The Top 10 Christmas Movies
#10 -
8-Bit Christmas
As people born in the early 1980s, this film hit home on many levels. Released in 2021 on HBO Max, 8-Bit Christmas is easily one of the best holiday films in the past 10 years. This film reminds us of another Christmas classic (which you may find later on this list) in the sense that the story involves a child with his eyes set on a very specific Christmas present, one that his family doesn’t particularly want to get for him. While this isn’t a time-honored film (yet), it does offer a lot of heart and valuable life lessons. The writers did a great job at nailing some of the idiosyncrasies of the late 80s that we absolutely loved. While late 70’s/early 80’s babies might enjoy this film the most, we think it can be fun for all ages.
Photo © Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Star Thrower Entertainment.
#9 -
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
“I don’t know what to say, except it’s Christmas and we’re all in misery.” The third installment in National Lampoon’s Vacation series features the Griswald family’s attempt at the perfect Christmas. It has the highest IMDb rating and Rotten Tomatoes audience score of any of the films in the Vacation series. Written by the great John Hughes (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club), the film stars Chevy Chase (SNL, Caddyshack) and Beverly D’Angelo (American History X, Entourage) as the hapless husband and wife duo of the Griswold family. Fans of The Big Bang Theory will recognize Johnny Galecki’s turn as Rusty Griswold in one of the first roles of his career. Comedy and Christmas spirit are the key ingredients in this holiday movie’s recipe.
Photo © Warner Bros, Hughes Entertainment.
#8 - Love Actually
Can you beat a holiday time love story? Lifetime created an entire genre on the subject, but they’ve never reached the level of this Richard Curtis (Notting Hill, Four Weddings and Funeral) classic. The ensemble cast includes Hollywood mainstays Hugh Grant (Notting Hill, About a Boy), Liam Neeson (Schindler’s List, Taken), Laura Linney (Ozark, The Truman Show), Emma Thompson (Saving Mr. Banks, Cruella), and more! Fans of The Walking Dead will recognize Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) in one of his earliest featured roles. Love, some snowflakes, and a lot of holiday cheer will be in the air in this one!
Photo © Universal Pictures
#7 -
A Christmas Story
When you were a kid, was there anything you wanted so badly for Christmas that it was all you could think about? For the nine-year old Ralphie, that item was the Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle. The film follows his plotting to receive the item for Christmas, while we meet his family, friends, and classmates. Set in the 40s and released in 1983, the film showcases a simpler time, yet is still relatable here nearly 40 years later. This movie includes many famous scenes and props, which you may recognize from parodies and references over the years.
Photo © MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
#6 - Die Hard
Yippie-ki-yay for this action packed holiday film. And yes, even though it’s been heavily debated over the years, it is a Christmas movie in our eyes! The only action film on this list, Die Hard stars Bruce Willis (Pulp Fiction, The Sixth Sense) as a man trying to save his wife when she’s part of a group that’s held hostage during their company’s Christmas party. The antagonist, Hans Gruber, is portrayed by villain extraordinaire and Hollywood great Alan Rickman. The film was nominated for four Oscars and is included on IMDb’s list of the top 250 movies of all time.
Photo © 20th Century Fox
#5 -
Elf
Who wants some syrup on their spaghetti?? Will Ferrell (SNL, Anchorman) stars as Buddy the Elf, who spreads nothing but Christmas cheer in this hilarious holiday film. The movie co-stars Zooey Deschanel (New Girl, 500 Days of Summer) in one of her breakthrough roles and Hollywood legends Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, James Caan, and Mary Steenburgen. You’ll be laughing, singing along, and full of Christmas cheer by the time the credits roll.
Photo © New Line Cinema
#4 - The Nightmare Before Christmas
“This is Halloween, this is Halloween.” Tim Burton (Beetlejuice, Batman) brings Halloween and Christmas together in this stop motion musical masterpiece. The film features the voice talents of genius composer Danny Elfman (Simpsons, Spider-Man) and the incomparable Catherine O’Hara (Home Alone, Schitt’s Creek). You’ll be singing along with the catchy songs like “This is Halloween” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song.” If you find yourself at Disneyland during the holidays, be sure to check out The Nightmare Before Christmas overlay on the Haunted Mansion ride where you’ll get to see all of your favorite characters from the film!
Photo © Buena Vista Pictures, Touchstone Pictures, Skellington Productions.
#3 - Miracle on 34th Street
“Oh, Christmas isn’t just a day, it’s a frame of mind.” This 1947 black and white feature is an absolute classic. The film won three Academy Awards (was nominated for four), including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Edmund Gwenn for his role as Kris Kringle. He remains the only actor to win an Oscar for portraying Santa Claus. It’s a wonderful New York story that involves Christmas, Macy’s, and an unprecedented court case. Fun fact - Only three Christmas movies have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars, and two of them competed against each other in 1947! The other film was nominated the year before in 1946, and you may see it appear later on this list.
Photo © 20th Century Fox
#2 -
Home Alone
“Keep the change, ya filthy animal.” If you’re a fan of slapstick comedy, look no further than this holiday classic. Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, and the amazing Catherine O’Hara, this 90’s classic will definitely put a smile on your face. A viewing of this film is a staple at our home every holiday season. Fun fact: Thanks to musical genius John Williams, Home Alone was nominated for two Oscars.
Photo © 20th Century Fox
#1 - It’s a Wonderful Life
“Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.” The top movie on our Christmas movie list is no stranger to be #1, as it’s the highest rated holiday film on IMDb and ranked #24 overall on their site. Nominated for five Oscars, including Best Picture, the film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who is shown what life would have been like if he never existed. Released in 1946, it still teaches us a lot and gives us all the feels 75 years later.
Photo © RKO Radio Pictures, Liberty Films.
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