20 Most Loved Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season
What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by curling up with a great Christmas movie? To create this list of must-watch Christmas classics, I turned to one of the most vibrant communities on the internet: Reddit.
By diving into threads where users asked and answered questions about the best Christmas movies, I discovered an incredible selection of films that people absolutely love. Some of these movies even received over 20,000 upvotes, proving their timeless appeal and ability to spread holiday cheer.
Whether you're a fan of heartwarming family tales, laugh-out-loud comedies, or festive adventures, this list has something for everyone. From animated favorites to nostalgic classics, here are 20 Christmas movies that Reddit users can't get enough of—and that you should definitely add to your holiday watchlist!
1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This delightful adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol brings the classic tale to life with the charm and humor of the Muppets. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, while Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo bring their signature fun to the beloved story. The movie is perfect for Christmas with its heartwarming message of redemption, cheerful songs, and whimsical puppetry that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Redditor comment: “It’s a must-watch every year; no other adaptation captures the holiday spirit quite like this!”
2. Home Alone (1990)
The story of Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old accidentally left behind while his family heads to Paris for Christmas, is an absolute holiday staple. Watching Kevin fend off two bumbling burglars with ingenious (and hilarious) traps never gets old. This movie embodies the holiday spirit with themes of family, love, and festive mischief.
- Redditor comment: “It’s the ultimate Christmas movie. Who doesn’t want to be as resourceful as Kevin?”
3. Jingle All the Way (1996)
This comedic gem stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a father desperately trying to find the hottest toy of the season, Turbo Man, for his son. The holiday shopping madness and over-the-top action make this a funny and relatable Christmas movie that resonates with parents and kids alike.
- Redditor comment: “It’s chaotic, hilarious, and reminds us how far we’d go to make our loved ones happy.”
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This short animated classic captures the essence of the Dr. Seuss story about the grouchy Grinch who learns the true meaning of Christmas. With its timeless message, charming animation, and unforgettable songs like “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” this 30-minute gem is perfect for an annual Christmas tradition.
- Redditor comment: “It’s fun, memorable, and gets the message across in no time—perfect for busy holiday evenings.”
5. Klaus (2019)
This Netflix original is a visually stunning and heartfelt animated movie about a postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker, Klaus. Together, they spark a heartwarming Christmas tradition in a gloomy town. Its unique art style and fresh take on the origins of Santa Claus make it a modern holiday favorite.
- Redditor comment: “It’s the most beautiful and emotional Christmas movie I’ve seen in years.”
6. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Kevin’s second misadventure takes him to New York City, where he faces Harry and Marv again—this time, with the grandeur of the Big Apple during Christmas as a backdrop. The humor, heartfelt reunions, and the festive setting make this sequel just as beloved as the original.
- Redditor comment: “The Christmas atmosphere in NYC makes it even more magical!”
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Clark Griswold’s quest to create the perfect family Christmas is full of laugh-out-loud mishaps, from outrageous light displays to chaotic family gatherings. The blend of humor, relatability, and over-the-top holiday disasters makes this a timeless comedy that’s perfect for the season.
- Redditor comment: “It captures the chaos and love of Christmas with a hilarious twist.”
8. Die Hard (1988)
While not a traditional Christmas movie, Die Hard has become a holiday favorite for its setting during a Christmas Eve office party turned hostage crisis. Bruce Willis as John McClane delivers action, suspense, and just the right amount of holiday cheer.
- Redditor comment: “It’s the ultimate unconventional Christmas movie. Yippee-ki-yay!”
9. A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
In this charming special, the Muppets gather at Fozzie Bear’s grandmother’s house to celebrate Christmas. Along the way, they encounter snowy adventures, festive songs, and delightful cameos from the Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock crews. It’s a heartwarming crossover that’s packed with holiday spirit.
- Redditor comment: “Big Bird as the Swedish Chef’s turkey? Pure holiday hilarity!”
10. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This timeless classic tells the story of George Bailey, a man who learns the impact he’s had on the lives of others after a Christmas miracle. Its themes of gratitude, hope, and community make it one of the most uplifting movies to watch during the holidays.
- Redditor comment: “It’s the kind of movie that makes you tear up every single time, reminding us of what really matters.”
11. Scrooged (1988)
A modern take on A Christmas Carol, this dark comedy stars Bill Murray as Frank Cross, a cynical TV executive visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve. The film’s mix of humor, heartbreak, and redemption, combined with Murray’s stellar performance, makes it a unique and unforgettable holiday classic.
- Redditor comment: “The blend of comedy and heartbreak, the pacing, the performances—top tier Christmas movie!”
12. A Christmas Story (1983)
This nostalgic tale follows young Ralphie Parker and his hilarious quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. With its quirky characters, iconic moments like the leg lamp, and heartfelt storytelling, this film captures the spirit of childhood holiday dreams.
- Redditor comment: “It’s impossible not to laugh and feel warm inside watching this classic!”
13. Trading Places (1983)
This holiday-themed comedy stars Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd as a street hustler and a wealthy executive who unknowingly switch lives as part of a bet. The movie’s hilarious take on class and identity, set against a festive backdrop, makes it a holiday favorite.
- Redditor comment: “The Christmas setting adds just the right amount of holiday charm to this brilliant comedy.”
14. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. Buddy’s childlike innocence, endless enthusiasm, and comedic misadventures bring plenty of laughs and holiday cheer.
- Redditor comment: “Buddy’s infectious Christmas spirit makes me smile every single time!”
15. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This beloved animated special follows Charlie Brown as he struggles to find the true meaning of Christmas amidst commercialism. With its charming simplicity, heartfelt message, and Vince Guaraldi’s iconic jazz soundtrack, it’s a timeless favorite for all ages.
- Redditor comment: “The music alone is enough to make this a must-watch every Christmas.”
16. The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)
This stop-motion classic tells the story of Santa Claus, who decides to take a break from delivering gifts, and the two elves who try to save Christmas. With memorable characters like Heat Miser and Snow Miser, it’s a festive, nostalgic treat.
- Redditor comment: “Heat Miser and Snow Miser are holiday legends in my house!”
17. Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
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This stop-motion gem tells the origin story of Santa Claus, from his humble beginnings to becoming the bringer of Christmas joy. Its catchy songs, charming animation, and timeless themes make it a holiday staple.
- Redditor comment: “It’s a classic that takes you back to simpler times and fills you with holiday spirit.”
18. Gremlins (1984)
This dark comedy-horror follows a young man who receives a cute but mysterious creature as a Christmas gift, only for chaos to ensue when the creature multiplies into mischievous gremlins. The film’s unique mix of humor, thrills, and holiday cheer makes it a cult favorite.
- Redditor comment: “It’s Christmas with a twist—fun, quirky, and a little terrifying!”
19. White Christmas (1954)
Starring Bing Crosby, this musical follows two performers who team up with a sister act to save a failing inn. With stunning musical numbers, romantic subplots, and a dazzling wintery setting, this film is a quintessential Christmas classic.
- Redditor comment: “The music and charm of this movie are unmatched—it feels like Christmas wrapped up in a bow!”
20. A Christmas Carol (2009)
This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ timeless novella features Jim Carrey as the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge and the ghosts who visit him on Christmas Eve. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the film uses stunning motion-capture animation to bring the Victorian setting and supernatural elements to life. The story’s powerful themes of redemption, generosity, and the holiday spirit make it a moving and visually captivating choice for the season.
- Bookimov comment: “As the editor of Bookimov, this is my personal favorite Christmas movie. The story is incredibly touching, and as someone who loves the original book, I think this adaptation does a remarkable job of capturing its spirit.”
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