25 Best Christmas Movies of All Time + FREE Countdown Printable!

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It’s time to get cozy and watch the best Christmas movies ever!

elf and other christmas movies stacking in a row on store shelf

We’re sharing the best Christmas movies to watch this winter! 🎄

This season is all about family time and partaking in the best Christmas traditions. What better way to celebrate than grabbing some popcorn and watching classic Christmas movies all month long?! 🍿

To help you choose the title for your next movie night, here’s our roundup of 25 of the best Christmas movies!

From classics to kids’ movies to titles filled with adult humor, we’ve got something the whole family will enjoy. Plus, for those of you who are die-hard Christmas movie fans, we’ve even included a free Hip2Save 25 Days Christmas Movie Countdown so you have a holiday movie to watch every day of December!


Let’s start with some timeless holiday classic movies:


1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

two men talking at christmas party

Available at: Amazon | Target | Best Buy • Stream on Hulu (free 30-day trial), Philo (free 7-day trial), or Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

This Christmas, America’s most dedicated dad, Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase), is determined to stay at home to create “the most fun-filled old-fashioned family Christmas ever.” This Christmas comedy classic is a must-watch!

Released in 1989, rated PG-13


2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

the grinch 1966

Available at: Amazon | Target | Best Buy | Walmart

This classic Dr. Suess book-turned-movie is one everyone will love! Watch to see how the Grinch tried to steal Christmas from the Whos in Whoville.

Released in 1966, rated G


3. A Christmas Story (1983)

two boys standing next to pole with tongue sticking on it

Available at:  Target | Best Buy | Walmart • Watch on TNT or TBS (requires cable account) • Stream on Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

In the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie attempts to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that a Red Ryder BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift. This charming Christmas classic is one you won’t want to miss!

Released in 1983, rated PG


4. White Christmas (1954)

white chrismas

Available at: AmazonBest Buy | WalmartStream with Netflix or Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

Be sure to add this movie to your annual Christmas classics must-watch list! When a successful song-and-dance team becomes romantically involved with a sister act, they team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.

Released in 1954, rated G


5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

miracle-on-34th-street Christmas movie

Available at: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart • Stream on Prime Video, Hulu (free 30-day trial), AMC+ (free 7-day trial), or Philo (free 7-day trial)

This is another movie from the classic Christmas capsule! When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.

Released in 1947, rated G


6. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

a charlie brown christmas

Available at: Amazon | Target | Best Buy | Walmart • Stream on Apple TV (free 7-day trial) or watch for free without the trial December 16 – 17

This is a true classic that everyone’s probably seen at least once. A Charlie Brown Christmas is a 1965 animated television special based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Released in 1965, rated G


7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

best christmas movies — rudolph the red nosed reindeer

Available at: Target | Best Buy | Walmart

This charming classic Christmas movie featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is the most beloved special of all time! Packed with so many memorable songs and unforgettable characters, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lights up all of our holiday hearts.

Released in 1964, rated G


8. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

its a wonderful life

Available at: Amazon | TargetWalmart • Stream on Prime Video (free 30-day trial) or Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

The film stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man who’s given up his dreams to help others, and whose suicidal thoughts on Christmas Eve bring about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers). Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and how different life in his community of Bedford Falls would be if he had never been born.

Released in 1946, rated PG


Pre-2000 Christmas film favorites:


9. Home Alone (1990)

boy standing in hallway with mouth open

Available at: Amazon | Target • Stream on Disney+ or Philo (free 7-day trial)

Eight-year-old troublemaker Kevin McAllister must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.

Released in 1990, rated PG


10. Home Alone 2 (1992)

home alone 2

Available at: Amazon | TargetWalmart • Stream on Disney+ or Philo (free 7-day trial)

One year after Kevin was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself in New York City, and the same criminals are not far behind.

Released in 1992, rated PG

Hip Tip: Want to score a deal on both Home Alone movies? Check out this bundle on Amazon!


11. Jack Frost (1998)

boy sitting outside with snowman

Available at: Amazon | Walmart • Stream on Hulu (free 30-day trial), Philo (free 7-day trial), or Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

We recommend getting the tissue box for this Christmas movie! A year after the tragic death of Charlie’s dad, Jack, he plays a mournful tune on his father’s harmonica on Christmas Day. Much to his surprise, his dad is magically brought to life as a snowman in the front yard! Given a second chance, Charlie and Jack struggle to make up for the lost time.

Released in 1998, rated PG


12. The Santa Clause (1994)

the santa clause

Available at: Amazon • Stream on Disney+

Go on a journey with a divorced dad Scott (played by Tim Allen). After the real Santa falls off of his roof and disappears, Scott and his son are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Watch this movie to find out if Scott really turns into Santa or if it was all a dream!

Released in 1994, rated PG


13. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

best christmas movies — nightmare before christmas

Available at: Amazon | Target • Stream on Disney+

Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere!

Released in 1993, rated PG


Our favorite holiday movies from 2000 and beyond:


14. Elf (2003)

best christmas movies — elf

Available at: AmazonBest Buy • Stream on Hulu (free 30-day trial) or Philo (free 7-day trial)

This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child, Buddy, who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later, Buddy learns he’s not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity and family!

Released in 2003, rated PG


15. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

christmas with the cranks

Available at: Amazon • Stream on Prime Video (try 30 days free!) or Philo (free 7-day trial)

Alone for the Holidays? Invite some friends over and watch this hilarious Christmas comedy when the Kranks decide to skip Christmas altogether. That is until their daughter decides to unexpectedly come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate the holiday at the last minute.

Released in 2004, rated PG


16. The Polar Express (2004)

the polar express train outside with boy standing in snow

Available at:  Target | Best Buy | Walmart • Stream on Hulu (free 30-day trial) or Philo (free 7-day trial)

We love the classic Christmas book-turned-movie, The Polar Express. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.

Released in 2004, rated G


17. Arthur Christmas (2011)

arthur christmas

Available at: AmazonBest Buy | Walmart • Watch on TNT or TBS (requires cable account) • Stream on Prime Video

This is one your kids are sure to love! Santa’s clumsy son, Arthur, sets out on a mission with St. Nick’s father to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl. Watch this fun Christmas movie to see their very high-tech operation beneath the North Pole and to see if they get the mission accomplished in time!

Released in 2011, rated PG


18. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

best christmas movies — how the grinch stole christmas

Available at: TargetBest Buy | Walmart • Watch on Freeform (requires a cable subscription)

Jim Carrey stars in this more modern twist to the classic Dr. Seuss book. Watch this movie and see how the Grinch tried to steal Christmas from “Whoville”.

Released in 2000, rated PG


And just for the adults, here are our favorite PG-13 & Rated R Christmas hits:


19. The Holiday (2006)

woman and man kissing outside

Available at: Amazon

This is the perfect comedy-drama-romance for Christmas! Two women troubled with their relationships at home swap houses in each other’s countries. Much to their surprise, they each meet a man with close ties to the respective homeowner and develop new romances amid their single-life vacations.

Released in 2006, rated PG-13

Hip Tip: Want more Christmas Rom-Coms? Check out Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movie schedule!


20. The Family Stone (2005)

the family stone

Stream on: Hulu (free 30-day trial) or FX Now (requires a cable subscription)

An uptight, conservative businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family’s annual Christmas celebration and finds that she’s a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.

Released in 2005, rated PG-13


21. Love Actually (2003)

love actually christmas movie

Available at: Amazon | Best Buy • Stream on Netflix, Philo (free 7-day trial), or AMC+ (free 7-day trial)

This is the perfect movie to grab some wine and curl up with your significant other! Watch this movie about nine intertwined stories, and examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love.

Released in 2003, rated R


22. Die Hard (1988)

die hard film

Available at: AmazonBest Buy | Walmart

Who doesn’t love a low-key Christmas story? Haha! John McClane, an officer of the NYPD, tries to save his wife Holly Gennaro, and several others that were taken hostage by German terrorist Hans Gruber during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles. This is one even your husband will be sure to love!

Released in 1988, rated R


23. Scrooged (1988)

best christmas movies — scrooged

Available at: Amazon | Target | Best BuyWalmart • Stream on Prime Video (free 30-day trial), Paramount+ (free 1-week trial), or Sling TV (download the app on a Sling-compatible device for a free 7-day trial)

In this take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Frank Cross (Bill Murry) a selfish, cynical television executive, is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.

Released in 1988, rated PG-13


24. Four Christmases (2008)

four christmases film

Available at: Amazon | Best Buy | Walmart • Stream on Hulu (free 30-day trial) or Philo (free 7-day trial)

When their plans for an exotic vacation fall apart, unmarried couple Brad and Kate must spend Christmas Day going to all the family get-togethers they were hoping to avoid. While Brad counts the hours until he can escape the onslaught of crazy relatives, Kate begins to wonder about her own choices and ponders whether her family members aren’t so crazy after all.

Released in 2008, rated PG-13


25. The Family Man (2000)

best christmas movies — the family man

Available at: Amazon

Jack, a fast-lane investment broker offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives, wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a mini-van and wife. We love this Christmas movie, and it proves that life really is about family and the little things! After watching this movie, I’m always left feeling extra thankful for so much!

Released in 2000, rated PG-13


Check off your Christmas gifts list with all of our latest gift ideas and deals!


About the writer:

Sara is a self-taught blogger and photographer with 8+ years of experience having work featured in various building, travel, and fashion publications, most notably Bassett Furniture and Fossil.


Join The Discussion

Comments 105

  1. CJ

    We love so many of these movies…we watch a Christmas movie every night from the night before thanksgiving (Planes, Trains and Automobiles) then on thanksgiving we always watch the original Miracle on 34th (since it starts on thanksgiving day) and then every night that we are home until Christmas! I have to say that to this day, when either of us wants to leave somewhere, the code is “Mistletoe!” 🤣 (which is from Four Christmases)

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Sounds like such a fun tradition, CJ! SO funny about the “mistletoe” comment – that movie is one of my favorite newer Christmas movies to enjoy! 🎄❤️

  2. paul

    The Plex app has a lot of free Christmas movies, if you don’t mind a few ads, including “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Carol”, “Scrooge”, etc…

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      AWESOME! Thanks so much for sharing about that platform, paul! 🙌🎄

  3. Anna

    Lemon Drop Kid with Bob Hope is where Silver Bells song came from. It’s a funny slapstick comedy and it’s on youtube. Great movie!

    • Jessica (Hip Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing your recommendation, Anna! 💕

  4. siena95

    Yes! Die Hard. A true classic

  5. berry

    The bishops wife, holiday affair and Christmas in Connecticut are wonderful classics

  6. April

    I loved reading the list and other hip savers’ suggestions. One mention from a while back is Daddy’s Home 2. So funny! And another good one that came out last year is Spirited.

  7. nldaadmin

    Christmas with the Waltons is a fav.

  8. Emily

    My favorite is Jingle All the Way – it’s so hilariously stupid yet somehow wholesome and heartwarming.

  9. Jobinator

    Anyone remember “Smoky Mountain Christmas” with Dolly Parton? I LOVE the movie and Ive watched it evwry year since I was a child and Im 37 now. I love the songs

    • Countrygirl81

      Yes, I’m 42 and I watch it multiple times every year! Love that movie and the music. 😊

      • Jobinator

        you just made my day! i could never find it on dvd anywhere and almost 10 years ago my husband found one and bought it for me for Christmas…..i cried!

  10. Tricia

    Elf, The Santa Clause and Polar Express are the ones we watch every year.

    • Trish (Hip Sidekick)

      Those are some favorites in our house too, Tricia! Thanks for sharing! 🧝🎅🚂

  11. Sara

    The movies “Klaus” and “Robin Robin” (both on Netflix) are newer movies but are soooo good and will be our family’s classics for years to come.

  12. Kelly

    Great list…

    Mine would include…
    A Christmas Carol- either The Muppets, Jim Carrey, Patrick Stewart…
    …and The Man Who Invented Christmas- really good- really really good!
    Gremlins- takes place at Christmas…
    My kids like The Santa Chronicles..and it IS hard to beat KURT in red leather!
    Jingle All the Way…lol.

  13. Kelly Barker

    What- no- Silent Night Violent Night…lol

    • CSexton311

      SNVN is on my list for sure. lol. Love this movie.

  14. holyghostgirl

    The Nativity and Charlie Brown’s Christmas.❤️😇

  15. holyghostgirl

    Hmm, not sure why Charlie Brown’s Christmas turned into a link.🤨

    • Amber (Hip Sidekick)

      LOL! I’m not sure either but I was able to fix it! Sorry about that. 🤗

  16. Sha

    Some of my all time favorites are: A Christmas Wish (with Jimmy Durante), Beyond Christmas, Christmas in Connecticut, Smoky Mountain Christmas (Dolly Parton), The Homecoming- A Christmas Story (the Waltons), All I Want for Christmas (Lauren Bacall), Silent Night (Linda Hamilton), To Grandmother’s House We Go (Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen), Unaccompanied Minors.

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