10 Best Holiday Movies You Can’t Miss This Christmas

There’s nothing like curling up on the couch during the holidays with a good movie, right? You’ve got the twinkling Christmas lights, maybe a cozy blanket, and some snacks—perfect setup.

I don’t know about you, but holiday movies really help me get into the spirit, whether I’m watching with family, friends, or even just by myself.

Some of them are hilarious, some are super heartwarming, and others just give you that festive vibe we all need this time of year.

Best Holiday Movies to Watch This Season

So, here are 10 of my personal favorite holiday movies. These are the ones I always come back to. Hopefully, they’ll help you get into the holiday spirit too!

1. Home Alone (1990)

Director: Chris Columbus

Alright, this one’s a no-brainer. If you haven’t seen Home Alone, have you even experienced Christmas? For me, Home Alone is like that comfort food you crave every holiday season. Kevin McCallister getting left behind while his family heads to Paris, and then defending his house from two pretty dumb burglars? Never gets old.

The traps Kevin sets are so ridiculous, but they still make me laugh every single time. Plus, I love how it’s not just about the comedy—it’s also about family coming together. And let’s be honest, the whole reunion scene at the end just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.

2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Director: Frank Capra

Now, this one’s a classic. I’ll be real with you—it’s not the fastest-paced movie, but the message hits hard. George Bailey is having a rough time, and honestly, who can’t relate to that every now and then? Then he gets to see what life would’ve been like if he wasn’t around, and it’s a serious wake-up call.

I think we all need a little reminder sometimes that we matter, even when we don’t feel like it. This movie does that. Plus, it’s one of those that just makes you appreciate the people in your life.

A bit of a tear-jerker, but definitely worth watching when you’re feeling reflective.

3. Elf (2003)

Director: Jon Favreau

If you need a good laugh, Elf is where it’s at. Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf is seriously one of the funniest things ever. He’s this grown man raised by elves, who then heads to New York City to find his real dad. His cluelessness in the big city and obsession with Christmas is hilarious.

What I love most is how Buddy’s just so pure and full of holiday spirit, even when everyone else is all “meh” about Christmas. It’s a fun, light movie that just makes you happy. Plus, you can’t beat the spaghetti-with-syrup scene. Classic.

4. The Polar Express (2004)

Director: Robert Zemeckis

This one is a little more on the magical side. The Polar Express is all about believing, even when you start to doubt things. I think we all need a little magic sometimes, especially during the holidays when it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of everything.

The animation is beautiful, and the story is really sweet. It takes me back to being a kid and believing in Santa without a second thought. Plus, Tom Hanks voices like half the characters, and he’s always awesome.

Definitely a great pick when you need to feel that Christmas magic.

5. Love Actually (2003)

Director: Richard Curtis

Okay, rom-com fans, this one’s for you. Love Actually has become a holiday staple for me. It’s a bunch of love stories all happening around Christmas in London. Some are funny, some are sad, and some are just super cute.

I love how it covers all kinds of relationships—new love, long-term love, heartbreak. It’s not just all cheesy romance, but it definitely gives off those feel-good vibes. Plus, it’s got an amazing cast (Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, etc.), and you can’t go wrong with that.

Perfect for when you want something a little lighter but still holiday-ish.

6. The Holiday (2006)

Director: Nancy Meyers

The Holiday is another one that’s just cozy and nice. Two women swap homes for the holidays—one goes to a cute little cottage in England, and the other heads to sunny California. Of course, they both end up finding love because, well, it’s a rom-com, so duh.

It’s a sweet movie, and I love the different vibes of the two settings. One is all snowy and quaint, while the other’s this sunny escape.

It’s perfect if you’re in the mood for something easygoing and heartwarming.

7. A Christmas Carol (1999)

Director: David Hugh Jones

You can’t go wrong with A Christmas Carol, and there are so many versions, but I really like the 1999 one with Patrick Stewart. Ebenezer Scrooge being all grumpy and then getting shown his past, present, and future by some ghosts? Classic.

It’s a good reminder that the holidays are about more than just gifts and decorations—it’s about kindness and being there for others. Plus, watching Scrooge go from mean old man to generous and kind-hearted is pretty uplifting.

Definitely a must-watch if you want a more traditional holiday movie.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Director: Henry Selick

If you’re into something a little different, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a great pick. It’s part Halloween, part Christmas, and all Tim Burton. The animation is awesome, and the songs are so catchy.

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, decides he’s tired of Halloween and wants to take over Christmas instead. Things obviously go a little crazy, but it’s such a unique holiday movie.

Perfect if you’re not in the mood for the typical Christmas fare but still want something festive.

9. The Santa Clause (1994)

Director: John Pasquin

The Santa Clause is one of those movies I watched a ton growing up, and it still holds up. Tim Allen plays a guy who accidentally becomes Santa Claus after the original one falls off his roof (whoops). It’s funny, but also has a lot of heart.

Watching him go from skeptical to fully embracing the Santa role is super fun, and it’s just a really feel-good movie. Plus, it’s a great family movie that’s entertaining for both kids and adults, so definitely one to throw on if you want some lighthearted holiday cheer.

10. New Year’s Eve (2011)

Director: Garry Marshall

Lastly, New Year’s Eve. Technically not a Christmas movie, but it’s about the holiday season, so I’m including it! It’s set in New York on New Year’s Eve and follows a bunch of different people as they navigate their lives, relationships, and resolutions.

It’s light, fun, and has a huge ensemble cast (Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Zac Efron—you name it). I like watching this one as the year wraps up because it’s got that fresh-start energy, and who doesn’t love that?

Perfect for watching when you’re ready to leave the chaos of Christmas behind and start thinking about the new year.

Conclusion

So, those are my top holiday movie picks! Whether you’re into classics, comedies, or a bit of romance, there’s something here for everyone.

I hope these movies bring you some joy and help you get into the holiday spirit like they do for me. Grab some snacks, get comfy, and enjoy a little movie marathon. Happy holidays!