Hollywood Stars & Directors Share Their Ultimate Holiday Movie Picks

It’s that time of year when everyone loves to watch their favorite holiday movies – and that includes the people who make those films! For our ScreenRant Christmas celebration, we asked actors and directors about their picks, and the answers were all over the map, from beloved classics like It’s A Wonderful Life to surprising choices like Die Hard.

Deciding on the ‘best’ Christmas movies always sparks debate! But often, our personal favorites aren’t about objective quality – they’re the films we feel connected to through happy memories and traditions. Here’s a look at which holiday movies Hollywood actors and directors love the most, even if you don’t agree with their picks.

Brendan Fraser

In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan about his new film, Rental Family, Brendan Fraser shared that his all-time favorite holiday movie is the 1983 classic A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark and based on the work of Jean Shepherd.

Brendan Fraser says he’ll always watch ‘A Christmas Story.’ He especially loves the scene with the Red Ryder BB gun and the warning, ‘You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!’

Kate Winslet

Liam Crowley from ScreenRant interviewed Kate Winslet about her first time directing the film Goodbye June. During the conversation, he asked the Holiday star what her favorite holiday movie was. Winslet revealed it’s the 1982 British TV film The Snowman.

Kate Winslet is talking about a British film called The Snowman. It’s unique because it’s not traditional animation, but beautifully illustrated images brought to life. The film is mostly silent, except for a lovely song that plays when a boy flies with the snowman he built. It’s a heartwarming classic many families enjoy watching each year, and it’s quite short – only around 35 minutes long.

Macaulay Culkin

While promoting the new season of Fallout on Prime Video, ScreenRant’s Ash Crossan chatted with Macaulay Culkin about his famous 1990 movie, Home Alone.

It’s late November, which means it’s that time of year when everyone starts asking about the movie Home Alone.

People still talk to me about ‘Home Alone’ all the time, which is funny, but it really spikes around Christmas. I get a lot of attention during the last three months of the year, for whatever reason.

ScreenRant: I’m sure you’re well aware it’s the 35th anniversary.

Macaulay Culkin: Yes, yes. I have been alive for 45 of those 35 years.

Okay, so everyone’s been wondering what happened to Kevin McCallister after ‘Home Alone,’ right? I’ve been thinking about it, and it’s fun to imagine what his life turned into as an adult. Seriously, what do you think became of him?

I think people underestimate Kevin McCallister. Sure, he’s famous for home security, but he’s way smarter than that. He’s more like an FBI or CIA agent – incredibly resourceful. Or, honestly, he could have just become a quiet kindergarten teacher, someone who got all the excitement he needed as a kid and then wanted a peaceful life, maybe writing novels somewhere calm. People keep suggesting he’d be like Jigsaw from the Saw movies, and you know what? I can see that too. It actually makes sense when you think about it.

Robert Patrick

In a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Grant Hermanns about his show Tulsa King, which finished its third season on Paramount+ in November, Robert Patrick shared some of his favorite holiday movies – including the ones he enjoyed watching with his children and those he loved as a kid.

You famously starred in Die Hard 2, which some consider a Christmas classic. But what movies does your family enjoy watching during the holidays?

You know, when it comes to Christmas movies, I’m a bit of a traditionalist. We always enjoyed It’s a Wonderful Life. But honestly, if my kids were home – they’re all grown now, but sometimes they visit – we’d definitely be watching National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. It’s just hilarious! And I can’t forget all the animated classics. As a kid, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was a huge deal for me, and it’s always fun to revisit that and get a little nostalgic.

Lucy Liu

I recently read a ScreenRant interview with Lucy Liu where she talked about her new film, Rosemead, and it was so interesting! They got onto the topic of favorite holiday movies, and she shared that she actually prefers classics like The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz over traditional Christmas films. It’s funny because her son and his friends are really into her new Christmas movie, Red One, which came out in 2024! It’s sweet that they have such different tastes, but she’s clearly a hit with the younger generation when it comes to holiday cheer.

So, wrapping things up with a bit of holiday cheer, I had to ask: does your family have that movie? You know, the one you absolutely have to watch every year? It’s a tradition for a lot of us, and I was curious if there was a go-to film for your family during the holidays.

I’ve been enjoying some newer movies with my son lately, but growing up, ‘The Sound of Music’ was always on TV around December. ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was another one I remember watching a lot back then.

While these aren’t strictly holiday films, I associate them with the season. My son especially loves ‘Home Alone’ and ‘Wonka’ – we both do! He and his friends also really enjoyed ‘Red One,’ which came out last year. It was the first time he’d seen me in a live-action movie, and it might be the only one for a while.

I remember when my son first saw it – he was only nine, and a few of the monsters genuinely frightened him! But after that, he was completely hooked. It’s funny, I’d almost forgotten how much he loved it, life moves so fast and you’re always onto the next thing. But then other parents would mention at school pick-up that their kids had just re-watched it, and it reminded me just how special it is. It was my first proper Christmas movie, and honestly, I think it’ll always hold a place in my heart.

Todd Gilchrist: Sure, sure.

I don’t usually promote my own films, but there’s one I’ll always cherish. It was special because my son connected with me in it – not just my voice in an animated role like Tinkerbell or Kung Fu Panda. He was seeing me as a real, physical person on screen, and that was really fun. It was nice for him to finally understand what I actually do for work, instead of just hearing that I’m going to work.

Jon Bernthal

Image via Netflix

While publicizing his new Netflix show, His & Hers, set to debut on January 8, 2026, ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley asked Jon Bernthal about his favorite holiday film. Bernthal immediately mentioned the 1983 movie Trading Places, starring Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy, and then shared his preferred adaptation of Scrooge.

Jon Bernthal enjoys Christmas movies, especially ‘Scrooge.’ He thinks ‘Trading Places’ is good too, but ‘Scrooge’ really stands out as a classic.

Tessa Thompson

Courtesy of Netflix

Liam Crowley from ScreenRant also asked Tessa Thompson, who starred with Jon Bernthal in His & Hers, about her favorite holiday movie, and she answered immediately with a short response.

Tessa Thompson: Die Hard!

Rian Johnson

While discussing his new Benoit Blanc mystery, Wake Up Dead Man, and what he considers the best murder mystery film ever made, director Rian Johnson told ScreenRant‘s Todd Gilchrist that A Christmas Story is his favorite movie to watch during the holidays.

I have really fond childhood memories of seeing ‘A Christmas Story’ with my dad in the cinema – I even asked for a BB gun that Christmas! While ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ is the usual classic choice, I’d pick ‘A Christmas Story’ as my favorite.

Michael Showalter

While discussing his new Christmas film, Oh. What. Fun., director Michael Showalter told ScreenRant that his all-time favorite holiday movies are the classics It’s A Wonderful Life and A Christmas Story.

ScreenRant asked if I had any favorite Christmas movies – ones I watch annually or that influenced my own idea for a Christmas film.

Like most people, I’ve always been a fan of It’s a Wonderful Life – I’ve watched it countless times. But I also really enjoy A Christmas Story; it feels so genuine, funny, and brings back a lot of memories. Scrooged is another favorite, especially with Bill Murray, and I think Die Hard is a fantastic Christmas movie too!

They’re all really good – like comforting background music. There’s a sense of familiarity with them, similar to how we feel about the holidays and their traditions.

Roger Kumble

In a recent interview with Liam Crowley of ScreenRant celebrating the 20th anniversary of Just Friends, director Roger Kumble revealed that his all-time favorite holiday movie is the 1970 version of Scrooge.

When I think about memorable childhood experiences, the musical version of ‘A Christmas Carol,’ simply called ‘Scrooge,’ immediately comes to mind. The songs by Anthony Newley were fantastic, and Albert Finney’s performance as Scrooge was really impressive. I still love the song ‘Thank You Very Much’! And the portrayal of Marley was genuinely frightening, which definitely made an impact on me as a kid. So, yeah, I’d say ‘Scrooge’ is the one that sticks with me the most.

Tom Felton & Jim O’Hanlon

During a recent interview with ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender about their new comedy, Fackham Hall, Tom Felton and Jim O’Hanlon shared their favorite holiday movies. Felton picked Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, the follow-up to the classic Christmas film. O’Hanlon chose a less traditional pick, The Wizard of Oz, and also highlighted the two holiday movies he directed: Your Christmas or Mine? and Your Christmas Or Mine 2.

While ‘Fackham Hall’ isn’t specifically a Christmas movie, it’s releasing around the holidays, and Jim has made some holiday films before. So, what’s everyone’s favorite holiday movie to watch?

Tom Felton: Fackham Hall!

Jim O’Hanlon: From now on, it’ll be Fackham Hall. We’ve got a bit of snow in it.

My kids find it funny, but The Wizard of Oz is my all-time favorite movie. Growing up in Ireland, we only had two TV channels, and it was a Christmas tradition to watch The Wizard of Oz every year. I’ve continued that tradition, watching it alone every year since then.

Tom Felton jokingly pictured Jim Dale relaxing with a drink while watching ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ and suggested they watch it together this year.

It reminds me of Home Alone 2! We’re currently in New York, and I heard it might snow today. A white Christmas would be wonderful, but there are so many Christmas movies!

I’d like to mention that I directed both ‘Your Christmas or Mine?’ and its sequel. I seem to have a knack for holiday stories – I even wrote a play called ‘The Buddhist of Castleknock’ that takes place during Christmas in Dublin. You could say I’m a bit of a Christmas person!

Tom Blyth & Emily Bader

Tom Blyth and Emily Bader, stars of the upcoming Netflix romantic comedy People We Meet On Vacation (premiering January 9, 2026), recently told ScreenRant’s Tatiana Hullender that their favorite holiday movies are The Polar Express and Christmas with the Kranks, respectively.

I’m a huge fan of Christmas and all kinds of holiday movies! My sister and I are completely obsessed with ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ – it’s a Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis film, and she’s amazing in it. We watch it all the time!

Tom Blyth: My holiday movie, specifically, is The Polar Express.

Emily Bader: That uncanny valley one?

Tom Blyth described the film as strange and unsettling, but in a good way! He was particularly impressed by Tom Hanks’ performance, noting that Hanks seems to play every character. Blyth loved this aspect and hopes to see more films where Hanks takes on multiple roles, finding the experience both creepy and comforting at the same time.

Jason Fuchs

Credit: Faye’s Vision/Cover Images

Jason Fuchs, co-creator and co-showrunner of IT: Welcome to Derry, shared with ScreenRant that some of his favorite holiday movies are Home Alone 2, The Holiday, and While You Were Sleeping.

That’s a great question! I don’t really have one favorite holiday movie, but a few I watch every year. I love cozy holiday films, and I usually rewatch ‘Home Alone 2,’ ‘The Holiday’ (from 2006), and ‘While You Were Sleeping.’ That last one isn’t always thought of as a holiday movie, but it definitely is! It’s a classic, charming romantic comedy from the early ’90s, directed by John Turtletaub and starring Bill Pullman, Sandra Bullock, and Peter Gallagher. Those three are always in my rotation.

I also think The Nightmare Before Christmas fits in there, but I typically watch it around Halloween. I try to save it until Christmas if I can, but it really feels like a movie for both holidays.

Choosing a favorite Christmas horror movie is hard, but I’m a big fan of Krampus. It’s a surprisingly good film that perfectly mixes the cozy feeling of Christmas Eve with dark mythology and some really striking, intense visuals.

Rohan Campbell, Ruby Modine & Mike P. Nelson

Grant Hermanns from ScreenRant asked the cast and director of the upcoming film Silent Night, Deadly Night about their favorite holiday movies. Rohan Campbell, one of the stars, picked the classic 1966 cartoon How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. His co-star, Ruby Modine, enjoys Home Alone and The Nightmare Before Christmas, while director Mike P. Nelson named both Home Alone films and Elf as his favorites.

Rohan Campbell: Are we discussing holiday movies? I have a lot of favorites! I’ll start with the classic animated version of ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’ It always makes me feel good, so that’s my pick for a holiday movie.

Rudy Modine considers Home Alone a classic film, and he frequently watches The Nightmare Before Christmas.

My son and I both absolutely love the movie Home Alone. I was completely obsessed with it when I was younger, and now he is too! We could watch Home Alone and Home Alone 2 endlessly. I definitely agree that Home Alone is a classic.

You know, one Christmas movie I absolutely adore is Elf. I clearly misjudged it when it first came out! I remember thinking the trailers were just…well, typical cheesy holiday fare, and I wasn’t interested. But then I actually watched it, and I was completely blown away. Seriously, it instantly became a contender for my all-time favorite Christmas movie. I feel terrible I almost skipped it! It’s just fantastic, truly.

Kent Seki & Jeff Rowe

I recently read an interview with the team behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Chrome Alone 2 – Lost in New Jersey where they were asked about their favorite holiday movies. The director, Kent Seki, said he’s a big fan of Home Alone, which is totally understandable – it’s a classic! And the producer, Jeff Rowe, went with Elf, which I also love. Such great choices from both of them!

I admit I’m a little embarrassed to bring it up since I worked on it, but I still adore the movie Elf. I watch it every year – it’s a truly charming and wonderful holiday film. What I love most is how genuinely optimistic and heartwarming it is, especially during the holidays when it’s easy to become cynical. That film really captures that spirit, and I think Jon Favreau did an incredible job directing it. He was also a huge influence on me, always taking the time to explain his creative process, and he was incredibly generous with his knowledge. Seeing his continued success makes me really happy, especially since I had the chance to work with him.

I’d say ‘The Present’ is very much in the spirit of ‘Home Alone’ – it’s a perfect movie that just gets everything right, both the humor and the heart. It creates a really lovely world and is brilliantly made; it’s always been one of my favorites.

2025-12-19 16:12