By QuickNewsFeed.Com.

The holiday season is arrived, and what better way to get into the festive mood than to curl up with a good Christmas movie. Whether you’re looking for timeless classics, family-friendly entertainment, or new releases, we’ve compiled a list of the best 20 Christmas movies to watch this year. This selection has something for everyone, from touching stories to hilarious jokes. Grab a hot cocoa and let’s get started!

1. Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone is a Christmas classic that will never go out of style. This amusing and endearing film chronicles the exploits of Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old who is unintentionally left behind when his family travels to Paris for Christmas. Watch Kevin protect his home from two inept burglars with creative traps and loads of laughs.

Directed By: Chris Columbus
Written By: John Hughes
Produced By: John Hughes
Starring:

• Macaulay Culkin
• Joe Pesci
• Catherine O’Hara
• John Heard
• Daniel Stern

Release Date: November 16, 1990 (Chicago)
Running Time: 103 Minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $18 Million
Box Office: $476.7 Million

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Why Watch: It’s the ideal combination of comedy, family love, and festive pleasure.

2. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

This black-and-white classic encapsulates the spirit of Christmas. George Bailey discovers what life would be like if he hadn’t been born, only to realize the significant impact he has on his loved ones.

Directed by: Frank Capra

3. The Christmas Carol (1951)

Based on Charles Dickens’ classic novella, this version is one of the best depictions of Ebenezer Scrooge’s metamorphosis from a miserly grump to a kind spirit.

Author: Charles Dickens

Original title: A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas.

Why Watch: A timeless tale of redemption and the Christmas spirit.

4. Elf (2003)

Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by elves who sets out to discover his biological father in New York City. Elf is a modern classic, packed with comedy and seasonal spirit.

Directed by: Jon Favreau
Written by: David Berenbaum

Produced by:

• Jon Berg
• Todd Komarnicki
• Shauna Robertson

Starring:

• Will Ferrell
• James Caan
• Zooey Deschanel
• Mary Steenburgen
• Ed Asner
• Bob Newhart

Release date: November 7, 2003
Running time: 97 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $33 million
Box office: $228.9 million

Why to Watch: Hilarious moments and a heartfelt message about family and believing in the magic of Christmas.

5. The Polar Express (2004)

This stunningly breathtaking animated picture depicts a young boy who takes a fantastic train excursion to the North Pole.

Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Screenplay by:

• Robert Zemeckis
• William Broyles Jr.

Produced by:

• Steve Starkey
• Robert Zemeckis
• Gary Goetzman
• William Teitler

Starring:

• Tom Hanks

Release dates:

• October 13, 2004 (Chicago International Film Festival)
• November 10, 2004 (United States)

Running time: 100 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $165–170 million
Box office: $318.2 million

Why Watch: This visual feast honors the power of believing and the joy of Christmas.

6. Love Actually (2003)

This British romantic comedy tells numerous stories about love and relationships throughout the holiday season.

Why Watch: A wonderful look at love in all its manifestations, set against a Christmas setting.

7. The Grinch (2018)

Benedict Cumberbatch portrays the Grinch in this animated retelling of Dr. Seuss’s story, in which he tries to steal Christmas from the Whoville residents.

First appearance: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957)
Created by: Dr. Seuss
Designed by: Dr. Seuss

Portrayed by:

• Jim Carrey (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
• Patrick Page (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Stefán Karl Stefánsson (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Matthew Morrison (Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live!)
• David Howard Thornton (The Mean One)

Voiced by:

• Boris Karloff (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Hans Conried (Halloween is Grinch Night)
• Bob Holt (The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat)
• Dan Castellaneta (Tiny Toon Adventures)
• Walter Matthau (Random House Home Video)
• Anthony Asbury (The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss)
• Wally Wingert (Family Guy)
• Corey Burton (Sneech Beach Area, Seuss Landing Street Show)
• Josh Gerhardt (The Grinch)
• Rik Mayall (The Dr. Seuss Collection)
• Stephen Stanton (Mad)
• Seth Green (Robot Chicken)
• Benedict Cumberbatch (The Grinch)
• David Kaye (Capital One commercials)
• Darin De Paul (Walmart commercials)

In-universe information:

• Gender: Male
• Family: Max (pet dog/best friend), Aloysius O’Hare (adoptive father)
• Spouse: Martha May Whovier (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

Why Watch: Vibrant animation and a fresh spin on a classic narrative.

8. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)

An evergreen Christmas favorite about a department shop Santa who pretends to be the genuine article, spreading joy and faith in the Christmas spirit.

First appearance: How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957)
Created by: Dr. Seuss
Designed by: Dr. Seuss
Portrayed by:

• Jim Carrey (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)
• Patrick Page (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Stefán Karl Stefánsson (Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Matthew Morrison (Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical Live!)
• David Howard Thornton (The Mean One)
  Voiced by:
• Boris Karloff (How the Grinch Stole Christmas!)
• Hans Conried (Halloween is Grinch Night)
• Bob Holt (The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat)
• Dan Castellaneta (Tiny Toon Adventures)
• Walter Matthau (Random House Home Video)
• Anthony Asbury (The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss)
• Wally Wingert (Family Guy)
• Corey Burton (Sneech Beach Area, Seuss Landing Street Show)
• Josh Gerhardt (The Grinch)
• Rik Mayall (The Dr. Seuss Collection)
• Stephen Stanton (Mad)
• Seth Green (Robot Chicken)
• Benedict Cumberbatch (The Grinch)
• David Kaye (Capital One commercials)
• Darin De Paul (Walmart commercials)
  Gender: Male
  Family: Max (pet dog/best friend), Aloysius O’Hare (adoptive father)
  Spouse: Martha May Whovier (How the Grinch Stole Christmas)

Why Watch: This is a touching story of faith and compassion.

9. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation (1989)

This slapstick comedy recounts the Griswold family’s disastrous Christmas celebration. It’s a giggle riot with outlandish holiday decorations and family conflict.

Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
Written by: John Hughes
Based on: Characters by John Hughes
Produced by:

• John Hughes
• Tom Jacobson

Starring:

• Chevy Chase
• Beverly D’Angelo
• Randy Quaid

Cinematography: Thomas E. Ackerman
Edited by:

• Gerald B. Greenberg
• Michael A. Stevenson

Music by: Angelo Badalamenti

Production company: Hughes Entertainment
Distributed by: Warner Bros.

Release date: December 1, 1989
Running time: 97 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $25 million
Box office: $73.3 million

Why Watch: Guaranteed to make you chuckle and appreciate your own family’s holiday turmoil.

10. Klaus (2019)

This gorgeously animated Netflix video reimagines Santa Claus’ origins as a tale of friendship and selflessnes.

  Directed by: Sergio Pablos

  Screenplay by:

• Sergio Pablos
• Jim Mahoney
• Zach Lewis

Story by: Sergio Pablos

Produced by:

• Jinko Gotoh
• Sergio Pablos
• Marisa Roman
• Matt Teevan
• Mercedes Gamero
• Mikel Lejarza
• Gustavo Ferrada

Starring:

• Jason Schwartzman
• J. K. Simmons
• Rashida Jones
• Will Sasso
• Neda Margrethe Labba
• Sergio Pablos
• Norm Macdonald
• Joan Cusack

Distributed by: Netflix

Release date: 8 November 2019
Running time: 97 minutes
Countries:

• Spain
• United States

Languages:

• English
• Northern Sami

Budget: $40 million

Why Watch: Stunning sights and a poignant story with a modern twist on Christmas legend.

11. The holiday (2006)

Two ladies exchange residences for the holidays in quest of a new beginning and unexpectedly discover romance.

Directed by: Nancy Meyers
Written by: Nancy Meyers

Produced by:

• Nancy Meyers
• Bruce A. Block

Starring:

• Cameron Diaz
• Kate Winslet
• Jude Law
• Jack Black
• Eli Wallach
• Edward Burns
• Rufus Sewell

Release dates:

• November 29, 2006 (New York City)
• December 8, 2006 (United Kingdom and United States)

Running time: 136 minutes
Countries:

• United Kingdom
• United States

Language: English
Budget: $85 million
Box office: $205.8 million

Why Watch: This is a homey rom-com with a festive feel.

12. Scrooged (1988)

This darkly humorous take on A Christmas Carol stars Bill Murray as a jaded TV executive who discovers the true meaning of Christmas.

Directed by: Richard Donner
Screenplay by:

• Mitch Glazer
• Michael O’Donoghue

Produced by:

• Richard Donner
• Art Linson

Starring:

• Bill Murray
• Karen Allen
• John Forsythe
• Bobcat Goldthwait
• Carol Kane
• Robert Mitchum
• Michael J. Pollard
• Alfre Woodard

Release date: November 23, 1988
Running time: 100 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $32 million
Box office: $100.3 million

Why Watch: A unique and modern spin on a classic narrative.

13. Arthur Christmas (2011)

This animated treasure explains how Santa delivers presents all over the world in one night, as well as Arthur’s job to ensure that no child is left behind.

Directed by: Sarah Smith
Written by:

• Peter Baynham
• Sarah Smith

Produced by:

• Peter Lord
• David Sproxton
• Carla Shelley
• Steve Pegram

Starring:

• James McAvoy
• Hugh Laurie
• Bill Nighy
• Jim Broadbent
• Imelda Staunton
• Ashley Jensen

Release dates:

• 11 November 2011 (United Kingdom)
• 23 November 2011 (United States)

Running time: 97 minutes
Countries:

• United Kingdom
• United States

Language: English
Budget: $100 million
Box office: $147.4 million

Why Watch: Suitable for all ages, with humor, heart, and festive spirit.

14. The Santa Clause (1994)

Scott Calvin unintentionally becomes Santa, and he must manage his new role while keeping it a secret.

Genre:

• Christmas
• Fantasy comedy

Created by: Jack Burditt

Based on: The Santa Clause by Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick

Starring:

• Tim Allen
• Elizabeth Mitchell
• Austin Kane
• Elizabeth Allen-Dick
• Matilda Lawler
• Devin Bright
• Rupali Redd
• Kal Penn
• Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias
• Eric Stonestreet

Music by:

• Ariel Rechtshaid
• Will Canzoneri

Country of origin: United States
Original language: English
No. of seasons: 2
No. of episodes: 12

Running time: 33 minutes

Original release:

• Network: Disney+
• Release: November 16, 2022 – present

Why Watch: A magical, family-friendly narrative with lots of laughs.

15. White Christmas (1954)

This musical stars Bing Crosby and celebrates the magic of song, love, and friendship over the holidays.

Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Written by:

• Norman Krasna
• Norman Panama
• Melvin Frank

Produced by: Robert Emmett Dolan

Starring:

• Bing Crosby
• Danny Kaye
• Rosemary Clooney
• Vera-Ellen
• Dean Jagger

Release date: October 14, 1954
Running time: 120 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $2 million
Box office: $30 million

Why Watch: Classic music and a cozy festive atmosphere.

16. A boy named Christmas (2021)

This fantasy journey portrays the origin story of Santa Claus, complete with magic, wonder, and touching moments.

Directed by: Gil Kenan
Screenplay by:

• Ol Parker
• Gil Kenan

Produced by:

• Graham Broadbent
• Pete Czernin

Starring:

• Henry Lawfull
• Toby Jones
• Sally Hawkins
• Kristen Wiig
• Michiel Huisman
• Zoe Colletti
• Stephen Merchant
• Jim Broadbent
• Maggie Smith

Release date: 24 November 2021
Running time: 106 minutes
Countries:

• United Kingdom
• United States

Language: English
Box office: $3.8 million

Why Watch: A new perspective on the Christmas mythos.

17. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton’s masterwork merges Halloween with Christmas, with Jack Skellington discovering the delights of the holiday season.

Directed by: Henry Selick
Screenplay by: Caroline Thompson
Adaptation by: Michael McDowell
Story by: Tim Burton

Produced by:

• Tim Burton
• Denise Di Novi

Starring:

• Danny Elfman
• Chris Sarandon
• Catherine O’Hara
• William Hickey
• Glenn Shadix
• Paul Reubens
• Ken Page
• Ed Ivory

Release dates:

• October 9, 1993 (New York Film Festival)
• October 29, 1993 (United States)

Running time: 76 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $18 million
Box office: $107.8 million

Why Watch: The visuals are unique, and the story is eerily beautiful.

18. Jingle All the Way (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in this comedy about a parent who is desperate to get his son the season’s most popular toy.

Directed by: Brian Levant
Written by: Randy Kornfield

Produced by:

• Chris Columbus
• Michael Barnathan
• Mark Radcliffe

Starring:

• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• Sinbad
• Phil Hartman
• Rita Wilson
• Robert Conrad
• Jim Belushi

Release dates:

• November 16, 1996 (Mall of America)
• November 22, 1996 (United States)

Running time: 89 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $60–75 million
Box office: $129.8 million

Why Watch: It’s a humorous spin on the holiday shopping rush.

19. Spirited. (2022)

Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds feature in this modern musical rendition of A Christmas Carol, which is plenty of comedy and great tunes.

Directed by: Sean Anders
Written by:

• Sean Anders
• John Morris

Produced by:

• Sean Anders
• John Morris
• David Koplan
• Ryan Reynolds
• George Dewey
• Will Ferrell
• Jessica Elbaum

Starring:

• Will Ferrell
• Ryan Reynolds
• Octavia Spencer
• Sunita Mani
• Patrick Page
• Marlow Barkley
• Tracy Morgan

Release dates:

• November 11, 2022 (United States)
• November 18, 2022 (Apple TV+)

Running time: 127 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English
Budget: $75 million

Why Watch: A delightful mix of humor, music, and festive cheer.

20. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Kurt Russell plays a cool, unusual Santa in this Netflix blockbuster about two siblings who accidentally crash his sleigh.

Directed by: Clay Kaytis

Why Watch: It’s action-packed, touching, and full of seasonal charm.

Tips for the Best Movie Night

• Create a Cozy Setup: Dim the lights, get some soft blankets, and light a holiday-scented candle.
• Snack Galore: Prepare for the ultimate experience by stocking up on popcorn, cookies, and hot chocolate.
• Invite Loved Ones: Christmas movies are best enjoyed with family and friends.

Which one of these movies is your favourite? Did we skip out on one of your favorite holiday movies? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to share this list with your other Christmas movie fans!