The 50 Greatest Christmas Movies of All Time

Enjoy the best Christmas movies, featuring classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and modern hits like “Elf” and “Home Alone.” These films capture the essence of Christmas with humor, warmth, and magic, creating festive traditions worldwide. So, cozy up with hot cocoa by the fireplace and dive into these heartwarming cinematic gems.

#50. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

In the era of streaming, where numerous movies quickly fade from memory, some enduring gems have emerged. A prime example is a charming Netflix film featuring Kurt Russell as a gruff yet lovable Santa, navigating a chaotic Christmas Eve to assist a troubled family of kids. Imagine “Adventures in Babysitting,” but with a festive twist, complete with a musical cameo from Steven van Zandt and his band.

#49. The Great Rupert (1950)

“The Great Rupert” is a unique Christmas film featuring Jimmy Durante as a struggling vaudevillian forced to part with his trained squirrel. Despite occasional plot lags, the heartwarming conclusion reunites Durante with his furry friend, delivering a lesson to the rich and a twist of fortune for the less fortunate. Produced by stop-motion wizard George Pal, creator of Puppetoons, the movie stands out as a charming Christmas oddity from the post-World War II era.

#48. Krampus (2015)

In the realm of Christmas horror films, the 2015 horror comedy stands out as a unique entry. While not always striking the perfect balance between scares and laughs, the story revolves around a bickering family visited by Krampus, a demonic anti-Santa set on punishing the naughty. With a stellar cast featuring Toni Collette, Adam Scott, Allison Tolman, and David Koechner, the film showcases inventive monster designs. Collette leads a family not in the holiday spirit, becoming the target of murderous visitors, including vengeful gingerbread men.

#47. The Ice Harvest (2005)

Billy Bob Thornton solidifies his place in Christmas’s seamy underbelly with this overlooked Harold Ramis thriller. Paired with John Cusack, they play shady characters aiming to escape Wichita after a heist. The clash of holiday cheer and criminality unfolds amid unforeseen challenges, double-crosses, and bad weather. Oliver Platt steals scenes as a drunken lawyer in a film that serves as a refreshing antidote to the season’s usual goodwill and faith in humanity.

#46. Batman Returns (1992)

While Tim Burton is well-represented on this list, his second Batman movie is too festive with twinkles and tinsel to be excluded, despite its mood being more frightful than festive. The sequel features Batman (Michael Keaton) facing off against the menacing Penguin (Danny DeVito) and the alluring Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) in a Gotham City adorned for the holidays. Set against a backdrop of a snowy, light-strewn city, including a Christmas tree-lighting ceremony gone awry, the film may be debatable in its celebration of the season, but it seamlessly fits with Burton’s other Christmas-themed films.

#45. The Silent Partner (1978)

In the realm of frightening Santas in movies, Christopher Plummer takes the terror to new heights in this occasionally brutal thriller. Plummer portrays Arthur Reikle, a psychopathic criminal who adopts the guise of a mall Santa as part of a scheme to rob a bank in Toronto. As a savvy clerk (Elliott Gould) catches on and plots to turn the tables, a battle of wits unfolds over several months. While the story spans a range of events, it’s the early scenes that will make you cast a wary eye at any seemingly jolly stranger donning a Santa costume.

#44. Christmas Evil (a.k.a. You Better Watch Out and Terror in Toyland) (1980)

For a truly twisted antidote, consider this slasher gem about a toy-factory employee embarking on a Yuletide killing spree. “Christmas Evil” shares a premise with the more widely known “Silent Night, Deadly Night,” which caused street protests upon its release four years later. Yet, unlike the standard slasher feel of the latter, “Christmas Evil” is a demented piece of outsider art that explores the concept of a killer Santa in exceptionally extreme ways—culminating in an ending that must be witnessed to be believed. The film’s endorsement by John Waters speaks volumes about its unconventional appeal.

#43. The Insects’ Christmas (1913)

Long before “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and classic specials like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Russian animator Ladislas Starevich crafted “The Insects’ Christmas.” In this pioneering work predating even “The Great Rupert,” Starevich used dead insects as his animated stars. While the Christmas-themed film introduces Father Christmas and an animated doll, insects take center stage in this inventive, enchanting, albeit slightly unsettling portrayal of how bugs (and a frog) celebrate Christmas. The climax features Santa, a grasshopper, and various other bugs joyously skating on a frozen lake. счастливого Рождества (Merry Christmas) to all!

#42. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

In Stanley Kubrick’s final film, “Eyes Wide Shut,” a man experiences a harrowing night in New York’s erotic underbelly. Simultaneously, the movie explores a family on the verge of collapse, finding reconciliation in time for Christmas. The concluding scene at FAO Schwarz hints at a thematic connection to the holiday season. Despite the final lines not directly relating to the holidays, they subtly capture the spirit of togetherness associated with the season.

#41. The Bishop’s Wife (1947)

As Christmas approaches, Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) is consumed with fundraising for a grand cathedral, neglecting his family and ministerial roots. Enter Dudley (Cary Grant), an angel set on guiding Henry back to the right path. The catch: Dudley finds himself drawn to Henry’s wife, Julia (Loretta Young). Despite occasional pacing issues, the chemistry between Young and Grant shines, especially as Grant’s wistful performance suggests finding greater happiness on earth. (The 1996 remake, “The Preacher’s Wife,” starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, is also worth checking out.)

#40. Spencer (2021)

Pablo Larraín’s film is a poignant portrayal of Princess Diana’s alienation, featuring a remarkable performance by Kristen Stewart. Yet, it also unfolds as a universally relatable story about spending an awkward Christmas with unsupportive in-laws. Set in 1991 during Diana’s contemplation of divorcing Prince Charles, the film captures how close quarters can intensify existing divides. While most may never experience the rarefied world of the British Royal Family, the relatable theme of reluctantly participating in family rituals when you’d rather be elsewhere resonates universally.

#39. Scrooged (1988)

“Scrooged” defies easy interpretation, leaving viewers questioning its message. Is it a dark comedy critiquing Christmas commercialization, a cynical take on holiday kindness, or a sincere transformation tale? The film’s ambiguity may stem from contrasting sensibilities between Bill Murray and writers Mitch Glazer, Michael O’Donoghue, and director Richard Donner. Despite its challenges, this Reagan-era update on “A Christmas Carol,” with Murray as a cold-hearted TV executive visited by spirits, remains fascinating. Carol Kane shines as the lively Ghost of Christmas Present. Notably, Dickens’s classic heavily influences the Christmas movie genre, with “Scrooged” being one of many adaptations.

#38. Scrooge (1970)

For a melodic twist on Dickens’s tale, consider the 1970 musical starring Albert Finney as the titular miser. Finney fully embraces the role of Scrooge, embodying the moniker “the Meanest Man in the Whole Wide World.” The film features catchy songs, including “Father Christmas,” penned by Leslie Bricusse, the songwriter from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Highlights include Alec Guinness as the eerie Jacob Marley and a genuinely frightening Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. While occasionally grandiose, the film is a lively and enjoyable rendition of the familiar story.

# 37. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

“Meet Me in St. Louis” is a classic 1944 musical directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film follows the Smith family over the course of a year in St. Louis, with a particular focus on the excitement and events leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair. While the movie covers various seasons, it notably features a pivotal Christmas ball scene. Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” in the film has become a timeless and emotionally resonant Christmas standard. The movie is celebrated for its nostalgic charm, beautiful musical numbers, and the heartwarming portrayal of family life.

#36. Little Women (2019)

Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women” is a 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. The film intricately weaves together the lives of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—during the Civil War era. While not exclusively a Christmas movie, it earns its place on Christmas lists for a poignant scene where Bob Odenkirk’s Mr. March returns home for Christmas, warmly embracing his family and affectionately calling them “my little women.” The film explores themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved literary work.

#35. Little Women (1994)

Gillian Armstrong’s “Little Women” is a 1994 film adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, the movie portrays the lives of the four March sisters—Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth—as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and womanhood. Notably, the film captures a moving moment when Beth (played by Claire Danes) receives a piano for Christmas, showcasing Danes’s heartrending expression of overwhelming joy.

#34. The Holiday (2006)

In Nancy Meyers’ follow-up to “Something’s Gotta Give,” she seemingly posed the question: Can I make a romantic comedy work with four actors who aren’t traditional choices for the genre? The answer is somewhat. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as a tightly wound movie trailer editor and a British newspaper reporter who decide to swap houses shortly before Christmas. Winslet’s character befriends an aging screenwriter played by Eli Wallach and eventually falls for a kindhearted composer played by Jack Black in L.A. Meanwhile, Diaz’s character, in Surrey, unwittingly connects with Winslet’s brother, played by Jude Law.

#33. The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)

In the 1951 comedy, Bob Hope takes on the role of the eponymous character in a Damon Runyon adaptation with an unexpected Christmas theme. Playing a wisecracking con artist fleeing to New York to settle a debt, Hope’s trademark persona surprisingly meshes well with the sentimental tone of the story. The plot unfolds with a scam involving criminals posing as Santa and a fake retirement home for “Old Dolls.” The film’s inspired slapstick bits are credited to the talented animator-turned-director Frank Tashlin. Notably, Hope and co-star Marilyn Maxwell’s performance of the then-new song “Silver Bells” has solidified the film’s place in the Christmas-movie canon.

#32. Home Alone (1990)

Nostalgia and holidays have a way of shaping emotions, especially when it comes to movies that captured our hearts in our younger years. Enter “Home Alone,” the John Hughes-scripted, Chris Columbus-directed hit where Macaulay Culkin finds himself accidentally left behind when his family heads to Paris. While it’s hard to resist the sentimental pull, it would be unfair to rank it any higher. A revisit as a grown-up might reveal a rougher ride than remembered, from the shrill opening to the staged slapstick climax. Nonetheless, Culkin’s charm and the sentimental ending still manage to work their magic, as confirmed by George Costanza.

#31. Love Actually (2003)

Richard Curtis’s 2003 holiday film, a smorgasbord of new love, old love, dying love, Prime Minister love, and unconventional love, has been both embraced and rejected with intense fervor. While unabashedly corny and occasionally smug and simplistic in its portrayal of love, the film’s richness and variety make it challenging to dismiss entirely. If one storyline doesn’t resonate, there’s always another to capture attention—a mix of luckless Brits testing their appeal in America, intertwined with a poignant tale of infidelity featuring Alan Rickman and Emma Thompson.

#30. Holiday Affair (1949)

In this classic film, Janet Leigh portrays Connie, a war widow who unexpectedly becomes the focal point of a love triangle. Her longtime suitor Carl (Wendell Corey) faces unexpected competition from Steve (Robert Mitchum), a veteran grappling with his postwar identity. The narrative unfolds as Steve, a department store clerk, and Connie, a Christmastime undercover shopper, share a meet-cute, leading to a complex romantic entanglement. Mitchum’s tough-guy demeanor adds a unique energy to the love story, though his character can be occasionally overbearing. However, the scene where he declares his intentions over Christmas dinner, a moment devoid of pretense, is truly electric, and the final scene is a stunning conclusion to the film.

#29. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Shane Black often incorporates Christmas settings in his films, but while movies like “Lethal Weapon” and “Iron Man 3” happen to take place during the holiday season, his directorial debut, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” feels uniquely suited to Christmas themes of redemption, forgiveness, and rebirth. The story follows New York thief Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) in search of a fresh start, mistakenly roped into auditioning for a Hollywood movie. As he becomes entangled in a mystery tied to his past, reconnecting with a childhood friend (Michelle Monaghan) and reluctantly partnering with a private eye (Val Kilmer), the film showcases Black’s familiar trademarks of twists, rapid-fire banter, and love for seedy crime fiction.

#28. Elf (2003)

Sometimes, the right actor in the right role is all you need. In this pleasant and goofy film, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole under the mistaken impression that he’s an elf. Despite growing into a lumbering adult with little elfish skill, he embarks on a journey to New York in search of his birth father (James Caan). Zooey Deschanel, as a cynical department-store employee, provides a delightful contrast to Ferrell’s wild-eyed enthusiasm. The film is most charming when it leans less on wild antics, maintaining its heartfelt tone thanks to Ferrell and the rest of the cast.

#27. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Aardman Animations, known for Wallace and Gromit and Chicken Run, infuses its whimsical sensibility into this holiday tale, offering a playful peek into the inner workings of the North Pole. The story follows the latest Santa (Jim Broadbent), who hesitates to pass the torch to one of his sons. While Steven Claus (Hugh Laurie) seems the logical successor, it’s the bumbling Arthur (James McAvoy) who best embodies the Christmas spirit. Arthur’s mad rush to ensure a child who received the wrong present isn’t disappointed on Christmas morning becomes a heartwarming showcase of the holiday spirit.

#26. A Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

“A Muppet Christmas Carol,” the first big-screen Muppet project following the 1990 death of Jim Henson, is a delightful adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Featuring terrific songs by Paul Williams, the film cleverly places the always charming Muppets into familiar Dickensian roles, with Kermit and Piggy taking on the roles of the Cratchits, among other fan-favorite characters. Noteworthy details, such as the Swedish Chef as a party cook, add to the delight for longtime fans. However, the standout element is Michael Caine’s performance as Ebenezer Scrooge.

#25. Blast of Silence (1961)

This low-budget noir, directed by Allen Baron, has become a true cult classic. Set against the backdrop of a holiday-decked New York, the film tells the story of Frank Bono (also played by Baron), a Cleveland hitman in town for a job. With gritty location shooting and lyrical narration, the film combines pulpy themes with an overwhelming sense of existential loneliness. While the story would work outside of the holiday setting, the Christmas backdrop intensifies the feelings of alienation and despair.

#24. Black Christmas (1974)

If “Arthur Christmas” is too heartwarming for your taste, then consider Bob Clark’s classic horror film. In this chilling tale, a mysterious killer begins picking off members of a sorority house one by one in the lead-up to Christmas. Shot on and near the University of Toronto campus, the film is secretly one of the most influential horror films, inspiring “Halloween” and subsequent slasher films. Notable for its peculiar cast, including Margot Kidder, SCTV’s Andrea Martin, Olivia Hussey from “Romeo and Juliet,” and Keir Dullea from “2001: A Space Odyssey,” the film uses Christmas trappings to unnerving effect, leading to a truly memorable final scene.

#23. Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

“The Nightmare Before Christmas” straddles the line between being a Christmas movie and a Halloween movie, and perhaps that’s what makes it so special. With protagonists Jack Skellington and Sally becoming ubiquitous Halloween symbols, the film has gained popularity as a Halloween staple. However, at its heart, it tells the story of a kindhearted ghoulish spirit, Jack Skellington, who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Directed by stop-motion wizard Henry Selick from a story and designs by Tim Burton, the film offers a sweet-creepy take on a Rankin-Bass Christmas special.

#22. Gremlins (1984)

Much like “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Joe Dante’s enduring horror favorite “Gremlins” feels like an experiment to see how badly a bunch of little monsters could disrupt the setting of a Christmas classic. The answer: pretty badly! The film is set in the idyllic American town of Kingston Falls, reminiscent of “It’s a Wonderful Life,” with its name even echoing that movie’s Bedford Falls. “Gremlins” features a cuddly little creature whose evil offspring wreak havoc over the Christmas season in the sweet burg.

#21. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)

In the early ’80s, Disney animation and its iconic star, Mickey Mouse, faced challenges with a string of disappointments and setbacks. However, “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” emerged as a sign that there might still be life in both. With a runtime of just 26 minutes, originally serving as the opener for a re-release of “The Rescuers,” the film presents a brisk and moving adaptation of the Dickens story. Scrooge McDuck assumes the Scrooge role, while Mickey and Minnie take on the roles of the Cratchits, infusing the lovingly animated film with heart.

#20. Remember the Night (1940)

In this 1940 Christmas romance, Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck, famous for their roles in Billy Wilder’s noir “Double Indemnity,” portray John Sargent and Lee Leander. Sargent, a driven district attorney, mistakenly spends the days before Christmas with Leander, a small-time jewel thief he is prosecuting. Their road trip romance temporarily distracts from the looming legal proceedings. Directed by Mitchell Leisen from a Preston Sturges script, “Remember the Night” starts as a brisk comedy, but the tone shifts as John learns about Lee’s challenging past. In a classic holiday-spirit twist, he recognizes the privileges of his loving family, especially after sharing Lee’s first warm Christmas morning with them.

#19. The Holdovers (2023)

Alexander Payne’s 1970-set comedy, a film about holiday togetherness, focuses on three characters initially reluctant to be in each other’s company. Starring Paul Giamatti as Paul, a boarding-school teacher unexpectedly tasked with caring for a handful of boys with nowhere else to go at Christmastime, the narrative centers on Paul’s interactions with Angus (Dominic Sessa), a bright but sad, rebellious kid, and Mary (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), the head of the school’s cafeteria services. Mary is grieving the loss of her son in Vietnam, and Angus harbors veiled family problems.

#18. Reve De Noel (The Christmas Dream) (1900)

Georges Méliès, a pioneer in French cinema, made a delightful contribution to the Christmas-film canon with a film that offers little in terms of narrative but abounds in turn-of-the-century Christmas imagery. In this short film, a pair of sleeping children imagine a winter wonderland teeming with frolicking musicians, holiday revelers, and, of course, Père Noël himself. The film, a lovely and whimsical creation, showcases the inventive director’s festive mood, immortalizing on film ways of celebrating Christmas that might have otherwise faded from memory.

#17. White Christmas (1954)

“White Christmas” is a 1954 holiday musical film featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Directed by Michael Curtiz, the film is a romantic comedy that revolves around a pair of song-and-dance men who team up with a sister act to save their former general’s Vermont inn. Filled with musical performances, including the iconic song “White Christmas,” the film has become a classic in the holiday film genre.

#16. Holiday Inn (1942)

“Holiday Inn” is a 1942 musical film featuring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. Directed by Mark Sandrich, the film follows the story of two performers who turn a Connecticut farmhouse into a performance venue that’s open only on holidays. As the film unfolds over the course of a year, various holidays are celebrated with elaborate musical numbers. Notable for introducing the song “White Christmas,” the film has become a classic in the holiday film genre.

#15. Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Tim Burton’s affinity for Christmas extends beyond “A Nightmare Before Christmas.” In “Edward Scissorhands,” Burton goes even further, using the holiday to create a memorable backdrop for the story. The film centers on a sensitive, lab-created man with scissors for hands (Johnny Depp), portrayed as a Christ-like, too-pure-for-this-world figure. He descends upon an American suburb where he is initially celebrated but later faces persecution.

#14. 3 Godfathers (1948)

Similar to “Scissorhands,” John Ford’s “3 Godfathers” employs echoes of the story of Christ with tremendous impact. This rare Christmas Western features John Wayne as one of a trio of bank robbers who, while fleeing the law in Death Valley, agree to care for a newborn child. Ford’s biblical parallels are overt, emphasizing themes of redemption and rebirth. Despite the deliberate nature of these echoes, Wayne grounds the film with one of his most sensitive performances.

#13. It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)

“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” is an often overlooked Christmas gem. The story begins with the homeless sage Aloysius T. McKeever moving into the luxurious Manhattan home of vacationing tycoon Michael J. O’Connor every Christmas season. As the narrative unfolds, it breaks down the divide between the haves and the have-nots, introducing a displaced World War II vet and O’Connor’s daughter Mary. The house becomes more crowded, sparking new loves and renewing old ones, while O’Connor undergoes a Scrooge-like transformation. Directed by Roy Del Ruth, the film authentically earns its warmth, weaving a tale of fresh starts and changed hearts amid the postwar struggles of those reaching for the American dream.

#12. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

In the sexy and humorous “Christmas in Connecticut,” Barbara Stanwyck portrays Elizabeth Lane, a magazine columnist who risks exposure as a fraud in a PR stunt to create the perfect Christmas at the Connecticut home she’s writing about. The story unfolds as part of a gesture to reward GI Jefferson Jones (Dennis Morgan), dreaming of tasting her recipes during World War II. The farcical complications escalate as Stanwyck masterfully balances Elizabeth’s rising panic and wry humor, especially as she navigates unexpected feelings for Jones after deciding to pursue a marriage of convenience.

#11. Peace on Earth (1939)

Produced in 1939 as the world faced another World War, this animated short, directed by Hugh Harman for MGM, depicts a post-apocalyptic Earth now inhabited by wide-eyed cartoon animals. Inheriting the world from humanity, which destroyed itself through war, the film presents a masterfully downbeat vision of the future. Despite the cute protagonists’ enthusiasm for preserving Christmas traditions, the short doesn’t shy away from depicting the horrors of war and humanity’s failure to uphold its noblest principles.

#10. Comfort and Joy (1984)

As the year comes to an end, it can be a perplexing time for those who find little to celebrate. Scottish director Bill Forsyth captures this sentiment beautifully in his tale of a Glasgow DJ (Bill Paterson), unexpectedly alone after being dumped by his girlfriend just before Christmas. Adrift, he becomes entangled in a turf war between two rival ice-cream vendors, a conflict that offers him a chance to start anew or might push him to the brink of madness. Paterson skillfully portrays a man quietly experiencing a nervous breakdown amid a world growing stranger and more absurd.

#9. Tangerine (2015)

“Tangerine,” directed by Sean Baker, offers a unique exploration of the Christmas spirit through the lives of Sin-Dee and Alexandra, transgender sex workers in Los Angeles. Released from jail on Christmas Eve, Sin-Dee faces the revelation of her cheating pimp/lover, Chester, while Alexandra prepares for a musical performance. The film balances laughs and shocks, highlighting how Christmas serves as a crossroads for the characters and emphasizing the importance of their bond in facing the challenges of the upcoming year. “Tangerine” challenges traditional Christmas narratives, providing a vital and inclusive perspective on the holiday, inviting other filmmakers to redefine the genre, and celebrating the significance of human kindness.

#8. Carol (2015)

In Todd Haynes’s “Carol,” set during the 1952 Christmas season, Cate Blanchett plays the titular character, an unhappy housewife who unexpectedly falls for Rooney Mara’s Therese, a store clerk. The forbidden romance faces challenges that jeopardize Carol’s relationship with her child, leading to an impossible choice. Inspired by Brief Encounter and based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel, “Carol” utilizes its holiday setting, with Christmas lights illuminating the film. The seasonal backdrop mirrors the evolving relationship between Carol and Therese, capturing the spirit of the season and the potential for a new beginning in the coming year.

#7. Die Hard (1988)

Odd as it may sound, many qualities that make “Carol” a great Christmas movie also apply to “Die Hard,” despite Bruce Willis’s comments. Beyond being an exceptional action film, “Die Hard” tells a story of loss and renewal. Willis’s character, John McClane, a New York cop, must navigate L.A., confront Eurotrash pseudo-terrorists, and repair his marriage to reconcile in time for the holidays. The action-packed elements are just a sidetrack, as McClane’s main mission is to reunite with his wife. Despite the challenges, he takes down the bad guys, emerges bloodied, and embraces a sense of forgiveness.

#6. Bad Santa (2003)

“Bad Santa” is a proudly mean-spirited black comedy that, despite seeming at odds with the Christmas spirit, ultimately becomes a heartwarming holiday movie about one man’s redemption. Billy Bob Thornton delivers a standout performance as Willie Soke, a hard-drinking con artist who uses his gig as a mall Santa for grand larceny. Thornton’s portrayal of the near-stuporous Willie forms an unlikely makeshift family with a misfit kid and a bartender played by Brett Kelly and Lauren Graham, respectively.

#5. A Christmas Story (1983)

Director Bob Clark’s 1983 film, “A Christmas Story,” is a venerable adaptation of Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic and comedic tales of growing up in Hammond, Indiana. The episodic narrative follows Ralphie, played by Peter Billingsley, in the days leading up to Christmas as he desperately wishes for a Red Ryder air rifle. Narrated by Shepherd himself, the film expertly combines broad, occasionally dark humor with genuine affection for family life and the past.

#4. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

“The Shop Around the Corner” stands as one of the greatest romantic movies set at Christmas. Its irresistible premise involves feuding co-workers unknowingly falling in love through anonymous letters, a theme later revisited in Nora Ephron’s “You’ve Got Mail.” With a stellar cast led by Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan, and guided by director Ernst Lubitsch’s deft touch in balancing lightness and romance, the film is a peerless romantic comedy and a superb Christmas movie. It weaves themes of forgiveness and second chances into a love story that beautifully reflects the holiday season.

#3. A Christmas Carol (a.k.a. Scrooge) (1951)

What makes an adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” truly great? Primarily, it’s the actor portraying Ebenezer Scrooge. Among the notable movie Scrooges, few stand out like Alastair Sim. Sim’s portrayal is not only terrifyingly convincing as a pitiless miser in the early scenes but also heartbreakingly affecting as a changed man in the film’s closing moments.

#2. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

In 1947, a remarkable wave of great Christmas movies was released, including “The Bishop’s Wife” and “It Happened on Fifth Avenue.” One standout from that year is “Miracle on 34th Street,” a delightful story about a girl (Natalie Wood) whose unwittingly hired department-store Santa at Macy’s may be the actual Kris Kringle. Directed and written by George Seaton, the film weaves elements of fantasy, romance, anti-commercialism, advocacy for letting children enjoy their innocence, and a touch of legal drama.

#1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

“It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Frank Capra, is the quintessential Christmas movie starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey. The film explores themes of goodness and generosity as George, unintentionally the savior of Bedford Falls, faces a bleak Christmas and contemplates suicide. An angel named Clarence guides him toward realizing his positive impact on others. While synonymous with holiday cheer, the film’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of dark themes and Stewart’s compelling performance.

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