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Peter Billingsley in "A Christmas Story" | Source: Getty Images
Peter Billingsley in "A Christmas Story" | Source: Getty Images

15 Best Christmas Movies of All Time to Get You into the Festive Spirit

Monica Otayza
Dec 14, 2023
02:00 P.M.

The holidays are here, and things are about to get fun with your family and friends. We've rounded up the top fifteen Christmas movies you can watch to get you into the festive spirit.

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With streets filled with bright lights and every kitchen smelling like freshly baked cookies, the holiday season brings in a special kind of nostalgia that warms the heart and inspires people to get together.

For many, a yearly Christmas tradition is to gather around the screen to enjoy the enchanting world of Christmas movies, with all wearing their favorite Christmas sweaters and enjoying homemade treats of choice.

From timeless classics to cheesy Romantic comedies, we've rounded up the top fifteen Christmas movies of all time. After reading the list, prepare to cozy up with your loved ones and binge-watch the movies in your order of preference.

15. Love Actually (2003)

This Richard Curtis film brings together Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Kiera Knightly, and Laura Linney. The star-studded cast brings you through stories of love in London during the Holiday season.

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14. Die Hard (1988)

Others may not consider "Die Hard" a Christmas film, but many do! It's an action flick starring Bruce Willis about an office Christmas party interrupted by terrorists. It's the perfect way to add a bit of adrenaline to your Christmas movie marathon.

13. Klaus (2019)

This animated film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards. If that isn't enough to convince you to watch the Netflix original, it features nostalgic animationbound to give you the holiday feel. Its story is about a postman who befriends a toymaker amidst the Christmas season.

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12. The Family Stone (2005)

This Sarah Jessica Parker film is about her character's visit to her boyfriend's family home over the Christmas holiday. She doesn't fit into their family dynamic, and the story is bound to take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. The cast includes Rachel McAdams, Luke Wilson, Diane Keaton, Claire Danes, and Dermot Mulroney.

11. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

This Sandra Bullock classic brings you through a roller coaster of emotions set during the Christmas holidays. It's about a love triangle between Bullock's character and two brothers, one of whom falls in love with her while the other is in a coma.

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10. You've Got Mail (1998)

If you need some hope and happiness in your life, "You've Got Mail" can be a source of inspiration. They're about battling bookstore owners who fall in love with each other through e-mail. Their most romantic scenes occur during the holiday season, and that in itself makes it a Christmas movie!

9. Scrooged (1998)

"Scrooged" is a modern take on "A Christmas Carol" starring Bill Murray. It revolves around his character as a New York City TV executive, who along the way, learns the true meaning of Christmas.

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8. The Holiday (2006)

This light romantic comedy is sure to become a hit in your holiday movie marathons. It brings you the story of two heartbroken women who swap homes for the Christmas season and get courted by locals in the area.

7. Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)

Another modern take on an animated classic, "Dr. Seuss' The Grinch" also makes the list. Benedict Cumberbatch gives an impressive and memorable take on everyone's favorite holiday Grinch.

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6. Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)

These John Hughes films remain crowd favorites until today. They take you through Macaulay Culkjin's character, Kevin McCallister, and how his big family constantly leaves him behind during the holidays.

5. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

This classic tale on spending the holidays with your in-laws will make your worries seem normal in comparison. This movie will bring you through a roller coaster of emotions, brought to you by Chevy Chase.

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4. Elf (2003)

If you're still searching for the holiday spirit this Christmas, watch "Elf." It's about an oversized elf who goes above and beyond to look for his dad away from the North Pole.

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Ready your blanket and a cup of hot chocolate before watching "A Charlie Brown Christmas." It's sure to make you nostalgic enough to feel the same Christmas spirit as you were used to as a child.

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2. A Christmas Story (1983)

Arguably one of the best Christmas films ever, "A Christmas Story" is a classic that people of every generation should add to their must-watch list this Christmas.

1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

James Stewart, Donna Reed, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins, Larry Simms and Karolyn Grimes on "It's a Wonderful Life" circa 1946 | Source: Getty Images

James Stewart, Donna Reed, Carol Coombs, Jimmy Hawkins, Larry Simms and Karolyn Grimes on "It's a Wonderful Life" circa 1946 | Source: Getty Images

Are you looking to do something new this holiday season? Try watching a classic film through "It's a Wonderful Life." It's a feel-good movie that's a perfect mix of heartwarming, funny, and inspiring. It'll remind you of the true meaning of the holidays, one that doesn't revolve around the gifts under the tree.

If you're preparing your Christmas list, here are the top 12 items to avoid when giving gifts this year.

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