Top 30 Christmas Movies to get into the Holiday Spirit
'Tis the season for holiday cheer, family gatherings, and of course, Christmas movies! While many of us enjoy the classic heartwarming tales of the season, sometimes we just need a good laugh to get us through the hustle and bustle.
Whether you're looking to add some humor to your holiday movie marathon or need a break from the sentimental stories, we've got you covered. Here are our top 30 picks for the best fun filled Christmas movies that are sure to have you giggling all the way to the North Pole.
1. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
No list of Christmas comedies would be complete without this iconic film. Starring Chevy Chase as the ever-hapless Clark Griswold, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" follows the Griswold family as they navigate the trials and tribulations of hosting their dysfunctional relatives for the holidays. From the disastrous Christmas tree selection to the epic family dinner, this movie delivers laugh-out-loud moments from start to finish.
2. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell shines in this heartwarming tale of Buddy, a human who was raised by elves at the North Pole. When Buddy ventures to New York City to find his biological father, his fish-out-of-water antics and childlike wonder provide endless entertainment. With a supporting cast that includes James Caan and Zooey Deschanel, "Elf" is a modern Christmas classic that the whole family can enjoy.
3. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, an ordinary guy who unexpectedly becomes Santa Claus after the previous Santa falls off his roof on Christmas Eve. As Scott struggles to adapt to his new role and the changes it brings to his life, the audience is treated to a delightful blend of holiday magic and comedic mishaps.
4. Frozen (2013)
Frozen is a Disney animated musical that tells the story of two royal sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle. Elsa possesses magical powers that allow her to control ice and snow, but she struggles to keep them hidden. When her powers accidentally plunge the kingdom into eternal winter, Elsa flees, leaving Anna to embark on a journey to find her and bring her back. Along the way, Anna teams up with an ice harvester named Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and an enchanted snowman named Olaf. Together, they confront Elsa’s fears and learn valuable lessons about love and self-acceptance.
The stunning animation and memorable songs, including the Oscar-winning “Let It Go,” have made Frozen a global phenomenon.
The lovable characters, particularly Olaf the snowman, bring humor and warmth to the film, making it fun for all ages.
It’s a perfect holiday movie with a snowy backdrop, magical adventures, and a beautiful message about overcoming fears and embracing one’s true self.
5. The Polar Express (2004)
While not strictly a comedy, this visually stunning film based on the beloved children's book has enough humor and whimsy to earn a spot on our list. Tom Hanks voices multiple characters, including the mysterious Conductor who leads a magical train ride to the North Pole. With its stunning animation, enchanting story, and memorable musical numbers, "The Polar Express" is a delightful holiday treat for all ages.
6. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
In this modern Netflix original, two siblings accidentally crash Santa's sleigh, leading to a wild adventure to save Christmas. Starring Kurt Russell as a charismatic and slightly unconventional Santa Claus, "The Christmas Chronicles" blends holiday magic with plenty of laughs as the kids team up with Santa to retrieve his stolen bag of gifts.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This stop-motion animated musical, directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Jack grows bored of his town’s repetitive Halloween celebrations and stumbles upon Christmas Town, where he becomes enchanted by the holiday’s warmth and joy. Deciding to take over Christmas, Jack’s well-meaning but misguided plans result in chaos as he tries to bring his own spooky twist to the holiday. With the help of Sally, a ragdoll who secretly loves him, Jack learns to appreciate his true purpose and restores the magic of Christmas.
A visually stunning blend of gothic and whimsical aesthetics with unforgettable stop-motion animation.
Features a unique combination of Halloween and Christmas themes, making it a versatile film for either season.
8. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This animated film from Aardman Animations puts a fresh spin on the Santa Claus story, following Arthur, the youngest son of Santa, as he embarks on a mission to deliver a forgotten present. With its quirky characters, vibrant animation, and plenty of holiday hijinks, "Arthur Christmas" is a delightful treat for the whole family.
9. The Night Before (2015)
Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie star as a trio of longtime friends who have a tradition of celebrating "Nutcracker Night" together on Christmas Eve. As they embark on one last wild adventure, the audience is treated to a raunchy and hilarious exploration of friendship, growing up, and the true meaning of the holidays.
10. Office Christmas Party (2016)
When a struggling branch of a tech company faces closure, the employees decide to throw an epic Christmas party in a last-ditch effort to impress a potential investor. Starring Jason Bateman, Kate McKinnon, and Jennifer Aniston, "Office Christmas Party" is a wild and irreverent comedy that captures the chaos and absurdity of the holiday season in the workplace.
Whether you're in the mood for classic slapstick, quirky holiday charm, or just a good laugh, these top 10 Christmas comedies are sure to put you in the festive spirit. So grab some hot cocoa, curl up on the couch, and get ready to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year – with a healthy dose of humor.
11. Home Alone (1990)
When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone during Christmas, he must defend his house from two bumbling burglars using clever (and hilarious) traps.
A heartwarming mix of comedy and holiday spirit that never gets old.
12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey stars as the Grinch, a grouchy creature determined to ruin Christmas for Whoville—until the true meaning of the holiday melts his heart. Carrey’s brilliant performance and whimsical visuals bring Dr. Seuss’s story to life.
13. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
In this sequel to the holiday classic, Kevin McCallister finds himself stranded in New York City after accidentally boarding the wrong flight. Armed with his dad’s credit card, Kevin lives it up at the luxurious Plaza Hotel but soon discovers the Wet Bandits (now calling themselves the Sticky Bandits) are back and plotting a major Christmas heist. Kevin sets up even more elaborate traps to stop them and spread Christmas cheer.
14. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey learns how impactful his life truly is when an angel shows him what the world would be like without him.
A touching story that reminds us of the importance of family, community, and kindness.
15. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
A department store Santa claims to be the real Kris Kringle, sparking a legal battle and restoring faith in the magic of Christmas.
A timeless classic about belief and kindness.
16. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Workaholic dad Howard Langston (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) scrambles to find a Turbo Man action figure, the hottest toy of the season, on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, every other parent has the same idea, leading to a chaotic and hilarious race through town. Along the way, Howard faces off against a rival dad, Myron (played by Sinbad), in a series of comedic misadventures.
A hilarious take on the frenzy of last-minute holiday shopping.
17. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Eight years after becoming Santa Claus, Scott Calvin is thriving at the North Pole, but there’s a problem: He’s discovered a new clause in his Santa contract—the “Mrs. Clause.” To continue being Santa, he must find a wife before Christmas Eve. While Scott navigates the challenges of dating, a toy Santa he left in charge backfires, threatening Christmas itself.
A charming sequel that blends humor with heart as Scott searches for true love
Expands the magical North Pole universe with delightful new characters like Bernard the Elf and the Council of Legendary Figures.
Perfect balance of comedy, romance, and holiday spirit.
Tim Allen’s performance is as lovable as ever, capturing both the hilarity and the warmth of Santa’s transformation.
18. The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
In this third installment, Scott Calvin (Santa) faces his biggest challenge yet when Jack Frost (played by Martin Short) plots to take over Christmas. Jack tricks Scott into invoking the “Escape Clause,” which undoes his role as Santa and creates an alternate reality where Frost is in charge. With his family’s help, Scott must reclaim the red suit, save Christmas, and restore the magic of the North Pole.
Martin Short’s performance as the mischievous Jack Frost adds a fun and frosty twist to the series.
19. One Magic Christmas (1985)
This heartwarming holiday film follows Ginny Grainger, a disillusioned woman struggling to find joy in Christmas after a series of personal hardships. When her husband is in a life-threatening accident, an angel named Gideon (played by Harry Dean Stanton) visits her to help restore her faith and remind her of the magic of Christmas. Through a series of touching and magical events, Ginny learns the true meaning of the holiday season.
A more sentimental and emotional Christmas story, perfect for those who enjoy heartwarming tales with deeper messages.
A unique take on holiday magic with themes of redemption, faith, and family.
Features a bittersweet yet uplifting ending that resonates with anyone who has faced personal struggles or loss.
A lesser-known gem for fans of magical realism and holiday miracles.
20. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This animated classic, based on Dr. Seuss’s beloved book, tells the story of the Grinch, a bitter creature who despises Christmas and plans to ruin it for the residents of Whoville. Disguised as Santa, he sneaks into the village to steal Christmas trees, presents, and food. However, his heart grows three sizes when he witnesses the Whos celebrating Christmas despite the theft, teaching him the true meaning of the holiday.
The charming animation and iconic narration by Boris Karloff bring Dr. Seuss’s timeless story to life in a way that’s both magical and funny.
Features the catchy song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” which has become synonymous with the holiday season.
The short run time (26 minutes) makes it an easy watch, ideal for a quick holiday movie break.
21. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
In this classic animated special, Charlie Brown becomes disillusioned with the commercialism of Christmas and sets out to find the true meaning of the holiday. When he is put in charge of the Peanuts gang’s Christmas play, he struggles to find the right direction. However, after discovering a humble, scraggly Christmas tree, Charlie Brown learns the spirit of Christmas through the support of his friends and the timeless words of Linus.
A heartfelt, simple story that captures the true essence of Christmas—love, kindness, and the joy of giving.
The iconic music by Vince Guaraldi, including the memorable “Christmas Time Is Here,” adds a nostalgic, jazzy vibe.
22. A Christmas Carol (1971) – Scrooge (Animated Version)
This animated short film, produced by the famous Rankin/Bass studio, is a retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The story follows the bitter, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve. Through these visits, Scrooge is shown the impact of his actions and learns the importance of generosity, love, and Christmas spirit. This version is known for its simple yet striking animation and condensed storytelling.
A concise, easily digestible version of A Christmas Carol that’s perfect for all ages, with a run time of only about 25 minutes.
The unique animation style and warm, classic charm of Rankin/Bass bring a special vintage feel to this timeless tale.
23. The Nutcracker Prince (1990)
This animated film is a retelling of the classic The Nutcracker ballet. It follows Clara, a young girl who receives a magical nutcracker doll for Christmas. As the clock strikes midnight, the Nutcracker comes to life and transforms into a handsome prince. Together, they embark on a fantastical journey to defeat the Mouse King and save the magical world of the Nutcracker Prince. The story combines the whimsy of the original ballet with a more accessible animated format for younger audiences.
A beautiful, animated adaptation that introduces the classic Nutcracker tale to a new generation, with enchanting music and visuals
The story remains faithful to the ballet while adding new characters and adventures to make it more engaging for children.
The animation style and magical world bring a sense of wonder and holiday magic.
24. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Based on John Grisham’s novel Skipping Christmas, this holiday comedy follows the Kranks, a couple who decide to forgo Christmas celebrations and take a vacation instead, after their daughter Blair leaves for the Peace Corps. However, their quiet, unconventional holiday plans are disrupted when Blair unexpectedly returns home for Christmas, and their neighbors pressure them to participate in the town’s festive traditions. The Kranks are forced to scramble and learn the true meaning of Christmas in the process.
A lighthearted, hilarious take on the holiday season with Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis delivering great comedic performances.
Highlights the chaos of trying to avoid holiday traditions and the unexpected joy of embracing Christmas spirit.
Explores themes of family, community, and the importance of coming together during the holidays.
25. Gremlins (1984)
This dark comedy and horror classic takes place during Christmas in the small town of Kingston Falls. Billy Peltzer receives a mysterious creature called a Mogwai as a gift, but he is warned about three important rules: don’t feed it after midnight, don’t expose it to bright light, and never get it wet. Of course, Billy accidentally breaks these rules, leading to the Mogwai multiplying into mischievous and dangerous gremlins that wreak havoc on the town. As chaos unfolds, Billy must find a way to stop the gremlins before they destroy everything.
A unique blend of horror, comedy, and holiday cheer, making it a fun and offbeat Christmas movie.
The gremlins themselves, with their mischievous antics and distinctive personalities, have become iconic characters in pop culture.
A perfect choice for those looking for a different kind of holiday movie—one with thrills and laughs, but still set during Christmas.
26. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Directed by Tim Burton, Edward Scissorhands tells the story of Edward, a man with scissors for hands who was created by an inventor but left unfinished after his creator’s death. After the inventor’s passing, Edward is found and taken in by Peg, a kind woman who introduces him to the suburban world. As Edward becomes romantically involved with Peg’s daughter, Kim, he faces challenges with the community due to his unusual appearance and abilities. The story blends themes of love, acceptance, and the struggle to fit in, all set against a whimsical and slightly eerie backdrop.
A visually stunning film with Tim Burton’s signature gothic style and dark whimsy.
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Edward is both poignant and captivating, bringing to life a misunderstood, gentle soul.
Although not traditionally a Christmas movie, the film has strong holiday themes of giving, kindness, and the beauty of uniqueness.
The Christmas setting adds a magical, festive touch to the story, making it a perfect alternative holiday film for those looking for something different.
27. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
This animated short film is a charming adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, starring Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit and Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge. In this version, Scrooge is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, who help him confront his miserly ways and change his heart. The story stays true to the original but adds a fun, family-friendly Disney twist with beloved characters in the roles of Dickens’ classic figures.
A delightful, 26-minute version of A Christmas Carol that’s perfect for younger viewers and families.
The animated format and familiar Disney characters make the story accessible and entertaining for all ages.
28. Serendipity (2001)
This romantic comedy follows Jonathan Trager (John Cusack) and Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale), who meet by chance while shopping for gloves in New York City during the Christmas season. After a brief, magical encounter, they part ways, but not before Sara writes her number in a book and Jonathan jots down his on a $5 bill. Years later, both are in relationships, but they can’t forget their serendipitous meeting. They embark on separate journeys to find each other, believing that fate will bring them together if it’s meant to be.
A heartwarming tale about fate, love, and the magic of Christmas, set in the romantic winter atmosphere of New York City.
29. Klaus (2019)
Klaus is an animated holiday film that reimagines the origin of Santa Claus. Jesper, a spoiled and lazy postal academy student, is sent to a small, isolated town called Smeerensburg to establish a post office. There, he meets Klaus, a reclusive toymaker with a mysterious past. The two form an unlikely partnership and begin delivering toys to children, unknowingly starting the tradition of Santa Claus. Along the way, they bring joy to a town plagued by feuds and darkness, learning about kindness, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas.
A visually stunning, hand-drawn animation that stands out in the world of modern animated films.
A unique and heartwarming twist on the classic Santa Claus story, with a fresh take on the origins of Christmas traditions.
30. The Dog Who Stopped the War (1984)
This Canadian animated short film tells the story of a group of children who are involved in an intense snowball fight. The battle escalates, but it is the appearance of a dog in the middle of the chaos that changes everything. The dog, a seemingly simple creature, brings the kids to a sudden realization about the futility of their battle. The film cleverly conveys a message of peace and cooperation, using the snowball fight as a metaphor for war.
A short but impactful film that emphasizes the importance of peace, empathy, and the futility of conflict.
The animation style is charming, and the film’s simplicity makes it easy for both children and adults to understand and appreciate.