Best Christmas Movies of All Time
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Over the past few years, Christmas movies have proliferated as fast as kids ripping open their holiday presents. Several streamers have rolled out slates of festive fare tailored to nearly every niche — but there’s something compulsively rewatchable about the true classics of the genre.
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It’s endlessly debatable whether action movies like “Die Hard” and rom-coms like “You’ve Got Mail” and “While You Were Sleeping” qualify as actual Christmas movies, but we say, why not? A movie doesn’t have to have St. Nick as the main character to make a satisfying holiday tradition.
If you’re looking for something the kids can enjoy along with the rest of the family, try “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” or “Elf.” Adults who enjoy off-kilter entertainment should pour a large eggnog and queue up “Bad Santa,” “Black Christmas” or “Rare Exports.” And if a good cry is on the agenda — after all, who gets through the holidays without at least a few tears — try “Love Actually” or “The Family Stone.”
About a Boy (2002)
Hugh Grant is carefree bachelor Will Freeman, who decides to hit up a single parents group for available moms in this heartwarming British rom-com co-written by the novel’s author Nick Hornby. Will is independently wealthy due to royalties from father’s annoying hit Christmas song, so there’s a built-in holiday theme. When he invents a fake child to join the group, he’s busted by Marcus, an awkward kid with a depressed mom. Will starts bonding with Marcus despite his dishonest ploy, spending Christmas with the boy and his family. When he meets Rachel, she at first thinks Marcus is Will’s son, and more misunderstandings ensue on the path to the next Christmas – by which time Will has realized being a playboy with an empty life might not actually be all that fulfilling. With a wistful pop theme song by Badly Drawn Boy and buoyant performances by Rachel Weisz, Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult, “About a Boy” doesn’t scream “Christmas movie,” but it’s worth watching for a good cry any time of year. – PS
Batman Returns (1992)
Tim Burton’s pitch-black superhero sequel is a Christmas nightmare, with holiday iconography colliding with the menacing architecture of Gotham City. Instead of dropping presents off at houses, the vengeful Penguin (Danny DeVito) hatches a plan to kidnap the city’s firstborn sons to make them pay for his abandonment. A menacing funhouse of yuletide tradition, perhaps the best moment is Batman (Michael Keaton) sharing a very sexy encounter with Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, underlined by delicious dialogue: “Mistletoe can be deadly if you eat it. But a kiss can be even deadlier if you mean it.” — WE
Black Christmas (1974)
In one of the first ever slashers, a sorority house is terrorized by a yuletide killer in “A Christmas Story” director Bob Clark’s first take on the holiday. Margot Kidder and Andrea Martin are among the co-eds terrorized by the lurking killer who slays them in creative ways. Mixing bloody violence with suspense and tension, “Black Christmas” firmly ratcheted up whodunits of the past. Add an unsettling ending that was ambiguous enough to inspire generations of filmmakers who wanted to let the villain live and it’s clear the film is one of the most influential low-budget productions of all time. — WE
Bad Santa (2003)
This isn’t your mother’s Christmas movie. Directed by Terry Zwigoff, “Bad Santa” stars Billy Bob Thornton as Willie T. Stokes, a foul-mouthed and alcoholic mall Santa who couldn’t care less if you’ve been naughty or nice. Along with his sidekick Marcus (Tony Cox), Willie plots to rob the Arizona shopping mall on Christmas Eve, but the faux-festive duo run into a few problems along the way. After a 2003 North American release, the dark comedy screened out of competition at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was a critical and commercial success. Flipping the feel-good holiday film on its head, “Bad Santa” poked at holiday commercialism and subverted the saccharine idea of “Christmas spirit.” But even the film’s black heart has a few moments of warmth. – ES
The Best Man Holiday (2013)
The cast of popular comedy “The Best Man,” including Taye Diggs, Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Regina Hall and Harold Perrineau, reunite for a Christmas reunion of old college friends, 15 years later. Though there’s plenty of comedy interspersed, the friends also deal with several soap operas’ worth of illness, relationship dramas, childbirth and more while navigating the festive season of football games and family gatherings. The soundtrack included holiday favorites from Mary J. Blige, New Edition, Jordin Sparks, Fantasia and Ne-Yo. – PS
Carol (2015)
Todd Haynes’ lesbian romance has quietly but swiftly risen to the rank of a classic in the years since its release. In the 1950s, a department store clerk (Rooney Mara) finds herself enamored by an unhappy married woman (Cate Blanchett). Their affair must unfold in cautious, coded gestures, each hoping the other can read their desires. Shot on grainy 16mm, Haynes emphasizes off-center framing and the chill of New York, showing how two women have been constricted by the barriers of their time. — JKM
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
The first-ever Peanuts TV special holds a special place in history and the hearts of many fans. The 25-minute special went on to earn Emmy and Peabody awards, entered the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry and became essential viewing for the holiday season. The catchy “Christmas Time Is Here” song, jazzy Vince Guaraldi soundtrack and the messages of friendship, commercialization and the meaning of Christmas still ring true to this day. Quite an accomplishment for Charlie, Snoopy, Lucy and the gang! – JM
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
There’s nothing quite like a black-and-white holiday film, especially one that includes a mixture of romance, drama and hilarious hijinks. In “Christmas in Connecticut,” Barbara Stanwyck portrays city magazine writer Elizabeth Lane, who writes a column about her fictitious Connecticut farm, husband and child. When Elizabeth’s publisher, who’s unaware of the charade, asks her to host a Christmas dinner for returning war hero Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan), she devises an elaborate scheme to cover her deception. Stanwyck delivers one of her best performances in this charming screwball comedy that takes a subversive approach to conventional gender roles. — MZ
A Christmas Prince (2017)
Not many TV movies would make the cut, but the Netflix original starring Ben Lamb and Rose McIver stands the test of time. The sequels that follow, not so much, but that’s beside the point. As an undercover journalist, McIver’s Amber pretends to be the princess’s tutor over the holidays in order to get a juicy royal story. Instead, she finds a real family, a man who’s completely misunderstood, and the meaning of love — all around the many Christmas trees in the castles of Aldovia.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Bob Clark’s 1983 comedy is the gift that keeps on giving during the holiday season, from its quotable lines (“You’ll shoot your eye out”) to the infamous leg lamp that has become a Christmas décor staple. The film follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) as he sets out to acquire the best Christmas present ever: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model air rifle. Full of slapstick comedy and tender moments alike, “A Christmas Story” is one of those holiday movies you can watch every year and still not tire of it. – ES
Die Hard (1988)
All NYPD detective John McClane (Bruce Willis) wants to do is reconcile with his wife at her holiday Christmas party. Unfortunately, German terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) has taken the building hostage, and John has to save the day and his marriage. The film is an action classic that earns its Christmas bonafide due to decorations, a carol-filled soundtrack and the story of one man going to any lengths to get the family back together for the holiday. Extra points for the gag when a cop sings “Let it Snow” to himself right as a body drops onto his car. — WE
The Family Stone (2005)
Anyone who’s ever spent the holidays with their dysfunctional family can most likely resonate with 2005’s “The Family Stone.” Set in the fictional town of Thayer, Conn., the film follows Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) as he brings his uptight girlfriend home to celebrate Christmas with his boisterous family. Featuring a star-studded ensemble cast — including Sarah Jessica Parker, Mulroney, Diane Keaton, Luke Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Claire Danes and Craig T. Nelson — this underrated holiday gem is filled with family squabbles and intimate moments that will make you laugh, cry and laugh again. — MZ
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
You might think that “Edward Scissorhands” feels more Halloween than Christmas, but Tim Burton’s dark fairytale touches upon themes that occasionally appear in holiday films, including the sense of social isolation and loneliness during the festive season. Set against the backdrop of a pastel-tinged suburbia, “Edward Scissorhands” follows Johnny Depp as the titular pale-faced humanoid with scissor blades for hands, who is taken in by benevolent Peg (Dianne Wiest) and her family. Some of the most riveting moments of this gothic romance take place at Christmastime, including Winona Ryder dancing under a plume of snow. — MZ
Elf (2003)
A perfectly sweet and spiked serving of cinematic eggnog, 2003’s “Elf” magnificently threads the needle to appeal to kids of all ages. The not-so-secret weapon is Will Ferrell as the unflappable Buddy the Elf, who leaves the North Pole to find his biological father in NYC. The Big Apple is the perfect foil for Ferrell’s sweetness and naïveté, which is filled with sights both magical (still-fresh gum stuck to Subway entrances, revolving doors) and less-so (Santa imposters, getting hit by taxis). — WE
Gremlins (1984)
The Christmas season is a time for warm homes, garish decorations and unhinged materialism. It’d be a shame if a bunch of cackling little freaks decided to send that grotesque American tradition up in flames. Joe Dante’s ’80s classic doesn’t leave any opportunities for a joke on the table, with the rampant comedy swerving into horror as a small town gets turned upside-down and the bodies begin to pile up. Beyond its laughs, it remains a technical masterclass, with plenty of brilliant, seamless animatronics conveying the thrill of making a mess. — JKM
Happiest Season (2020)
The first LGBTQ Christmas film to come from a major studio, Clea DuVall’s “Happiest Season” became an instant classic when it released in 2020. The film stars Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis as Abby and Harper, a couple who head to Harper’s family home for the holidays. The only problem? Harper actually hasn’t come out to her parents yet, and asks Abby to pretend to be her straight roommate for the trip. With a stacked ensemble cast including Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie and Dan Levy, what ensues is a rom-com that inspires as much as it delights. – ES
The Holiday (2006)
“I’m a book editor from London. You’re a trailer maker from L.A. We’re worlds apart.” Such is the defining preposterous lament of director Nancy Meyers’ affluent but romantically disillusioned characters. Both lovesick after some bad break-ups, a Hollywood career woman (Cameron Diaz) and a British columnist (Kate Winslet) swap their gorgeous, spacious abodes for the Christmas season — and find themselves courted by two handsome locals (Jude Law and Jack Black). At a sweeping runtime over two hours, the romantic comedy has more than enough charm and hysterics to keep your holiday guests entertained through an evening. – JKM
Holiday Inn (1942)
Bing Crosby croons and Fred Astaire hoofs in “Holiday Inn,” a classic musical romance set in a supper club that only opens during the holidays. Featuring more than a dozen timeless tunes written by Irving Berlin – including the Oscar-winning hit “White Christmas” – the film celebrates everything from Easter to the 4th of July to Thanksgiving. But it’s the Christmas scenes that leave a lasting impression. Crosby plays a broken-hearted singer who opens a seasonal inn when he’s spurned by the object of his affection. But when Astaire tries to sweep Crosby’s new love interest off her feet, their rivalry sets the stage for a dazzling song and dance showdown. Viewers who haven’t seen the film yet should know beforehand that some versions of “Holiday Inn” still include a controversial musical number performed in Blackface. AMC typically shows it with the scene removed, while TCM often broadcasts it uncut. – PS
Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1990, 1992)
It’s hard to imagine a movie and its sequel being equally funny, heart-warming and memorable. The John Hughes films, starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard and Catherine O’Hara, among other stars, follow Kevin McCallister, the young boy in a big family who’s constantly left behind at the holidays. In the first, he’s left at home as the family vacations and creates a series of booby traps to protect himself from robbers. In the second, he accidentally boards a plane to New York City (pre-9/11 protocols this was much easier) and finds a way to once again, protect himself when said robbers break out of prison. Throw in a creepy-yet-friendly neighbor here and a warm-hearted pigeon lady there, and you’ve got two holiday must-watch movies. — EL
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966, 2000)
The 1966 animated television special is no doubt a perennial holiday favorite, from the whimsical animation to the classic song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” featuring Thurl Ravenscroft’s deep, booming voice. However, the 2000 live-action adaptation is a classic in its own right. Based on Dr. Seuss’ 1957 children’s book of the same name, the Ron Howard-directed comedy stars Jim Carrey as the titular green meanie, who’s determined to ruin Christmas for the townsfolk of Whoville. Sure, Carrey’s performance is over the top, but how else would you expect a wannabe Christmas thief like the Grinch to behave? The live-action film is a hilarious, heartwarming and memorable twist to Seuss’ beloved tale. — MZ
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra’s 1946 classic is as much a Christmas tradition as eggnog and gingerbread. “It’s a Wonderful Life,” released one year after the end of World War II, gave hope to a generation of Americans grappling with the aftermath of global destruction. James Stewart starred as George Bailey, a man anchored by despair who finds a reason to live after an encounter with his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), who shows George the positive impact he’s had on so many people’s lives. The film earned five Oscar nominations but surprisingly was not a commercial success. In fact, it didn’t become a Christmas staple until three decades after its release, when its copyright lapsed and thus networks could broadcast it without paying licensing or royalty fees. Now, it’s considered one of the greatest movies of all time and was selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry. Its lasting legacy will be reminding audiences of the most important Christmas gift: being with loved ones. – ES
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
After falling out of Hollywood’s favor in the mid-90s, the once wunderkind screenwriter Shane Black forged his return to the business with this 2005 comedy noir – which pairs a criminal turned actor (Robert Downey Jr.) with a gay private eye (Val Kilmer) and has them unravel an L.A. conspiracy. The film is an opus for Black – a poison pen letter to the showbiz ecosystem he calls home that never betrays the naiveté of its lead. And Downey has never been better. Here he forges the motormouth routine that he would take into Marvel movies, but it’s much funnier and more suspect under such sleazy circumstances. – JKM
Klaus (2019)
A more recent entry on the list, 2019’s animated feature “Klaus” tells a different kind of Christmas story than the traditional tale of a jolly, red-suited Santa Claus. Set in 19th-century Norway, “Klaus” follows Jesper Johansen, a meek mail carrier voiced by Jason Schwartzmann, and Klaus, a gruff woodsman (J.K. Simmons) who carves toys for children. The two team up to bring presents and Christmas joy to a divided town, and together they usher in a heartwarming, gorgeously animated, holiday tale. – JM
Krampus (2015)
For those who want some scares in their stockings, “Krampus” is the perfect horror gift. Instead of Santa Claus making his way to town, one unlucky family gets a visit from Krampus, a goat-like beast from European myths that terrorizes naughty children. Watching diabolical gingerbread men, elves and living toys torment Toni Collette, Adam Scott and David Koechner is better than any Christmas present. – JM
Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah and LL Cool J are in tune with each other as flirtatious department store co-workers in this rom-com about a woman diagnosed with a rare brain disease. Directed by Wayne Wang (“The Joy Luck Club”), it’s a gender-swapped remake of the 1950 Alec Guiness film. When Latifah learns of her terminal diagnosis, she decides to vacation at a lavish resort, playing roulette and visiting the spa while touching the lives of the people around her at the hotel. LL Cool J shows up at just the right moment for a massive New Year’s surprise. With a cameo from chef Emeril Lagasse and a major subplot unfolding in the resort’s kitchen, it’s also a solid holiday feast watch — here’s the movie’s recipe for Bananas Foster. – PS
Love Actually (2003)
The Christmas rom-com to end all Christmas rom-coms, Richard Curtis’ 2003 film brings together an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman and Keira Knightley to prove that love is really all you need. Set in London during the holiday season, “Love Actually” tells 10 separate stories that eventually all weave together. The film celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, so check out your local movie theater listings to see if you can catch it newly restored in 4K. – ES
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
The film that introduced Judy Garland singing the melancholic “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” for the first time ever is clearly a Christmas essential, though it covers several seasons. Set ahead of the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, the 1944 film starred Judy Garland as a teenager in love with the boy next door. With several more classic songs (Ding ding ding goes the trolley!), this series of family vignettes offers a satisfying resolution and maybe a few holiday tears. — PS
Miracle on 34th St. (1947)
Nothing says Christmas spirit quite like subjecting Santa Claus to the American court system. Centered around the great capitalist celebration that is the Macy’s Day parade, “Miracle on 34th St.” asks the question: what if the Santa that appears in the closing float on Thanksgiving Day was the REAL DEAL? Clearly, that man would be deemed an endangerment to himself and others and immediately committed to Bellevue Hospital (a real thing that happens in both this film and in the remake!). However, the classic film starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne and Natalie Wood manages to find the spirit of the season despite the marketing infighting between Macy’s and rival department store Gimbels. Hot take: The 1994 remake starring Richard Attenborough as Santa OBVIOUSLY, Mara Wilson, Elizabeth Perkins and Dylan McDermott is also worth a little holiday screening. – MW
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
How do you elevate “A Christmas Carol,” one of the most beloved, albeit overdone holiday stories? Add the Muppets! The 1992 interpretation features inspired casting: The Great Gonzo as Charles Dickens, Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and the legendary Michael Caine as Ebeneezer Scrooge. Throw in earworms like “Marley and Marley,” performed by curmudgeon opera hecklers Statler and Waldorf, and you’ve got a certified classic on your hands! Playful puppetry and a sense of whimsy doesn’t detract from the film’s prevailing message: “It’s true wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas.” – KS
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The perennial classic has plenty of big gags for the kids (the electrocuted cat, Uncle Lewis burning down the tree), but it remains a surprisingly acerbic breakdown of ’80s class malaise. Patriarch Clark Griswold (a perfect Chevy Chase) is sent to the brink of madness to have the most jaw-dropping Christmas display on the block, even as he’s antagonized by high-class yuppies, his low-class extended family and a boss who won’t trickle down the holiday wealth. But the movie’s key scene — Clark locked in the attic, watching home movies — is a beautiful reminder that family comes first. — WE
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” a Halloween film, a Christmas movie or something in the middle? Either way, this frightfully jolly and cheerily spooky movie is a classic watch at both times of the year. The stop-motion animation, creepy characters like Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie and Tim Burton’s delightfully gothic story made “The Nightmare Before Christmas” an instant classic when it was released in 1993. Songs like “This Is Halloween,” “What’s This?” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song” keep this movie stuck in your head year-round. – JM
The Polar Express (2004)
Robert Zemeckis’ animated “The Polar Express” is a heart-warming Christmas tale that evokes childhood wonder and nostalgia. Taking place in snowy Grand Rapids, Mich., on the night of Christmas Eve, “The Polar Express” quickly barrels ahead with its story about a boy who is losing faith in Santa Claus. Aboard the magical train, he meets fellow pajama-clad kids as they ride all the way to the North Pole to Santa’s workshop. From the Grammy-winning song “Believe” to the rousing “Hot Chocolate,” the songs help make this a Christmas gem. – JM
The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
This feel-good Christmas comedy stars Courtney B. Vance and Whitney Houston as a reverend and his wife who are struggling to make their church, community and marriage stronger. Enter Dudley (Denzel Washington), an unconventional angel who comes to answer prayers — and lightly romance Houston. There aren’t insurmountable obstacles or mustache-twirling bad guys, but this remake of 1947’s Cary Grant-vehicle “The Bishop’s Wife” is a lovely opportunity for director Penny Marshall to showcase characters who just want to do what’s right. Add Washington’s endless charm, Houston’s breathtaking singing scenes and Vance’s strength and vulnerability and you’ve got a cozy movie that pairs well with hot cocoa and a blanket. — WE
Rare Exports (2010)
A strikingly original blend of black humor and holiday horror, this Finnish fantasy tells the story of an archeological crew that discovers the lifeless body of a naked old man hidden deep inside an icy mountain. When the creepy corpse suddenly revives, the excavation team quickly realizes he isn’t your ordinary frozen senior citizen. In fact, he’s Santa Claus himself. But instead of a jolly old elf with a playful laugh and a bag full of toys, the Santa in “Rare Exports” is a dark mythological creature with deadly supernatural powers. Written and directed by Jalmari Helander, who recently helmed the gory WWII action gem “Sisu,” this delightfully demented chiller plays like a cross between John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and “Miracle on 34th Street.” – PS
Rise of the Guardians (2012)
What if Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman assembled to protect the world’s children from darkness, with the help of Jack Frost? This animated fantasy film introduces reimagined versions of these legendary figures, known collectively as the Guardians, in this ingenious approach to a classic holiday movie. Hugh Jackman as an Australian Easter Bunny — need we say more? Along with Jackman, DreamWorks Animation’s “Rise of the Guardians” features stellar voice acting performances from Chris Pine, Isla Fisher, Jude Law and Alec Baldwin, who dons a husky Russian accent for Santa. — MZ
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A timeless classic, the 1964 stop-motion “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” reveals the story behind the famous Christmas tune. Rudolph is a charmingly awkward teen who tries to cover up his red nose with mud, has a crush on a doe named Clarice and goes on an adventure with an elf named Hermey to the Island of Misfit Toys. The film also has plenty of sing-a-long moments, including Clarice’s ballad “There’s Always Tomorrow” and Christmas tunes like “A Holly Jolly Christmas” and the film’s title track, courtesy of Burl Ives’ Sam the Snowman. – ES
The Santa Clause (1994)
It shouldn’t be too surprising that the Tim Allen-led holiday hit made the list, since it led to multiple sequels and a Disney+ series that’s still on the air today. Nothing can beat the charm of the original, though, circled around a man who must take over the job of Santa when the real one falls off the roof. A perfect combo of warmth and comedy — Bernard is impossible not to love — “The Santa Clause” has something for everyone. — EL
Scrooged (1988)
“Scrooged” is an inventive and twisted take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” starring Bill Murray as a reimagined Ebenezer Scrooge. The dark comedy follows Frank Cross (Murray), a successful yet cynical television executive who is visited by three Christmas spirits intent on helping him rectify past mistakes. Murray delivers a hilarious performance as a sarcastic crank — as he often does. Other noteworthy casting choices include New York Dolls’ David Johansen as the cab-driving Ghost of Christmas Past and Carol Kane as the enchanting, yet volatile Ghost of Christmas Present. — MZ
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Long before Tinder and “Escape (The Piña Colada Song),” there was Ernest Lubitsch’s relentlessly charming rom-com about a sparring co-workers who also happen to be corresponding with each other anonymously in the weeks leading up to Christmas. If this sounds familiar, “The Shop Around the Corner” also inspired the story of “You’ve Got Mail.” The distinguished filmmaker brings a light touch to the story of the romances and sorrows of the employees at a small leather goods shop in Budapest, starring Margaret Sullavan and James Stewart, six years before he cemented his holiday movie bona fides in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” – PS
The Snowman (1982)
Based on Raymond Briggs’s picture book of the same name, this 1982 animated short shows the lifespan of a snowman in just 26 minutes — maybe it stretches the definition of a “Christmas movie,” but it’s a classic all the same. Set to the iconic score from composer Howard Blake, the charming, mesmerizing, haunting and harrowing journey depicts a little boy who creates a snowman and winds up on a global journey with the mystical being meeting other snowpeople and even Santa Clause. But like the snow, the friendship was just fleeting for in the morning sun, the snowman had melted. All that was left was his song. The critically adored meditation was nominated for an Academy Award for best animated short film and won a BAFTA TV Award. – MW
Tangerine (2015)
A jilted transgender sex worker spends a memorable Christmas Eve combing the seedy streets, bars, motels, and donut shops of Hollywood in search of her two-timing pimp in director Sean Baker’s hilarious and heartbreaking indie dramedy. Shot on location, vérité style, using three iPhones and a clip-on lens, “Tangerine” reveals a side of Los Angeles that few commercial films treat seriously. What makes the movie truly special, however, is the way Baker approaches each character, no matter how raunchy or outrageous they might seem, with genuine compassion and respect. Look beyond the meth smoking, wig pulling, and urine tossing scenes, and you’ll find a surprisingly warm and humane story about two marginalized women whose complex friendship gets them through a tough Christmas holiday. – PS
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
Another must-see stop motion classic, 1974’s “The Year Without a Santa Claus” imagines a world where Christmas doesn’t exist. With Christmas spirit at an all-time low, Santa decides to take a break from delivering toys as elves Jingle and Jangle try to prove to him that people still believe. Along the way, they meet Snow Miser and Heat Miser (and their unforgettable musical numbers), Mother Nature and a precious young girl who sings “Blue Christmas.” By the end, the film packs a surprisingly emotional punch and might even have you believing in the power of Santa Claus more than ever. – ES
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
I know what you’re going to say — this isn’t a Christmas movie. But if “Die Hard” is, the Nora Ephron hit definitely makes the list. While Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks portray battling bookstore owners who unknowingly fall for each other via email, some of their most romantic and important scenes take place during the holiday season. But more than that, it simply encompasses what a good holiday movie should: hope and happiness. — EL
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
This isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, but when Sandra Bullock’s Lucy joins her crush’s (Peter Gallagher) family for the holiday season, magic happens with his brother (Bill Pullman). Since their first kiss takes place under the mistletoe and they have an adorable fall-in-the-snow scene, it 100% qualifies. While the man who she thought was The One is in a coma and his entire family believes they’re engaged, she falls in love with his brother — and brings a whole new meaning to family being much more than blood relatives. What’s more Christmas than that? — EL
White Christmas (1954)
When a charismatic duo of army buddies team up to help a fellow soldier’s sisters with their careers, some of the most beautiful classic Christmas songs are born. The incomparable Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen make a meal of the picturesque Vermont setting, complemented with lush costumes and dazzling production numbers. Shenanigans ensue, but in the end, everyone comes together for the love of their beloved General (Dean Jagger). If this quintessential holiday film doesn’t get you in the Christmas spirit, nothing will. – KS
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