Alright, alright, alright! It’s that time of the year again. The time when you can shamelessly wear pajamas all day, consume your body weight in gingerbread cookies, and pretend that Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” hasn’t been stuck in your head since July.
But let’s talk about the real MVP of the holiday season: Christmas movies.
Now, I don’t know about you, but my holiday spirit doesn’t officially kick in until I’ve binge-watched a borderline unhealthy amount of festive films.
So, I’ve put together the ultimate Christmas movie checklist that’ll make your heart grow three sizes bigger (looking at you, Grinch).
Grab your coziest blanket, a mug of something warm (or spiked, no judgment here), and let’s dive into the holly-jolly madness.
1. Home Alone
If you’ve ever fantasized about having the house to yourself as a kid, this one’s your jam. Kevin McCallister is basically living every 8-year-old’s dream—until the wet bandits show up. Pro tip: don’t try his booby traps at home. Trust me.
2. Elf
Will Ferrell in yellow tights guzzling syrup? Sign me up. This movie reminds us that it’s okay to be different and that spaghetti and maple syrup is a combo best left on screen.
3. The Grinch (2000)
Jim Carrey’s green, furry sass is everything. Let’s be real, we’ve all had Grinchy moments, especially when someone eats the last Christmas cookie.
4. It’s a Wonderful Life
Classic alert! This film is like a warm hug from Grandma. Whenever I feel like life’s got me down, George Bailey reminds me that maybe, just maybe, I haven’t messed everything up.
5. Bad Santa
Sometimes you need a dark comedy to balance all the sweetness. Billy Bob Thornton’s anti-hero Santa is hilariously inappropriate and oddly endearing.
6. Love Actually
Multiple love stories intertwined with British accents and Christmas cheer. Also, Hugh Grant dancing. Need I say more?
7. The Polar Express
All aboard the nostalgia train! This movie makes me want to believe in Santa all over again. Plus, hot chocolate has never looked so good.
8. A Christmas Story
Ever wanted a BB gun for Christmas? Ralphie gets it. Just remember, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” also applies to Nerf guns—I learned that the hard way.
9. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Griswolds make every family look functional. From disastrous light displays to unexpected squirrel attacks, it’s a chaotic festive feast.
10. Miracle on 34th Street
Whether you watch the original or the remake, it’s a heartwarming reminder that sometimes, believing in a little magic isn’t so bad.
11. The Santa Clause
Tim Allen accidentally becomes Santa after some rooftop mishaps. Makes me think twice about who’s clomping around up there on Christmas Eve.
12. Last Christmas
Inspired by the music of George Michael, this film blends romance and redemption with a touch of Christmas magic. It’s a modern love story wrapped in holiday cheer.
13. Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger fighting for the last action figure in the store is the energy I bring to Black Friday sales. Minus the muscles, of course.
14. Klaus
This newer addition is an animated gem. It gave me all the feels and a newfound appreciation for postal workers.
15. The Holiday
Swapping houses with a stranger? Sounds risky, but if it lands me in a cottage with Jude Law knocking on the door, sign me up.
16. White Christmas
Classic songs, dancing, and enough snow to make you wish for a white Christmas wherever you are. Plus, Bing Crosby’s voice is smoother than eggnog.
17. Scrooged
Bill Murray as a cynical TV executive getting haunted by Christmas ghosts. It’s dark, it’s funny, and it’s a reminder to not be a jerk during the holidays—or ever.
18. Arthur Christmas
Ever wondered how Santa delivers all those presents in one night? This animated flick has answers, humor, and heart.
19. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated, 1966)
Short, sweet, and a staple from my childhood. The Grinch’s dog, Max, deserves all the treats for putting up with his antics.
20. The Muppet Christmas Carol
Dickens’ classic story told by Muppets. It’s educational and entertaining, and Gonzo as Charles Dickens is everything.
21. A Charlie Brown Christmas
Simple, sweet, and that jazz soundtrack is pure holiday bliss. Also, it makes me feel better about my own sad-looking Christmas tree.
22. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
The stop-motion classic teaches us that being different is cool. Plus, Hermey the elf who wants to be a dentist is an absolute icon.
23. Frosty the Snowman
Because sometimes you just need a magical snowman to remind you that winter isn’t all about frozen toes and shoveling driveways.
24. The Family Stone
A dramatic yet heartfelt look at family dynamics during the holidays. It’s messy, it’s real, and it makes me appreciate my own family’s quirks.
25. Jack Frost
Michael Keaton comes back as a snowman to bond with his son. It’s weird, it’s touching, and it makes me wish snowmen could talk.
26. The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell as a cool, sunglasses-wearing Santa? Yes, please. This Netflix gem brings a fresh twist to Santa’s adventures.
27. Noel
An ensemble cast that weaves together multiple stories of love, loss, and hope during Christmas. It’s a reminder that everyone’s fighting their own battles.
28. Four Christmases
Visiting four families in one day? Exhausting but hilarious. Makes me thankful for my one-stop holiday dinner.
29. The Preacher’s Wife
Whitney Houston’s angelic voice paired with Denzel Washington’s charm makes this a soulful holiday watch.
30. Gremlins
Cute pet turns into a monstrous nightmare—kind of like when I tried to bake Christmas cookies from scratch. Proceed with caution and don’t feed after midnight.
Don’t Forget Your Cup of Hot Coco!
There you have it, a festive lineup that’s sure to keep you entertained all December long. Whether you’re a traditionalist who sticks to the classics or an adventurous soul ready to explore new holiday tales, this checklist has got you covered.
So, dust off those DVDs, fire up your streaming services, and let the holiday marathon begin. And remember, the best way to spread Christmas cheer is to watch movies loud for all to hear or something like that.
Now, excuse me while I dive back into my annual “Home Alone” rewatch and contemplate setting up some harmless booby traps for when my in-laws visit. Kidding. Maybe.
Happy watching, and may your days be merry and movie-filled!
