The 28 Best Christmas Movies To Watch This Yuletide Season

Ho! Ho! Ho! Get ready to be Christmassy this Yuletide season with a slate of films filled with holly jolly tidings!

Wondering which perennial classic films to watch with the entire family? Look no further than "It's A Wonderful Life," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "The Bishop's Wife." How about modern favorites? "Home Alone," "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" and "Elf" are sure to delight everyone.

Craving some animation gems? Get excited for "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Raindeer," "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!," among other staples.

The list goes on — And of course, "Die Hard" is included. So, be sure to check out our movie titles below. They bring all the Christmas feels and cheer.

The Best Christmas Movies To Watch

“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)

James Stewart, Donna Reed; directed by Frank Capra

A movie about self-compassion, this holiday classic reminds us that we must be kind to ourselves, as told through the story of George Bailey (James Stewart), a bank executive who has long considered himself a failure. As he faces financial ruin and arrest, an angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), descends from heaven to save George from his agony, jogging his memory of all his selfless acts of kindness done for the common good.

"Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)

Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara; directed by George Seaton

An annual holiday favorite, George Seaton's "Miracle on 34th Street" is about a Macy's department store Santa named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real deal. This one will remind you what it was like to believe in old Saint Nick.

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” (1964)

Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann; directed by Larry Roemer

The story of the most famous reindeer of all comes alive in the made-for-TV classic with Billie Mae Richards lending her voice as Rudolph. We get to see Sam the Snowman (voiced by Burl Ives) too.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

Ann Altieri (voice), Chris Doran (voice); directed by Bill Melendez

Based on Charles M. Schulz’ comic strip “Peanuts,” the animated TV special became an instant hit when it premiered on CBS on Dec. 9, 1965, delighting viewers with its storyline, humor, even pace and unorthodox musical score suffused with traditional Christmas music and jazz. Looking for a deeper meaning to Christmas? Get excited and follow along as Charlie Brown leads the way to shine a light.

“The Bishop’s Wife” (1947)

Cary Grant, Loretta Young, David Niven; directed by Henry Koster

In Henry Koster’s Christmas rom-com, David Niven plays Bishop Henry Brougham, who prays fervently for guidance as he tries to raise funds for the construction of a new cathedral. An angel by the name of Dudley (Cary Grant) responds to the clergyman’s plea.

And so begins the partnership between Henry and Dudley. But when Julia (Loretta Young)— the eponymous character — enters the picture, a love triangle happens as Dudley gets smitten with the Bishop’s wife. By the end, does it necessarily mean Henry gets what he wants from Dudley? Or what he needs for that matter?

Certainly, the ironic plot twist sparks the charm, laughter and joy in this Christmas fantasy comedy.

“The Holdovers” (2023)

Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa; directed by Alexander Payne

Alexander Payne’s bittersweet comedy posits a 1970 Christmas season during which a remote New England prep school is preparing for the holidays. But for varied reasons, not everyone will get to have the time off to enjoy the school break. In the process, what emerges is a deepening connection among a trio of “holdovers” — an unpopular professor (Paul Giamatti), a rebellious student (Dominic Sessa) and a grieving chef (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) — who will see a ray of hope and optimism in the face of their pain and suffering. The movie delights with razor-sharp wit and poignancy, earning Randolph the Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Oscars.

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)

Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Juliette Lewis; directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik

Jeremiah S. Chechik’s comedy is the third installment in National Lampoon magazine’s “Vacation” film series. The story follows the Griswold family as they spend their Christmas vacation at home. But their perfectly planned Yuletide celebration gets disrupted when their relatives suddenly show up unannounced, setting in motion a series of fun and disasters just waiting to happen. For sure, you’ll be laughing in no time.

“The Preacher’s Wife” (1996)

Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston, Courtney B. Vance; directed by Penny Marshall

Penny Marshall remakes Henry Koster’s “The Bishop’s Wife” in a comedy drama suffused with gospel music. Whitney Huston delights audiences with her acting and musical performances as Julia, the eponymous character in the movie. Courtney B. Vance plays Rev. Henry Biggs, a pastor who is struggling to keep the church afloat financially. His marriage to Julia (Huston) is also on the rocks. Finally, he asks God for help, and the answer comes in the form of a suave angel named Dudley (Denzel Washington), who eventually falls for Julia. Will Henry get what he needs or what he wants?

The engaging spin brings all the Christmas feels: warm, sentimental, joyful and inspiring. Plus, Huston will get you singing in no time.

“Meet Me in St. Louis” (1944)

Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien; directed by Vincente Minnelli

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the popular song, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”? It was written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane for Judy Garland to sing in the Vincente Minnelli musical “Meet Me in St. Louis.” In turn, the iconic Garland song made the movie a Christmas favorite for so many romantics who believe that love conquers all, regardless of time and place.

“Scrooged” (1988)

Bill Murray, Karen Allen; directed by Richard Donner

A modern-day satire of Charles Dickens’ classic tale regales with Bill Murray’s portrayal of a coldhearted TV executive, who gets an unexpected visit from the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future to teach him a lesson in benevolence and compassion toward others.

“Bad Santa” (2003)

Billy Bob Thornton, Bernie Mac, Tony Cox; directed by Terry Zwigoff

We’ve all heard St. Nick travels from the North Pole to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. But how about if Santa were ripping off shopping malls on Christmas Eve instead? This is exactly the premise of the Christmas dark comedy “Bad Santa.”

Billy Bob Thornton plays Willie, who moonlights as Santa Claus during the holiday season, along with his little helper Marcus (Tony Cox). The odd pair of cons get together once a year during the Holiday season to rob department stores. But when a mall security staffer (Bernie Mac) gets wind of the heist, complications arise. Perhaps, one kid (Brett Kelley), whom Willie befriends, will make Willie a good Santa after all.

The movie, which is rated-R, delivers a good dose of irresistible scabrous hilarity. Thornton is on fire, especially with his one-line zingers. Interestingly, you may be left wanting more of his shockingly outrageous remarks.

“The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)

Michael Caine, Dave Goelz; directed by Brian Henson

The Muppets’ take on the classic Dickens tale comes alive in this charming movie. It stars Michael Caine as the penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge, along with Kermit and Miss Piggy as the Cratchits. Oh — and Paul Williams’ songs will delight you, too.

“Home Alone” (1990)

Macaulay Culkin, Catherine O’Hara, Joe Pesci; directed by Chris Columbus

Hoping for a Christmas romp that is great to watch all year round? Look no further than this 1990 instant classic, which made then-10-year-old Macaulay Culkin and his cuteness a household name. At the center of the story is Kevin, an 8-year-old boy who accidentally gets left behind when his harried extended family heads off for France over the holidays. Suddenly, the boy is home alone, waking up to an empty house. Will he be able to stop a pair of goons (Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci) from breaking into his family's home?

“Holiday Inn” (1942)

Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds; directed by Mark Sandrich and Robert Allen

You might have heard of the Bing Crosby song “White Christmas.” But have you ever wondered when the legendary star first sang the iconic holiday song on screen? It was in the film, “Holiday Inn,” in which he played a suave crooner, while Fred Astaire played a hot-footing dancer. The 1942 musical extravaganza will get you singing and dancing in no time.

“A Christmas Carol” (1984)

George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, Angela Pleasence; directed by Clive Donner

Charles Dickens' timeless 1843 novella comes to life in Clive Donner’s movie adaptation made for television, starring George C. Scott as the Ebenezer Scrooge, the cold-hearted and cynical miser who despises the Holiday merriment. However, when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve, he finally learns the true meaning of Christmas. The movie hits all the right notes in terms of music, storyline, humor and candidness.

“The Santa Clause” (1994)

Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson; directed by John Pasquin

Tim Allen stars as toy salesman Scott Calvin, who doesn’t believe in Santa. It’s just a matter of time before his life gets upended when he startles a man wearing a Santa suit. Long story short, Scott suddenly becomes the new Santa by virtue of the eponymous acceptance clause after he dons a red suit that belongs to St. Nick. The movie will charm the whole family with an endearing story. Plus, Tim Allen is on fire with his delightful sardonic wit and dry sense of humor.

"Die Hard" (1988)

Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman; directed by John McTiernan

Balance out the heartfelt holiday classics with this legendary Christmas thriller. Bruce Willis stars as NYPD officer John McClane, who tries to save his wife and her co-workers from German terrorists as they are taken hostage at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. While not everyone agrees that this is your average Christmas movie, many argue that it is a holiday classic, given that the plot takes place on Christmas Eve.

“White Christmas” (1954)

Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye; directed by Michael Curtiz

Looking for a Christmas musical extravaganza? Michael Curtiz’s 1954 film hits all the right notes to bring a heartfelt razzle-dazzle, featuring a pair of talented song-and-dance singers and equally brilliant sister act. You’ll be singing and dancing in no time as the foursome brings Yuletide entertainment to rural Vermont to save an inn from financial woes.

“How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” (1966)

Boris Karloff, Thurl Ravenscroft; directed by Chuck Jones and Ben Washam

The 1966 animated movie, based on the Dr. Seuss classic children’s book, is a perennial favorite. At the center of the story is the curmudgeon Grinch, who detests Christmas — so much so that he slithers down the chimney and steals the gifts and every last morsel of Christmas dinner from the residents of Whoville. However, much to the sourpuss’s surprise, the whole town celebrates the season together anyway. Having realized the true meaning of the holiday spirit, he returns the stolen gifts and joins everyone for the celebration.

"The Bells of St. Mary's" (1945)

Bing Crosby, Ingrid Bergman; directed by Leo McCarey

Leo McCarey's dramedy highlights the essence of benevolence in our lives through the eyes of two opposing characters, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict, as they indulge in a friendly rivalry. Their disagreement? How to save the Roman Catholic inner-city school of St. Mary's Parish from being shut down. Their approaches might be different, but their intentions are the same in the spirit of giving.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)

Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon; directed by Henry Selick

The King of Halloween Town Jack Skellington discovers Christmas Town in this dark classic and decides to celebrate the holiday. The movie is a stop-motion animated musical with visually stunning special effects.

"A Christmas Story" (1983)

Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon; directed by Bob Clark

This holiday classic follows the exploits of Ralphie Parker, a young boy in 1940s Midwestern America with his eye on a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. It's a comedy that is nostalgic and hilariously witty.

"Elf" (2003)

Will Ferrell, James Caan; directed by Jon Favreau

"Elf" is the story of an orphaned human boy named Buddy who was raised as an elf at the North Pole. When Buddy (Will Ferrell) leaves for New York City to find his true family, equal parts chaos and Christmas cheer ensue. This holiday comedy is full of warmhearted cheer, and Ferrell's comic genius will delight the whole family.

“Love Actually” (2003)

Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson; directed by Richard Curtis

From Richard Curtis, the writer of “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” comes his directorial debut, a comedy with eight interwoven tales about love, romance and life in London during the holidays. Can everyone find love on Christmas Eve?

"The Man Who Invented Christmas" (2017)

Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer; directed by Bharat Nalluri

Ever wondered how the classic character Scrooge came about? It's October 1843 in Victorian London, and Charles Dickens is suffering from writer's block. After three failed novels in a row, the world-renowned English author desperately needs a bestseller. Intent on solving his financial woes, Dickens conjures up Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer) and begins to toil day and night to create his timeless Yuletide novel, "A Christmas Carol." This movie is filled with so much Yuletide magic that you'll almost feel the snowflakes brushing your cheeks as you watch it.

“Arthur Christmas” (2011)

James McAvoy, Bill Nighy; directed by Sarah Smith and Barry Cook

Have you ever wondered how Santa delivers all those presents in one night? And did you know that Santa has two sons, the elder named Steve (Hugh Laurie), the younger named Arthur (James McAvoy)? Well, this animated Santa biopic tackles those yearning questions as it highlights Saint Nick’s Christmas operation in the North Pole.

"While You Were Sleeping" (1995)

Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman; directed by John Turteltaub

In this offbeat romantic comedy set during a snowy Christmas in Chicago, Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely toll collector who falls in love in the most unusual way. This holiday charmer will give you all the feels and remind you that family is what it's all about this time of year.

"Gremlins" (1984)

Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates; directed by Joe Dante

Perfect for those who don't crave your typical warm-and-fuzzy Christmas movies, "Gremlins" takes mischief to a new level and borders between comedy and horror. It's a story about a young man who gets a special gift from his father, a cute pet creature called a "mogwai." Before long, the mogwai spawns other malevolent creatures and tears up the town on Christmas Eve.