When the holidays roll around, nothing quite beats cozying up on a cold winter evening with family and friends to watch a classic Christmas movie and fill your heart with joy and your home with the spirit of the season. These beloved films are like a warm hug – something you can view year after year and still feel the same magic that come with. As the classic Christmas carol goes, it’s the “most wonderful time of the year.”
There’s no shortage of amazing Christmas films in existence, but we’ve rounded up the most classic of the classic. From animated features to live-action family films, these classic Christmas movies will get you right in the holiday spirit.
It’s A Wonderful Life
The holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” follows the story of George Bailey, a man who has put his own dreams of traveling the world aside to help his family and friends. After a run of bad luck, George becomes disheartened and wishes he had never been born. In one of the most heartwarming and inspiring scenes of the movie, George’s guardian angel comes to grant his wish, showing him what life would have been like without him in it. In the end, George discovers that his life is in fact, wonderful, and that despite his many sufferings, he has been a blessing to the lives of those around him.
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
“Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” is included in the list of most beloved Christmas films of all time, and an absolute must-watch throughout the holiday season. The inspiring stop-motion film follows the story of a misfit reindeer who uses his glowing red nose to guide Santa’s sleigh and become a hero. In the end, Rudolph’s unique physical characteristics aren’t a curse, but instead a blessing to everyone.
Miracle On 34th Street
This fan favorite follows a man who claims to be the real Santa Claus and brings magic to a cynical jaded New York City. Maureen O’Hara and a young Natalie Wood star in this unique film about believing in the impossible.
A Christmas Story
“A Christmas Story” is a hilarious movie about a boy endlessly hoping to receive the “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun with a compass in the stock” for Christmas. Throughout the film, Ralphie is advised that he’ll “shoot his eye out” if he gets this gun, adding to the zaniness of his attempt to get the gift. In the end, Ralphie is happy when he finally receives that item and proves that sometimes, parents do listen.
Elf
This hilarious modern Christmas classic celebrates the joy of the holiday season with a look down on the North Pole. Will Ferrell stars as a man raised by elves, who sets off to New York City to track down his real father and spread the message of believing. The movie is full of laughs, sentiment, and of course, plenty of singing and dancing.
White Christmas
The 1954 classic, White Christmas, is iconic for its corny jokes and chart-topping songs. It stars Bing Crosby as Bob Wallace and Danny Kaye as Phil Davis, who are two war buddies now performing as a song and dance duo. The plot-line follows their journey to a lodge that’s owned by their former commanding officer, where a snowstorm traps them and their new-found love interests. The cast pops with amazing song routines, humor and romance.
Home Alone
“Home Alone” is another classic Christmas movie that no holiday can be without. Macaulay Culkin shines as an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind while his family embarks on vacation. He must face two bumbling burglars attempting to rob his house. Thankfully, with his creativity and wit, he is able to outsmart the burglars and enjoy a victorious Christmas Day.
The Santa Clause
This family favorite follows a father who is magically transformed after donning the Santa Clause suit. As he adapts to the North Pole, learns about the magical powers of Father Christmas and handles the pressures of a demanding job, the movie showcases how embracing joy can lead to magical miracles.
The Grinch
In this reimagining of one of the most beloved Christmas books of all time, Jim Carrey is the star of this live-action holiday classic. The Grinch follows a grumpy, scroogey, green creature who plans to ruin Christmas for all of Whoville. In a shocking twist, the Grinch learns to embrace the spirit of Christmas and discovers that the holiday season isn’t all about receiving, but instead, giving.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Chevy Chase stars as the unforgettable Clark Griswold in this comedy classic. In the movie, Clark tries his best to make the perfect family Christmas and when everything goes awry, and we get a show of silliness and antics through the holiday season.
The Polar Express
This magical animated Christmas movie follows a young boy who takes a train ride to the North Pole. On this adventure, he meets fellow travelers, learns to have faith, and discovers the power of friendship and the meaning of Christmas. The film is full of visually stunning special effects, a jazzy soundtrack, and of course, a healthy dose of holiday cheer.
Classic Christmas movies are the perfect way to spread holiday cheer and make the season bright. Whether you want to watch a heartwarming holiday movie or a comedy classic, there’s something for everyone in this holiday lineup. Grab some popcorn, snuggle up in blankets, and get ready to enjoy some of the most beloved Christmas films of all time!
