My Top 20 Christmas Movies

Christmas is a time when magic is in the air, and families gather around to share stories, make new memories, and reflect on the past year. Old and new traditions blend together at Christmas time, bringing families closer each year.

One of my family traditions is Christmas movie binge watching! We love to snuggle up on the couch with the dogs and watch as many movies as possible leading up to Christmas. We go from dramatic and serious to action-packed to funny and hallmark gushy—there is a movie for every emotion under the wintery sun!

Some of my movies are based around the holidays rather than specifically on Christmas, but they are valuable because Christmas is about reflection and leading towards the New Year.

So sit back, grab some popcorn, make some hot chocolate, and learn about this fantastic Christmas movie list!

1. “The Lion in Winter” (1968) is a historical drama that truly shows how, even back in 1183, a dysfunctional family can try to celebrate Christmas.

2. “The Four Seasons” (1981) is a comedy-drama about four couples who navigate the changing seasons and holidays, dealing with the ups and downs of these changes.

3. “The Family Stone” (2005) is the ultimate family Christmas drama. There is laughter, love, sadness, and learning to manage classing personalities—a skill you need to get through any holiday!

4. “The Holiday” (2006) is a romantic comedy that shows how two very different people can switch lives and find fresh perspectives on their own.

5. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) A genuinely iconic movie that shows the power of giving and gratitude and the importance of community.

6. “Holiday Inn” (1942) is a musical classic best known for the famous song “White Christmas.” Let me tell you, I would love to stay at this holiday inn and experience all of the seasons.

7. “A Charle Brown Christmas” (1955) is an animated holiday show that will capture the hearts of both young and old.

8. “Love Actually” (2003) is a fantastic movie that shows many different storylines and how love is all around us.

9. “The Bishop’s Wife” (1947) this American holiday classic renews your faith in believing and finding joy in the simple things.

10. “Holiday In The Wild” (2019) is a romantic holiday movie about self-discovery, love, and the importance of caring for animals and the planet.

11. “Falling For Christmas” (2022) is one of my favorites. It features snow, a charming inn, physical comedy, and Lindsay Lohan at her best!

12. “Great British Christmas Baking Show” ( many seasons) Who doesn’t love watching yummy Christmas treats being baked?

13. “Office Christmas Party” ( 2016) is raunchy, funny, and dark humor, just for adults, and so worth watching!

14. “Meet Me in St. Louis” (1945) An American musical classic that shows a family celebrating the holidays and getting ready for the 1904 World’s Fair. It stars Judy Garland, who sang the famous song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

15. “A Christmas Carol” (2009): I love this animated movie that retells the classic Charles Dickens novella. It was so impressively made and fun to watch. It is not your typical animated movie, and there were some scary scenes for younger children.

16. In “The Grinch” (2000), Jim Carrey does it again, taking a classic story and adding his own spin to this silly, mischievous over-the-top comedy.

17. “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”(1989): A genuinely crazy family trying to achieve the perfect Christmas.

18. “Jingle All The Way” (1996): If you have been that parent who is looking for the only gift that will make your child happy, this movie is for you!

19. “Elf” (2003) is a heartwarming comedy blends fun, comedy, Christmas spirit, and kindness!

20. “Die Hard” (1988) is an action-packed movie set during Christmas, but it is not your traditional Christmas movie. I still think if it has decorations and Christmas music playing, it’s a Christmas movie!

Here you go! Hopefully some of these movies catches your fancy and can be part of your Christmas season!

And if you are enjoy everything about Christmas, check out my other articles on the holiday season.

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