The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time

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Updated September 16, 2023 516.9K votes 35.9K voters 257.3K views
Over 35.9K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best Christmas Movies Of All Time
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Vote up your favorite films about or set during Christmas time.
Latest additions: Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas
Most divisive: Gremlins

One of the most telling signs that the holiday season is upon us is when classic Christmas movies begin to flood our TV screens and newer ones hit the big screen. Many of the best Christmas movies feature heartwarming tales that families can watch together. And even the weirdest Christmas movies have some redeeming features.

A lot of these movies are dramas or romantic comedies, and feature some of the best known stories in cinematic history. Who can forget James Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life? The movie may not have done so well at the box office, but its themes of caring, thoughtfulness, and sacrifice, along with the presence of George's guardian angel, has resonated with many, and it's long been considered the best Christmas movie of all time. This doesn't mean there's not a fair share of funny Christmas movies as well. Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and Elf are three examples of hilarious Christmas movies that people have grown to love over the years. They are also great Christmas movies for kids too – like the Rankin/Bass classics or the animated masterpiece The Nightmare Before Christmas. In between laughs, the constant within all of these top movies is family, which is what attracts people to these holiday comedies. You will also find some of these films on this list of the best Christmas dinner scenes.

Vote here on this Ultimate List for what you think is the best Christmas movie of all time. There are some great movies to choose from so vote for the movies you think are the greatest Christmas movie ever!

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  • National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
    1

    National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

    Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid
    17,542 votes
    • Released: 1989
    • Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
    In the comedic holiday film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) dreams of hosting a perfect, old-fashioned family Christmas. His wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) and kids Rusty (Johnny Galecki) and Audrey (Juliette Lewis) are along for the ride. The arrival of both sets of in-laws and eccentric Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) ensures the festive season is anything but smooth. Amidst the chaos of power outages, tree mishaps and an unexpected holiday bonus debacle, hilarity ensues. An iconic comedy classic, it has been a seasonal staple since its release in 1989.

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  • Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
    2

    Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

    Boris Karloff, June Foray, Hal Smith
    12,296 votes
    • Released: 1966
    • Directed by: Chuck Jones, Ben Washam
    In an enchanting adaptation of the beloved children's book, Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! brings to life the tale of a green, misanthropic creature on a mission to ruin the festive season for the residents of Whoville. The show expertly weaves together elements of family, humor, and heartwarming redemption, earning it multiple award nominations. With the Grinch portrayed by the talented Boris Karloff, the audience is taken on a journey of self-discovery and the true meaning of Christmas spirit. To sum it up, one can expect to be charmed by the colorful characters and the unforgettable message this classic story delivers.
  • Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
    3

    Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

    Janis Orenstein
    11,509 votes
    • Released: 1964
    • Directed by: Larry Roemer, Kizo Nagashima
    The timeless tale of a crimson-snouted hero comes to life in this beloved stop-motion animation TV special. With an array of unforgettable characters, such as the endearing Rudolph (voiced by Billie Mae Richards) and the lovable Hermey the Elf (Paul Soles), audiences are transported to a whimsical world where misfits find their purpose. First aired in 1964, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has become a cherished holiday tradition for generations, earning its place in pop culture history. Its heartfelt message of acceptance, coupled with the enchanting musical score, continues to resonate with viewers, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories emerge from the most unexpected places.
  • Home Alone
    4

    Home Alone

    Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
    15,470 votes
    • Released: 1990
    • Directed by: Chris Columbus
    Home Alone, a comedic family film, spins the tale of Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), an 8-year-old boy accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas. In their absence, he must defend his suburban Chicago home from two bumbling burglars, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern). Using wit and daring traps, Kevin turns the tables on the intruders. Directed by Chris Columbus, this movie won a British Comedy Award and received two Academy Award nominations, cementing its place in holiday movie history. It's a delightful mix of humor, adventure, and the indomitable spirit of a child.

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  • A Charlie Brown Christmas
    5

    A Charlie Brown Christmas

    Bill Melendez, Peter Robbins, Geoffrey Ornstein
    12,302 votes
    • Released: 1965
    • Directed by: Bill Melendez
    A Charlie Brown Christmas is a musical animated television film based on the comic strip Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz. Produced by Lee Mendelson and directed by Bill Melendez, the program made its debut on CBS on December 9, 1965. In the special, lead character Charlie Brown finds himself depressed despite the onset of the cheerful holiday season. Lucy suggests he direct a school Christmas play, but he is both ignored and mocked by his peers. The story touches on the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas, and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. The special was commissioned and sponsored by The Coca-Cola Company. It was written over a period of several weeks, and animated on a shoestring budget in only six months. In casting the characters, the producers went an unconventional route, hiring child actors. The program's soundtrack was similarly unorthodox: it features a jazz score by pianist Vince Guaraldi.
  • It's a Wonderful Life
    6

    It's a Wonderful Life

    James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
    15,832 votes
    • Released: 1946
    • Directed by: Frank Capra
    In the heartwarming film It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey (James Stewart) teeters on the brink of despair. His small-town existence, full of missed opportunities and financial struggles, seems unbearable. Luckily, his guardian angel Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers) steps in, showing George what life would be like if he'd never been born. This 1946 classic, directed by Frank Capra, brilliantly blends elements of drama and fantasy. It won an Academy Technical Achievement Award and has been lauded for its enduring message about the value of every individual life.

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