The magic of Christmas is upon us, and along with it comes the annual tradition of choosing the perfect movie marathon.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh out loud, melt your heart, or remind you of the true meaning of the season, there’s a Christmas movie out there waiting to sprinkle some holiday cheer onto your screen.
In this article, we’ll explore the best Christmas movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist this December.
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20 Best Christmas Movies
This list contains 20 beloved Christmas movies that have captured the hearts of many over the years:
1. Home Alone
Home Alone is a movie about a young boy named Kevin left behind by his family during a Christmas vacation. The movie follows Kevin’s adventures as he takes matters into his own hands to protect his home from two burglars.
The movie features a talented young actor named Macaulay Culkin, who plays Kevin with confidence and charm. Despite the implausible plot, Culkin’s performance makes the movie enjoyable to watch.
The story begins with a chaotic morning in the McCallister household, where Kevin is overlooked in the rush to get to the airport. As he wakes up to an empty house, Kevin decides to make the most of his situation and indulges in all the things he’s not allowed to do when his parents are around.
2. 8-Bit Christmas
8-Bit Christmas is a movie about a boy named Jake who wants a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) for Christmas. The movie narrates how Jake and his friends try to get their hands on a NES.
The movie starts with Jake’s father, Neil Patrick Harris, telling his daughter how he got his NES as a kid. Jake is fascinated by the story and decides to try to get his own NES. He and his friends come up with different plans to get one, but they all seem to fall flat.
Furthermore, the movie has a lot of nostalgic moments for people who grew up in the 80s, with references to popular culture and toys from the time.
3. Violent Night
Violent Night is a unique and action-packed twist on the traditional Christmas movie. The film follows Santa Claus, played by David Harbour, as he saves a wealthy family from burglars on Christmas Eve. The movie takes a fresh approach to the holiday genre by incorporating elements of action and adventure, making it a thrilling watch for viewers.
The film’s tone is lighthearted and humorous, with a touch of dark humor that adds to the excitement. The cast delivers convincing performances, with David Harbour standing out as a gruff but lovable Santa Claus. The movie’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of fast-paced action scenes and heartwarming moments that will keep you engaged throughout.
4. Let It Snow
Let It Snow is a Christmas romantic comedy movie that follows a group of high school seniors on a snowy Christmas Eve. The movie has a talented young cast, including Isabela Moner, Shameik Moore, Mitchell Hope, Kiernan Shipka, Odeya Rush, and Liv Hewson.
The movie’s plot revolves around the characters’ struggles with their personal lives, including their relationships and feelings of loneliness. They all have their own unique stories, but the movie tries to tie them together in an interesting way.
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One of the movie’s strengths is its music choices, which include catchy needle drops and scenes where the characters sing and dance.
5. Noelle
Noelle is a heartwarming Christmas movie on Disney+ that’s all about spreading holiday cheer and smashing gender barriers. It follows Noelle Kringle, Santa’s sister, as she takes on the role of Santa and sets out to find her missing brother Nick. Along the way, she meets a private investigator named Jake and his son Alex, then shows them the true meaning of Christmas.
The movie has a talented cast, including Anna Kendrick as Noelle, Bill Hader as Nick, and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Jake. It’s full of funny moments, like when Noelle eats sunscreen or thinks “yogurt pants” are a thing. But it’s not all laughs – there are also touching moments, like when Noelle meets a deaf girl and her mother and surprises them with her sign language skills.
One of the movie’s themes is that traditions can change, and it’s important to embrace those changes. The movie shows this through Noelle’s journey, as she proves that she’s just as capable as Santa as any man. In summary, it’s a feel-good movie that’s perfect for the holiday season.
6. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas is a funny movie that features Kal Penn and John Cho as the main characters. They play two friends who have different lives but come together during Christmas. The movie has a lot of humor, including jokes about different cultures, and has many exciting scenes.
The story starts with Harold, who has become a successful businessman, and Kumar, who has split up with his girlfriend and lives in a messy apartment. Santa Claus delivers a package to Kumar’s apartment, which contains a special kind of tree that Kumar’s father-in-law, Mr. Perez, loves. However, the tree gets destroyed, and the two friends have to find a replacement tree in Manhattan before Midnight Mass.
Their adventure takes them on a wild ride around the city, where they encounter many funny situations. Along the way, they meet two African-American tree vendors who sell Kumar’s reserved tree to someone else, leading to a chase scene.
7. A Bad Moms Christmas
A Bad Moms Christmas is a movie about three mothers and their mothers, who all come together for Christmas. The movie shows how mothers can be stressful and controlling, especially during the holidays, and how the main characters try to deal with it.
The movie starts by showing how the three main mothers, Amy, Kiki, and Carla, are all stressed out because their mothers have come to visit for Christmas. They want to make the perfect Christmas for their families, but their mothers are making it difficult. The mothers are all different and have their own problems.
The movie shows how the mothers’ relationships with their mothers are complicated. They all have their own problems and insecurities, and being around their mothers makes it worse. But towards the end of the movie, they all come together and have a heartfelt moment.
The movie’s message is that even though mothers can be difficult, they are still important. The main characters learn to appreciate their mothers and understand that they are not perfect. The movie also shows that even though Christmas can be stressful, it’s important to enjoy it and have fun.
8. The Night Before
The Night Before is a funny movie about three friends named Ethan, Isaac, and Chris who have a special Christmas Eve tradition. They like to do fun things together, like singing karaoke and getting drunk. This year, they want to go to a really cool party called the Nutcracker Ball. They also want to impress a girl named Diana, who they like.
The friends have some problems, though. Isaac’s wife is pregnant and doesn’t want him to go to the party. Chris is using steroids to play football well, but he’s worried about getting caught. Ethan wants Diana back, but he’s not sure how to do it.
The friends have some ups and downs, but in the end, they learn that it’s important to be happy and have fun with the people they care about. They also learn that it’s okay to grow up and change, but it’s still important to have special traditions and memories.
9. Office Christmas Party
Office Christmas Party is a movie about a group of coworkers who throw a wild holiday party to impress a potential client and save their struggling internet company. The film features Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller, and Jason Bateman, among others. The party gets out of hand, with plenty of drinking, dancing, and even a dangerous high-speed chase.
The movie starts with a scene where Jennifer Aniston’s character, Carol, a CEO, enters the office and starts tearing down the festive decorations, threatening to close the office due to its lack of productivity. Her brother, Clay, played by T.J. Miller, comes up with a plan to impress a new client by throwing an out-of-control holiday party. The party gets wild, with a living manger, an ice sculpture that squirts eggnog, and a snow-making machine that accidentally blows cocaine.
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Jason Bateman’s character, a newly divorced man with an unrequited crush on Olivia Munn’s character, helps with the party preparations. Kate McKinnon plays an uptight human resource enforcer who tries to shut down the party. The movie also features a subplot where Bateman, McKinnon, Munn, and Aniston try to rescue Miller from a den of gangsters.
10. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale is a unique and thrilling holiday movie that combines elements of horror and dark humor. The film takes place in the Arctic, where a young boy named Pietari and his friend Juuso discover a mysterious mound that may hold a terrifying secret. As they investigate, they uncover a legend about monsters that were trapped in ice centuries ago and a sinister plot to bring them back to life.
The story centers around Pietari’s family, who run a reindeer ranch, and their encounters with the wild and dangerous Santas that roam the area. Furthermore, the film’s tone is dark and suspenseful, with a hint of humor, and features stunning location shots and an eerie music score.
11. Jingle Jangle
Jingle Jangle is a fun, colorful movie musical with a talented cast and a heartwarming story. It’s about a toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle who loses everything when his assistant steals his designs and his beloved toy, a mechanical bullfighter.
The movie features catchy songs, impressive dance numbers, and a cast of quirky characters, including a villainous toy maker and a postmistress with a crush on Jangle. It’s a great choice for families to enjoy together during the holiday season.
The setting is a fantasy Dickensian steampunk, with gorgeous costumes and production design. The story begins with a grandmother telling a new Christmas story, and it’s about a toymaker named Jeronicus Jangle who has a whole notebook filled with designs for his enchanting toys. He has a devoted wife, daughter, and an assistant named Gustafson, and he’s waiting for one last ingredient to bring his greatest invention to life.
12. Last Christmas
Last Christmas is a movie about a woman named Kate who works at a Christmas store in London. She’s not very good at her job and her personal life is a mess. She meets a man named Tom and he helps her become a better person. They start volunteering at a homeless shelter together and Kate starts to realize what’s important in life.
The movie has a happy ending and it’s a heartwarming story about kindness and self-discovery. It’s set in London and it’s a romantic comedy with a Christmas theme.
The movie has a great cast, including Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, and it’s directed by Paul Feig, who is known for his work on “Bridesmaids.” The movie also features a soundtrack filled with George Michael music, including a new song that was never released before.
13. The Christmas Chronicles
The Christmas Chronicles” is a movie that captures the magic of Christmas. It follows the story of a family who has lost their father and is struggling to cope with their first Christmas without him.
The movie uses home movies to show the family’s happy memories and then introduces Santa Claus (played by Kurt Russell), who crashes his sleigh in Chicago. The children, Kate and Teddy, stow away on Santa’s sleigh and help him get back on track.
The movie has a lot of Christmas spirit, with holiday music, elves, reindeer, and a tender family reconciliation. It also has a fun musical number with Kurt Russell. Additionally, the movie celebrates the importance of family and Christmas.
14. Fred Claus
Fred Claus is a movie about Santa Claus’s brother, Fred, who feels overshadowed by his famous sibling. The movie illustrates Fred’s struggle to find his purpose in life, particularly when he’s compared to Santa, who is known for being kind and jolly.
The movie starts with a look at Fred and Santa’s childhood, showing how they grew up and how different they were. Santa becomes a saint and lives forever, which means Fred has to deal with being his brother forever too.
The story then moves to modern-day Chicago, where Fred is in love with a meter maid. He has financial problems and needs a loan, which he gets from Santa. However, this leads to problems at the North Pole, where Santa’s business partner, Clyde, is trying to cut costs. Fred helps the elves and eventually finds his own purpose in life.
15. A Christmas Tale
A Christmas Tale is a movie that tells a story about a family’s private moments during the holiday season. The movie focuses on Junon, a woman who is dying of liver cancer and is considering a bone marrow transplant. She has four children, and the movie shows how they all have different personalities and relationships with each other.
One of the interesting things about the movie is that it stars Catherine Deneuve, who is a well-known actress, and her daughter Chiara Mastroianni, who plays her daughter-in-law. The movie also features Marcello Mastroianni, who was a famous actor and Chiara’s father.
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The movie is 151 minutes long and has a lot of dialogue, but it doesn’t feel boring. The actors are all good, and they work well together to create a feeling of family.
16. A Boy Called Christmas
A Boy Called Christmas is a magical movie that tells the story of a young boy named Nikolas and his adventures on a quest to find hope. The movie starts with a sad family who has lost their mother, and their father, Matt, is too busy to celebrate Christmas. Matt’s aunt, Aunt Ruth, tells the children a story about Nikolas, who lives in a remote cabin with his father, Joel. Nikolas’ mother has passed away, and he misses her dearly. He has a doll made from a turnip, and he names it after his mother.
One day, the king of the land calls upon his people to go on a quest to find hope. Joel joins the quest, and he leaves Nikolas with his mean and selfish aunt, Charlotte. Nikolas discovers a clue to the location of a magical place called Elfhelm and sets out to find it with his mouse friend, Miika. They go on a thrilling adventure through snowy mountains, meet new friends, and have exciting experiences. Along the way, Nikolas learns about the importance of kindness, courage, and hope.
In summary, the movie teaches children the value of kindness, courage, and hope, and it shows how these qualities can help them overcome difficult challenges. It also highlights the importance of family and friends, and how they can support each other during tough times.
17. Almost Christmas
Almost Christmas is a heartwarming movie that celebrates the importance of family and the holiday season. The film follows the story of a family gathering for their first Christmas without their beloved mother, and the hilarious and dramatic events that unfold.
The movie features an auntie character, played by Mo’Nique, who brings laughter and joy to the audience with her witty comments and colorful personality. She is the glue that holds the family together and keeps them grounded.
The film also explores the themes of love, forgiveness, and the importance of putting aside differences to come together as a family. The cast delivers excellent performances, bringing depth and emotion to their characters. It’s a great reminder that even in difficult times, we can find comfort and joy in the people we love.
18. Arthur Christmas
Arthur Christmas is a heartwarming movie that tells the story of a lovable alcoholic named Arthur Bach, played by Russell Brand, who is struggling to find his place in the world. Despite his flaws, Arthur is a charming and likable character who wants to party and have a good time. He falls in love with a sweet young woman named Naomi, played by Greta Gerwig, who is an unlicensed tour guide at Grand Central Station.
The movie follows Arthur’s journey as he navigates his relationships with Naomi and his controlling mother, Vivienne, played by Geraldine James. Arthur’s mother, played by Geraldine James, pushes him to marry a wealthy woman named Susan, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, yet Arthur lacks any interest in her. He wants to be with Naomi, who is kind and forgiving despite his flaws.
19. Four Christmases
In this movie, a couple, Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, find themselves compelled to visit all four of their divorced parents’ homes on Christmas Day. They normally avoid spending Christmas with their families by going on vacation, but this year their flight is canceled and they’re forced to stay in town.
The couple faces several funny and awkward situations as they visit their parents, including meeting their mothers (played by Mary Steenburgen and Sissy Spacek) and dealing with their eccentric families. The movie features a talented cast, including Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Tim McGraw, and Dwight Yoakam.
20. Elf
Elf is a Christmas movie that tells the story of Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy discovers he’s not actually an elf, he goes to New York City to find his real father, Walter, who is a publisher. Along the way, Buddy spreads Christmas cheer and helps his father’s publishing company by writing a best-selling children’s book.
The movie features a talented cast, including Will Ferrell as Buddy, James Caan as Walter, and Mary Steenburgen as Walter’s wife. The film has a heartfelt and funny storyline that will make you believe in the magic of Christmas. Overall, Elf is a feel-good Christmas movie that will make you believe in the power of faith and the magic of the holiday season.
Frequently Asked Questions
The #1 Christmas movie of all time is subjective and depends on individual preferences. However, some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful Christmas movies include “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “A Christmas Story,” “Home Alone,” and “Elf.”
The choice of Christmas film to watch depends on personal preferences and the desired mood. For a heartwarming and family-friendly experience, consider movies like “Elf,” “The Polar Express,” or “The Santa Clause.” For a more comedic take on the holiday season, options like “Home Alone,” “A Bad Moms Christmas,” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” might be enjoyable. If you’re looking for a classic and nostalgic experience, films like “It’s a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street” are timeless choices.
Conclusion
This curated list of Christmas movies offers a diverse range of options to suit different preferences. From heartwarming classics to comedies and films with unique twists, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the festive season. Enjoy the magic of Christmas with these delightful cinematic experiences. Happy Holidays!
