The Christmas Movies List

Classic films

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Frank Capra's drama follows George Bailey, a man who is shown what his town would be like without him. It is a heartfelt, sometimes sad film that ends on a warm note. Best for older children and adults.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

A department-store Santa claims to be the real thing, and a court case follows. It is a gentle story about belief. A 1994 remake is also popular.

White Christmas (1954)

A musical with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye about entertainers who help an old general's inn. It features classic songs and a cozy tone.

A Christmas Carol versions

Charles Dickens's story has been filmed many times, including a 1951 British version, a 1984 television version and the Muppet adaptation from 1992. Choose a version that suits the age of the audience, since some are scary.

Family favorites

Elf (2003)

A man raised as an elf at the North Pole travels to New York to find his father. It is a comedy with sweetness and a reputation as a modern classic.

The Polar Express (2004)

An animated adventure about a boy on a magical train to the North Pole. It suits children and adults who like gentle stories. Some viewers find the animation style unusual.

Home Alone (1990)

A boy defends his house from burglars when his family accidentally leaves him behind. It is slapstick, with some cartoonish violence. Good for older children.

The Santa Clause (1994)

A father accidentally takes on the role of Santa Claus. It has comedy and heart.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

A short animated special about Charlie Brown's search for the meaning of Christmas, with a famous jazz soundtrack. It is calm and suits young children.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

The classic animated short based on Dr. Seuss. It is brief and suitable for all ages. Live-action and newer animated versions also exist.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

A stop-motion television special that has been shown for decades. It is gentle and nostalgic.

Comedies

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

A family's over-the-top Christmas goes wrong. It is a comedy for teens and adults, with adult humor.

Bad Santa (2003)

A very adult comedy about a thief who works as a mall Santa. It is not for children.

Four Christmases (2008)

A couple visits four dysfunctional families on Christmas Day. It is a light comedy.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

A family-friendly version of Dickens's story with Michael Caine as Scrooge and Muppets in the supporting roles. It works for both children and adults.

Romance and cozy picks

Love Actually (2003)

An ensemble romantic comedy of intertwined stories set in London before Christmas. It has adult themes and is a favorite among many, though some viewers dislike some of its storylines.

The Holiday (2006)

Two women swap homes for the holidays and find unexpected romance. It is a cozy movie with a winter setting.

Serendipity (2001)

A romantic story in New York during the holiday season.

Hallmark-style films

Made-for-television holiday romances share a familiar formula: a small town, a career-minded protagonist and a happy ending. They are low-stakes and comforting and are widely available on streaming services.

Offbeat and modern picks

Die Hard (1988)

A debate about whether it is a Christmas movie has continued for years. It is an action film with violence and strong language, and not for children.

Gremlins (1984)

A horror-comedy set at Christmas. It is not for young children.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

A stop-motion musical about Halloween's Jack Skellington discovering Christmas. It suits older children and families who like darker tones.

Klaus (2019)

An animated film about a postman and a toymaker, with a warm story about generosity. It is a modern favorite for families.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

An animated comedy about Santa's family and the logistics of delivering gifts. It is a funny, warm family choice.

How to plan a Christmas movie night

Choose a theme: classics, animated, funny, romantic or cozy. Make a list of ten films, put the titles in a jar and draw one each night. Prepare snacks: popcorn with festive toppings, hot chocolate with marshmallows, cookies and cheese. Turn down the lights, string a few fairy lights and bring blankets. Use a projector or a sheet for outdoor viewing in warm climates. For young children, choose shorter films and take breaks.

Advent movie calendar

Pick 24 films and watch one each night from December 1 to 24, or pick a shorter list of 12. Mix short specials with longer films, and plan a longer film for weekends. Let each family member choose one title. Track what you watch in a notebook with ratings and notes. See our Advent calendar ideas for more ways to count down.

Viewing tips

Check ratings and content notes before showing a film to children. Use subtitles for a clear plot, especially with older films. Consider accessibility features, such as audio description and closed captions, for family members who need them. If you are hosting guests, ask about preferences. For an international audience, check which dubbed or subtitled versions are available.

Picking a film for a mixed audience

When the audience spans toddlers to grandparents, start with the youngest and shortest. A 25-minute special such as A Charlie Brown Christmas or the 1966 Grinch works as an opener, and a longer film can follow after the youngest are in bed. For a group of teens and adults, comedies and ensemble stories work well. For a quiet evening with a partner, choose a romance and a snack you both like. For older relatives, classic films are often favorites, and the slower pace allows conversation. When people disagree, use a vote with a limit of one veto each.

If you are hosting a larger gathering, use a "double feature" model: a family film before dinner and a comedy after. Keep subtitles on for guests who are hard of hearing or who speak another language, and consider giving each person a card for their favorite scene to quote.

Movie-night food that is easy to make

Popcorn is the obvious choice, but a few additions make it special: melted butter and sea salt, cinnamon sugar, cheddar powder or a drizzle of chocolate. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with a topping bar of marshmallows, crushed candy canes and whipped cream. Bake a tray of cookies from our recipe guide in advance. For a savory option, offer a board with cheese, crackers, fruit and nuts, or a bowl of soup with bread. Keep food simple so that no one needs to leave the room.

Beyond the screen

Turn a film into an activity. After watching The Polar Express, drink hot chocolate and ring a bell. After a classic like It's a Wonderful Life, talk about a person who made a difference in your life. After Elf, make a spaghetti sundae. After Klaus, write a letter to someone you want to thank. Children can draw their favorite scene or write a review in a family journal. For teens and adults, keep a ranking of films watched and compare year to year. A simple notebook with dates and short notes becomes a record of your holiday seasons.

Where to watch

Streaming services rotate their holiday catalogs each year, and many classic films appear on television at set times. Libraries lend discs and offer streaming access with a library card, which is a free option. Community theaters, art cinemas and historic movie palaces often screen holiday classics in December, which can make a special outing. Check local listings in November for showtimes and tickets, and consider buying a ticket as an experience gift; see our experience gifts guide.