The Essential Christmas Movies List

I started this tradition a few years ago of The Christmas Movie Marathon. It was a weekend-long open house style party at my condo. Plenty of food and a constant steam of classic holiday films and memorable one-liners that everyone can recite.

Save the neck for me, Clark.

It's morphed and changed over the years, but watching these favorites is almost like a hot mug of cocoa of laughter and nostalgia. Strictly starting after the festivities of Thanksgiving were over and continuing well into the month of February and Candlemas, Christmas films were on repeat. My movie collection of Christmas favorites has grown over the years and I'm always pleasantly surprised when I'm able to discover a new holiday title to add to the list.

It's true wherever you find love, it feels like Christmas.

I know that this list isn't going to be comprehensive enough for everyone. The foundation is rooted in the classics and those movies that every child should watch at least once in their life: the essentials.

It doesn't include Christmas horror or thriller films (which is a terribly unfortunate genre and one that seems to grow with every passing year). I also left off the gratuitous mad libs of movie titles like: A <insert any brand name> Christmas or <Famous Fictional Character> Saves Christmas. And, I'm sorry Hallmark lovers, you have an entire channel that runs these story lines all year, they aren't on this list.

An honorable mention section is included at the end for the LaCroix of Christmas films. You know the ones? Just like LaCroix tastes like water filtered through the air surrounding whatever fruit it's named after, these honorable mentions either have a backdrop of the holidays and nothing more, or like the flavor of the beverage, leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

The Essential Christmas Movies List

White Christmas (1954)

Snow, snow, snow, snow! This brilliant musical masterpiece is a classic in our home, coupled with the Bing Crosby album of the same name.

"I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow." - Betty Haynes

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National Lampoon Christmas Vacation (1989)

This story is the gift that keeps giving the whole year 'round Clark... Even though we can recite the entire movie from memory, this film will get played multiple times during the season while we figure out why the carpet is wet, Todd.

Is your house on fire, Clark? - Aunt Bethany

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The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)

The Charles Dickens classic tale is retold by Gonzo and Rizzo in the most musical and hilarious way that only the great Jim Henson's crew can. With your usual cast of muppet characters and the brilliant Michael Caine as Scrooge, this rendition will be a family favorite.

Great Gonzo: [whispering] That one thing you must remember, or nothing that follows will seem wondrous. Rizzo the Rat: Why are you whispering? Great Gonzo: It's for dramatic emphasis

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It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

We've all had those moments, wondering about what life would be like if things were different, or if we weren't around. This feel-good story is a great reminder of how precious the stories of our lives really are. Probably a great reminder for any time of the year.

“Strange, isn’t it? Each man’s life touches so many other lives. And when he isn’t around he leaves an awful hole, doesn’t he?” - Clarence

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Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

I love how this movie specializes in capturing the magic of Christmas that is somehow lost in adulthood...even against the backdrop of Macy's and the commercialization of the holiday. But the point is, that we're never too old to let the magic back in.

Kris Kringle: You know what the imagination is? Susan Walker: Oh, sure. That's when you see things, but they're not really there. Kris Kringle: Well, that can be caused by other things, too.

Make sure to also check out the 1994 remake with Mara Wilson as Susan and Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.

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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

The voice of Boris Karloff is synonymous with this must-see animated film. Happy ending, but the smile of the Grinch with his idea still gives me the shivers. His awful idea. His wonderful, awful idea.

And he himself, The Grinch, carved the roast beast.

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Claymation Christmas Celebration (1987)

Recorded on VHS, our family re-watched this hysterical Christmas claymation cast of characters every year. Rex and Herb are the two narrating dinosaurs that introduce various musical numbers of Christmas songs and try to figure out what "wassail-ing" means.

Herb: Oh, what I'd give to ice skate with that Margot! Rex: There's no ice thick enough for the two of you

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Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (1964)

I love these classic films that introduce us to the story behind the iconic songs. The fantastic voice of Burl Ives shares the tale of Rudolph and friends like Hermey and Yukon Cornelius who overcome bullies but also teach us that Bumbles bounce! I also secretly think that the Island of Misfit Toys plot point played a role in the development of the storylines in Toy Story. Can't provide it, but I have a hunch...

"What's the matter? Haven't you ever seen a talking snowman before?" -Sam the Snowman (Burl Ives)

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Frosty the Snowman (1969)

This is another fantastic storyline that accompanies the song of the same name sung by Jimmy Durante. I also appreciate how the story is set against the era of when it was safe for kids to play outside without helicopter parents. Even Karen says that she'll join Frosty on a trip to the North Pole because as long as she's back for dinner, she's sure her mother won't mind.

Frosty: I can count to ten. One, two, three, four, five, nine, six, eight... Well, I can count to five.

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A Christmas Story (1983)

Good ol' winters in Indiana, a kid's over dramatization of wishing for presents, consequences for naughty words and just the narrator's portrayal of his memories of the typical Midwest family Christmas make this story hilarious and endearing at the same time.

"Schwartz Created A Slight Breach Of Etiquette By Skipping The Triple Dare And Going Right For The Throat!"

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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

No one else except Jim Carey and his typical side-bar commentary could pull off the extremes of emotion and dramatic behavior portrayed by this Grinch. The outlandish costumes, spending and even fake noses of these Whos help to underline the over-commercialization that Whoville has succumbed to. It's an interesting and sad back story for the Grinch, but of course concludes with a happy ending.

“No one should be alone on Christmas.” — Cindy Lou Who.

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Elf (2003)

A human, raised by Santa's elves since birth, leaves to go find his real father in New York City...what could go wrong? Turns out... quite a lot of shenanigans. It's hilarious and quotable, even if you are a cotton-headed ninny muggins.

“Then I traveled through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, past the sea of twirly-swirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel.” – Buddy

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The Polar Express (2004)

How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa? Did you ever stop? This magical adventure suggests that that the wonder and awe that captivated us when we were young need never end. I certainly have to agree.

"Seeing is believing, but, sometimes, the most real things in the world are the things we can't see."

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Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)

Dr. Seuss was made for animation and this film, with the same look and feel as the Lorax doesn't disappoint. The characters are dynamic and entertaining and the Grinch is really funny. You're going to love this one.

Grinch : I specifically bought enough food to last me until January. How much emotional eating have I been doing?

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A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

It's great to have the message from St. Luke's Gospel be shared alongside this cartoon story of kids figuring what Christmas is all about. Plus, who doesn't love the antics of Snoopy?

Linus Van Pelt: I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love.

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Home Alone (1990)

This movie is a snapshot in time and couldn't be remade today; namely because of the invention of cell phones and security camera systems. However Kevin, a mischievous and misbehaving kid protects his home against two bumbling criminal-wannabes. But dang, if I ever spoke to my parents like Kevin did, or the way that the kids called each other names? I would be left at home too, but on purpose and after a spanking.

Kevin McCallister : You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?

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A Christmas Carol (all of them)

The cautionary tale of Ebenezer Scrooge has be remade so many times that I'm certain I'm probably missing a few. But each of these have their own merit and should be watched at least once.

- Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

- A Christmas Carol (aka Scrooge) (1951)

- A Christmas Carol (1938)

- Scrooge (1970)

- Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)

Mickey's Christmas Carol 1983

A Christmas Carol (1951)

A Christmas Carol (1938)

Scrooge (1970)

Disney's Christmas Carol 2009

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Love Actually (2003)

The TV version of this is wildly different than the original. Just a friendly note to those who have kids in the house. I love how this film of half a dozen individual storylines are woven together with a creative flair and a star-studded cast. But seriously, don't let your kids watch the DVD until they are older, like out of the house older. Lesson learned.

"Tell her that you love her. You've got nothing to lose and you'll always regret it if you don't." – Daniel, Love Actually

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Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)

Fred Astaire plays a postman who gives some insight into the life of Kris Kringle (voiced by Mickey Rooney.) Overcoming the nefarious Burgermeister and giving a choo-choo to Winter Warlock are just a few examples of why this sweet, sometimes sarcastic and silly tale is a must-see.

Narrator: Kris made a list of all the children and the toys they wanted. He checked it over once, then checked it over twice. He tried to figure out just who was naughty and who was nice. Kris: Well, I guess they're all pretty nice.

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The Small One (1978)

A young boy from Nazareth must sell his beloved donkey and despite his best efforts, is not having any luck. You can't help but love this clumsy animal who doesn't seem to have any utility and ears that don't stand up straight. It always breaks my heart when Small One sees the dilemma and starts walking toward the cruel tanner. Fortunately, a kind man named Joseph comes on the scene to buy Small One and the movie ends with everyone in the audience crying tears of joy as the new team travels under a bright star. But seriously, I dare you not to cry.

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The Holiday (2006)

This holiday rom-com specializes in the meet-cutes, and both Iris and Amanda experience that 'heart skips a beat' moment after traveling around the world. It may seem like a Hallmark-ish sort of film, but the dialogue is actually brilliant and my favorite character is the neighbor next door, Arthur.

"You, I Can Tell, Are A Leading Lady, But For Some Reason, You Are Behaving Like The Best Friend."

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Little Drummer Boy (1968)

Despite the antiquated feel of the creative technology of the time, the story of how a little boy's faith was restored is endearing and timeless. As a child, I remember thinking how intense some of the scenes were because they dealt with some serious topics like the violent death of Aaron's family, so this isn't meant for the tiniest of tots.

Our Story Teller: Aaron's heart was filled with joy and love. And he knew at last that the hate he had carried there was wrong. As ALL hatred will ever be wrong. For more powerful, more beautiful by far than all the eons of sadness and cruelty and desolation which had come before, was that one tiny, crystalline second of laughter. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

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A Year without Santa Claus (1974)

Who can forget the Heat Miser and the Snow Miser and their Broadway showstoppers singing "He's too much" and their accompanying oompa-loompas? Mrs. Claus takes on the task of narrating this tale and negotiating with the dramatic brothers. What I never noticed until recently is that the phone call that Mrs. Claus makes from the Heat Miser's den brings up the video of Snow Miser on a screen-- could this possibly be the first movie-documented Facetime? Just throwing it out there.

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The Star (2017)

The Polish people have this tradition of abstaining from meat on Christmas Eve out of respect for the animals who witnessed Jesus' birth. This story is told from their point of view and should be on everyone's list.

“God? Hello? Um... I don't really know how this works, or if you listen to prayers from donkeys, but I've seen Mary do this many times, and I don't know what else to do. My friends need help. I thought if I followed the star, it would lead me to where I'm supposed to be, but I failed them. What do you want me to do?”

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Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)

Father Mouse looks into the big problem of Santa returning letters. St. Nick was upset because of some Letter to the Editor claiming that Santa is fake, written by a skeptical know-it-all kid mouse, so he returned letters to the entire town. So, the humans try to help by making a clock, but the mice have to step in and save the day when the clock went "Kerplunk...Kerplooie."

So you hope, and I'll hurry; You pray, and I'll plan. We'll do what's necessary 'cause even a miracle needs a hand. - Joshua Trundle

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The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause 2 (2002)

The Santa Clause 3: Escape Clause (2006)

This clever and funny origin story of Tim Allen's Santa Claus reminds us all: read the fine print. The first in the series is sweet and includes sassy elves with attitude. The sequels pack a punch in their own right, but aren't as memorable as the first.

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The Bishop's Wife (1947)

This movie is about an angel who comes as an answer to a Bishop's prayers. But, like most answers to prayer, the angel Dudley doesn't arrive in the way that Bishop Henry expects.

Dudley: Sometimes angels rush in where fools fear to tread.

I also recommend checking out the 1996 remake of this story in The Preacher's Wife starring Whitney Houston, Denzel Washington and Courtney B. Vance.

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Frosty's Winter Wonderland (1976)

Of course Frosty needs to find love! And when he marries his snowy sweetheart Crystal, they both have to deal with the mischievous Jack Frost.

I sure do miss those kids. I did promise them I'd come back again someday. Hey! City of Winterwonderland: Snowfall in nearby town. Someday's today!

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Pluto's Christmas Tree (1952)

This 7 minute classic is the classic tale of a dog encountering rodents in his tree. If this was produced today, it would be viral on TikTok.

Pluto, now look what you've done to our... [sees Chip and Dale] Pluto, we've got chipmunks in our tree! Cute little fellas. [Pluto barks at them] Pluto! After all, it is Christmas.

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Prancer (1989)

Finding a magical animal in the woods and nursing it back to health was basically a childhood dream of mine. This sweet story of a girl's perseverance and holiday spirit make this a special addition to the holiday film list.

Jessica: He's *magical*, Carol!

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Prep & Landing (2009, 2010, 2011)

These elves are responsible for getting houses ready for Santa's arrival. But before moving up to the big leagues, the new guys have to get trained and just as you would hope, there are plenty of shenanigans.

"This is soo tinsel!"

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Arthur Christmas (2011)

This sweet story about the generations of Santas and how the delivery of presents all over the world has evolved to a state-of-the-art operation. The youngest son Arthur discovered a missing present and sets off on a journey with Grandsanta to make sure it gets delivered. I loved this feel-good and funny tale that holds onto the magic of the holiday in the best British accents.

Arthur: I just want it to be perfect for every kid!

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Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)

This child-friendly action movie weaves in the beautiful music and story of the Nutcracker ballet to share a message of how children can discover their own strength through the memory of their family. It is an amazing cast of colors and creativity - these scene of imagining are fantastic. (So is the actual ballet scene at the beginning of the credits.)

Everything you need is inside.

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The Christmas Chronicles (2018 & 2020)

My brother told me that I would cry and I did. Something about children reclaiming the magic and special-ness of a holiday amidst the grief of a lost parent. This version of Santa strikes a realistic cord (and sometimes musical cord) of how you would hope the guy in the red suit would respond if you really met him in person.

I don't go "ho-ho-ho" that's a myth! Fake news!

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Holiday Inn (1942)

The musical numbers and dancing do not disappoint, it's actually the first film in which Bing sings "White Christmas." While the film draws controversy for the "Abraham" song, the wit, talent and storyline of the characters make this an Irving Berlin classic. I took the time to learn a bit about the work of Louise Beavers who plays Mamie in the film. She was a brilliant woman, look her up.

Ted Hanover "I like it here... with you and Linda." Jim Hardy: "And we love having you. When are you leaving?"

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I haven't seen these yet, but since I've found them on several holiday film lists, they are on the list. (At least for now, until I watch them!)

- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

-Spirited (2022)

- Joyeux Noel (2006)

- Jingle Jangle (2020)

- Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

- Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

- Elliott the Littlest Reindeer (2018)

- Four Christmases (2008)

- The Great Rupert (1950)

- It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)

- Klaus (2019)

- The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

- Beyond Tomorrow (1940)

- Remember the Night (1940)

- Rise of the Guardians (2012)

- Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July (1979)

- Rudolph's Shiny New Year (1976)

- Nestor the Long Eared Christmas Donkey (1977)

Honorable(ish) Mention

Not terrible movies... some I really like! Just. Not. Christmas Movies.

- Die Hard (1988)

- Tim Burton's Nightmare before Christmas (1993)

- Trading Places (1983)

- Gremlins (1984)

- Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

- Holiday Affair (1949)

- The Family Stone (2005)

- The Family Man (2000)

- Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)

Don't Bother

- Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) This movie could've been something with the back story of Santa, but it is a whole lot of nothing. It's not funny or entertaining and Dudley Moore's character is irritating at best.

- Scrooged (1988) Not Murray's best work. You'll sit through the entire thing wondering what the point is and you'll arrive at the end with no answer.

- Bad Santa (2003) No thank you. There's nothing about the spirit of Christmas that this movie embodies. The description is in the title -- bad.