Top 10 Christmas Movies to Watch with Your Family

The holiday season is finally here! That magical time of year when everything smells like gingerbread, twinkles like the lights on your neighbor’s over-the-top display, and feels just a little more joyful. What better way to soak in all the Christmas vibes than by curling up on the couch for the best Christmas movies? Picture this: the fireplace is crackling (or a YouTube version of it), steaming mugs of cocoa in your hand and ‘The Santa Claus’ is on the TV. Whether you’re reliving childhood favorites or debating if Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie (spoiler alert: it does, but we’re keeping it off this family-friendly list), there’s something here for everyone.

We’ve combed through the North Pole’s archives and Santa’s nice list, and we found you on it. Therefore, we bring you the ultimate guide to classic Christmas movies that are perfect for family nights. Cozy up, turn off your phone and let us list the top 10 best Christmas movies perfect for nights in!

Home Alone (1990): Classic Best Christmas Movies

You know we had to kick things off with the ultimate Christmas movie – Home Alone! This holiday classic is a hilarious and heartwarming roller coaster that’s been delighting families for decades. For the people who haven’t watched it yet (if that’s possible), we’ll give a quick backstory.

If Christmas had an action-comedy champ, it’d be Home Alone! The film follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, accidentally left behind when his chaotic family heads off to Paris. At first, it’s every kid’s dream: unlimited junk food, no rules, and total freedom. But Kevin’s solo Christmas takes a wild turn when two not-so-bright burglars, Harry and Marv, target his house. Armed with creativity and a whole lot of booby-traps, Kevin turns his house into a fortress of festive chaos. From paint cans flying down the stairs to icy sidewalks and tarantulas on the loose, the comedy is unmatched.

We won’t spoil it all, you’ll just have to watch it to feel the magic and nostalgia. Just be prepared to go around the house yelling “Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!”, for days afterward! And remember, count your kids before you head out this Christmas! Enjoy one of the best Christmas movies and its sequels!

Jingle All the Way (1996): One of the Best Christmas Movies

What do you mean you can put Arnold Schwarzenegger in a family holiday film? Exactly that! Picture Arnold as your dad on a mission to get you your favorite toy – but it’s sold out. I wouldn’t want to be in his way! Some people on the other hand do just that, and let me tell you, you’ll laugh all the way through the movie. It’s for a reason on our best Christmas movies list!

From battling mall Santas to outrunning an army of angry parents, this movie is holiday madness at its finest. And just when you think it can’t get crazier—BAM—there’s a parade and a Turbo Man costume. It’s over-the-top, ridiculous, and SO much fun. This one’s perfect for anyone who’s ever fought for the “it” toy of the year or just wants to laugh until their cocoa spills. Get ready to yell “It’s Turbo Time!” long after the credits roll.

Elf – tastic Adventures (2003): Buddy’s Big Christmas Quest

What happens when you mix Christmas spirit with sugar-fueled chaos? You get Buddy the Elf, the most lovable, over-the-top holiday hero ever! Played by the hilarious Will Ferrell, Buddy is a human raised at the North Pole who discovers he doesn’t belong—except he totally does, because no one spreads Christmas cheer like he does! Buddy sets off to New York City to find his real dad (a grumpy workaholic on Santa’s naughty list), and chaos ensues. From redecorating a department store overnight to gulping down spaghetti drenched in syrup, Buddy’s antics are laugh-out-loud funny.

With endlessly quotable lines (“Smiling’s my favorite!”), a sing-along finale, and laughs that’ll shake your belly like jelly, Elf is holiday gold. Just be prepared for the kids to start asking if syrup counts as a food group.

Frozen (2013): Unfreeze the Disney Classic

Yes, we absolutely consider this a Christmas movie (even though we watch it all year round). The popular Disney flick follows Anna and her pals to save their home from the infinite winter caused by the queen, who just so happens to be her sister. Plus, there’s also a sequel you can watch right after.

What better way to spend the holidays with family than by watching this kid-loved classic? Trust us, you’ll thank us later for the moment of silence you’ll get during the movie. Or maybe not, thanks to all the catchy songs, your kids will be singing all day long. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but one thing’s for sure: Frozen will melt your heart and fill your home with unforgettable joy.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009): A Romantic Twist to a Christmas Carol

It isn’t really a family movie, but this rom-com is definitely on our best Christmas movies list. First of all, nobody can say no to a Matthew Mcconaughey movie, it feels like a crime. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past takes the classic A Christmas Carol tale and flips it into a hilarious, heartwarming romantic comedy. Matthew stars as Connor Mead, a smooth-talking, bachelor who gets a wake-up call from the ghosts of his past, present, and future girlfriends—just in time to crash his brother’s wedding. But honestly, who can blame him? I can’t, he’s too hot to be mad at. I’m pretty sure Jennifer Garner, who plays Jenny Perotti, agrees. No one can resist his charm, especially in his young days.

Prepare to be swept off your feet, with this Christmas romance. Packed with witty banter, outrageous flashbacks, and a sprinkle of holiday magic, this movie is as funny as it is touching. It’s not your typical Christmas flick, but it’s perfect for a festive movie night ideas. Or just anyone who loves a little mistletoe mixed with redemption and romance. Warning: you might laugh, cry, and feel inspired to hug your loved ones a little tighter.

A Christmas Carol (2009): Timeless Tale of Best Christmas Movies

There’s no escaping it: A Christmas Carol is the ultimate holiday classic. Whether it’s the original tale or one of the many delightful adaptations, this story never loses its charm—or its ability to tug at your heartstrings. And since we’re already talking about carols, we needed to mention the real story behind the Charles Dickens’s novella. It’s more than just a ghost story—it’s a journey through regret, kindness, and hope. Ebenezer Scrooge, the ultimate grump and money-loving miser, is forced to take a long, hard look at his life when three ghosts pay him a visit on Christmas Eve. The rest is for you to find out, through a journey with ghosts.

Whether you watch the classic 1951 version, Disney’s animated twist with Scrooge McDuck, or the hilarious Scrooged with Bill Murray, there’s a version for everyone. Want a musical? Check. Need some Muppets? Absolutely. It’s the gift that keeps on giving. This timeless tale will have you counting your blessings, cherishing your family, and maybe even dropping an extra coin in the donation box.

The Grinch (2000): How the Grump Stole (and Saved) Christmas

If you don’t watch the Grinch every Christmas with your family, then we really don’t know how to help.
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the Grinch—green, grumpy, and hilariously over Christmas cheer. We get to see the meanest holiday hater of all time plot to steal Christmas from the merry Whos of Whoville. Spoiler: it doesn’t exactly go as planned. But, what really steals our heart every time, is the connection between our grumpy Grinch and Cindy-Lou. Watching her melt his icy heart all over is just the best feeling ever, right?

Throw in some catchy songs and the Grinch’s snarky one-liners, and you get one of the best Christmas movies. It’s the kind of movie that proves Christmas magic can melt even the most hardened hearts. After all, even the biggest Scrooge can’t resist the magic of Christmas!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): A Twisted Christmas Treat

Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? The answer is yes—and it’s both! The Nightmare Before Christmas takes you on a magical, spooky ride through Halloween Town, where Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, decides to hijack Christmas and make it his own. With Tim Burton’s signature quirky charm and a killer soundtrack (who doesn’t love “What’s This?”), this movie is a feast for the eyes and ears. From creepy-yet-lovable characters like Sally and Zero to Jack’s hilarious attempt at being Santa, it’s a mix of spooky mischief and holiday heart. Perfect for families who like their Christmas with a side of quirky and a pinch of weird, this movie will have you rooting for skeletons and humming carols all season long. After all, what’s Christmas without a little Halloween magic?

The Christmas Chronicles (2018): Santa’s Best Christmas Movies List

This Netflix original ticks all the boxes of a Christmas classic: kids up to no good, the threat of a canceled Christmas and a boy who doesn’t believe in Santa. Hold onto your sleigh bells because The Christmas Chronicles delivers Santa with serious style! Played by Kurt Russell, this Santa Claus is no jolly old elf. He’s cool, charming, and has a rock-and-roll edge (he literally sings Elvis in jail!). When siblings Kate and Teddy accidentally crash his sleigh on Christmas Eve, they team up with Santa to save Christmas before it’s too late.

Packed with magical moments and a surprising amount of heart, this movie is a modern holiday classic in the making. From mischievous elves to a high-speed sleigh chase, every moment is pure Christmas fun. And let’s not forget Santa’s golden suit—it’s almost as legendary as his bag of toys.

Perfect for families who want adventure with their holiday spirit, The Christmas Chronicles will have you laughing, cheering, and fully believing in the magic of Christmas. Plus, there’s a sequel—because once isn’t enough with this epic Santa!

The Santa Clause (1994): A Ho-Ho-Hilarious Holiday Adventure

What if becoming Santa was an accident? That’s exactly what happens to Scott Calvin (played by the ever-charming Tim Allen) in The Santa Clause. One moment, he’s a divorced dad trying to make Christmas special for his son; the next, he’s putting on the big red suit and inheriting Santa’s job. (Don’t worry—Santa’s fine. Sort of.) What follows is a laugh-out-loud transformation as Scott reluctantly grows a belly, a beard, and a serious talent for delivering presents.

But underneath the comedy, The Santa Clause is a story about believing in magic, even when it seems impossible. It’s heartwarming without being overly sweet, making it a perfect pick for families who love their Christmas movies with a side of laughs and a sprinkle of nostalgia. By the end, you’ll be ready to embrace the holiday spirit—and maybe even ask for your own North Pole hot cocoa. Just be careful before you put on any red suits… you never know what kind of contract you’re signing!

Conclusion: No Skips on These Classic Christmas Movies

And there you have it—10 best Christmas movies that are guaranteed to fill your home with laughter and love. Each of these films brings something unique—whether it’s nostalgia or a tear-jerking reminder of the season’s true meaning. They’re not just movies; they’re a ticket to magical worlds filled with snow-covered streets, glowing fireplaces, and lessons. So why stop at one? Build a blanket fort, pile on the snacks, and dive into this cinematic sleigh ride of holiday joy. Lights, camera, holiday spirit—let the marathon begin! Who needs reindeer when you’ve got a remote in hand?

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