Christmas movies have a way of turning even the coldest hours into something relaxing. Some people revisit the same classics each December for nostalgia, while others look for something completely different once the holiday season arrives. The good thing is that Christmas films come in every imaginable form. You have animated classics that never get old, chaotic family comedies, action films set during Christmas, and even darker films that carry the holiday spirit in their own strange way.

From snow-covered Gotham streets in ‘Batman Returns’ to John McClane fighting terrorists at an office Christmas party in ‘Die Hard’, holiday movies have become far more interesting than the usual feel-good fare. At the same time, classics like ‘Home Alone’, ‘Elf’, and ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ still capture everything people love about December.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a list of 15 Christmas movies worth watching this holiday season. You’ll find familiar favourites and a few hidden gems, and 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

How can we not start Christmas movies without ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ being the first one on our list? You’ll actually be surprised to learn that it wasn’t a holiday favourite when it was first released in 1946. But over time, people began to notice the movie’s charm as it started airing on TV each holiday season, and families made it a Christmas tradition.

The movie tells the story of George Bailey, who faces a tough moment on Christmas Eve and begins to question his life. The story is simple, but leaves a strong impression, underscoring themes of perspective, redemption and self-worth. With help from a guardian angel, George sees what the world would be like without him. This makes the film an emotional, uplifting experience that families can enjoy together during the holidays. Today, people see it as a true classic.

• 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

When it was first released in 1965, the story begins with Charlie Brown feeling disconnected from the Christmas spirit. While everyone else is focused on decorations, gifts, and holiday shows, he quietly wonders what the season is really supposed to mean.

The small Christmas tree has become one of the most memorable symbols in holiday television, and somehow it still works every single time. Snoopy brings the chaos, Lucy steals scenes with her attitude, and Linus delivers one of the most memorable moments in Christmas movie history. On top of that, Vince Guaraldi’s jazz soundtrack gives the entire special a warm, relaxed feeling that instantly feels like December.

• 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

“You’ll shoot your eye out, kid” became one of the most famous lines in Christmas movie history, thanks to ‘A Christmas Story’, released in 1983. The movie follows Ralphie Parker, a nine-year-old boy who spends the holiday season trying to convince his parents, his teacher, and even Santa that he needs a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, turning a childhood moment into an unforgettable holiday comedy.

The movie is packed with great scenes that you’ll have everyone around you talking about every Christmas. Whether it’s the leg lamp glowing in the living room window, the triple-dog dare at the playground, or Ralphie’s disastrous visit to Santa, you can’t go wrong with this classic movie.

• 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 very different characters into each other’s lives because of a bet made by two rich brothers with nothing better to do. As their lives turn upside down, things get out of hand fast, and the jokes feel pure, thanks to Murphy bringing his usual energy to his act, and Aykroyd matches him well. It’s a light, funny, and easy film to enjoy with your family, keeping 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

I’m only going to say this once: ‘Die Hard’ is a Christmas movie! So let’s skip that debate right now. Bruce Willis plays John McClane, an NYPD officer who arrives in Los Angeles on Christmas Eve to reconnect with his family, only to end up trapped inside a skyscraper taken over by terrorists. Bruce Willis gives McClane a rough-around-the-edges charm that made him one of the greatest action heroes of all time, while Alan Rickman’s performance as Hans Gruber remains just as iconic decades later.

“Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho.” Even with all the explosions and gunfights, the Christmas spirit is everywhere throughout the movie, with festive decorations that somehow make the chaos even more entertaining. So if you’re looking for a comedy/action movie and something fun to watch every holiday season, you cant go wrong with this.

• 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 you thought ‘Die Hard’ proved to be a Christmas movie, then go grab yourself another bowl of popcorn, because ‘Lethal Weapon’ helped lay the foundation a year earlier. Released in 1987, the movie follows LAPD detectives Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh as they investigate a dangerous drug-smuggling operation during the Christmas season in Los Angeles. Riggs is reckless and unpredictable, dealing with personal loss, while Murtaugh is a family man who would rather be home with his wife and kids than chase criminals across the city.

Another Christmas spirit is everywhere in the background, with Holiday lights, Christmas songs, and scenes at the Murtaugh family home that give off a cozy December vibe. And we got to say this is one of our favourite holiday movies just from the chemistry between Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, from the arguments, jokes and their friendship.

• 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

A lonely mansion just above the bright suburban neighbourhood is where ‘Edward Scissorhands’ starts, and from the very first scene, the movie feels a lot different from anything related to Christmas. The film, released in 1990, follows Edward, an unfinished creation left alone after his inventor dies before completing him. Instead of hands, Edward is left with long metal scissors, which make him look scary despite his gentle personality. The character itself was inspired by Tim Burton’s own experience of growing up in isolation, which gives the story a surprising emotional side beneath all the fantasy.

Once Edward is brought into suburbia, he quickly becomes the centre of attention. Some people are fascinated by him, others fear him, and a few simply don’t understand him at all. Watching Edward try to navigate everyday life while struggling to fit into a world that sees him as different is what gives the movie so much heart. Johnny Depp barely says much throughout the film, yet his performance still carries so much emotion.

The neighbourhood is covered in twinkling lights, snow drifts through Edward’s ice sculptures, and Danny Elfman’s music gives each scene a chilly but warm feeling. The movie is strange and beautiful, and remains one of Tim Burton’s most memorable holiday films.

• 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 to revisit, especially during the holidays, and ‘Batman Returns’ remains one of our favourite December films. Released in 1992, the film transforms Gotham City into a snowy, gothic Christmas nightmare filled with glowing lights, giant trees, and chaos around every corner. Tim Burton’s darker style gives the film a holiday atmosphere distinct from traditional Christmas films, which is exactly what makes it stand out. Michael Keaton returns as Batman, but the villains steal the spotlight throughout the film. Let’s not forget Danny DeVito’s perfect Penguin, while Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman brings chaos, style, and attitude to every scene she appears in. Darker than most superhero movies from its era, ‘Batman Returns’ still feels like one of the most unique holiday-season films ever made.

• 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

‘Home Alone’ is one of those Christmas movies you can watch over and over again. The story, set in 1990, is about eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, who gets left behind when his family heads to Paris for the holidays. At first, Kevin loves having the house to himself, but things get wild when two burglars show up. He has to protect his home with a bunch of hilarious traps that never seem to get old.

Macaulay Culkin really makes the movie with his mix of confidence, panic, and sarcastic humour. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are hilarious together as the Wet Bandits. But even with all the laughs, Home Alone still nails the Christmas spirit. The snowy streets, cozy lights, John Williams’ music, and family scenes give it a charm that never gets old, no matter how many times you watch it in December.

• 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

‘The Holdovers’ was released in 2023, and this movie feels like the kind of Christmas movie people will keep coming back to. The movie is set during the holiday break at a New England boarding school in the 1970s, with a grumpy history teacher, a troubled student, and the school’s head cook, who are forced to stay on campus for Christmas. What seemed like an  awkward situation slowly becomes an unexpected friendship among three people dealing with their own personal problems.

Paul Giamatti gives one of his best performances, mixing sarcasm, bitterness, and warmth in a way that feels very natural. The snowy setting, classic soundtrack, and quiet winter mood give the movie a nice feeling without making it a typical feel-good Christmas film. Instead of depending on big holiday moments, The Holdovers focuses on loneliness, connection, and finding comfort in unexpected company, which is why it fits so well during the holiday season.

• 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 distinctive style that grabs your attention right away, and once you watch it, you won’t forget it. The story follows Jack Skellington, who grows 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 makes this movie truly special. It’s creative and a bit dark, yet it has a charm that lasts from start to finish. The music and storytelling deepen that feeling. It’s unlike anything else on this list, which is why we kept it.

• 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

Spaghetti with syrup sounds like a bad idea, but in ‘Elf,’ it somehow feels like the perfect Christmas meal. The movie begins with Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who goes to New York City after finding out he was brought to Santa’s workshop by mistake as a child. Buddy doesn’t fit in at all, and he turns almost every normal moment into a mess, whether he’s decorating a department store overnight or getting way too excited about coffee. Will Ferrell makes the movie unforgettable, bringing nonstop energy and humour while still giving the story a lot of heart. With snowy New York streets, Christmas decorations everywhere, and Buddy’s endless holiday cheer, ‘Elf’ is still one of the funniest movies to watch in December.

• 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

Christmas parties, crime scenes and nonstop sarcasm somehow come together perfectly in ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Bang’. Released in 2005, the film follows small-time thief Harry Lockhart, played by Robert Downey Jr., after he accidentally lands in Hollywood and gets pulled into a strange murder mystery alongside private investigator “Gay” Perry, played by Val Kilmer. Looking back at the movie now, you can already spot little flashes of charisma and fast-talking confidence that would later turn Downey Jr. into the perfect Tony Stark just a few years later.

Set during Christmas in Los Angeles, the film blends holiday decorations and festive music with noir detective storytelling in a way that feels surprisingly natural. Val Kilmer’s dry humour plays perfectly against Downey Jr.’s chaotic energy, giving the movie some of its funniest moments. Sharp, funny, and at times completely unpredictable, ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ has slowly become one of the most underrated Christmas movies of the 2000s.

• 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 a Christmas movie that took a little time to catch on, but it has become a holiday favourite. When it came out in 2019, it gave a fresh spin on the Santa Claus story by focusing more on kindness than magic. The movie follows Jesper, a spoiled postman sent to a cold town where no one gets along. He just wants to finish his job and leave, but everything changes when he meets Klaus, a quiet toymaker who lives alone in the woods.

What really sets ‘Klaus’ apart from other modern animated films is its animation. Instead of using the usual CGI, the film features a hand-drawn style full of warmth, detail and beautiful lighting that makes the snowy scenes pop. J.K. Simmons gives ‘Klaus’ a calm and memorable presence, adding just the right amount of mystery to the character. The film is funny, emotional and visually impressive, and it already feels like a Christmas classic that people will want to watch again.

• 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

If A Christmas Carol crashed headfirst into a Broadway musical with Ryan Reynolds, causing absolute chaos the entire time, you’d probably get ‘Spirited’. The movie brings together singing, dancing, sarcastic jokes, and Christmas madness in the best possible way as Will Ferrell’s Ghost of Christmas Present takes on one of his most difficult cases yet. Reynolds brings his usual fast-talking humour into every scene, turning nearly every conversation into a battle of insults and one-liners.

The chemistry between Ferrell and Reynolds is what keeps the film moving from start to finish. One minute they’re arguing, the next they suddenly perform full musical numbers through the streets. Somehow, under all the comedy and over-the-top energy, the movie still manages to keep the heart of the classic Christmas story alive. Fun, ridiculous, and surprisingly catchy, ‘Spirited’ feels like the kind of movie impossible not to enjoy during the holidays.

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 a few different choices. This is especially helpful when you’re watching with your family and want to find something everyone will like. Whether you’re in the mood for a comedy, a sincere story or something a little different, there are plenty of movies that express the holiday spirit, even if they are not 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

Before Pixar and Disney’s modern animated era took over cinemas, ‘Mickey’s Christmas Carol’ was already becoming a holiday favourite for families every December. The animated classic retells Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol’ using Disney’s most iconic characters, with Scrooge McDuck perfectly fitting into the role of Ebenezer Scrooge. Mickey Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, and the rest of the cast bring their own charm to the story, making the film feel equally nostalgic and timeless. Even though it runs for just a little over 20 minutes, it still delivers plenty of humour, warmth and classic hand-drawn Disney magic.

• 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

Long before modern Christmas movies became packed with over-the-top holiday chaos, ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ was already capturing the warmth of family life during the holiday season. The classic musical follows the Smith family living in St. Louis in the early 1900s as they deal with love, change, and the possibility of leaving their home behind. While the movie spans an entire year, its Christmas scenes are the moments people remember most.

Judy Garland shines throughout the film completely, especially during the emotional performance of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”, which became one of the most famous holiday songs ever recorded. The movie carries a comfortable old-Hollywood charm from beginning to end, filled with colourful sets, warm family moments, and a softer, more comforting version of Christmas, even to this day.

• 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

A James Bond movie probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind at Christmas, but ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ somehow fits the holiday season perfectly. Snow-covered mountains, Christmas decorations, ski chases, and cozy winter hotels give the movie a strong winter atmosphere from beginning to end as George Lazenby’s Bond tracks Blofeld to a remote hideout hidden in the Swiss Alps. What separates this film from other Bond movies is its more personal side, giving 007 moments that feel more emotional than usual alongside all the action and spy drama. Between the snowy setting and the colder tone throughout, this movie remains one of the most underrated winter watches in the Bond franchise.

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• 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

Training in freezing snow, cutting down trees with his bare hands, and fighting Ivan Drago on Christmas Day somehow make Rocky IV one of the most unexpectedly entertaining holiday watches. The final fight actually takes place on December 25th, which easily earns the movie a spot on any Christmas movie list. The film, released in 1985, follows Rocky Balboa as he travels to the Soviet Union to face Drago after Apollo Creed’s death, culminating in one of the most iconic training montages in movie history. Sylvester Stallone fully embraces emotion and spectacle here, while Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago remains one of the most intimidating sports-movie villains ever put on screen. Add the soundtrack to the mix, especially “Hearts on Fire” and “No Easy Way Out”, and ‘Rocky IV’ becomes even more fun to revisit during the holiday season.

• 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

Watching Michael Caine perform A Christmas Carol completely seriously while surrounded by singing Muppets should not work as well as it does, yet ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ somehow became one of the best Christmas movies ever made. The film retells Charles Dickens’ classic story, with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Gonzo, and the rest of the Muppets bringing their usual chaos and humour to every scene, while Caine brings surprising sincerity to the role of Scrooge. That balance between comedy and genuine emotion is what makes the movie so memorable.

The songs, snowy streets, warm Christmas atmosphere and classic Muppet humour give the movie an easy charm that still holds decades later. Beneath all the jokes, however, the story never loses its heart to Dickens’ original theme of kindness, family, and second chances. Funny, cozy, and endlessly rewatchable, ‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ remains one of the easiest movies to watch during the holiday season and with the family.