Best Christmas movies of all time ranked for festive celebrations

Explore the 23 best Christmas movies of all time, from timeless classics to festive comedies and animated favorites.

The holiday season is synonymous with cozy nights, crackling fires, and timeless Christmas movies. To help you navigate the endless options, Entertainment Weekly has curated the 23 best Christmas movies of all time. This list, featuring classics, comedies, and modern gems, ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy this festive season.

The List

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
   A heartwarming classic starring James Stewart as George Bailey, this Frank Capra masterpiece is a reminder of the season's true meaning.
   Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

2. A Christmas Story (1983)
   A humorous take on holiday traditions, featuring Ralphie and his infamous Red Ryder BB gun dream.
   Where to watch: Max

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
   A nostalgic favorite featuring the Peanuts gang, showcasing the true spirit of Christmas with heartfelt simplicity.
   Where to watch: Apple TV+

4. Elf (2003)
   Will Ferrell charms as Buddy the Elf in this modern classic filled with humor and holiday cheer.
   Where to watch: Max

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
   Chuck Jones' animated adaptation of the Dr. Seuss tale remains the definitive version of this holiday classic.
   Where to watch: Peacock

6. Love Actually (2003)
   An ensemble cast navigates intertwining romantic tales set during the festive season.
   Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

7. Bad Santa (2003)
   Billy Bob Thornton delivers a darkly comedic twist on the Santa archetype.
   Where to watch: Paramount+

8. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
   A charming adaptation of Dickens’ classic tale with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Michael Caine as Scrooge.
   Where to watch: Disney+

9. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
   A Rankin/Bass animated classic featuring memorable characters like Heat Miser and Snow Miser.
   Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

10. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
    The timeless story of an outcast reindeer who becomes a Christmas hero.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (to buy)

11. Home Alone (1990)
    Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, outwitting burglars during a lonely holiday season.
    Where to watch: Disney+

12. Trading Places (1983)
    Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd star in this holiday-adjacent comedy about identity swaps and redemption.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

13. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
    Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece blends Halloween and Christmas for a visual treat.
    Where to watch: Disney+

14. White Christmas (1954)
    Bing Crosby leads this syrupy yet beloved classic featuring timeless songs.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

15. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
    A Macy’s Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle in this sweet holiday favorite.
    Where to watch: Disney+

16. Die Hard (1988)
    Bruce Willis stars in this action-packed holiday tale set during an office Christmas party.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

17. Scrooged (1988)
    Bill Murray plays a modern-day Ebenezer Scrooge in this darkly comedic retelling of Dickens' story.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

18. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Chevy Chase’s Griswold family faces holiday chaos in this classic comedy.
    Where to watch: Max

19. The Holdovers (2023)
    A heartfelt dramedy about unlikely connections during Christmas, starring Paul Giamatti.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

20. Gremlins (1984)
    A mischievous creature wreaks havoc in this holiday horror-comedy classic.
    Where to watch: Max

21. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
    A hilarious Christmas romp about a writer caught in her own lies.
    Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

22. Klaus (2019)
    A beautifully animated Netflix film exploring the origins of Santa Claus.
    Where to watch: Netflix

23. The Santa Clause (1994)
    Tim Allen becomes Santa in this lighthearted holiday comedy.
    Where to watch: Disney+

Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, laugh-out-loud comedies, or unconventional holiday films, this list offers a wide range of choices to brighten your holiday season. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these movies capture the magic of Christmas and provide the perfect backdrop for festive celebrations.