Looking for the perfect holiday watch? From heartfelt romances to action-packed adventures, these seasonal favorites bring the magic, chaos and charm of Christmas to your home. Whether you’re having a family movie night or hosting a Christmas party, there is a film on this list for everyone.
Fun for the whole family
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)
Based on the children’s book “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” the grumpy Grinch tries to steal Christmas away from the friendly folk of Whoville and finds himself surrounded by Christmas cheer.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)
The Peanuts gang learns the true meaning of Christmas as a discouraged Charlie Brown struggles to find holiday spirit, only to be uplifted when Linus shares the Nativity story. Their friends come together to transform Charlie Brown’s little tree and celebrate the season.
“Home Alone” (1990)
8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone during his family’s trip to Paris and has fun having the house all to himself until he must outsmart two bumbling burglars determined to break in.
“Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)
Kevin McCallister is separated from his family again and ends up going on an adventure in New York City. But when he discovers the Sticky Bandits’ plan to strike again and rob a toy store on Christmas Eve, he sets out to stop them on his own.
“The Polar Express” (2004)
A young boy is whisked away on a magical train on a journey to the North Pole, seeing the magic of Christmas. He discovers that wonder endures for those who choose to believe.
“Frosty the Snowman” (1969)
A magical top hat brings Frosty the Snowman to life, but when the evil magician wants it back, Frosty and a young girl named Karen race to get him to the North Pole before he melts.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)
A misfit reindeer sets out to find his place in the world, befriending fellow misfit toys on his journey, and saves Christmas with his shining red nose.
“The Santa Clause” (1994)
After accidentally causing Santa Claus to fall from his roof, Scott Calvin is told he must take over the role. As Christmas approaches, he reluctantly transforms into the new Santa while trying to convince others that the magic is real.
“The Grinch” (2018)
The Grinch lives in Mt. Crumpit with his dog Max, growing increasingly irritated by the Whos’ festive celebrations. When they plan an even bigger Christmas, he disguises himself as Santa and schemes to steal the holiday in hopes of finally finding some peace.
“Disney’s Small One” (1978)
-A young boy is heartbroken when his family tells him he must sell his donkey, Small One. As they search for a kind new owner, the boy and Small One embark on a touching journey that leads them to a humble man in need of a very special donkey.
“Babes in Toyland” (1961)
In Mother Goose Village, Mary Contrary and Tom Piper are torn apart when the villainous Barnaby schemes to steal Mary’s inheritance by having Tom eliminated and her sheep stolen. After a series of adventures, Tom, Mary and the children ultimately outwit Barnaby, restore order and celebrate a joyful wedding.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)
The Muppets retell Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol.” With help from Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzie and the rest of the Muppets, Scrooge confronts his mistakes and finds a path to redemption.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” (1970)
A friendly mailman narrates the origin of Santa Claus, telling how young Kris Kringle, raised by an elf family, defies the toy-banning Burgermeister Meisterburger and the fearsome Winter Warlock. Through courage and kindness, Kris begins delivering toys to Sombertown’s children and eventually becomes the legendary Santa known around the world.
“The Little Drummer Boy” (1968)
After losing his parents to bandits, young Aaron travels with his loyal animals and a cruel caravan master, his only comfort being the drum that brings his companions joy. Following the Magi to Bethlehem, Aaron offers his music as a gift to the newborn baby and, in doing so, finds healing, hope and the restoration of his beloved lamb.
“Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas” (1999)
Mickey and his friends tell three stories, including A Very Goofy Christmas and Mickey and Minnie’s Gift of the Magi.
“Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas” (2004)
-This collection features three festive Mickey & Friends adventures: “Belles of Ice,” where Minnie and Daisy’s friendship is tested during a competitive ice-skating show; “Christmas Impossible,” in which Huey, Dewey and Louie sneak to the North Pole to escape Santa’s naughty list; and “Mickey’s Dog-Gone Christmas,” where Pluto runs away after accidentally spoiling Mickey’s decorations.
“Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas” (1977)
Emmet and Ma Otter are poor but loving musicians who each secretly enter a local talent contest, hoping to win the $50 prize to buy the other a special Christmas gift. With Emmet joining a jug band and Ma performing solo up against the rowdy Riverbottom Gang, they discover that their greatest gift is the music they share.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
When George Bailey loses his will to live and believes the world will be better without him, an angel shows him how many lives he has touched—and how different the world would be without him.
“White Christmas” (1954)
Army buddies turned Broadway stars Bob Wallace and Phil Davis fall for aspiring singers Betty and Judy while performing in Florida, navigating romantic mishaps before a joyful Christmas Eve performance and a magical snowfall bring everyone together.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
When Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, his charm convinces everyone he might genuinely be Santa Claus. But when he claims he really is, a court must decide whether he’s sane or the real deal.
“Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” (2002)
Pooh and his friends celebrate Christmas and the New Year.
“Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (1983)
-A heartfelt retelling of the classic Dickens tale with Disney’s beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Goofy and many more.
“Disney’s A Christmas Carol” (2009)
Ebenezer Scrooge dismisses Christmas, but when the ghost of his former partner warns him of three visiting spirits, he is taken on a journey through his past, present and future in hopes of changing.
Fun for the grown-ups
“Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean” (1992)
Mr. Bean goes to town to prepare for the holiday in his usual, comedic style.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
Clark Griswold is determined to create the perfect family Christmas, but everything spirals into chaos with the arrival of unexpected relatives and the anxious waiting for his Christmas bonus. Despite the craziness, he fights to keep the traditional family Christmas spirit alive.
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Ralphie Parker spends the holiday season dreaming of his perfect gift, a Red Ryder BB gun, while dodging bullies, dealing with family and hoping he can make it to Christmas with his glasses still intact.
“Elf” (2003)
After being raised by Santa’s elves in the North Pole, Buddy the Elf travels to New York to find his real dad, Walter Hobbs, leading to a series of chaotic attempts to bond and discover where he truly belongs.
“Love Actually” (2003)
Nine interconnected stories explore the many forms of love — from a prime minister falling for his staffer, to a woman torn between romance and caring for her brother, and many more touching stories.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000)
A live-action adaptation of “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” Jim Carrey brings the bitter Grinch to life in a holiday comedy fit for older children and adults.
“Serendipity” (2001)
A fantastical holiday romantic comedy about two strangers whose magical encounter leaves them wondering if fate intends to reunite them years later.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
Ebenezer Scrooge gets a visit from the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future.
“Die Hard” (1988)
A New York cop’s Christmas visit turns into a high-stakes battle when terrorists seize a Los Angeles skyscraper — leaving John McClane as the only one who can save the hostages.
“The Family Man” (2000)
A high-powered businessman wakes up on Christmas morning in an alternate life — married to the college sweetheart he once left behind. Forced to choose between his ambitious career and a simpler life filled with love, he discovers what truly matters before it’s too late.
“Scrooged” (1988)
Bill Murray plays a cynical TV executive who is forced to face his past, present and future when three eccentric ghosts visit him on Christmas Eve.
“Red One” (2024)
When Santa is kidnapped, an elite E.L.F. operative teams up with the world’s most excellent tracker on a high-stakes mission to save Christmas before time runs out.
“The Family Stone” (2005)
An uptight businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family’s annual Christmas celebration and finds that she’s a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life. (IMDB) This gem stars the late, great Diane Keaton.
“The Holiday” (2006)
Amanda lives in LA and is a movie trailer editor. Iris lives in Surrey and is a journalist. The two decide to swap houses for two weeks at Christmas – both trying to forget their troubled love lives, until love finds them anyways. (IMDB)
