20 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 more cherished holiday movie gems and enjoy the festive season with your family and friends.

20. Bad Santa (2003)

• IMDB: 7.1
• Rotten Tomatoes: 78%/75%
• Director: Terry Zwigoff
• Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, and Lauren Graham
• Runtime: 1 hour, 32 minutes

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 under the pretense of 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 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 comedies.

19. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

• IMDB: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 70%/86%
• Director: Jeremiah S. Chechik
• Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Juliette Lewis
• Runtime: 1 hour, 37 minutes

Before the Community Show, Chevy Chase was famous for his role in the National Lampoon and especially Christmas Vacation. This 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.

18. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

• IMDB: 7.9
• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/91%
• Director: Tim Burton
• Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 45 minutes

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 favorites to be watched on Christmas.

17. The Holdovers (2023)

• IMDB: 8.1
• Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/91%
• Director: Alexander Payne
• Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa, etc
• Runtime: 2 hours, 13 minutes

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.

16. Carol (2015)

• IMDB: 7.2
• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/75%
• Director: Todd Haynes
• Cast: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 58 minutes

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 Hayne’s masterpiece.

15. Klaus (2019)

• IMDB: 8.2
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/96%
• Director: Sergio Pablos Carlos & Martínez López
• Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 36 minutes

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.

14. White Christmas (1954)

• IMDB: 7.6
• Rotten Tomatoes: 77%/88%
• Director: Michael Curtiz
• Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-Ellen, etc
• Runtime: 2 hours

One of the greatest romantic Christmas classics 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.

13. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

• IMDB: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 77%/86%
• Director: Brian Henson
• Cast: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 25 minutes

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 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).

12. A Christmas Story (1983)

• IMDB: 7.9
• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/89%
• Director: Bob Clark
• Cast: Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown, Bob Clark, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 33 minutes

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!

11. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

• IMDB: 8.0
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/84%
• Director: Larry Roemer and Kizo Nagashima
• Cast: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, and Larry D. Mann
• Runtime: 55 minutes

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.

10. Little Women (1994 & 2019)

• IMDB: 7.3, 7.8
• Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/84%, 95%/92%
• Director: Gillian Armstrong, Greta Gerwig
• Cast: Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst, Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 55 minutes and 2 hours, 15 minutes

The Little Women series has been an ever-green 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 our time.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

• IMDB: 7.9
• Rotten Tomatoes: 95%/92%
• Director: Henry Selick
• Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 15 minutes

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.

8. Love, Actually (2003)

• IMDB: 7.6
• Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/89%
• Director: Richard Curtis
• Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Kiera Knightley, etc
• Runtime: 2 hours, 15 minutes

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!

7. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

• IMDB: 8.3
• Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/93%
• Director: Bill Melendez
• Cast: Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer, etc
• Runtime: 25 minutes

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.

6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

• IMDB: 7.9
• Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/87%
• Director: George Seaton
• Cast: John Payne, Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 36minutes

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 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.

5. Die Hard (1988)

• IMDB: 8.2
• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/94%
• Director: John McTiernan
• Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, and Bonnie Bedelia
• Runtime: 2 hours, 11 minutes

It’s 2023, 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?

4. Home Alone (1990)

• IMDB: 7.7
• Rotten Tomatoes: 63%/80%
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, etc
• Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes

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.

3. Elf (2003)

For many people, Christmas would not be the same without watching Jon Favreau’s Elf. This 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.

2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

• IMDB: 8.3
• Directors: Chuck Jones
• Cast: Boris Karloff, June Foray, etc
• Runtime: 26 minutes

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 like 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 (1946)

• IMDB: 8.6
• Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/95%
• Director: Frank Capra
• Cast: James Steward, Donna Reed, etc
• Runtime: 2 hours, 9 minutes

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 Steward and Donna Reed starrer has been winning the hearts of the people since the 1940s, and even after three-quarters of a century, it is still the best in business when it comes to lightening 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 it right away!