35 Classic Christmas Movies to Watch During the Holidays

From 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' to 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' these films are must-watches every holiday season

‘Tis the season for all things holly and jolly, and what better way to celebrate the Christmas season than with a classic Christmas movie?

They perfectly capture the emotions of the season — from the insanity of Christmas shopping to the pandemonium of opening presents and the joy of reuniting with friends and family. Despite their sometimes wacky characters and over-the-top stories, holiday movies are so enjoyable because they’re relatable.

From classics dating back to the Golden Age of Hollywood such as It’s a Wonderful Life to more modern favorites like Elf and Love Actually, the genre is loaded with must-watch hits that never get old.

Related: The 10 Best Holiday Movies for Families, According to PEOPLE's Critic

Here are 35 classic Christmas movies to watch this holiday season.

The Santa Clause (1994)

In this 1994 Tim Allen classic, a recently divorced father, Scott Calvin, accidentally kills Santa and is then tasked with becoming the new Kris Kringle. Calvin’s transition into Santa is hilarious, and The Santa Clause did a fantastic job at bringing the North Pole to life. It’s no wonder why the movie received two sequels and a television series, The Santa Clauses.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Based on various personal essays by author Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story follows the Parker family as they prepare for Christmas in the 1940s. Every single scene feels like an experience we’ve all had in our own lives: from wishing for that ultimate Christmas present to bundling up for school in the dead of winter. In 2022, the classic film even received a long-awaited sequel.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

In this Christmas classic, a young reindeer named Rudolph searches for a better life after being bullied for his glowing red nose. Along his journey, he meets tons of now-iconic characters, like Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman and Burl Ives’ Sam the Snowman. The holiday special continues to air on TV every year, and its soundtrack includes many hits from Ives, including “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Silver and Gold.”

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Few other Christmas movies are as crass and hilarious as Christmas Vacation. In the movie, the Griswolds are back again, this time trying to celebrate the holidays. But as with all things the Griswolds do, everything goes wrong, mayhem erupts and absolute comedy ensues. Part of the film’s greatness was achieved thanks to its talented cast, which includes Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and more.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

It’s wild that one of the most famous holiday characters is a grumpy, green creature known as the Grinch. But thanks to the compelling and heartfelt story by Dr. Seuss, audiences have come to love the Grinch. In the story, he tries to sabotage Christmas in Whoville, only to learn that love and kindness are the true meanings of the season. The Grinch's legacy is also helped by his catchy theme song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” sung by Thurl Ravenscroft.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Somehow, despite the 1966 special already being a perennial holiday favorite, its 2000 live-action film adaptation became just as beloved and famous in its own right. Much of its popularity is thanks to Jim Carrey’s excellent performance as the Grinch. Joining Carrey in the cast are Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, and Jeffrey Tambor, among others.

Elf (2003)

In Elf, Buddy Hobbs (Will Ferrell) always knew he was different from Santa’s other elves, and that’s because he’s a human. After discovering his real father is on Santa’s naughty list, Buddy decides to help his dad (who has no idea Buddy exists) by showing him the Christmas spirit. Elf has a fantastic cast that includes Ferrell, Zoey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen and Amy Sedaris, among others.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

In A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown feels depressed even though it’s the holidays, and while some friends support him, others put him down. Things get even worse when Charlie Brown can only get his hands on a limbless, dead-looking Christmas tree. But with a little love and support, the tree looks spectacular, and Charlie realizes that is sometimes all you need.

Home Alone (1990)

For '90s kids everywhere, Home Alone is the holiday movie. In the film, a young Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is left home alone after his family flies to Paris for Christmas. Even worse, two burglars (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) are trying to break into his house. Luckily, with some inventive traps and a spunky '90s attitude, Kevin is able to defend his home. Catherine O'Hara delivered one of the most memorable lines in the film when she screamed “Kevin!" at the top of her lungs.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is equally as iconic, where Kevin once again gets separated from his family ... this time in the Big Apple. Even worse, the Wet Bandits have made their way to N.Y.C. as well, and Kevin soon finds himself facing off with them yet again. This time around, the traps are even more elaborate, and Pesci told PEOPLE in 2022 that he sustained a few injuries while filming.

“In addition to the expected bumps, bruises, and general pains that you would associate with that particular type of physical humor,” the actor said, “I did sustain serious burns to the top of my head during the scene where Harry's hat is set on fire.”

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Based on the 1944 short story The Perfect Gift, 1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life follows a down-on-his-luck man who contemplates killing himself just before Christmas. Luckily, an angel visits him that night and shows him what the world would look like if he’d never been born — ultimately showing him how important his life is. The film was nominated for six Oscars and has become a perennial holiday favorite.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

In 2009, Jim Carrey brought another beloved holiday story to life, starring in an animated adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Carrey portrays Ebenezer Scrooge, a cantankerous, greedy old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve who show him the error of his ways. Joining Carrey in the voice cast are Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Robin Wright.

Scrooged (1988)

A Christmas Carol got a totally '80s makeover with Scrooged. In the film, Scrooge is now Frank Cross (Bill Murray), a high-strung, selfish, arrogant TV executive living in Manhattan. The traditional story unfolds, but this time with a good dose of humor and modernization. Also in the cast are Karen Allen and Carol Kane, among others.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

The Muppets also took their turn at the Dickens classic in 1992 with The Muppet Christmas Carol. Set in the 1800s like the original story, Michael Caine takes on the role of Scrooge and is visited by the iconic three ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. But this time around, Scrooge is joined by Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Walter, Statler and the rest of the Muppet crew.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Set in the Macy’s flagship store on 34th St. in Manhattan, Miracle on 34th Street follows the real Kris Kringle, who ends up working as the dress-up Santa for the giant department store. But some employees are conniving and angry, and before long the real Santa finds himself in court, having to prove he’s the real deal.

Love Actually (2003)

The ultimate rom-com, Love Actually follows a group of seemingly unconnected people in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Everyone has their own story to tell, and eventually, audiences start seeing that each individual’s life is somehow interwoven with everyone around them. Plus, Love Actually has an all-star cast, with tons of massive names, including Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightly, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman, among many others.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The worlds of Halloween and Christmas collide in this Tim Burton classic when Jack Skellington, a resident of Halloween Town, opens a door to another dimension where it’s always Christmas. Complete with a fantastic soundtrack and a unique and haunting animation style, The Nightmare Before Christmas has been a fan favorite for decades.

The Family Stone (2005)

Sparks fly when Everett (Dermot Mulroney) brings his high-strung girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) home for Christmas to meet his family, who are fantastically played by Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Luke Wilson. The family doesn’t immediately approve of Everett’s new girlfriend, and the drama feels all too real, making The Family Stone an honest and hilarious look at what the holidays are like for so many families.

Last Holiday (2007)

Inspired by the 1950 film of the same name, Last Holiday follows Queen Latifah as a department store employee who discovers she has a rare terminal illness. A few days before Christmas, she decides to drain her bank account and spend the holidays blowing all of her money in a mountainous resort town. While there, she has the biggest adventure of her life. LL Cool J, Alicia Witt and Giancarlo Esposito also star alongside Latifah.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Set during the 1904 World’s Fair, only part of Meet Me in St. Louis takes place during the holidays. Nevertheless, it’s become a quintessential classic thanks to Judy Garland’s outstanding performance and her memorable rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The film was nominated for four Oscars.

The Polar Express (2004)

The picture book The Polar Express has mesmerized readers since 1985, telling a tale where unexpected children are taken to the North Pole on a magical train. In 2004, the book was turned into a feature film using cutting-edge animation styles at the time. Leading the voice cast is Tom Hanks and there is even a surprise voice performance from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Based on the 2001 novel Skipping Christmas, two parents decide to skip Christmas after they discover that their daughter won’t be coming home this year. But the Krank's friends and neighbors don’t like that idea too much and before long, a full-blown holiday battle erupts in a once sleepy neighborhood. The performances are cheesy and over-the-top but also super campy and fun. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis lead the cast, joined by familiar faces like Dan Aykroyd, Cheech Marin, and Jake Busey.

Just Friends (2005)

After an overweight, bullied kid (Ryan Reynolds) graduates high school, he moves as far away from his New Jersey hometown as possible. Ten years later, he’s now a handsome, egotistical record executive who manages a popular but crazy pop star (Anna Faris). Fate eventually leads him back to his hometown at Christmastime, where he encounters the only friend he ever had growing up (Amy Smart). It’s a funny, heartfelt, and often overlooked rom-com.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad star as two dueling fathers who are desperate to get their hands on the hottest holiday toy of the season, Turbo-Man. Jingle All the Way instantly turned into an incredibly real and relatable movie since that same holiday season, the Tickle Me Elmo craze struck America, and parents around the country found themselves living out the struggles from the film.

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

In this classic animated special, Frosty the Snowman, complete with a button nose and two eyes made of coal, comes to life one day and befriends a group of kids. However, when they realize he’ll melt with warming temperatures, Frosty and the kids head north. Like other holiday specials of its era, Frosty the Snowman continues to live on thanks to its soundtrack performed by Jimmy Durante.

White Christmas (1954)

In the small resort town of Pine Tree, Vermont, a group of four decide to put on a Christmas show. But due to an unseasonably warm year with no snow, the town is vacant and tourists have all chosen other destinations. The group decides to save the town with a smash hit performance, which naturally concludes with the song “White Christmas” just as snow begins to fall, blanketing the town. Starring Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney, the film has become a quintessential Christmas classic.

Jack Frost (1998)

Inspired by the Scandinavian legend of Jack Frost, the 1998 film stars Michael Keaton as Jack, an absent father who is killed in a car crash one night during a snowstorm. But thanks to a bit of holiday magic, Jack returns the next winter as a snowman and tries to rebuild his relationship with his family. Joining Keaton in the cast are Kelly Preston and Henry Rollins.

Four Christmases (2008)

When a couple (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) get trapped in the Bay Area during the holidays, they realize that they’ll be forced to visit their nearby parents for Christmas. The problem is that both come from dysfunctional families and divorced parents ... meaning they’ll need to attend four Christmases in one day. What makes the movie so great are the fantastic performances by the four parents, played by Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Jon Voight and Sissy Spacek.

Deck the Halls (2006)

Leading up to Christmas, two neighbors — Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick — begin an epic battle over who can have the most heavily decorated home, with the hopes of having a display so big and bright that it can be seen from space. Starring alongside the duo are Kristin Chenoweth and Kristin Davis.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

One of the most iconic holiday films actually centers around Thanksgiving instead of Christmas. In Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a businessman in New York (Steve Martin) is trying to get home to his family in Chicago. But his journey is turned upside down when he encounters a down-on-his-luck grifter (John Candy). Together, the duo travel through three states on virtually every mode of transportation possible.

Home for the Holidays (1995)

Directed by Jodie Foster, Home for the Holidays follows a bitter, recently fired woman (Holly Hunter) who visits home for Thanksgiving. Walking the line between comedy and drama, the movie centers around the family, their relationships and their turmoil throughout the holiday weekend before they all return home. It’s a more complicated adult take on the standard holiday film. Also in the cast are Robert Downey Jr., Claire Danes and the late Anne Bancroft.

This Christmas (2007)

Jucy drama erupts in this pulpy holiday favorite about a family who reunites on Christmas Eve. Each member of the family — which is comprised of an all-star cast including Loretta Devine, Idris Elba and Regina King — brings their own struggles to the holiday celebration until tensions finally boil over. But in the end, they realize that nothing is more important than family.

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Set in Orlando, Florida, Ernest Saves Christmas follows the incredibly innocent (but incredibly stupid) Ernest P. Worrell, who now works as a taxi driver. One day, he picks up Santa, who informs him that he’s searching for a replacement to take over the job. As with all things Ernest, he tries to help ... but ultimately causes holiday chaos. Like the other Ernest movies, it’s full of incredibly cheap humor that somehow still makes you laugh.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

Set 15 years after The Best Man, this holiday sequel sees the entire friend group reunite for the first time. But coming back together quickly brings out old rivalries, crushes, conflicts and more. The entire cast of the first film reprised their roles for the sequel, including Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard and Nia Long.

Fred Claus (2007)

In Fred Claus, Vince Vaughn plays Fred, Santa Claus’ often-forgotten brother. Fred constantly lives in the shadow of Santa (Paul Giamatti), but after Santa gets injured and can’t prepare for Christmas night, Fred steps up and takes control. Ultimately, the brothers learn the true spirit of the season. Also in the cast are Kathy Bates, Elizabeth Banks and Rachel Weisz.

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