The Ultimate Christmas Movie Countdown!
60 Classics for the Holiday Season The Ultimate Selection of Christmas Movies
Top 60 Christmas Movies Ever
’Tis the season to be jolly, fa la la la la, la la la la! And what better way to get into the holiday spirit than by cozying up with a hot beverage, some cozy socks, and a delightful Christmas movie? For me, Christmas was all about the movies. Whether it was a Christmas Day blockbuster in theaters or the annual How the Grinch Stole Christmas on cable, my family and I would gather together for a film—or else I’d turn into a real Scrooge. Thankfully, they obliged. As Macaulay Culkin famously said in Home Alone 2, “You can mess with a lot of things. But you can’t mess with kids on Christmas.”
But let me tell you, my annual Christmas movie marathon is both a gift and a curse. I can sing every lyric from the claymation A Year Without a Santa Claus by heart. Same goes for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. At the same time, I’ve seen so many Christmas movies that I don’t have too many more on my watchlist. All that’s left is whatever silly idea Netflix drops around this time of year. But fear not, dear reader! I’ve taken it upon myself to compile the best Christmas movies of all time—just for you. From classics like Miracle on 34th Street to modern tear-jerkers like The Holdovers, this list has everything you could ask for this holiday season. Happy holidays, folks!
Now, let the countdown begin!
60. Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
This stop-motion Christmas film may not be the best from the production house that also brought us Rudolph and The Year Without a Santa Claus, but it does feature Fred Astaire and a wizard known as the Winter Warlock. Who doesn’t love a movie with a magical Winter Warlock? A+ in my book.
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59. Klaus
Move over Polar Express, there’s a new animated Christmas film in town! Klaus is the best animated Christmas film since The Polar Express. Don’t believe me? Watch it and see!
58. Christmas in Connecticut
Starring Barbara Stanwyck as a food critic who lies about having a farm in New England, Christmas in Connecticut is a delightful romp filled with fake farms, hilarious mix-ups, and a little bit of holiday romance. It’s the perfect Christmas movie for those who love a good charade.
57. A Christmas Carol (1984)
We’ve all heard the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, but this made-for-television adaptation takes it to a whole new level. George C. Scott gives his all to the role, showing us why Scrooge is the ultimate Christmas villain. Plus, it was directed by Clive Donner, who worked on the original 1951 Scrooge film. Now, that’s a Christmas classic!
56. The Year Without a Santa Claus
Rankin/Bass Productions really outdid themselves with this one. The Year Without a Santa Claus is a stop-motion classic filled with catchy songs like “The Snow Miser” and “The Heat Miser.” And let’s not forget Shirley Booth’s amazing performance as the narrator. It’s a must-watch for any Christmas enthusiast.
55. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In 2000, Jim Carrey put on a big green Grinch suit and brought the famous cartoon to life. And boy, did he deliver! With his signature comedic flair, Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch is both hilarious and heartwarming. Plus, who can forget that epic cheese-eating scene? It’s a Christmas movie that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even crave some cheese.
54. The Snowman
Need a quick watch after dinner but before tucking in? Look no further than The Snowman. This gorgeous animated tale follows a young boy’s short-lived adventure with his winter creation. Based on Raymond Briggs’s children’s book, The Snowman is a tear-jerker for any age, reminding us of the beauty of innocence and the fleetingness of winter.
53. The Lion in Winter
Travel back to the Christmas of 1183 with The Lion in Winter. This historical drama tells the story of King Henry II of England and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine as they navigate a King Lear scenario between their three sons. It’s a Christmas film that proves family drama knows no bounds, even in medieval times.
52. One Magic Christmas
Before the era of Netflix holiday movies, there was One Magic Christmas. This forgotten 1985 Disney release stars the iconic Harry Dean Stanton as an angel watching over a struggling working-class family. Mary Steenburgen delivers a heartfelt performance as the matriarch who learns the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a mix of grit and sentimentality that will tug at your heartstrings.
And that wraps up the first part of our Christmas movie countdown! Stay tuned for the next installment where we reveal more timeless classics and hidden gems. In the meantime, grab some popcorn, keep those Christmas cookies close, and enjoy the magic of the holiday season through the lens of the silver screen.
What are your favorite Christmas movies? Did any of them make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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