It’s the most wonderful time of year when it comes to uplifting, carefree holiday flicks that’ll truly let you forget your worries for a couple of hours. We’re here with a comprehensive list of recommendations including classics both new and old to get you into the Christmas spirit…whether you celebrate or not!
See below for holiday movies for every type of movie lover.
Elf
Is there any movie as wholesome as Elf? Probably the most recent film that can truly be called a Christmas classic, Elf is for the ultimate do-gooder. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the Elf, a human who is raised in Santa’s village by Santa and the other elves, who realizes that he isn’t one of them and then embarks to New York City to find his real father. Ferrell’s pure innocence in this movie provides the sweetest kind of comedy, and there’s a reason why many families watch Elf on repeat every winter season.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
If anyone can cheer up a Scrooge, it’s the Muppets. In this 1992 classic, the Scrooge in question is played by Michael Caine – and it’s a musical delight featuring the adorable singing of Kermit and his friends that will bring a ray of sunshine to anyone who watches. There’s been many versions of “A Christmas Carol” but arguably, The Muppets did it best.
The Night Before
All you had to say was starring Seth Rogen for us to instantly need this holiday themed comedy – which features Rogen alongside Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie as three best friends getting into trouble on Christmas Eve. Finding a wild party on December 24th was a lifelong tradition for these three childhood friends, and now that their lives are taking them in different directions, this night will be the last, and craziest Christmas Eve of their lives. It’s the perfect opposite to your more family friendly, traditional Christmas movie.
Office Christmas Party
If you ever thought about partying with your coworkers, think again. Office Christmas Party features an all-star comedy cast including Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Vanessa Bayer and more as office colleagues whose Christmas party goes off the rails. It’s a night of debauchery and office faux pas that’ll make your own office parties look incredibly tame in comparison, and that’s probably a very good thing.
These films are for those who enjoy a more unconventional kind of holiday movie.
Die Hard
It’s pretty wild that anyone would ever contest whether Die Hard was a Christmas movie or not, when it so clearly is. This Bruce Willis classic is set during another office Christmas party, but gone wrong in a totally different way. Willis plays cop John McClane who must save his wife after she and everyone in her building get taken hostage by robbers attempting a heist, led by Hans Gruber (an iconic performance by the late Alan Rickman). If you ask us, Die Hard is one of the best Christmas stories there is.
Eyes Wide Shut
Another non-traditional (and extremely non family-friendly) film set at Christmastime, Eyes Wide Shut is for the bold, sexy and daring – the type of movie lover who wants to be somewhat festive, but not in any way uplifted. Stanley Kubrick’s controversial masterpiece stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time the movie was made, as a couple going through a psychosexual rift in their relationship. Lit by Christmas lights and soaked in mystery, Eyes Wide Shut is a different kind of classic, and one that is definitely appropriate to watch during the holidays.
These are films for those that believe that the magic of Christmas lives inside a movie theatre.
It’s a Wonderful Life
When it comes to beloved holiday films, it doesn’t get much more classic than It’s a Wonderful Life. The 1946 film stars James Stewart as a man ready to end his life only to be visited by an angel (Henry Travers) on Christmas Eve who shows him what life would really be like without him. The heartfelt story is considered one of the greatest movies of all time and still inspires us even after all this time.
Don’t miss your chance to relive this magical tale back on the big screen beginning December 20th. Get tickets here!
These are Christmas films for the hopeless romantic, whether or not you have a beau this Christmas.
Love, Actually
It’s been almost 20 years since Love, Actually first hit the big screen and we’re still not tired of seeing Hugh Grant shaking his hips and strutting down the stairs to Jump (For My Love) — even though the actor himself recently revealed he hated doing the scene calling it “the most excruciating scene ever committed to celluloid." Love it or hate it, it’s still an iconic moment, as is Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark showing up at Juliet’s (Keira Knightley) door with cue cards proclaiming “To me, you are perfect.” The intertwined stories of love also feature standout performances by the likes of Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and Bill Nighy. No matter how many times we watch this, this movie still gives us all the feels and reminds us love is actually all around.
Based loosely on director Clea DuVall’s own experiences, Happiest Season made history in 2020 by being the first LGBTQ+ big budget Hollywood holiday movie. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Abby, who gets invited to her girlfriend Harper’s (Mackenzie Davis) hometown to spend Christmas with her family. Abby plans to propose but the only problem is Harper hasn’t told her conservative parents she is a lesbian and Abby is her girlfriend. Despite the central conflict, the film also features plenty of hilarious scenes and a standout performance from Canada’s own Dan Levy.
These are family-friendly films that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
The Polar Express
Based on the beloved Christmas book, this big screen adaptation was ground-breaking in that it was the first film with every performance completely animated using motion capture technology. Frequent collaborators, the film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Tom Hanks, and tells the story of a young boy taking a magical journey to the North Pole on the train, The Polar Express. It’s a film that evokes wonder and nostalgia and that is sure to warm hearts.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
There have been many versions of The Grinch, but arguably none comes close to the live-action adaptation starring Jim Carrey as everyone’s favourite green, furry, curmudgeon. Needless to say, Carrey was absolutely perfect for the role, with his animated face taking on this iconic character. It also gave us memorable performances from Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, and a young Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, and the memorable song “Where Are You, Christmas?”
These films are for those that love to watch those same classic holiday movies year after year.
Miracle on 34th Street
It’s hard to top the original Miracle on 34th Street from 1947, but the 1994 remake by John Hughes comes pretty close in our eyes. Starring Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker, Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford and an adorable Mara Wilson as Susan, the heartwarming Christmas tale reminds us there is magic during the holiday season and maybe we should believe in Santa Claus (played here by Richard Attenborough) after all. Even though Macy’s was replaced with a fictional Cole’s in the adaptation, there are still many iconic New York City landmarks in the film including the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center.
A Christmas Story always shows up on people’s top holiday movie lists this time of year, but the 1983 film has made headlines more recently for a very different reason. The home where the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio has gone up for sale – with no listing price. Currently a museum, the existing owner is looking for the right buyer who will take care of the home. Reports indicate Yano Anaya (who played Grover Dill) and other cast members may be interested in purchasing the iconic house. Our question is would the sale of the home come with the legendary leg lamp? If you haven’t seen this classic movie, now is the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about and find out whether Ralphie gets his coveted Red Ryder BB gun.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
If you’re like us, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you see Clark Griswold setting his house aglow, drinking eggnog from a moose mug or carving a dry turkey. This 1989 film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo quickly became a holiday classic for its comedic look at one man trying to create a perfect old-fashioned Christmas for his family with unexpected visitors and a bad boss getting in the way. Even though the Griswolds’ holiday is far from the glossy, picture-perfect Christmas we see in many movies, the quirky characters and laugh out loud moments make it a must watch of the season.
See below for holiday movies for every type of movie lover.
If you’ve been good this year…
These movies are for those that try to do good not just during the holidays, but all year round.Elf
Is there any movie as wholesome as Elf? Probably the most recent film that can truly be called a Christmas classic, Elf is for the ultimate do-gooder. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy the Elf, a human who is raised in Santa’s village by Santa and the other elves, who realizes that he isn’t one of them and then embarks to New York City to find his real father. Ferrell’s pure innocence in this movie provides the sweetest kind of comedy, and there’s a reason why many families watch Elf on repeat every winter season.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
If anyone can cheer up a Scrooge, it’s the Muppets. In this 1992 classic, the Scrooge in question is played by Michael Caine – and it’s a musical delight featuring the adorable singing of Kermit and his friends that will bring a ray of sunshine to anyone who watches. There’s been many versions of “A Christmas Carol” but arguably, The Muppets did it best.
If you’re feeling naughty…
These films are for those who like their holiday flicks with a side of raunch and hilarity.The Night Before
All you had to say was starring Seth Rogen for us to instantly need this holiday themed comedy – which features Rogen alongside Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie as three best friends getting into trouble on Christmas Eve. Finding a wild party on December 24th was a lifelong tradition for these three childhood friends, and now that their lives are taking them in different directions, this night will be the last, and craziest Christmas Eve of their lives. It’s the perfect opposite to your more family friendly, traditional Christmas movie.
Office Christmas Party
If you ever thought about partying with your coworkers, think again. Office Christmas Party features an all-star comedy cast including Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Vanessa Bayer and more as office colleagues whose Christmas party goes off the rails. It’s a night of debauchery and office faux pas that’ll make your own office parties look incredibly tame in comparison, and that’s probably a very good thing.
If you believe Die Hard is a Christmas movie…
These films are for those who enjoy a more unconventional kind of holiday movie.Die Hard
It’s pretty wild that anyone would ever contest whether Die Hard was a Christmas movie or not, when it so clearly is. This Bruce Willis classic is set during another office Christmas party, but gone wrong in a totally different way. Willis plays cop John McClane who must save his wife after she and everyone in her building get taken hostage by robbers attempting a heist, led by Hans Gruber (an iconic performance by the late Alan Rickman). If you ask us, Die Hard is one of the best Christmas stories there is.
Eyes Wide Shut
Another non-traditional (and extremely non family-friendly) film set at Christmastime, Eyes Wide Shut is for the bold, sexy and daring – the type of movie lover who wants to be somewhat festive, but not in any way uplifted. Stanley Kubrick’s controversial masterpiece stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, who were married at the time the movie was made, as a couple going through a psychosexual rift in their relationship. Lit by Christmas lights and soaked in mystery, Eyes Wide Shut is a different kind of classic, and one that is definitely appropriate to watch during the holidays.
If you want to relive the magic on the big screen…
These are films for those that believe that the magic of Christmas lives inside a movie theatre.It’s a Wonderful Life
When it comes to beloved holiday films, it doesn’t get much more classic than It’s a Wonderful Life. The 1946 film stars James Stewart as a man ready to end his life only to be visited by an angel (Henry Travers) on Christmas Eve who shows him what life would really be like without him. The heartfelt story is considered one of the greatest movies of all time and still inspires us even after all this time.
Don’t miss your chance to relive this magical tale back on the big screen beginning December 20th. Get tickets here!
If you want to fall in love this Christmas…
These are Christmas films for the hopeless romantic, whether or not you have a beau this Christmas.Love, Actually
It’s been almost 20 years since Love, Actually first hit the big screen and we’re still not tired of seeing Hugh Grant shaking his hips and strutting down the stairs to Jump (For My Love) — even though the actor himself recently revealed he hated doing the scene calling it “the most excruciating scene ever committed to celluloid." Love it or hate it, it’s still an iconic moment, as is Andrew Lincoln’s character Mark showing up at Juliet’s (Keira Knightley) door with cue cards proclaiming “To me, you are perfect.” The intertwined stories of love also feature standout performances by the likes of Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and Bill Nighy. No matter how many times we watch this, this movie still gives us all the feels and reminds us love is actually all around.
Based loosely on director Clea DuVall’s own experiences, Happiest Season made history in 2020 by being the first LGBTQ+ big budget Hollywood holiday movie. The film stars Kristen Stewart as Abby, who gets invited to her girlfriend Harper’s (Mackenzie Davis) hometown to spend Christmas with her family. Abby plans to propose but the only problem is Harper hasn’t told her conservative parents she is a lesbian and Abby is her girlfriend. Despite the central conflict, the film also features plenty of hilarious scenes and a standout performance from Canada’s own Dan Levy.
If you’re watching with the kids…
These are family-friendly films that will be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
The Polar Express
Based on the beloved Christmas book, this big screen adaptation was ground-breaking in that it was the first film with every performance completely animated using motion capture technology. Frequent collaborators, the film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and starred Tom Hanks, and tells the story of a young boy taking a magical journey to the North Pole on the train, The Polar Express. It’s a film that evokes wonder and nostalgia and that is sure to warm hearts.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
There have been many versions of The Grinch, but arguably none comes close to the live-action adaptation starring Jim Carrey as everyone’s favourite green, furry, curmudgeon. Needless to say, Carrey was absolutely perfect for the role, with his animated face taking on this iconic character. It also gave us memorable performances from Jeffrey Tambor, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon, and a young Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, and the memorable song “Where Are You, Christmas?”
If you’re feeling nostalgic…
These films are for those that love to watch those same classic holiday movies year after year.Miracle on 34th Street
It’s hard to top the original Miracle on 34th Street from 1947, but the 1994 remake by John Hughes comes pretty close in our eyes. Starring Elizabeth Perkins as Dorey Walker, Dylan McDermott as Bryan Bedford and an adorable Mara Wilson as Susan, the heartwarming Christmas tale reminds us there is magic during the holiday season and maybe we should believe in Santa Claus (played here by Richard Attenborough) after all. Even though Macy’s was replaced with a fictional Cole’s in the adaptation, there are still many iconic New York City landmarks in the film including the iconic tree at Rockefeller Center.
A Christmas Story always shows up on people’s top holiday movie lists this time of year, but the 1983 film has made headlines more recently for a very different reason. The home where the movie was filmed in Cleveland, Ohio has gone up for sale – with no listing price. Currently a museum, the existing owner is looking for the right buyer who will take care of the home. Reports indicate Yano Anaya (who played Grover Dill) and other cast members may be interested in purchasing the iconic house. Our question is would the sale of the home come with the legendary leg lamp? If you haven’t seen this classic movie, now is the perfect time to see what all the fuss is about and find out whether Ralphie gets his coveted Red Ryder BB gun.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
If you’re like us, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until you see Clark Griswold setting his house aglow, drinking eggnog from a moose mug or carving a dry turkey. This 1989 film starring Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo quickly became a holiday classic for its comedic look at one man trying to create a perfect old-fashioned Christmas for his family with unexpected visitors and a bad boss getting in the way. Even though the Griswolds’ holiday is far from the glossy, picture-perfect Christmas we see in many movies, the quirky characters and laugh out loud moments make it a must watch of the season.
