The 7 Best Christmas Movies of All Time (Including New 2024 Films)

As someone who has grown up with a family that cherishes the holiday season, I can confidently say that A Charlie Brown Christmas is, without a doubt, the best Christmas movie of all time. From its humble debut in 1965 to today, this timeless tale has become an integral part of our holiday traditions, and it resonates with people of all ages.

As the festive season is in full flow, it’s now the ideal moment to light up the fireplace and surround your stunning Christmas tree with thoughtful gifts. This also signifies the perfect opportunity to revisit some cherished holiday movies. The preferred Christmas films are a matter that is deeply personal, influenced by those you watched growing up as well as recent favorites. Although 2024’s movies were taken into account (and there are some enchanting ones this year), none made it to the top 7 timeless list. However, we wanted to give a shout-out to 2024’s new holiday productions and other delightful films that didn’t quite make the top 7.

Every year, Hallmark unveils an extensive collection for its Countdown to Christmas, and this season’s lineup boasts some exciting titles like “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story,” “All I Need for Christmas,” and “Following Yonder Star.” Meanwhile, Netflix is also jumping into the holiday spirit with a slew of new movies, such as Lindsey Lohan’s “Our Little Secret,” “Hot Frosty,” and the film starring Chad Michael Murray, titled “The Merry Gentlemen.

If you’re a fan of animated films, Disney+ offers the essential watch “An Almost Christmas Story.” Similarly, you might find Netflix’s production “That Christmas” appealing. Additionally, “The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland,” available on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, features Emilia Clarke as the Queen of Hearts and Gerard Butler as Santa Claus.

Among the numerous excellent films that didn’t rank among the top 7, several worth mentioning include The Holdovers, both versions of The Grinch, Candy Cane Lane, Home Alone, Jingle All The Way, The Holiday, A Christmas Story, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Bishop’s Wife, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Love Actually, Klaus, Scrooged, Spirited, Olaf’s Frozen Adventure, Mickey’s Once Upon A Christmas, and many more. Bluey’s Christmas Swim episode is a must-see as well, though it’s not technically a movie. Now that we’ve covered those, let us delve into the top 7 Christmas movies of all time.

7. The Santa Clause

Each holiday season, without fail, it’s the original Santa Clause film that finds a spot on my screen. Although I do enjoy the sequel as well, nothing quite compares to the charm of the first movie in the series. Tim Allen’s portrayal of the grumbly Scott Calvin is truly captivating, especially when contrasted with his endearing on-screen son Charlie, played by Eric Lloyd – the only one who truly holds onto the hope that his father could become the next Santa Claus.

That father son relationship and the importance of family is what grounds the fun over the top North Pole aspects, including the ever so delightful Bernard (David Krumholtz). The franchise has introduced even more great elements along the way, but the magic in the original is hard to beat.

6. Frosty The Snowman

Talking about magic, it’s undeniable that every moment of the cherished 1969 Christmas special “Frosty the Snowman” showcases a touch of enchantment. Debuted in 1969 by Rankin and Bass, this classic holiday animated tale has since solidified its place as a beloved staple. With the legendary Jimmy Durante providing narration, Frosty’s charisma and holiday spirit continue to captivate us, while the animation remains beautiful even after all these years.

Similar to other favorites on the list, Frosty the Snowman is cherished by audiences of all ages, with many eventually becoming fans of Hocus Pocus too. Even so, characters like Professor Hinkle and their peculiar idiosyncrasies continue to keep longtime fans entertained (ever so busy!). In tribute to Frosty, let’s all shout…Happy Birthday!

5. It’s a Wonderful Life

In another phrase: It’s possible you’re responding in either of two manners. One response could be “Oh, here we go with It’s a Wonderful Life again”, or you might express, “How is this not the top choice”. Both responses make sense, and to both I would respond “Well, yes, it’s excellent” and “It doesn’t fit my usual preference for Christmas films”. Allow me to elaborate.

1946’s It’s a Wonderful Life stands as a timeless classic, undeniably so. This film beautifully portrays a universally relatable tale emphasizing the significance of family, friends, and the profound influence one can have on others’ lives. James Stewart delivers an unforgettable performance as George Bailey, complemented perfectly by Henry Travers’ portrayal of his guardian angel Clarence. The film is truly enchanting (as you may have noticed), but it earns the fifth spot because there are other films on this list that share some holiday magic and cater to a wide age range, making them ideal choices during the holidays.

4. Miracle on 34th Street

The 1947 film “Miracle on 34th Street” serves as an illustration of the concept in question. In the movie, notable performances were delivered by Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood, and John Payne. However, it’s the central theme of whether or not Santa Claus truly exists, and the contrast between those who think it’s plausible and those who don’t, that creates a rich tapestry for both humor and drama.

Other films and series have explored the concept of a real Santa Claus, with only a few individuals acknowledging its truth. Notably, “Santa Clause” delves into this theme, as seen on this list. However, “Miracle on 34th Street” uniquely executes this idea in an authentic manner, showcasing sincerity and optimism openly, which may explain why this timeless classic remains popular even today.

3. Elf

Transitioning towards something contemporary yet timeless, it’s now time for Santa! The 2003 film Elf, directed by Jon Favreau, has evolved into a modern Christmas staple, and a significant factor behind this is Will Ferrell’s heartwarming portrayal of Buddy the Elf. Throughout the story, Buddy openly displays his affection, managing to melt even the coldest of hearts as he embarks on a journey to discover his father and his role in life.

In a unique way, Elf incorporates elements from other beloved holiday stories, yet never allows these influences to overshadow its own strengths. It excels in being heartwarming, humorous, and self-aware, seamlessly blending these qualities into a Christmas narrative that continues to captivate audiences and grow more endearing with time.

2. White Christmas

Among the best three options, it was a close call determining their exact ranking due to minimal differences. This leads us to the timeless 1954 film “White Christmas,” created by Irving Berlin and Michael Curtiz. Few movies embody the idyllic image of Christmas as this one does, and it does so in an unusually self-aware manner.

The movie explores two central ideas: the idealized concept of a perfect Christmas and the true essence of family, often discovered in unexpected places. These themes are beautifully expressed throughout a collection of songs that still resonate today, including Count Your Blessings, What Can You Do With a General, Snow, and the ever-popular White Christmas. A timeless masterpiece indeed.

1. Charlie Brown Christmas

Without a doubt, our top pick is A Charlie Brown Christmas, although it was a tight race among numerous heartwarming animated holiday stories. Since its premiere in 1965, this special has become an inseparable part of the holiday spirit for many, largely due to its central storyline that explores why Charlie Brown feels down during the cheerful season of Christmas.

As a devoted cinephile, I can’t help but marvel at the charming characters in A Charlie Brown Christmas who each celebrate the holidays in their unique ways, often eliciting hearty laughs. Yet, it all culminates in one of those timeless Linus moments, where he beautifully encapsulates the true essence of the holiday season. As Charlie Brown grapples with the commercialized perception of Christmas, the symbol of that pure hope is embodied by a small, lopsided Christmas tree. Regardless of its brief runtime or any attempts to categorize it, A Charlie Brown Christmas remains an evergreen Christmas tale for me, and I firmly believe it stands as the greatest Christmas movie ever made.

2024-12-15 04:40