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

PG ‧ Family/Musical ‧ 1h 16m ‧ Disney+

A dark fantasy film directed by Tim Burton, following the misadventures of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring Christmas cheer to his own spooky realm.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

PG ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 39m ‧ NOW

A comedy about a couple, played by Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, who plan to skip Christmas for a cruise. Their decision upsets their festive neighbors, and chaos ensues when their daughter decides to come home last minute.

The Holiday (2006)

12A ‧ Comedy/Romance ‧ 2h 18m ‧ Netflix

A romantic comedy about Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) who swap homes for the holidays to escape their relationship woes. Amanda goes to England, and Iris to Los Angeles, where both find unexpected romance and personal growth. The film also stars Jude Law and Jack Black.

Four Christmases (2008)

Age Rating:12 ‧ Comedy/Romance ‧ 1h 28m ‧ Amazon Prime

A comedy about a couple, Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon), who must visit all four of their divorced parents' homes on Christmas Day. Their holiday plans go awry, leading to a series of humorous and chaotic family encounters.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

PG ‧ 2018 ‧ Family/Comedy ‧ 1h 43m ‧ Netflix

A family adventure film about siblings Kate and Teddy who accidentally crash Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. They team up with Santa, played by Kurt Russell, to save Christmas, embarking on a night of magical and thrilling adventures.

Krampus (2015)

Age Rating: 15 ‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 1h 38m ‧ NOW

A horror-comedy about a dysfunctional family whose Christmas is disrupted by Krampus, a demonic creature from European folklore. When young Max loses his holiday spirit, Krampus arrives to punish the family, leading to a terrifying and darkly humorous battle for survival.

Last Christmas (2019)

Age Rating: 12 ‧ 1h 43m ‧ Amazon Prime

A romantic comedy-drama centered around Kate, a young woman played by Emilia Clarke, who works as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. Struggling with personal setbacks and disillusionment, she meets Tom, portrayed by Henry Golding, who challenges her outlook on life and love.

Noelle (2019)

U ‧ Comedy/Family ‧ 1h 40m ‧ Disney+

A Christmas comedy starring Anna Kendrick as Santa's daughter, Noelle. When her brother Nick, the heir to the Santa Claus mantle, disappears, Noelle embarks on a quest to find him and save Christmas, learning about the holiday's true spirit along the way.

Deck the Halls (2006)

PG ‧ Comedy/Family ‧ 1h 33m ‧ Disney+

"Deck the Halls" (2006) is a holiday comedy about two neighbors, Steve (Matthew Broderick) and Buddy (Danny DeVito), who engage in a rivalry to create the most elaborate Christmas light display. Their competition escalates into chaos as they try to outdo each other, leading to comedic misadventures and unexpected lessons about the true meaning of Christmas.

Surviving Christmas (2004)

Age Rating: 12 ‧ Comedy/Romance ‧ 1h 31m ‧ Paramount+

A comedy about a wealthy man, played by Ben Affleck, who hires a family to pretend to be his own for the holidays. The film follows the humorous and heartwarming chaos that ensues as they try to recreate the perfect Christmas.

Bad Santa (2003)

Age Rating: 15 ‧ Comedy/Drama ‧ 1h 31m ‧ Amazon Prime

A dark comedy about Willie, a conman who poses as Santa Claus to rob department stores during the holidays. His plans get complicated when he befriends a troubled young boy.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

PG ‧ 1h 46m ‧ NOW

A fantasy adventure film following young Nikolas as he embarks on a magical quest to find his missing father in the mythical village of Elfhelm, encountering enchanting creatures along the way.

Spirited (2022)

Age Rating 12A ‧ Musical/Comedy ‧ 2h 7m ‧ Apple TV

A contemporary retelling of "A Christmas Carol," starring Ryan Reynolds. It follows a driven young woman visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, leading her to rediscover the true spirit of the holiday.

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