Christmas movies have a special charm. You can watch your favourites every year, already knowing the endings, and still have a great time. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, the music, or just the season itself that makes them feel right. Whatever the reason, a good Christmas film effortlessly sets the mood.

The hardest part is choosing what to watch. With so many options, you might spend more time scrolling than actually watching. Some movies are classics for a reason, while others fly under the radar but are just as good, if not better.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 Christmas movies that are worth watching this holiday season. You’ll find some familiar favourites and a few hidden gems, but each one deserves a spot on your watchlist.

We didn’t just fill this list with the biggest titles or the usual classics. Instead, we checked what people actually enjoy watching year after year, using ratings and feedback from sites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, as well as our own favourites. Some movies made the list because they never get old, others because they deserve more attention, and a few because they’ve quietly become new favourites. Every film here is perfect for holiday viewing, whether you’re watching alone or with family.

• Best Christmas Overall: It’s a Wonderful Life
• Best Christmas Animated: Klaus
• Best Christmas Family: Home Alone
• Best Christmas Action: Die Hard
• Best Christmas Comedy: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
• Best Christmas Drama: The Holdovers

• Genre: Christmas Fantasy
• Director: Frank Capra
• Starring: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
• Release Date: 20 December, 1946

IMDb: 8.6 | Tomatometer: 94% | Popcornmeter: 95% | Average: 91.7

It’s funny to think that It’s a Wonderful Life wasn’t always the Christmas classic we know now. When it was released in 1946, it didn’t make a huge impact, but over the years, more people discovered it. Once it started showing on TV every holiday season, viewers connected with it, and it gradually became one of those movies you expect to see at Christmas.

Today, it’s considered a true classic. The Library of Congress has even preserved it, underscoring its importance in film history. More than that, it’s simply a story that stays with you.

The movie tells the story of George Bailey, who hits a low point on Christmas Eve and begins to question his life. The story is simple but powerful, focusing on perspective, second chances, and understanding your own value. With help from a guardian angel, George sees what the world would be like without him. The film is warm, emotional, and easy to watch, making it a great choice for families who want something meaningful during the holidays.

• Genre: Animation, Family
• Director: Bill Melendez
• Starring: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford
• Release Date: 9 December, 1965

IMDb: 8.3 | Tomatometer: 86% | Popcornmeter: 93% | Average: 87.3

A Charlie Brown Christmas is different from most holiday specials. Rather than repeating the same old story, it takes a more honest look at the season by showing Charlie Brown trying to find real joy in Christmas, even though everything around him feels too commercial and overwhelming. As an animated show, it feels surprisingly real and explores feelings that most holiday movies skip over.

As the story goes on, Charlie Brown tries to direct a Christmas play, hoping it will help him feel more excited about the holiday, even though it’s not easy for him. Things don’t go as planned, but that’s what makes the ending feel deserved.

You still get the warmth and togetherness you’d expect, with Snoopy bringing his usual charm in the background. It all adds up to a simple, heartfelt movie that’s easy to watch with family and has a bit more meaning than you might think.

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Director: Bob Clark
• Starring: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
• Release Date: 18 November, 1983

IMDb: 7.9 | Tomatometer: 89% | Popcornmeter: 89% | Average: 85.7

“A tribute to the original, traditional, one-hundred percent, red-blooded, two-fisted, All-American Christmas.” That line sums up what A Christmas Story is all about, and the movie delivers on that in its own chaotic style. Instead of following just one plot, it’s more like a collection of moments you might see in your own family during the holidays.

Ralphie is the main character, and he’s set on getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, even though everyone tells him it’s dangerous. His dad is obsessed with the leg lamp, his mom tries to keep things running smoothly, and there are lots of little moments that don’t go as planned, which makes them feel real.

The movie avoids being overly sentimental, and that’s part of its charm. Things go wrong, plans don’t work out, and even Christmas dinner goes off track, but it all feels like it belongs.

By the end, you’re not looking for a perfect ending. You watch because it feels familiar. It’s messy, funny, and sometimes a bit silly—a movie you can watch with your family and laugh at the small things, since you’ve probably experienced something similar.

• Genre: Comedy
• Director: John Landis
• Starring: Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis
• Release Date: 8 June, 1983

IMDb: 7.5 | Tomatometer: 87% | Popcornmeter 85% | Average: 82.3

Who wouldn’t want to watch a comedy starring Eddie Murphy? That’s already a good reason to check out Trading Places. He teams up with Dan Aykroyd, and the movie puts their totally different characters into each other’s lives because of a bet made by two rich brothers who have nothing better to do.

The story starts off simple, but the real fun is in how everything unfolds. As their lives turn upside down, things get out of hand fast, and the jokes feel natural instead of forced. Murphy brings his usual energy, and Aykroyd matches him well, which is what makes the movie work.

It’s not your typical Christmas movie, but the holiday setting is always in the background, giving it just enough seasonal vibe without being too festive. This is the kind of movie you watch when you want something light, funny, and easy, especially if you’re with family and want to keep things relaxed.

• Genre: Action, Thriller
• Director: John McTiernan
• Starring: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
• Release Date: 15 July, 1988

IMDb: 8.2 | Tomatometer: 94% | Popcornmeter 94% | Average: 90.0

Let’s clear this up right away: Die Hard is a Christmas movie. There’s a Christmas party, holiday music, snow, and a man trying to reunite with his family. It also just happens to feature terrorists and one of the most memorable action performances ever.

Bruce Willis stars as John McClane, a cop who finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time when criminals take over a building during a Christmas Eve party. What happens next is pure chaos, but in the best way. The movie is tense, sometimes funny, and never really slows down once it starts.

What really makes it stand out isn’t just the action, but how real it feels. McClane isn’t an invincible hero; he’s just trying to survive the night, which makes everything feel more intense. With Alan Rickman as one of the best villains, this movie holds up every time you watch it.

It may not be the most traditional holiday movie, but that’s what makes it interesting. If you’re looking for something different from the usual Christmas films, this is always a great option.

• Genre: Action, Crime
• Director: Richard Donner
• Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Gary Busey
• Release Date: 6 March, 1987

IMDb: 7.6 | Tomatometer: 82% | Popcornmeter: 86% | Average: 81.4

If Die Hard got people debating what makes a Christmas movie, Lethal Weapon keeps that debate alive. The holidays aren’t the main focus, but the setting is always there and actually adds more to the mood than you might think.

The movie really works because of its two main characters. Riggs is unpredictable and a little wild, while Murtaugh just wants to get through his day without trouble. Seeing them interact is what makes the film so enjoyable, especially as the story gets more intense.

It’s still an action movie, but there’s more to it than just explosions and shootouts. Some scenes slow down and add depth to the story, making it feel more real. Still, it never feels too serious and stays easy to watch from start to finish.

• Genre: Fantasy, Romance
• Director: Tim Burton
• Starring: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest
• Release Date: 7 December, 1990

IMDb: 7.8 | Tomatometer: 91% | Popcornmeter: 91% | Average: 86.7

Edward Scissorhands has a Christmas vibe that’s tough to describe until you see it for yourself. The movie is quiet, a little emotional, and a bit odd—just what you’d expect from Tim Burton. Edward’s character is based on the feeling of not fitting in, someone who always feels unfinished and ends up on the outside looking in. That gives the story a unique depth.

When Edward moves into a suburban neighbourhood, things start to unfold in a way that feels familiar, even though his situation is unusual. Some people welcome him, some aren’t sure what to think, and others react just as you might expect. The movie focuses less on the events and more on how people treat someone who doesn’t fit in, which is what really drives the story.

It might not be a classic Christmas movie, but the setting still matters more than you’d expect. There’s snow and a wintery feel that adds to the mood without overshadowing the story. If you want something a little different this holiday season, something that’s more about emotion than big scenes, this is a great choice.

• Genre: Action, Fantasy
• Director: Tim Burton
• Starring: Michael Keaton, Michelle Pfeiffer, Danny DeVito
• Release Date: 19 June, 1992

IMDb: 7.1 | Tomatometer: 82% | Popcornmeter: 73% | Average: 75.3

Batman movies are always fun, especially during the holidays. While this one might not be the first film that comes to mind, it’s one of our favourites to watch in December. The snowy streets of Gotham, the Christmas lights, and Tim Burton’s darker style create a unique festive atmosphere.

Michael Keaton is back as Batman, but the real stars are the villains. Danny DeVito’s Penguin is wonderfully odd, and Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman adds both chaos and style. The movie is darker than most superhero films, which is what makes it different from the usual holiday movies.

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Director: Chris Columbus
• Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
• Release Date: 16 November, 1990

IMDb: 7.8 | Tomatometer: 66% | Popcornmeter: 81% | Average: 75

You can’t make a Christmas movie list without including Home Alone. Almost everyone has seen it at least once, and it’s just as good every time you watch it. The story is simple: Kevin gets left behind when his family goes on holiday, but what happens next is what makes the movie unforgettable.

Most of the fun comes from watching Kevin figure things out on his own. He turns the house into a maze full of traps and faces off against two burglars. The movie uses wild, over-the-top humour that somehow always works. It can be ridiculous, but that’s what makes it so charming.

It’s not only about the pranks and jokes; there’s a strong family that gives it that classic holiday feeling. This is the kind of movie you can watch every year and still enjoy as much as the first time.

• Genre: Comedy, Drama
• Director: Alexander Payne
• Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
• Release Date: 27 October, 2023

IMDb: 7.9 | Tomatometer: 97% | Popcornmeter: 92% | Average: 89.4

Not every Christmas movie has to be loud or over the top, and The Holdovers shows this right away. It takes a quieter approach, focusing on just a few characters who are stuck together over the holidays, and somehow makes the story feel real from beginning to end.

The story is about a teacher who stays at a boarding school over Christmas to look after students with nowhere else to go. What begins as an awkward situation slowly becomes more meaningful as the characters open up and connect in unexpected ways.

The humour feels natural, and the conversations seem real. By the end, you care more about the characters than you expected. This is the kind of film that surprises you and easily stands out as one of the better modern holiday movies.

• Genre: Animation, Fantasy
• Director: Henry Selick
• Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara
• Release Date: 29 October, 1993

IMDb: 7.9 | Tomatometer: 95% | Popcornmeter: 92% | Average: 88.7

Every year, people argue over whether this movie is a Halloween or a Christmas film. No matter what you decide, it’s perfect for this season. The Nightmare Before Christmas has a unique style that grabs your attention right away, and once you watch it, you won’t forget it. The story is about Jack Skellington, who gets tired of Halloween and discovers Christmas. He tries to take over the holiday in his own way, but things don’t go as planned.

The atmosphere is what really makes this movie special. It’s creative and a bit dark, but there’s a charm that lasts from start to finish. The music and storytelling add a lot to that feeling. It’s different from anything else on this list, which is why people return to it every year.

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Director: Jon Favreau
• Starring: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel
• Release Date: 7 November, 2003

IMDb: 7.1 | Tomatometer: 85% | Popcornmeter: 79% | Average: 78.3

Elf is one of those movies that’s always fun to watch, no matter how many times you’ve seen it. It goes all in on feel-good energy, much of which comes from Will Ferrell, who throws himself into the role. The humour is simple and sometimes silly, but usually works.

The movie is about Buddy, who grows up believing he’s an elf until he learns he doesn’t fit in. He goes to New York to find his real family. That’s when things get chaotic, awkward, and genuinely funny. Some scenes have become classics. It’s an easy, lighthearted movie, perfect for family movie nights.

• Genre: Crime, Comedy
• Director: Shane Black
• Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer, Michelle Monaghan
• Release Date: 18 November, 2005

IMDb: 7.5 | Tomatometer: 86% | Popcornmeter: 87% | Average: 82.7

This is one of those movies that flies under the radar, but once you’ve seen it, you understand why people rate it so highly. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang isn’t your usual Christmas film. The holiday setting adds some atmosphere, but it never takes over the story.

The story is about a small-time criminal who gets caught up in a murder mystery in Los Angeles. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer lead the way. The dialogue is clever, the humour is more mature, and the movie doesn’t stick to the usual formula, which keeps things interesting. You can spot hints of the quick, slightly wild style Downey Jr. later used as Iron Man in this role.

This isn’t really a movie for a family night, but if you want something different, clever, and less predictable, it’s a great pick.

• Genre: Animation, Family
• Director: Sergio Pablos
• Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
• Release Date: 15 November, 2019

IMDb: 8.2 | Tomatometer: 95% | Popcornmeter: 97% | Average: 91.3

Klaus is the kind of film that surprises you. It wasn’t a big hit at first, but after people saw it, it quickly became a holiday favourite. The movie offers a new take on the Santa story that feels more real and less expected, which is likely why so many people relate to it.

The movie is about a postman who is sent to a cold, distant town where everyone is at odds. At first, he just wants to finish his work and leave, but meeting Klaus changes everything. What starts out simple grows into something much more important, and the change feels genuine.

One of the most striking things about the film is its animation. Rather than using typical CGI, it uses a classic style that adds warmth and detail to every scene. The care put into the visuals is obvious. J.K. Simmons is a perfect fit for Klaus, bringing a memorable presence to the character that stays with you.

• Genre: Comedy, Musical
• Director: Sean Anders
• Starring: Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer
• Release Date: 11 November, 2022

IMDb: 6.6 | Tomatometer: 70% | Popcornmeter: 85% | Average: 73.7

Spirited takes the well-known story of A Christmas Carol and gives it a modern twist by adding comedy, music, and a new point of view. Rather than following the usual approach, it changes things up, making the movie feel new while still keeping the heart of the original.

One of the main reasons the movie works is the chemistry between Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds. Their different styles blend well, keeping the story lively. The humour comes from their playful interactions, and the musical numbers add an extra element, even if not everyone will love them. Overall, the film stays fun, moves at a good pace, and never feels too serious.

The movie doesn’t try to outdo the classic versions, which is a smart choice. Instead, it brings a fresh, modern take that fits well with the older films. It gives you another option when you want something different but still enjoy the holiday spirit.

If our list wasn’t quite what you were looking for, don’t worry—there are still lots of great movies to enjoy during the holidays. Everyone has their own favourite Christmas film, so it’s fun to try out a few different choices. This is especially helpful when you’re watching with family and want to find something everyone will like. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a heartfelt story, or something a little different, there are plenty of movies that capture the holiday spirit, even if they aren’t on our list.

• Genre: Animation, Family
• Director: Burny Mattinson
• Starring: Alan Young, Wayne Allwine, Clarence Nash
• Release Date: 16 December, 1983

IMDb: 8.0 | Tomatometer: 100% | Popcornmeter: 94% | Average: 91.3

If you want a quick and easy movie to watch with your family, Mickey’s Christmas Carol is a good choice. It retells the classic A Christmas Carol story with a Disney spin, featuring characters like Scrooge McDuck, Mickey, and Donald.

The movie retains the original message while staying light and simple, which makes it appealing. It’s short, easy to follow, and doesn’t take much time, so it’s perfect for the holidays when you want something familiar and fun without having to think too much.

• Genre: Musical, Romance
• Director: Vincente Minnelli
• Starring: Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor
• Release Date: 28 November, 1944

IMDb: 7.5 | Tomatometer: 100% | Popcornmeter: 87% | Average: 87.3

If you’re in the mood for something more classic, Meet Me in St. Louis quietly earns its place during the holidays. It’s not entirely centred around Christmas, but the way it builds toward that part of the story makes it stand out, especially in the final scenes.

The movie tells the story of a family in St. Louis at the turn of the century, showing different moments throughout the year. Christmas stands out as one of the most memorable parts of the year. The film moves at a slower pace than most modern movies, but that’s part of its charm. Judy Garland’s performance and the music bring a lot of feeling to it.

This is the kind of film that’s more about the mood than the story. Once you get used to the pace, it feels like you’re just spending time with the characters instead of waiting for something big to happen. That’s what makes it such a good fit for the holidays.

• Genre: Action, Spy
• Director: Peter R. Hunt
• Starring: George Lazenby, Diana Rigg, Telly Savalas
• Release Date: 18 December, 1969

IMDb: 6.7 | Tomatometer: 81% | Popcornmeter: 64% | Average: 70.7

James Bond movies might not come to mind for the holidays, but On Her Majesty’s Secret Service actually fits the season well. A lot of the story takes place in snowy mountains, so it has a wintery vibe that suits this time of year.

George Lazenby stars as Bond in this movie. He only played the character once, but this film stands out for paying more attention to the emotional side of the story. That’s rare for Bond movies and gives this one a bit more depth.

You still get the action, style, and classic Bond moments you expect, but the movie has a colder, more down-to-earth tone that sets it apart. If you want to try something different from the usual Christmas movies, this is a great pick.

• Genre: Drama, Sport
• Director: Sylvester Stallone
• Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Carl Weathers
• Release Date: 27 November, 1985

IMDb: 6.9 | Tomatometer: 40% | Popcornmeter: 79% | Average: 62.7

The last fight in Rocky IV happens on December 25th, so it easily earns a spot on any holiday movie list. With all the snowy training scenes, it feels even more fitting. Seeing Rocky push himself in the cold, far from home, really matches the feeling of the season.

This is the kind of movie you can picture watching with your family while life goes on around you, maybe even as the Christmas tree goes up. Rocky’s travelling to Russia to fight Drago brings a big, exciting energy. Some parts are a bit over-the-top, but that’s part of the fun. Even today, those training montages seem ahead of their time and feel like they inspired the workouts people talk about now.

• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Director: Brian Henson
• Starring: Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire
• Release Date: 11 December, 1992

IMDb: 7.8 | Tomatometer: 78% | Popcornmeter: 86% | Average: 80.6

It’s fun to see Michael Caine play the serious role of Scrooge while the Muppets are all around him. That mix is what makes the movie enjoyable. The film retains the heart of Dickens’s story but feels lighter and more relaxed, making it easy to watch, especially around the holidays.

The story still follows Scrooge as he looks back on his life after some surprising visits. What sets this version apart is how it adds humour naturally, without making fun of the story. It feels both familiar and new, making it a great choice for family viewing when you want something everyone will enjoy.