There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit than cozying up with a good holiday movie. From heartwarming classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and a few animated treasures, these 35 holiday movies capture the magic, humor, and joy of the season. Here’s your ultimate holiday watchlist, guaranteed to bring warmth and cheer!

The Best Holiday Movies:

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) This timeless classic follows George Bailey as he learns the true value of life, love, and community with the help of his guardian angel, Clarence.

2. Home Alone (1990) Kevin McCallister’s Christmas adventure is a staple. Watch him outwit two bumbling burglars with hilarious traps in this beloved family film.

3. Elf (2003) Will Ferrell shines as Buddy the Elf, who ventures to New York City to find his real dad. This comedy brings laughter, warmth, and plenty of holiday cheer.

4. A Christmas Story (1983) Follow Ralphie Parker’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun amidst family antics and iconic scenes like the “leg lamp” and the pink bunny suit.

5. The Polar Express (2004) An animated tale that captures the wonder of Christmas Eve through a magical train ride to the North Pole, perfect for kids and nostalgic adults alike.

6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) Clark Griswold’s dream of a perfect family Christmas quickly spirals into chaos. It’s a hilarious take on the holiday stresses we all know.

7. The Holiday (2006) This romantic comedy follows two women who swap homes for Christmas and find romance in unexpected places.

8. Love Actually (2003) This ensemble comedy-drama captures the interconnected lives and loves of various Londoners during the holiday season.

9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) Jim Carrey brings Dr. Seuss’s classic tale to life as the Grinch who learns that Christmas means more than just presents.

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) A heartwarming story about a department store Santa who just might be the real deal, bringing Christmas magic to those who believe.

11. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) The Muppets’ take on Dickens’ tale is both funny and touching, with Michael Caine as Scrooge and Kermit as Bob Cratchit.

12. Die Hard (1988) Yes, it’s an action movie, but this Bruce Willis classic is set on Christmas Eve and has become a holiday favorite for its suspense and thrills.

13. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) This animated classic brings home the true meaning of Christmas with the Peanuts gang in a beautifully simple, heartwarming story.

14. The Santa Clause (1994) Tim Allen stars as an everyday man who becomes Santa Claus, blending humor with holiday magic and lessons about family.

15. White Christmas (1954) Bing Crosby stars in this festive musical, delivering unforgettable songs like “White Christmas” and a dose of holiday nostalgia.

More Holiday Faves

16. Frozen (2013)

17. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

18. Frosty the Snowman (1969)

19. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

20. Arthur Christmas (2011)

21. Jingle All the Way (1996)

22. Scrooged (1988)

23. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

24. Four Christmases (2008)

25. Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

26. Little Women (1994)

27. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

28. Holiday Inn (1942)

29. A Christmas Carol (1951)

30. Noelle (2019)

31. Klaus (2019)

32. Last Christmas (2019)

33. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

34. Office Christmas Party (2016)

35. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

With a mix of humor, nostalgia, romance, and heartfelt moments, these 35 movies will carry you through the season with plenty of festive cheer. So grab your cocoa, snuggle up, and let the holiday movie marathon begin!

Thank you so much for reading all about the best holiday movies! For more posts like this one, check out all my holiday posts here: Holiday Also check me out on Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok & YouTube!

xo, Kerri