There’s something magical about holiday movies. They transport us to a world of twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and heartwarming stories that remind us of the joy and wonder of the season. Whether you’re snuggled up with hot cocoa, decorating the tree, or just looking for a dose of festive cheer, holiday movies are the perfect way to celebrate. To help you create the ultimate holiday watchlist, I’ve put together 99 nostalgic films that span decades, genres, and traditions. From classic Christmas tales to quirky comedies and heartwarming animations, these movies are sure to fill your season with joy. Let’s dive in!
Classic Christmas Movies
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
- White Christmas (1954)
- A Christmas Carol (1951)
- Holiday Inn (1942)
- The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
- Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
- A Christmas Story (1983)
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Family-Friendly Favorites
- Home Alone (1990)
- Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
- The Polar Express (2004)
- Elf (2003)
- The Santa Clause (1994)
- The Grinch (2000)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
- Frosty the Snowman (1969)
- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Romantic Holiday Films
- Love Actually (2003)
- The Holiday (2006)
- Serendipity (2001)
- While You Were Sleeping (1995)
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
- The Family Stone (2005)
- Last Christmas (2019)
- Holiday in Handcuffs (2007)
- Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
- The Princess Switch (2018)
Animated Delights
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
- Arthur Christmas (2011)
- Klaus (2019)
- Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
- The Snowman (1982)
- Shrek the Halls (2007)
- Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)
- The Star (2017)
- Annabelle’s Wish (1997)
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970)
Quirky and Fun Picks
- Die Hard (1988)
- Gremlins (1984)
- Trading Places (1983)
- Scrooged (1988)
- Jingle All the Way (1996)
- Deck the Halls (2006)
- Fred Claus (2007)
- Bad Santa (2003)
- Office Christmas Party (2016)
- The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Heartwarming Tales
- Little Women (1994)
- The Family Man (2000)
- The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
- One Magic Christmas (1985)
- The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
- The Christmas Candle (2013)
- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (2008)
- Christmas in Evergreen (2017)
- A Dog Named Christmas (2009)
- The Christmas Card (2006)
Musical Magic
- Holiday Inn (1942)
- White Christmas (1954)
- The Sound of Music (1965)
- Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
- Babes in Toyland (1961)
- Annie (1982)
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
- A Christmas Carol (2009)
- The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
- The Greatest Showman (2017)
International Holiday Films
- Joyeux Noël (2005)
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
- Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
- A Christmas Tale (2008)
- The Snow Queen (2002)
- Three Wishes for Cinderella (1973)
- The Christmas Choir (2008)
- Feliz Navidad (2006)
- The Christmas Martini (2012)
- The House of Lost Christmas (2019)
Hidden Gems
- The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t (1966)
- Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977)
- The Small One (1978)
- The Christmas Gift (1986)
- The Christmas List (1997)
- A Christmas Memory (1997)
- The Christmas Wish (1998)
- A Season for Miracles (1999)
- Christmas Do-Over (2006)
- The Spirit of Christmas (2015)
Modern Classics
- Noelle (2019)
- Let It Snow (2019)
- Holiday Rush (2019)
- The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
- A Christmas Prince (2017)
- The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
- Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
- Happiest Season (2020)
- Single All the Way (2021)
Why These Movies Matter
Holiday movies are more than just entertainment—they’re a way to connect with loved ones, relive cherished memories, and create new traditions. Whether you’re laughing at Buddy the Elf’s antics, crying during It’s a Wonderful Life, or singing along to White Christmas, these films have a way of bringing people together and spreading joy.
Tips for Hosting a Holiday Movie Marathon
- Pick a Theme: Focus on classics, rom-coms, or family-friendly films.
- Create a Cozy Atmosphere: Add blankets, pillows, and twinkling lights.
- Serve Festive Snacks: Think popcorn, cookies, and hot cocoa.
- Invite Friends or Family: Sharing the experience makes it even more special.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you celebrate the holidays, these 99 movies are sure to fill your season with warmth, laughter, and cheer. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering new ones, there’s something magical about curling up with a holiday film. So, grab your coziest blanket, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and let the festive movie marathon begin!
What’s your all-time favorite holiday movie? I’d love to hear which films make your season bright!
