Must Watch Christmas Movies

What are your must watch Christmas movies? We got a little crazy and made a list of almost every Christmas movie ever made – an infinite list, it would appear, in its ability to grow at a somewhat unbelievable pace! But, while it is fun to go through this mega list, reminisce, and mark ones down on the ever-expanding “to-watch” file, it would help to know which are considered the best. The most popular. The ones that families worldwide put on every year and watch as a tradition with love.

So, after some research and feedback from you, below is a list (in no particular order) of the 25 Must Watch Christmas Movies. Well, for this year, at least. Note that some of these movies are recommended for viewing AFTER the kids are settled in bed for the evening.

25 Must Watch Christmas Movies

1.   Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – Rated G

An old man claims to be Santa and a lawyer defends him in court to keep him from being institutionalised.

2.   Love Actually (2003) – Rated M

Follows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives over Christmas

3.   The Polar Express (2004) – Rated G

On Christmas Eve, a doubting boy boards a magical train that’s headed to the North Pole and Santa Claus’ home.

4.   Elf (2003) – Rated PG

A tall elf goes in search of his true identity.

5.   Santa Claus, The Movie (1985) – Rated PG

How Santa came to be, and an elf and toy manufacturer who try to eliminate him.

6.   How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) – Rated PG

Big budget remake of the classic cartoon about a creature intent on stealing Christmas.

7.   The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) – Rated G

The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale “A Christmas Carol”.

8.   National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) – Rated M

The Griswold family’s plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.

9.   Home Alone (1990) – Rated PG

A boy who is left at home by mistake at Christmas must defend his home from burglars.

10.  Arthur Christmas (2011) – Rated G

Santa’s clumsy son Arthur goes on a mission to save one child’s Christmas.

11.  The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) – Rated PG

The king of Halloweentown discovers Christmas Town, but doesn’t quite understand the concept.

12.  Die Hard (1988) – Rated M

An off-duty police officer is the only one who can save a building full of Christmas party guests from terrorists.

13.  White Christmas (1954) – Not Rated

Two acts team up romantically and try to save their inn.

14.  A Christmas Story (1983) – Rated G

Ralphie has to convince his parents, teachers, and Santa that a Red Ryder B.B. gun really is the perfect gift for the 1940s.

15.  A Mom for Christmas (1990) (TV Movie) – Rated G

A girl who wants a mom for the Christmas holidays gets her wish when a mannequin comes to life.

16.  A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Rated G

Charlie Brown searches for the true meaning of Christmas.

17.  Scrooged (1988) – Rated M

A selfish TV executive gets haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

18.  It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) – Rated PG

An angel shows a businessman what life would be like if he never existed.

19.  Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – Rated G

A family is devastated when they have to leave St Louis.

20.  The Santa Clause (1994) – Rated G

When a man inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve after trying to fix some Christmas Lights, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.

21.  A Christmas Carol (1984) (TV Movie)  – Rated PG

Directed by Clive Donner, this retelling of the Dickens tale follows an old miser who is visited by his Christmases past, present and future and must learn the art of compassion.

22.  Bad Santa (2003) – Rated R

A miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid, and the security boss discovers the plot.

23.  Spirited (2022) – Rated PG

A modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, in this film The Ghost of Christmas Present needs help coming to terms with his own past.

24.  Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) (TV Movie) – Rated G

A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them.

25.  Gremlins (1984) – Rated PG

A man receives a strange pet and neglects to follow the rules, spawning a horde of mischievous monsters.

Now, I know what you are thinking! Where is your favourite movie?! Why haven’t we included it?! Truth is, there are hundreds of Christmas movies (we know!), so we made the World’s Biggest Christmas Movie List. We also ensured you weren’t without music, offering a wonderful list of Must own Christmas Albums!

Merry Christmas Everyone!