A LIST OF MUST-SEE HOLIDAY TITLES TO VIEW THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON! (UPDATED IN 2024!)
Article by Adam Mast
Nothing says “Merry Christmas!” like a great holiday movie and there have been plenty of titles to speak of through the years. A handful of the following titles are golden standards while others are a little less conventional. There are even a handful of modern titles thrown into this recently updated list.
One thing that all of these titles have in common is the ability to fill you with a healthy dose of Christmas spirit in some shape or form. We hope you enjoy the majority of these films but more importantly, we wish you the best and most magical of holiday seasons.
TRADITIONAL LIST
1. A CHRISTMAS STORY (PG)
With all due respect to “It’s Wonderful Life,” I’m going with “A Christmas Story” as my all-time favorite holiday film. My love for this classic from Bob Clark (the man behind the irreverent teen opus “Porky’s” as well as another film you’ll also be reading about in this list) runs deep. So deep, in fact, that back in 2017, I directed a community theater production of the musical adaptation of this holiday essential. “A Christmas Story” is so full of memorable moments (the tongue sticking to the pole, Ralphie getting kicked in the face by Old Saint Nick, mom sucking on a bar of soap, etc.) that it would be near impossible to point them all out. My favorite aspect of this picture, is its sweet natured (and equally edgy) glimpse into the rambunctious spirit of youth. When you’re a kid, things often feel more dramatic and Earth shattering than they actually are and this movie (which is based humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoirs) is a perfect representation of that. A magical film, and one I never get tired of.
“A Christmas Story” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on multiple services including MAX.
2. IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE (NOT RATED)
Have you ever pondered what life might be like if you were never born? George Bailey (played by the legendary Jimmy Stewart) does just that in Frank Capra’s essential holiday classic. In fact, this movie is so good, it really transcends the holiday genre all together, but Christmas is when it’s most widely viewed. What else can you say about “It’s A Wonderful Life” that hasn’t already been said countless times? It’s one of the all-time greats.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on multiple services.
3. NATIONAL LAMPOON’S CHRISTMAS VACATION (PG-13)
“Christmas Vacation” is required viewing amongst my family and friends each and every holiday season. This is probably Chevy Chase’s last great film vehicle (although I’ve always been a fan of the underappreciated “Memoirs of an Invisible Man”), and he makes the most of it. After making a mess of Wally World and taking Europe by storm, it seemed only fitting that the Griswalds would turn Christmas upside down in the final installment of the trilogy. Yes, I said trilogy. As far as I’m concerned, the series ended here. ” Vegas Vacation” never happened.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on MAX.
4. MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (PG)
I adore this movie. As a kid, I viewed it religiously every holiday season. With a wonderfully warm performance by Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, this is just one of those flicks that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Natalie Wood is simply adorable as the precocious little Susan, a youngster who desperately wants to believe in Santa Claus. A must-see. And for what it’s worth, I feel the same about the 1994 remake starring the late Richard Attenborough. A solid updating of a true classic.
“Miracle on 34th Street” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on multiple services.
5. RANKIN AND BASS HOLIDAY FAVORITES (Not Rated)
I’m a huge fan of Rankin and Bass’ animated holiday favorites. “Frosty the Snowman”, “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”, “The Little Drummer Boy”, and “Nester the Long-Eared Donkey” are Christmas standards, but the stop motion animated ” Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is the title I will always hold closest to my heart. With its simple story (which features, among all things, a metaphor for prejudice), catchy songs, and holiday cheer, I’m still moved by it to this very day. What’s really great about it though, is having the chance to experience it through the eyes of my kids.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in 4K UHD | Exploring the Animation Of The Holiday Classic – YouTube
6. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG)
What better film to follow “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” than this innovative collaboration between Tim Burton and Henry Selick. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is, after all, clearly inspired by the works of Rankin and Bass (most notably the little seen gem “Mad Monster Party.”) With stunning tunes from Danny Elfman and breathtaking visual style, this gothic tale of Jack Skellington’s attempt at taking over Christmas is an acquired taste, but it’s one that I’ve grown to love through the years. What’s more, it functions beautifully as both a Halloween movie and a Christmas movie.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and it’s also available to stream on Disney+.
Of the few contemporary holiday films to hit theaters in the last two decades, “Elf” is probably my favorite. Will Ferrell is sweet, charming, and childlike as the clueless elf, Buddy. With a simplistic, fish out of water story, “Elf” cruises along on a healthy dose of Christmas spirit. A terrific, light-hearted film for the whole family.
“Elf” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on MAX.
Actually, I recommend several versions of the Charles Dickens classic. The Alastair Sim-headline version from 1951, Richard Donner’s “Scrooged” (PG-13) starring Bill Murray, “A Christmas Carol” (Not Rated) starring Patrick Stewart, Robert Zemeckis’ “A Christmas Carol” (PG) starring Jim Carrey, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” (G), and the exceptional “The Muppet Christmas Carol” co-starring the great Michael Caine, are all terrific variations of this famed tale. I’m also quite fond of “Scrooge” from 1970, starring Albert Finney as Ebenezer and Sir Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley. It’s not particularly well-liked but I’m a fan! Great performances, great songs, great movie!
Various versions of “A Christmas Carol” and “Scrooge” are available on Blu-Ray and are also available to stream on multiple services.
This is, perhaps, the strongest of all of Charles M. Schulz’s animated short films. Dismayed by the apparent commercialism of the most popular of holidays, Charlie Brown sets out to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Simply wonderful.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Apple TV.
“Home Alone” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Disney +.
Home Alone (1990) Trailer #1 | Movieclips Classic Trailers – YouTube
Honorable Mention; WHITE CHRISTMAS, HOLIDAY INN, THE BISHOP’S WIFE, HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, PLANES TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES (not in the top 10 only because it’s considered more of a Thanksgiving movie), and SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE.
UNCONVENTIONAL LIST
1. DIE HARD(R)
When terrorists seize a Los Angeles high rise, it’s up to New York City cop John McClane to save the day. And save the day he does, but not before he takes out several windows and launches a massive body count in the process. Did I mention that “Die Hard” takes place on Christmas Eve? Well it does. This is an exciting ride, and I guarantee it’ll get the adrenalin pumping. And while we’re on the topic, watch “Die Hard 2” during the Yuletide season as well. Not quite as Christmas-heavy as the iconic actioneer that preceded it but it, too, smacks of holiday cheer.
“Die Hard” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Disney +.
Like “Die Hard”, “Lethal Weapon” is an adrenalin-pumping action yarn that takes place during the holidays, and while it is dark and gritty to be sure, Mel Gibson’s high energy antics and keen sense of humor keep the proceedings decidedly light. Further still, Gibson and Danny Glover have pitch-perfect chemistry. A top-notch action-adventure from director Richard Donner.
Nothing brings in the holiday like a great slasher film. Actually, “Black Christmas” is an early, underground favorite, and predates slasher landmarks like “Halloween.” “Black Christmas” came out in 1974 (don’t waste your time on the remakes), but never really caught on until years later. Strangely enough, this slice of holiday horror (it features a psycho terrorizing a sorority house during on intense Christmas season) was directed by Bob Clark, the same man who would go on to make “A Christmas Story” a decade later. How’s that for weird? I just recently re-visited this one for its 50th anniversary and forgot how unnerving it is. Christmasy, too!
Kevin Spacey and Judy Davis are stellar as the bickering couple cat burglar Denis Leary takes hostage one stormy Christmas Eve. For whatever reason, this edgy Christmas film from the late Ted Demme opened in Feb. of 1994. It has been elevated to cult status through the years, and rightfully so. Foul-mouthed but extremely funny.
This was one of the most underrated films of 2005. Not at all the kind of film I expected from director Harold Ramis. This is more “Fargo” than “Groundhog Day”, and the noir style screenplay by Richard Russo and Robert Benton (based on a book by Scott Phillips), is as smart as it is dark. Billy Bob Thornton, John Cusack, and Connie Nielsen are solid in the leads, but supporting player Oliver Platt steals the show as a big mouth of a drunk. A clever black comedy.
6. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (PG-13)
Tim Burton’s magical film answers the age-old question; “Where does snow come from?” Featuring a stunning performance from Johnny Depp as the childlike title character, this wonderful fairy tale is simply stunning. It remains a classic and it sits comfortably right alongside the underrated “Ed Wood” as my favorite Tim Burton film.
“Edward Scissorhands” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on Disney +.
7. GREMLINS (PG)
Cute. Clever. Mischievous. Intelligent. Dangerous. And so reads the tag line for Joe Dante’s hilarious live-action homage to Looney Tune cartoons. Produced by Steven Spielberg, this gem of a movie features destructive little creatures wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting small town during the holidays. “Gremlins” has a soft, cuddly side, but it’s the mean-spirited tone underneath the surface that gives the movie its kick.
“Gremlins” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on MAX.
Gremlins (1984) Theatrical Trailer
8. BATMAN RETURNS(PG-13)
“Batman Returns” marks Tim Burton’s third film on this list. When this movie opened, it wasn’t very well received but in some ways, I prefer it to the first film because, for me, it feels more like a Tim Burton picture. The idea that Batman’s adversaries are social outcasts rather than villains makes for an interesting story, and the relationship dynamic between Batman and Catwoman has real depth. A very underappreciated movie.
“Batman Returns” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at HBO Max and Amazon Prime.
9. WAR OF THE ROSES(R)
It’s “Die Hard” meets “Divorce Court” as Oliver and Barbara Rose (hilariously played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner) demolish virtually everything in their path while battling it out in a bitter divorce. This black comedy from director Danny DeVito (who also co-stars in the film) is a reality check and cautionary tale for those who can’t resolve things amicably. For the rest of us, it’s damn hilarious–in a dark, twisted sort of way.
“War of the Roses” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream.
10. BAD SANTA(R)
As is the case with “The Ref”, “Bad Santa” isn’t so much unconventional as it is wholly inappropriate, at least where family viewing is concerned. This may very well be the most irreverent holiday movie ever made. Essentially, this is a Christmas movie for folks who don’t like Christmas movies. It wears its “R” rating proudly on its sleeve, but in its own eccentric, offbeat way, it smacks of the holiday spirit. Billy Bob Thornton is at his ever-loving worst, but it’s Brett Kelly who steals the show as the young boy who wins over Thornton’s cold heart.
“Bad Santa” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream at Vudu and Amazon Prime.
Bad Santa | Official Trailer (HD) – Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham | MIRAMAX – YouTube
Honorable Mention; TRADING PLACES, KISS KISS BANG BANG, LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, NIGHT OF THE COMET, DEADLY GAMES, and ROCKY IV.
CURRENTLY RELEASED CHRISTMAS-THEMED FILMS WORTHY OF YOUR TIME;
THE HOLDOVERS(R)
This is one of the best Christmas movies I’ve seen in quite some time even if it doesn’t really establish itself as a straightforward holiday film. Set in the 1970s, “The Holdovers” finds cranky history teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) being forced to stay put at a prep school campus to look over a few students with nowhere to go during Christmas break. Eventually, he and grieving campus cook Mary Lamb (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) find themselves developing a bond of sorts with Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), a bright but often angry and defiant student with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Throughout this turbulent Christmas break, layers are peeled away and certain truths are revealed. Truths that will all but force viewers to re-examine these multi-layered characters with a new pair of eyes. As directed by Alexander Payne, “The Holdovers” is all about the tiny nuances. It’s a movie that feels authentic and lived in. It also manages to be sentimental without being cloying. It’s certainly dark around the edges and even bittersweet at times but it’s always hopeful and it’s this attribute, along with the Christmastime setting and chilly New England backdrop, that add to its overall holiday-inspired tone.
“The Holdovers” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on multiple services including Amazon Prime and Apple +.
THE HOLDOVERS – Official Trailer [HD] – In Select Theaters October 27, Everywhere November 10
BREAKUP SEASON (PG-13)
Twentysomethings Cassie and Ben (played by Samantha Isler of “Molly’s Game” and Chandler Riggs of “The Walking Dead”) find themselves at a crossroads in their relationship while visiting Ben’s family in his rural Oregon hometown during a turbulent Christmas break. Following a breakup, an already uncomfortable situation is made all the more awkward when a storm prevents Cassie from making her way home. “Breakup Season” is funny, dramatic, and bittersweet in equal measure. It’s an honest, authentic, and often heartbreaking movie about the messiness that can sometimes come with relationships. Isler brings real emotional weight to the proceedings and she’s beautifully complimented by a wonderful supporting cast that includes the likes of Riggs, James Urbaniak (“Oppenheimer”), Jacob Wysocki (“Terri”), and relative newcomers Carly Stewart and Brook Hogan. Kudos to writer/director H. Nelson Tracey for resisting the urge to go the obvious route with this most thoughtful relationship movie. Look no further than an ending that is as honest as it is painful. “Breakup Season” is certainly more in the tradition of bittersweet relationship movies like “(500) Day of Summer” and it’s all the stronger for it.
“Breakup Season” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on multiple services including Apple + and Amazon Prime.
Breakup Season | Official Trailer | Drama | Comedy | Romance
CHICKEN COOP (Not Rated)
As is the case with films like “The Holdovers” and “Breakup Season,” the thoughtful independent gem, “Chicken Coop,” sort of plays more as a Christmas movie for folks who aren’t necessarily into Christmas movies. This certainly isn’t to suggest that if you do like Christmas movies that you won’t like “Chicken Coop.” Far from it. In this understated and altogether moving character-driven drama, an estranged father and son look to re-connect over the holidays. Writer/director Joseph DeGolyer lends a delicate touch and he’s given a major assist by an exceptional trio of leads in Mark Bracich, Noah Kershisnik, and Monica Moore Smith. I live for recommending lesser-known gems like this.
“Chicken Coop” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream on multiple services including Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Apple +.
Chicken Coop (2024) Official Trailer | Christmas Drama Coming Soon to ETV – YouTube
CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES 1 & 2 (PG)
Given the success of 2018’s entertaining take on Santa, “The Christmas Chronicles,” a sequel was inevitable. In this 2020 follow-up, a jolly and undeniably cool Kurt Russell returns as Santa Claus. Once again, Kris Kringle teams with young Kate, this time in a magical adventure that finds them battling a mysterious individual (played by an amusing Julian Dennison of “Hunt For the Wilderpeople” fame) with a chip on his shoulder who sets out to wage a war on Christmas! Why? The answer to that question is at the very heart of this lighthearted, sentimental, and straightforward Christmas romp from “Home Alone” director and “Gremlins” screenwriter, Chris Columbus. “The Christmas Chronicles 2” isn’t as strong as the first film and it certainly doesn’t break any new ground in the plot department, but Russell is charming, and his real-life sweat heart Goldie Hawn proves to be a fun little addition as Mrs. Clause. Holiday entertainment for the entire family.
“Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2” are available to stream on Netflix.
JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY (PG)
If “The Greatest Showman,” “Peter Pan,” and “Willy Wonka” got together and threw a big old Christmas party, it might look a little something like “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”; A magical, sentimental, toe-tapping, holiday-inspired musical about a down-on-his-luck inventor who attempts to get his mojo back after reconnecting with his adoring granddaughter. “Jingle Jangle” has a wonderful energy about it that’s clearly punctuated by lively song and dance numbers, but best of all, it features a winning turn by the great Forest Whitaker as a quiet but warm individual who needs to relearn that sometimes, it takes a little more than talent to invent. You also have to believe in what you’re creating.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is available to stream on Netflix.
SHRED OF DECENCY (NOT RATED)
This low budget, crafty little drama from writer/director Dan Fowlks is a great example of what can be achieved when working with a dedicated cast and crew. Shot on a shoestring in Southern Utah of all places, “Shred of Decency” is a quiet, moving, and inspirational tale of soldiers from opposite ends of the battlefield coming together over the course of a very cold Christmas Eve during World War II. Punctuated by outstanding performances (most notably a motherly Barb Christensen and a stoic Chanley Gledhill) and stellar cinematography, this film is absolutely worthy of your time, particularly for war historians and those looking to get into filmmaking.
“Shred of Decency” is available to stream on Amazon Prime.
THREE MODERN ANIMATED HOLIDAY GEMS THAT ARE DESTINED FOR HOLIDAY CLASSIC STATUS;
ALIEN XMAS
This animated holiday gem might be the best Christmas special you haven’t heard of. It comes from the Chiodo Brothers, the creative minds behind the outstanding cult classic, “Killer Klowns From Outer Space.” With the wonderfully old-fashioned “Alien Xmas,” they’ve fashioned something considerably more family-friendly; A sweet-natured, offbeat fusion of “The Grinch,” “Mars Attacks!,” and a Rankin and Bass Holiday special. That’s quite the combo and “Alien Xmas” pulls it off with flying colors! In this quirky little delight, an extra-terrestrial called X comes to Earth to secretly set the stage for an alien invasion but upon bonding with the kind and gentle souls of the North Pole, X begins to have a change of heart. A wonderful, lively, feel-good animated short for all ages.
“Alien Xmas” is available to stream on Netflix.
THE LEGO STAR WARS HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Leave it to the clever folks over at Lucasfilm and Disney to deliver one of the most entertaining efforts of the holiday season. Rather than getting off their high horses and making 1978’s much-despised “Star Wars Holiday Special” commercially available, they’ve gone and created a brand new “Star Wars Holiday Special”…This one of the Lego variety. And the end result is pure Force-inspired joy. In this creative little time-travel adventure, Rey sets off on a journey in an effort to gain more knowledge of the Force but she gets a little more than she bargained for. “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” throws comical gags at a fast and furious clip and while it certainly references the original Holiday Special–This adventure does take place on Life Day, after all–it also takes a handful of playfully colorful potshots at various Saga entries in general. It’s all in good fun and quite frankly, I enjoyed this animated short more than the “Star Wars” prequels and sequels. The only negative thing I can really say about it is that I wish some of the film cast members would have jumped on board and voiced their animated counterparts. No matter though. Between “The Mandalorian” and “The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special,” it’s clear that the Saga is truly hitting its stride on the streaming market.
“The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special” is available to stream on Disney +.
KLAUS (PG)
A warm, festive, and beautifully animated take on a legend. This Oscar-nominated gem tells the tale of a postman’s bonding with a reclusive toymaker and how their bond would help bring forth a timeless holiday tradition. An absolute joy and certainly a film that deserves to be more widely known.
“Klaus” is available to stream on Netflix.
THREE CULT TITLES OVERFLOWING WITH A DIFFERENT KIND OF HOLIDAY CHEER;
KRAMPUS (PG-13)
Michael Dougherty followed up his wonderful love letter to Halloween, “Trick R Treat,” with this wonderful love letter to Christmas-set horror films. In this scary (and creative) little romp, a dysfunctional family must do battle with a truly ominous presence over the holidays. A little on the mean-spirited side but incredibly entertaining.
“Krampus” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream.
RARE EXPORTS(R)
Taking a cue from John Carpenter’s “The Thing”, “Rare Exports” finds a team of snowbound scientists unearthing a mysterious entity deep from within an ice formation. What makes the film so Chirstmasy, you ask? The entity in question just so happens to be…SANTA CLAUS! Wacky, audacious, and totally worthy of your time, particularly if you’re into quirkier holiday fare.
“Rare Exports” is available on Blu-Ray and DVD and is also available to stream.
SO BAD THEY’RE GOOD…SORT OF!
SANTA CLAUS CONQUERS THE MARTIANS (Not Rated)
This is considered one of the worst movies of all time, and that’s exactly why I’m recommending it. For reasons I can’t really explain, I believe a truly bad film can be just as enjoyable to sit through as a really good one. “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” is a perfect example of this theory. It’s next to impossible to find, but if you can locate a copy, buy it! On a side note, this movie was once featured on Mystery Science Theater.
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” is available to stream.
As is the case with “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians,” good luck finding this one. I found it on Ebay. Long considered the black sheep of the “Star Wars” universe (yes, even more than the prequels and “The Rise of Skywalker”), “The Star Wars Holiday Special” aired once in 1978, never to be seen again. That’s because it’s spectacularly bad. It features cameos by Bea Arthur and Art Carney, and has a ten-minute stretch presented in Wookie (with no English subtitles to help you out). I’m still holding out hope that the Mouse House will eventually stream this bad boy on Disney +.
