30 Best Christmas Movies of All Time

Christmas is here, and it’s time for us to get ready to deck the halls and celebrate the festive season with family and, of course, movie nights! To help you with that, we have picked the best Christmas films ever made, featuring delightful classics, heartwarming rom-coms, hilarious festive comedies, and many more. I guarantee you that this list is your ultimate pass to a cinematic sleigh ride to the magical season of Christmas. So, keep reading to discover the best Christmas movies of all time and enjoy the festive season with your family and friends. We have ranked the list to help you pick the best ones easily.

30. Better Watch Out

• Release Date: October 6, 2017
• Director: Chris Peckover
• Cast: Olivia DeJonge, Levi Miller, Ed Oxenbould, Aleks Mikic
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.4/ 89%

Better Watch Out is yet another Christmas movie that takes a darker turn with its twisted narrative. That being said, it’s a great watch for everyone who enjoys a bit of horror or thriller on Christmas Eve. Since it’s important that I don’t spoil anything for you, I’ll just tell you that this tale is about a babysitter, Ashley, who is forced to prevent a home invasion on Christmas.

Ashley is stuck with a twelve-year-old while a danger is lurking outside the house, and she must do everything in her power to save the child. There’s also a twist in the end that will make you gasp, so you’d better watch it before I reveal too much. Go on!

29. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

• Release Date: November 13, 2020
• Director: David E. Talbert
• Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.4/ 91%

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is another masterpiece that is truly about the spirit of Christmas. It features the story of Jeronicus Jangle, who loses the will and spirit to build toys that he was once known for. And that’s where his granddaughter, Journey, comes in to make Jangle realize, or rather re-realize, his true potential. They embark on a long, magical, and beautiful journey where Journey helps Jangle let go of his past and focus on what’s next.

It’s a great story about acceptance and moving on, a lesson we all need in today’s harsh reality. So, if you’re looking for a great watch this holiday season, this one should be on your list.

28. The Santa Clause

• Release Date: November 11, 1994
• Director: John Pasquin
• Cast: Tim Allen, Eric Lloyd, Wendy Crewson, Judge Reinhold
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.5/ 73%

Santa has a lot of work to do on Christmas Eve. But what happens when Santa gets injured on one of the biggest nights of the year? Well, that’s the whole premise of The Santa Clause. It features a young man named Scott Calvin, who accidentally makes Santa fall and injure himself. But hey, that doesn’t mean Christmas can be postponed. So, Scott puts on Santa’s clothes and accepts the “Clause” to become the new Santa.

It’s an interesting premise that follows a young man learning the true spirit of Christmas after spreading joy by becoming Santa.

27. Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

• Release Date: December 3, 2010
• Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Adventure
• Director: Jalmari Helander
• Cast: Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Tommi Korpela, Rauno Juvonen
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: IMDb 6.6/10, Rotten Tomatoes 90%

We’ve discussed several light-hearted, joyful movies, but how could we not mention some dark, eerie tales around Christmas? Well, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale falls in that category. The film doesn’t feature Santa as a cheerful man, but instead, it features him as a dangerous being who’s unleashed into the world. So, the people of the village must gather to stop Santa and bring back all the disappeared kids.

In the mix of Christmas movies that give you some sort of lesson, Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale feels like a breath of fresh air. But it’s a tale for adult moviegoers, so make sure you don’t have any children around when you watch it.

26. The Polar Express

• Release Date: November 10, 2004
• Director: Robert Zemeckis
• Cast: Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Eddie Deezen
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: IMDb 6.6/ 56%

Honestly, if you haven’t watched The Polar Express or haven’t even heard of it, then you don’t know how to celebrate Christmas. Just kidding! But still, it’s a great Christmas movie that embraces the spirit of this festival by featuring snowy mountains, magical creatures, a magical train that can fly, and of course, Santa.

What I’d suggest is that you grab a tub of popcorn, gather your friends and family around, sit on the couch, and watch a young boy board a magical train to meet Santa.

25. The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

• Release Date: November 25, 2022
• Director: James Gunn
• Cast: Chris Pratt, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Kevin Bacon
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 6.9/ 94%

We have mentioned several great Christmas movies that cater to different tastes, so how could we not mention at least one Christmas movie that’s a good watch for Marvel fans? Yes, we are indeed discussing The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, which sends Drax, Mantis, and Peter Quill back to Earth to celebrate Christmas. We all know that Quill has always been obsessed with his childhood hero, Kevin Bacon. So, Drax and Mantis decide that Quill will meet with Kevin so the man can cheer up this Christmas.

Overall, it’s a great film that makes you laugh on every turn, and of course, Drax takes the cake for being the funniest. So, if you’re a Marvel fan who loves Christmas, there’s no better movie to watch than this one.

24. Bad Santa

• Release Date: November 26, 2003
• Director: Terry Zwigoff
• Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, Brett Kelly, Lauren Tom, John Ritter, Bernie Mac
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7/ 78%

Christmas is known for its good-hearted Santas, but how about twisting this idea to have an absolutely bonkers ride? Yeah! That’s when the Bad Santa comes in, and this time for a heist! This movie is about a con man posing as Santa who tries to rob a store on Christmas Eve. Like all the heist stories, this one turns out to be pretty wacky as well.

It is regarded as one of those over-the-top fun Christmas movies filled with vulgar and zany humor all over. The cast has given their best performances, and along with an incredibly fun story, this is the way to enjoy your Christmas party if you want a break from regular Christmas comedy movies.

23. Arthur Christmas

• Release Date: November 11, 2011
• Director: Sarah Smith, Barry Cook
• Cast: James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/ 92%

We all adore Santa, but believe me when I say this, the grandson of Santa is as caring and great as his grandfather. Arthur Christmas is about the younger grandson of Santa, Arthur, who finds out that Santa forgot to deliver a present. So, Arthur embarks on this journey with Santa to deliver this single present to one child before morning.

Honestly, that’s a lot of hassle for a single present, but isn’t that the true spirit of Christmas? To care for everyone? That’s right. And Arthur Christmas beautifully gives out that message to its viewers while also entertaining us with an unforgettable adventure.

22. Elf

• Release Date: November 7, 2003
• Director: Jon Favreau
• Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.1/ 86%

For many people, Christmas would not be the same without watching Jon Favreau’s Elf. This Christmas movie became a classic over the years, and it tells the story of a man who was raised by elves and moves out to find and meet his biological father, who is in desperate need of Christmas cheer.

Just like in the film, watching this movie never gets old. Will Ferrell’s charismatic performance, together with his hilarious comedy work, will automatically uplift the moods of everyone watching it. I mean, time after time, it was celebrated by the fans during every Christmas season, and now it has become a customary tradition to watch this one every year.

21. Carol

• Release Date: November 20, 2015
• Director: Todd Haynes
• Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Jake Lacy, Kyle Chandler
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7.3/ 94%

Carol is a wonderful adaptation of the romance novel titled “The Price of Salt,” which essentially takes place during the holiday season. The story is set in 1950s New York, where a young photographer becomes close to an older woman. It is an LGBTQ-themed romance tale that has also been acclaimed as one of the best romance movies to grace screens.

This movie is packed with captivating performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, stunning cinematography, and a serene soundtrack, thereby achieving the ultimate perfection! Therefore, if you are looking for a special and distinct romantic drama for this Christmas, check out Todd Haynes’ masterpiece.

20. Spoiler Alert

• Release Date: December 2, 2022
• Director: Michael Showalter
• Cast: Jim Parsons, Ben Aldridge, Sally Field, Bill Irwin
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.4/ 87%

Spoiler Alert is a tale about love, where we see Michael and Kit, who have been together for 14 years. Gosh, that’s impressive. Anyway, their love story starts coming to an end when Kit is diagnosed with cancer. Now, these two must overcome this trauma and accept the dark, inevitable future.

There’s no greater feeling to embrace on Christmas than love, and well, Spoiler Alert is a great love story that breaks and then mends your heart. But be warned, this one will make you cry like nothing else, so grab a box of tissues before watching the film.

19. A Christmas Carol

• Release Date: December 16, 1938
• Director: Edwin L. Marin
• Cast: Reginald Owen, Gene Lockhart, Kathleen Lockhart, Terry Kilburn, Barry MacKay, Lynne Carver
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/ 100%

A Christmas Carol is a must-watch for all those who have been following the tradition to watch at least a wholesome movie on Christmas. Based on a darker story by Charles Dickens, this film brings a cozy vibe in the winter season. The film is indeed entertaining, and it also comes with thought-provoking elements, making it worthwhile.

The film follows an elderly man named Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by ghosts of Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas yet to come. Each spirit makes him realize how his selfishness and greediness have shaped his present, what his behaviour has done to others, and how he could end up being lonely when on the verge of death if he refuses to change.

18. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

• Release Date: December 1, 1989
• Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
• Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/ 72%

Before the Community Show, Chevy Chase was famous for his role in the National Lampoon and especially in Christmas Vacation. This Christmas movie is about how the Griswold family’s grandiose plans for a family Christmas took a sudden turn into something unexpected. It is an extremely fun movie to watch on Christmas because it offers you crude and nasty humor, unlike any other family holiday special. Over the years, it has achieved cult classic status among the fans and still feels refreshing to watch to date.

17. White Christmas 

• Release Date: October 14, 1954
• Director: Michael Curtiz
• Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, Dean Jagger
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/ 77%

One of the greatest romantic Christmas classic movies ever made, White Christmas tells the story of two servicemen, Phil Davis and Bob Wallace, who decide to put on the best song and dance act after World War 2. The two men and the ladies travel to Vermont Lodge to put on a show, where they discover that the lodge owner is actually General Waverly, their former commander. As the men try to support their general out of his problems, a string of romantic mishaps guarantees that they all end up getting close to one another.

The theme of people helping out others during the holiday season always gives the proper festive and positive vibes to all the families watching it during Christmas. Although the critics were a bit harsh about this movie, the general audience’s love for it made it an ageless classic to be celebrated.

16. Love Actually

• Release Date: November 14, 2003
• Director: Richard Curtis
• Cast: Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.5/ 65%

Richard Curtis’s Love Actually is the ideal romantic comedy-drama that is fittingly made for the Christmas season. Starring Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, Alan Rickman, and many more stars, it tells the entwined story of the romantic lives of eight different couples in London.

Love Actually will always remain one of the finest comforting films, with fantastic performances from the star-studded cast. It is incredibly adorable and amusing, with the right amount of romance and comedy scenes that should not be missed. So, if you are looking for the best Christmas movie on Netflix to stream this Christmas, pick Love Actually without any doubts!

15. Home Alone 

• Release Date: November 16, 1990
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.7/ 66%

Ever since it was released more than 30 years ago, Home Alone has been a global hit that every person around the world knows about. As a result, the star, Macaulay Culkin, instantly became one of the greatest kid actors of all time. Recently, a reunion happened with Macaulay and Catherine during the Hollywood Walk of Fame star event this year.

On Christmas Eve, a young child who was inadvertently left in his parents’ house finds himself in a precarious situation and must defend his home as two robbers storm into their place. For years, Home Alone has been the go-to place for a perfect, amusing Christmas night watch party with family and friends.

14. Edward Scissorhands

• Release Date: November 26, 2003
• Director: Tim Burton
• Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Kathy Baker, Vincent Price, Alan Arkin
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7.8/ 91%

We have yet another Tim Burton masterpiece here to make your Christmas extra special with his dark fairy tale. It is the tale of a humanoid being with scissors instead of hands who gets adopted by a family. From the central plot of the movie, you can tell that it’s going to be a fun-filled, bizarre, and magical experience that stands apart from all the other movies here.

The final act of the movie, along with the storytelling at the beginning, is enough to make it a Christmas movie qualifier. More importantly, it has the three most necessary themes that a Christmas movie needs to have: love, kindness, and family. Hence, Edward Scissorhands will always be revered as one of Tim Burton’s all-time favorite movies to watch on Christmas.

13. Tokyo Godfathers

• Release Date: August 30, 2003
• Director: Satoshi Kon
• Cast: Toru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Ayumu Saitō, Shōzō Iizuka
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.8/ 92%

As I said before, we have something for every fan, and this one, Tokyo Grandfathers, is a must-watch for every anime fan. This animated tale is about three people, Gin, Hana, and Miyuki. Without revealing too much, let’s just say that these three aren’t leading ideal lives, but all changes when they stumble upon a baby on Christmas Eve.

So they embark on this emotional journey around Tokyo to find the child’s parents. But each one of them confronts their pasts and their inner demons on this quest. Mix all that with captivating visuals, and there you have it, the perfect Christmas movie for 2025.

12. The Muppet Christmas Carol

• Release Date: December 11, 1992
• Director: Brian Henson
• Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.8/ 78%

The Muppet Christmas Carol is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’s famous 1843 novella titled “A Christmas Carol.” After the movie’s release, it was widely regarded as one of the best adaptations of the Christmas Carol ever made in any form. The Muppet Show is a famous show worldwide, and a Christmas adaptation boosted its popularity further, making it an instant classic.

In this Christmas movie, the muppets bring the beloved Christmas tale by Dickens to life in their endearing way, which is unbelievably captivating to all kinds of audiences. Therefore, you must now know why this movie is a must-see every Christmas to make it a joyful experience.

You can also check out the other versions of Christmas Carol, as all belong in the same category, such as A Christmas Carol (1951), A Christmas Carol (1999), and A Christmas Carol (2009).

11. Little Women

• Release Date: December 25, 2019
• Director: Greta Gerwig
• Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.8/ 95%

The Little Women series has been an evergreen favorite for families ever since the original came out. Both movies are spectacular in their own way, and if I had to pick one, I would have to pick Greta’s version, as it’s extra special for me. It tells the cherished tale of the March sisters, who were each resolved to live their lives on their own terms.

Both movies have a stellar cast, who are the main pillars of these movies, with their vibrant performances. It is a beautifully written tale that is incisive and super cozy at the same time, with an exquisite holiday setting. Therefore, Little Women is a must-watch for all, as it’s one of the most celebrated Christmas movies of all time.

10. The Holdovers

• Release Date: October 27, 2023
• Director: Alexander Payne
• Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/ 97%

The Holdovers is considered one of the best Christmas movies, although it came out very recently. That’s how crazy good this comedy-drama is, and if you are lucky, you can catch it on big screens near you. It is about a confused kid who has to stay at his prep school with his grumpy history teacher, as he has nowhere to go during the holidays.

The Holdovers is the newest entry on the all-time great Christmas movies list because of its amazing portrayal of holiday vibes and endearing characters. It is one of those movies that is so simple yet moves our hearts profoundly. So, I highly recommend you check out this movie, as many are not aware of it since it came out.

9. A Christmas Story

• Release Date: November 18, 1983
• Director: Bob Clark
• Cast: Peter Billingsley, Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, Ian Petrella
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/ 90%

A Christmas Story is a nostalgic comedy film that has been a kids’ favorite for a very long time and is still beloved today by fans across the globe. It follows a small child who tries to convince his parents, his teacher, and even Santa that a Red Ryder air rifle (BB gun) is the perfect present for him this holiday season.

With hilarious anecdotes and touching drama, it is an incredibly enjoyable journey from beginning to conclusion. Thus, it is a worthy contender to be on our list of the best Christmas movies of all time!

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas 

• Release Date: October 29, 1993
• Director: Henry Selick
• Cast: Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/ 95%

Get ready for a spooky Christmas with Tim Burton’s classic stop-motion film The Nightmare Before Christmas, which serves as a sort of crossover between two holidays: Halloween and Christmas. For years, irrespective of age, the audience has adored this one-of-a-kind film. It is the story of the King of Halloween; he wants to introduce Christmas to his homeplace after discovering a bustling, happy town nearby.

An interesting fact about this movie is that Tim Burton once stated that he got this idea after he saw a business that was getting rid of the Halloween merchandise on display in favor of a Christmas one. That’s how this special movie was born, which continues to captivate the audience with its eerie and spirited vibe.

7. Miracle on 34th Street

• Release Date: June 11, 1947
• Director: George Seaton
• Cast: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 7.9/ 96%

Miracle on 34th Street is widely lauded as a blessed gift from the Christmas gods to us. It is one of the best Christmas movies of all time, as it shines brightly as a creative family holiday drama, among others. The story is as follows: When an elderly man is hired by a divorced mother to play Santa Claus in a drama, she is shocked to learn that he is the real deal. The rest of the plot goes on in a courtroom, where the attorney states that he is indeed not delusional.

This is another classic Christmas movie we have here that has attained the greatest status because of its brilliant making in all aspects. Needless to say, this movie won a whopping 3 Oscars for Best Supporting Actor, Best Writing, and Best Screenplay in 1948. That said, you can now know how incredibly popular and highly rated this movie is to get you started on watching it.

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

• Release Date: December 6, 1964
• Director: Larry Roemer
• Cast: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Paul Soles, Larry D. Mann
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.0/ 95%

The 1960s were a great time for Christmas movies, as another special animated short titled Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer came out. As the title implies, the story focuses on a young reindeer named Rudolph who lives in the North Pole. As his father was a Santa Claus’ reindeer, it is anticipated that he will grow up to become one as well. But Rudolph was born with a distinct red nose, which makes him unpopular.

As you can already predict, it’s a story to remind ourselves that everyone is unique in their own way. It is a wonderful tale for both kids and adults, who often forget the aforementioned message. Rudolph became a huge classic over the years, and it will remain the same.

5. Klaus

• Release Date: November 8, 2019
• Director: Sergio Pablos
• Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Neda Margrethe Labba, Sergio Pablos, Norm Macdonald, Joan Cusack
• IMDb/ Rotten Tomatoes: 8.2/ 95%

Klaus is an animated film about a toymaker named Klaus who makes friends with a postman named Jesper, and together they restore the long-lost happiness of their town. It is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas movies ever made for kids and has naturally made its way into the list of all-time best classics due to its brilliance.

Through the process of stunning hand-drawn animations and a heartwarming story full of clever jokes and touching moments, Klaus masterfully brings back the magic of Christmas during every festive season. The brilliant retelling of the Christmas holiday’s origins from a unique perspective can easily delight any kind of audience.

4. Die Hard

• Release Date: July 15, 1988
• Director: John McTiernan
• Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia, Reginald VelJohnson
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.2/ 94%

It’s 2025, and still, the debate over whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas movie is ongoing. Even when the director stated that “Die Hard was never intended to be a holiday favorite,” that simply couldn’t stop people from enjoying this action-mania every year during the Christmas season. Hence, no matter what, Die Hard will always dominate any list of the best Christmas movies of all time list.

The story revolves around a Christmas party in LA, where a NYC police officer rushes to rescue his wife and several other people who have been kidnapped by terrorists. Die Hard has cemented its place as one of the greatest action movies, and since it takes place on Christmas Eve, why don’t people have a blasting action Christmas movie night with this one, eh?

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

• Release Date: December 9, 1965
• Director: Bill Melendez
• Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford, Bill Melendez
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.3/ 86%

We have yet another animated short on our list of the best Christmas movies of all time, which is “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” We couldn’t leave out this one, as Charlie Brown has always been a part of us while growing up and offers a nostalgic ride any day. The story of this short revolves around a dejected Charlie who searches for a deeper meaning in the Christmas festival.

This movie is filled with several life lessons that everyone needs to hear. It explains the significance of the Christmas season and much more in a mere 25-minute short movie. Thus, A Charlie Brown Christmas, just like the rest of the series, is an excellent animated short to watch during the holiday season.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Release Date: December 18, 1966
Director: Chuck Jones, Ben Washam
Cast: Boris Karloff, June Foray, Thurl Ravenscroft
IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.3/ 100%

Even though there have been numerous Grinch movies that have been developed lately, the original animated short from the ’60s still stands tall among all others. It’s simply because the reboots weren’t able to recreate the magic of Christmas as the original did. It’s about how a sullen Grinch devises an elaborate plan to snatch Christmas away from the people of Whoville. If you are looking for the best Grinch movie, this is the absolute one for you. More importantly, it is also one of the best Christmas movies tailor-made for kids to enjoy. So, don’t ever miss out on this one!

1. It’s a Wonderful Life

• Release Date: December 20, 1946
• Director: Frank Capra
• Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers
• IMDb/Rotten Tomatoes: 8.6/ 94%

Alright, ladies and gentlemen, so who’s lonely at the top and crowned as the greatest Christmas movie of all time? It’s none other than Frank Capra’s timeless classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This James Stewart and Donna Reed starrer has been winning the hearts of people since the 1940s, and even after three-quarters of a century, it is still the best in business when it comes to lighting up the Christmas spirits inside every person. This movie will continue to do so for the ages to come, and the unforgettable life lessons it offers are just priceless!

And that’s a wrap to our huge list of around 20 best Christmas movies of all time. The Christmas season is one of the best times of the year to spend with our families and friends. And it always feels great to watch a Christmas movie along with them, and I hope I was able to assist in picking the right one. We will be constantly updating more great movies on this list soon, so keep an eye on that. That said, if you think we have missed out on any of the best Christmas movies, feel free to let us know in the comments below, and we will add them right away!