Christmas movies can get you in a festive mood right away. While most children prefer Claymation Christmas movies, some adults opt for tear-jerking holiday classics. Indeed, there is a holiday title for everyone.
Due to Christmas movies’ significant life lessons, you can truly enjoy them all year round. After indulging in touching Thanksgiving movies, celebrate the holiday season with these best Christmas movies this December.
A Christmas Carol
What better way to kick off this list than with one of the best Disney movies to exist? A Christmas Carol is a 2009 film starring an ensemble cast which includes Jim Carrey, Colin Firth, Gary Oldman, and Robin Wright. Charles Dickens’ novel of the same title inspired this movie.
Made through motion-capture technology, A Christmas Carol is truly one of the best Disney animated movies that one must watch. More than the film’s amazing visuals, you can truly get into the holiday spirit with its moral lessons. Ultimately, the story’s great plot twist will also touch your heart in the best possible way.
If you wish to witness A Christmas Carol’s amazing story and breathtaking scenes, you can stream the film on Disney Plus today.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
One of the best movies on Netflix is Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. This 1992 film follows the story of a young boy named Kevin McCallister as he tries to stop two familiar men from attempting yet another burglary. The film stars Macaulay Culkin, Daniel Stern, Joe Pesci, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara.
What makes this one of the best Netflix Christmas movies is its iconic holiday elements. One of the best Christmas songs, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” gives one of the classic Home Alone scenes a fun, jolly vibe. Lots of Christmas food, gifts, and tourist spots were also featured in the film. Indeed, you can feel immersed in the film’s hilarious story and gorgeous Christmas scene in New York.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This Tim Burton film is easily one of the best Disney Christmas movies that you can watch this holiday season. The Nightmare Before Christmas stars the voices of Chris Sarandon, Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, and William Hickey. While many people consider this film as one of the best Halloween movies, it also features quaint Christmas elements that fit the holiday’s mood as well.
The Nightmare Before Christmas follows the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King who rules Halloween Town. As the story unfolds, Jack discovers a winter wonderland named Christmas Town. After a series of mishaps, he later sets out on a journey to beat Oogie Boogie, one of the most popular Disney villains. Upon watching, the film’s stop-motion animation will take your breath away as its story will also move you.
The Man Who Invented Christmas
If you are looking for a unique yet still holiday worthy-film, why not give The Man Who Invented Christmas a try? The film stars Dan Stevens, Jonathan Pryce, and Christopher Plummer. This 2017 film follows the story of Charles Dickens as he develops one of the best Christmas movies—A Christmas Carol. Aside from its alluring visuals and fascinating narrative, The Man Who Invented Christmas also offers interesting Christmas trivia on Dickens’ classic tale.
Christmas Inheritance
Leave it to the Hallmark Channel if you want a film that offers both the tingly emotions of romance and the holiday cheer of Christmas. Christmas Inheritance is one of the must-watch Hallmark Christmas movies that could make you smile and shed a tear or two.
Eliza Taylor portrayed the lead character named Ellen who tried to obtain her father’s inheritance. To do this, she must fulfill his conditions which involve a trip to his hometown. Eventually, Ellen picked up a lot of learnings and became a better person during her stay. Above all, she found love in a guy named Jake Collins, a character portrayed by The Office actor, Jake Lacy.
The film features a winter wonderland setting and most of all, great holiday spirit. Ultimately, it depicts the importance of belongingness. Sometimes, that just means being with people who you love and accept you for who you are. Indeed, Christmas Inheritance’s heartwarming twists, witty puns, and important values truly make it one of the best Christmas movies on Netflix.
Arthur Christmas
They say that Christmas is for children. So, what better way to spend the holidays than by watching one of the best kids Christmas movies: Arthur Christmas. This is a 2011 film that stars James McAvoy, Bill Nighy, and Hugh Laurie. The movie is both sweet and appealing. Its story is also very touching, as it depicts important Christmas lessons.
Arthur Christmas teaches the audience, both young and old, that everyone is special in their own way. The value of helping others also sets this film as a great learning experience, especially for young viewers.
Christmas with the Kranks
Without a doubt, Christmas with the Kranks is one of the great Christmas movies that will bring holiday cheer into your home. This comedy film features well-known actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Tim Allen, and Dan Aykroyd. Moreover, it was based on John Grisham’s novel, Skipping Christmas.
Christmas with the Kranks tells the story of a couple who set on a mission to ditch the Christmas festivities. The reason? None other than a fancy, relaxing Caribbean cruise vacation. This holiday film features light-hearted comedy that will have you and your loved ones laughing for hours on end.
Elf
A list of Christmas movies to watch this holiday season won’t be complete without this 2003 comedy film. Elf is among the greatest classic Christmas movies that depict not only the fun side of the holiday season but also the true meaning of Christmas. It stars Will Ferrel, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Bob Newhard, and Ed Asner among other talented actors.
Elf is one of the most hilarious Christmas comedy movies that highlighted a nasty yet entertaining sense of humor which holiday films rarely convey. Due to its hilarious scenes, Elf has been a subject of popular Christmas memes that brought hearty laughs to people all over the world. Most of all, the film charms the audience with its adorable subplots and most of all, holiday lessons that will tug at your heartstrings.
Die Hard
“Is Die Hard a Christmas film?”—this has been an endless debate subject since the movie’s release in 1988. Whatever your stand is on this hotly-debated topic, one cannot deny that it is one of the best movies of all time. Not to mention, Die Hard features an amazing holiday soundtrack.
Die Hard has an ensemble cast that includes Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alexander Godunov, and the late Harry Potter cast member, Alan Rickman. This film is one of the must-watch old Christmas movies. Upon watching, you can expect this film to be packed with action. Die Hard’s great score and thrilling plot could also capture your attention for hours. Above all, it features the essence of friendship, family, and love that highly resonates with Christmas.
The Grinch
Everyone’s favorite Christmas grump was portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch in the 2018 movie, The Grinch. This film was based on How the Grinch Stole Christmas, one of the most famous Christmas movies that starred Jim Carrey as the Grinch and Bryce Dallas Howard as Surprised Who. Anthony Hopkins narrated the tale of this movie, as well.
The 2018 iteration follows the story of how the Grinch tried to put an end to the holiday that he despises the most. This family-friendly film is full of classic Christmas tunes. Most of all, its uplifting life lessons could definitely charm both the young and young-at-heart.
This Christmas
Black Christmas movies exhibit the holiday spirit and even more, stand as great representations to the Black community. This Christmas is one of the best family Christmas movies that features a family many of us can relate to. The film stars talented actors such as Loretta Devine, Idris Elba, and Delroy Lindo.
This Christmas revolves around the story of the Whitfield family. Although they are related by blood, they haven’t exactly been the closest folks. For the first time after four years, the Whitfield family reunited for the holidays. As one could expect, family reunions could get out of control—especially with secrets getting spilled here and there.
This Christmas perfectly captured the reality of how families can get on each other’s nerves. Moreover, the film also depicted how family members’ love for each other still triumphs over everything. With its hilarious scenes and heartwarming story, This Christmas is truly one of the best Christmas movies of all time.
Krampus
Who said the Christmas season can’t be a time for some hauntingly-good films? Scary Christmas movies can give your holiday a unique twist with their terrifyingly awesome creatures and entertaining jump scares. Krampus is a 2015 film that fits the bill. It stars talented actors such as Adam Scott, David Koechner, Toni Collette, and Allison Tolman.
This film features a monster that was inspired by a half-goat and half-demon creature from old European folklore. While Santa Claus rewards children with gifts for being nice, Krampus punishes ill-mannered kids on Christmas. Although Krampus can be quite scary, its important themes on kindness and family ties easily make it one of the top Christmas movies of all time.
Last Christmas
The Christmas season is a great time to indulge in a light-hearted romantic-comedy film as you’re warm and cozy amidst the snow falling outside. Last Christmas offers both delightful romance and an endearing Christmas tale that you could enjoy this holiday season. It stars Game of Thrones cast member Emilia Clarke and Crazy Rich Asians actor Henry Golding. More than the romance, Last Christmas also reminds you of important life lessons that could inspire you for the better.
Mean Girls
This is truly the season to be jolly, especially with funny Christmas movies that bring unstoppable laughs. The 2004 comedy movie, Mean Girls, has an ensemble cast that includes Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert. Although it is not a holiday title, Mean Girls exhibits the important values that we must remember not only on Christmas but also all year round. Notably, the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” by the four protagonists has been a staple in many Christmas events. With its witty lines and hilarious scenes, Mean Girls is one of the funniest Christmas movies that you can watch on this joyful season with your gal pals.
The Polar Express
Animated Christmas movies have a magical charm to them that greatly captures the attention and hearts of their viewers. The Polar Express is a 2004 film based on Chris Van Allsburg’s book of the same title. Tom Hanks, Leslie Zemeckis, Peter Scolari, and Eddie Deezen are among the film’s talented actors that skillfully portrayed their characters.
Through motion-capture technology, The Polar Express brought its inspirational novel to life. It is also a timeless film that undoubtedly charms people of all ages with its artistic allure and overall appeal. Above all, you can feel the Christmas spirit through the film’s top moral value—to believe in yourself and your dreams.
The Princess Switch
The Christmas rom-com movie, The Princess Switch, was loosely based on Mark Twain’s famous novel, The Prince and the Pauper. If you’re familiar with this Twain classic, you would know that it involves two people who looked identical and eventually switched lives. Similarly, The Princess Switch features the same plotline and offers an entertaining story set during the Christmas season. Without a doubt, this is one of the good Christmas movies 2018 brought that stars Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Sam Palladio, and Mark Fleischmann.
Love Actually
Romantic Christmas movies offer so much. Indeed, they can entertain you with their cheesy lines that could make you blush. Their inspirational holiday stories could also tug at your heartstrings in the most inspiring way.
Love Actually is a 2003 romantic comedy movie set during the holiday season. The film features a star-studded cast that includes Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, and Liam Neeson. Before Andrew Lincoln portrayed the role of Rick Grimes in the hit TV series, The Walking Dead, he first starred as Mark in Love Actually as well.
As a romantic film, Love Actually offers cheesy scenes and challenges that most love stories have. On the other hand, its Christmas film aspect lets you indulge in the holiday spirit of love for yourself and others. Among other popular Christmas movies, Love Actually stands out with its well-thought story and great plot twists.
Klaus
If you have rewatched holiday classics every year, you might be looking for some new Christmas movies to watch. Klaus is one of the must-see Christmas movies 2019 brought through Netflix. This holiday film features the voices of J.K. Simmons, Jason Schwartzman, and Rashida Jones.
There’s so much to love about Klaus. For one, its 2D animation spared no quality when it comes to depicting important scenes and of course, splendid characters. Above all, the film features a melancholic yet moving narrative that captured the essence of Christmas in the best way possible. It is undoubtedly one of the best Christmas movies for kids that you can watch with your little ones this year.
A Christmas Story
The 1983 film, A Christmas Story, is one of the classic comedy Christmas movies that you must watch this holiday season. It stars Peter Billingsley, Ian Petrella, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin. Although it is famous for its hilarious scenes, A Christmas Story also features Christmas values that you can appreciate all year round. The movie will inspire you to dream and to believe in yourself. It also features the importance of hard work and dedication. Most importantly, A Christmas Story depicts the importance of honesty and support for one another, especially within a family.
Prancer
Christmas is best spent with loved ones. Gather your friends and family as you watch an amazing fantasy film entitled Prancer. This is one of the greatest old Christmas movies that can revive the holiday spirit in no time. Prancer has a remarkable cast that consists of Sam Elliott, Rebecca Harell, and Cloris Leachman. Notably, this film will bring the magic of Christmas into your home and above all, your heart.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season provides a lot of opportunities. For one, you can try out new Christmas dinner ideas to impress your family. On the other hand, you can also gather up your friends and indulge in Christmas movies that could warm your hearts through the cold, winter season. Whatever your holiday plans may be, one thing remains certain—taking the time to reflect on Christmas’ true meaning will make the season even more worthwhile.
