Christmas movies are like cozy blankets, wrapping you in enchantment, laughter, and a bit of holiday magic. From classic tales like A Christmas Carol that transport you to snowy Victorian streets, to modern favorites like Elf that tickle your funny bone, these films light up the season with festive cheer.
Whether you’re snuggling up with hot chocolate to watch a heartwarming romance or diving into an animated adventure like The Polar Express, Christmas movies are the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of the holidays. Listed below, you will find MY favorite Christmas movies (I hate A Christmas Story and don’t care much for Home Alone either).
It's a Wonderful Life
This classic film follows George Bailey, a man who feels his life has been a failure. With the help of an angel, he sees how his life has positively impacted others. It's timeless message about the impact one person can have on others makes it an iconic Christmas staple. This isn't just a great Christmas movie, but one of the greatest films ever made.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
This version with George C. Scott is fantastic and is often regarded as one of the best adaptations of Dickens' classic. Scott's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge is powerful and brings depth to the character, making it a must-watch during the holiday season for many.
The Polar Express
A young boy takes a magical train ride to the North Pole, discovering the spirit of Christmas along the way. With its beautiful animation and magical storyline, it captures the wonder of Christmas through a child’s eyes.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
The Griswold family’s Christmas plans go hilariously awry as Clark tries to host the perfect holiday celebration. Its humor and portrayal of family chaos resonate, making it a holiday favorite for laughs.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
This version is a visually stunning, animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic tale. The film uses motion-capture technology to bring the story to life.
Jim Carrey voices multiple characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge and all three Christmas ghosts. The film is notable for its dark and atmospheric visuals, staying true to the ghostly elements of the original story while also incorporating heartwarming moments.
The Man Who Invented Christmas
The film follows Dickens in 1843, struggling with his career and finances after the failure of his previous novel. As he battles with writer’s block and personal challenges, he draws inspiration from the characters he creates, who come to life and influence his writing process.
The narrative explores his journey to pen "A Christmas Carol," focusing on themes of redemption, compassion, and the Christmas spirit.
Elf
Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, travels to New York City to find his real father while spreading Christmas cheer. Will Ferrell’s comedic performance and the film’s warmhearted message make it a modern Christmas classic.
Klaus
Klaus is a beautifully animated Christmas film released on Netflix in 2019. It offers a unique origin story for Santa Claus.
The story follows Jesper, a spoiled and lazy postal academy student, who is sent to a remote, frozen town called Smeerensburg as a last chance to prove himself. There, he meets Klaus, a reclusive toymaker with a mysterious past.
Together, they bring joy and goodwill to the feuding villagers through gift-giving, unknowingly starting the traditions we associate with Christmas.
The Christmas Train
The story follows Tom Langdon (played by Dermot Mulroney), a journalist who is traveling by train to spend Christmas with his estranged family. Along the way, he encounters a series of quirky characters and unexpected situations, including a mysterious woman (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) and an elderly man (Danny Glover) who has a significant impact on his journey.
As the train travels through a winter landscape, Tom reflects on his past and confronts his feelings about love, family, and the holiday spirit. The film combines elements of romance, nostalgia, and the magic of Christmas, making it a heartwarming watch.
Santa Claus: The Movie
The film tells the story of how Santa Claus (played by David Huddleston) came to be. The movie is cherished for its whimsical portrayal of Santa and the North Pole, as well as its enchanting visuals. Although it didn’t achieve the same level of success as other Christmas films, it has developed a cult following over the years and remains a nostalgic favorite for many viewers during the holiday season.
Disclaimer: Ben Does the World is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no additional cost to you.