There are certain movies that come on during the holiday season that remind us of when we were growing up. These Classic Holiday Movies have become staples in our house time and time again. It’s actually become a tradition for us to make some hot cocoa, grab some warm blankets, and watch a few movies with our families as we build up to the weeks and days before Christmas. The following films are what we consider to be the all time best holiday movies to watch. So grab some popcorn, a cozy blanket, your family holiday rompers and enjoy!
15 of the Best Holiday Movies to Snuggle Up to This Season
1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
It’s hard to believe that nearly 70 years ago one of the greatest holiday movies of all time was released- the original Its A Wonderful Life. Frank Capra’s classic film featured Thomas Mitchell and Jimmy Stewart in a dark, yet uplifting tale that shows us even the simplest man has a purpose in life. In the tale, Stewart plays a man who wants to commit suicide believing that there is no reason to live. But when an angel sent from God grants him that wish, he is surprised just how different everything is without him and not for the better.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
A holiday classic that remains in heavy rotation this time of year. It gave us the classic line, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” which has remained with moviegoers since it was first released. The film revolves around young Ralphie Parker who wants nothing more than a Red Ryder BB gun. He is aggressive with his request and gets downright nasty with Santa Claus who ultimately dismisses him in the same fashion. The film is a nostalgic film that will leave you chuckling for all the wrong reasons.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
3. Love, Actually (2003)
This is a modern classic Christmas tale that has become a must watch film during the holiday season for many people. During the course of the film eight couples fall in and out of love and experience the ultimate truth on Christmas Day. The film by Richard Curtis didn’t skimp on celebrity appearance either. With a central focus on Hugh Grant playing the Prime Minister chasing Martine McCutcheon, this shows how all of our lives can intertwine during the holiday season. Watch it tonight on Amazon Prime.
4. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
There’s a reason why this film remains a mainstay on television each year and draws in millions of viewers. Charlie Brown realizes there is something missing out there and goes to search for the meaning of Christmas in a world that is full of material greed. It even delivers the ultimate lesson when he chooses a tree that makes the others stop dead in their tracks and realize that they’ve been focusing on all the wrong things the holiday season. Free during Christmas Season on Amazon Prime.
5. A Christmas Carol (1951)
Based on the Charles Dicken’s classic, this film follows the holiday soul awakening of Ebenezer Scrooge. In this film he is played by Alastair Sim. This holiday classic features three ghosts, a tale of misfortune, and time travel. All of which means it offers something for everyone. Of course, the ultimate message has to do with opening up one’s heart during the holidays and learning to love again.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
6. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Nothing compares to the original version of Miracle on 34th Street. While the tale has been retold on countless television show holiday specials, and in remakes of the classic film, Natalie Wood’s performance as a young girl who goes to the legal defense of Santa Claus can still warm the heart of the coldest person alive. If you want a film to offer you something uplifting and to give you a sense of the holiday spirit. Watch it on Amazon Prime TV.
7. The Polar Express (2004)
Another modern classic that continues to inspire. Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the story follows Tom Hanks as he introduces the children to the North Pole so they can see Santa Claus while riding on the magical Polar Express.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
8. Die Hard (1988)
This classic high octane Christmas film follows a New York City detective who simply wants to spend the holidays with his family. Unfortunately, terrorists don’t want to see that happen and he is placed against terrorists and ultimately saves hostages.
There are plenty of holiday references and seasonal treats to enjoy. Die Hard is a great holiday film to enjoy with older family members and it has spawned several sequels. And yes people, this is one of the best holiday movies out there!! Everyone loves a little die hard. Let it bring some magical cheer to your family tonight.
9. Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
No holiday list is complete without this delightful film. Adam Sandler who wrote, The Chanukah Song, and opted to continue to ensure the holiday was properly represented helped to bring this holiday movie to life. It features the eight days of the Jewish holiday and is a fun and upbeat cartoon that you’ll enjoy watching during the holiday season.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas (2003)
A cautionary tale about why we don’t let the monsters of Halloween take over for Santa Claus. The beloved Tim Burton classic explores what would happen if the misfits from Halloween Town were ultimately responsible for helping with Christmas. Of course, hysterical hi-jinks ensue. This is one time where you’ll cheer along the perceived villain and hope that Christmas still ends up turning out well for all.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
11. Home Alone
Home Alone starring Macaulay Culkin was the holiday movie in the 90’s and remains one of the most widely watched holiday flicks of all time. Kevin McCallister gets sent to the attic as a punishment the night before a holiday trip to Paris, and he’s accidentally left behind by his family.
Kevin quickly finds happiness in his new freedom away from his brothers and sisters, watching R-rated movies and gorging on junk food. But when the “Wet Bandits” come to rob his home, he devises a method to defend it at all costs. Can’t get enough of this funny saga- there are 5 additional ones to keep watching all night long.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
12. Elf
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human who stumbles into Santa’s bag as a baby and grows up as an elf (a very tall one) in his workshop. When Buddy is told that he’s not really an elf, he goes searching for his real parents in America. He manages to track down his dad all the while maintaining his Elf-ness. The movies is full a laughter and even love. A total winner for the family. You won’t be disappointed this holiday movie!
Rent it: On Prime Movies
13. Dr Suess- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is my favorite version of the Grinch- but the cartoon one is just as fun. Head on over to Whoville to bring the world’s best-loved grump to life in this hilarious celebration of the true holiday spirit, which stars Jim Carrey.
Rent it: On Prime Movies
14. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
No Christmas movie list can be complete without this classic? If it weren’t for bad luck, Clark W. Griswold and his family wouldn’t have any luck at all, or so it would seem as one disaster after another happen, conspiring to kill the spirit of Clark’s dreams of a down home family Christmas. White dickeys, antler egg nog cups, exploding Christmas trees and visiting in-laws are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the rollicking good fun the Griswold family shares. And as the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them!
Rent or Buy: Prime Video
15. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Have a holly jolly Christmas with the most famous reindeer of all in this original holiday movie, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! After being told he could not play in any Reindeer Games due to his glowing nose, Rudolph leaves Christmas village and heads out on an epic adventure where he meets an elf, a prospector and a bunch of Misfit Toys, all while trying to hide from the Abominable Snow Monster.
It’s a race against time as his family try to find him during a big snowstorm that threatens to cancel Christmas. It’s pure holiday magic for the entire family!
Rent or Buy: Amazon
These 15 classic holiday films are just some of the incredible features that are out there. Make sure you take the time to discuss each of them and find one that inspires your own family to gather together around the television for a short bit during the holiday season. After all, these years are some of the most precious ones you’ll have and you won’t trade the memories for anything.