There is a moment every December when the lights go up, the hot chocolate comes out and someone asks the big question: what are we watching tonight? The best Christmas movies become part of our family traditions, quoted every year, rewatched with new people and loved a little more each time.
We have rounded up the best Christmas movies to watch this holiday season, from black and white classics to modern comedies and romances. For each film you will find why it earns a place on your list and, for collectors, a Blu-ray or 4K edition on Amazon so you can build a holiday library that does not depend on which streaming service has the rights this year.
The Best Christmas Movies at a Glance
- Best Overall Classic: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Best Feel Good Classic: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- Best Musical: White Christmas (1954)
- Best Nostalgic Comedy: A Christmas Story (1983)
- Best Family Chaos: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
- Best for Kids and Adults: Home Alone (1990)
- Best Dickens Adaptation: The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- Best Romantic Ensemble: Love Actually (2003)
- Best Modern Comedy: Elf (2003)
- Best Animated: The Polar Express (2004)
- Best Rom Com: The Holiday (2006)
- Best Period Pick: Little Women (2019)
The 12 Best Christmas Movies of All Time
These are the films that critics, families and film institutes return to every year. Editions and availability change, so check the current price and format on Amazon.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) – Best Overall Classic
Frank Capra’s film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who is shown by his guardian angel what his town would look like if he had never been born. It was not a box office hit on release, but television screenings made it a holiday tradition, and it was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1990. For many families it is simply the best of the best Christmas movies.
It's a Wonderful Life (Blu-ray + Digital)
- Frank Capra’s 1946 classic
- James Stewart and Donna Reed
- Blu-ray plus digital copy
2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – Best Feel Good Classic
When a department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, a court case follows. Edmund Gwenn won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the role, and a young Natalie Wood co-stars alongside Maureen O’Hara. It is warm, funny and quietly moving, and it belongs on every list of the best Christmas movies.
3. White Christmas (1954) – Best Musical
Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen star in this Technicolor musical filled with Irving Berlin songs. Two army buddies turned entertainers try to save their old general’s struggling Vermont inn. The costumes by Edith Head and the finale make it one of the most glamorous of the best Christmas movies.
4. A Christmas Story (1983) – Best Nostalgic Comedy
Young Ralphie wants just one thing for Christmas: a Red Ryder BB gun. Bob Clark’s affectionate comedy, set in 1940s Indiana, is famous for the leg lamp and the tongue on the frozen flagpole. It joined the National Film Registry in 2012.
A Christmas Story (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
- 4K and Blu-ray discs
- The leg lamp and the Red Ryder
- Nostalgic family comedy
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Best Family Chaos
Written by John Hughes, this comedy stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, determined to give his family a perfect old fashioned Christmas. Exploding turkeys and thousands of outdoor lights follow. It is a favourite for anyone whose holidays never go to plan.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
- 4K and Blu-ray discs
- Written by John Hughes
- Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold
6. Home Alone (1990) – Best for Kids and Adults
Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin, accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, with a memorable John Williams score, it became one of the highest grossing comedies of its time and was added to the National Film Registry in 2023.
7. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Best Dickens Adaptation
Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge completely straight while Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo (as Charles Dickens) surround him. The film is surprisingly faithful to the novel and has songs by Paul Williams. It is one of the best Christmas movies to share with children who are not yet ready for a darker adaptation.
8. Love Actually (2003) – Best Romantic Ensemble
Richard Curtis’s ensemble romance follows interconnected stories in London in the weeks before Christmas, with a cast that includes Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley and Bill Nighy. It is the definitive festive rom com for many viewers.
9. Elf (2003) – Best Modern Comedy
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York to find his father. Directed by Jon Favreau, it mixes childlike joy with sharp comedy and has become a modern classic among the best Christmas movies.
- Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf
- Directed by Jon Favreau
- Modern holiday classic
10. The Polar Express (2004) – Best Animated
Robert Zemeckis adapted Chris Van Allsburg’s picture book using performance capture, with Tom Hanks playing several roles. A boy who is starting to doubt Santa boards a magical train to the North Pole. It is visually rich and ideal for younger viewers.
The Polar Express (4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray)
- Based on the Chris Van Allsburg book
- Tom Hanks in multiple roles
- 4K and Blu-ray
11. The Holiday (2006) – Best Rom Com
In Nancy Meyers’ romantic comedy, two women played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap homes for the holidays, from Los Angeles to an English cottage, and find unexpected love with characters played by Jude Law and Jack Black. The cosy cottage alone makes it worth watching.
12. Little Women (2019) – Best Period Pick
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel opens with the March sisters’ Christmas and returns to it in some of its most touching scenes. Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson and Eliza Scanlen star. It is a wonderful choice if you prefer drama to comedy.
Little Women (2019) – Blu-ray + DVD + Digital
- Greta Gerwig adaptation
- Saoirse Ronan and Florence Pugh
- Blu-ray, DVD and digital
More of the Best Christmas Movies: Honourable Mentions
Twelve films is never enough in December. If you have already watched every title above, these favourites also deserve a place among the best Christmas movies.
- Scrooge (1951): Alastair Sim’s performance is considered by many critics the finest screen Scrooge.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966): The half hour animated special narrated by Boris Karloff is a perfect short watch.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Henry Selick’s stop motion musical works for both Halloween and Christmas.
- Klaus (2019): This hand drawn style animated origin story of Santa earned an Academy Award nomination.
- The Family Stone (2005): A funny and bittersweet ensemble drama about a family Christmas reunion.
- Die Hard (1988): Set at a Christmas Eve office party, it starts the annual debate about whether it counts.
How We Chose the Best Christmas Movies
We selected these films based on their critical reputation, recognition by bodies such as the Library of Congress and the Academy, and their lasting popularity as holiday traditions. We aimed for a mix of eras, genres and ages. We list physical editions for collectors and never accept payment for placement. Read our editorial policy for details.
How to Pick the Right Christmas Movie
The best Christmas movies for young children
The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, Elf and Home Alone are the best Christmas movies for mixed ages. Check age ratings for sensitive viewers.
The best Christmas movies for a romantic night in
The Holiday and Love Actually are the go to choices. White Christmas is a lovely option if you prefer vintage romance and music.
Classic film fans
It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street show why golden age Hollywood still sets the standard. Many restored Blu-ray editions look better than ever.
Why own physical copies?
Streaming rights for holiday films change every year, and favourites can disappear just when you want them. A small shelf of the best Christmas movies on Blu-ray or 4K guarantees your traditions, often with bonus features and better picture quality.
Tips for the Perfect Christmas Movie Night
- Plan a marathon: Start with a classic in the afternoon and finish with a comedy after dinner.
- Set the mood: Fairy lights and a scented candle make any living room feel festive. See our pick of the best luxury candles.
- Make themed snacks: Popcorn, gingerbread and hot chocolate with marshmallows never fail.
- Wrap a film as a gift: A Blu-ray of one of the best Christmas movies plus a cosy blanket makes a thoughtful present. Our gift guide for her has more ideas.
FAQ
What is the most popular Christmas movie of all time?
It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Elf regularly top polls of the best Christmas movies, although the answer differs by generation.
What are the best Christmas movies for families?
Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express and The Muppet Christmas Carol are excellent family choices.
Which classic Christmas movie won an Oscar?
Miracle on 34th Street won three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle.
Is Love Actually suitable for kids?
Love Actually is aimed at adults and contains mature content, so it is better saved for after the children are in bed.
Final Thoughts on the Best Christmas Movies
The best Christmas movies are about more than snow and Santa. They remind us of kindness, family, forgiveness and the joy of small moments. Whether you are a George Bailey traditionalist or an Elf devotee, building your own collection means your favourite films will be ready whenever the holiday mood strikes.
Looking for more to watch? Settle in with our guide to the best period drama series, and make your sofa extra snug with the best throw blankets.
