7 Nostalgic Christmas Movies To Watch This Year, Ranked

The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better way to capture that festive spirit than curling up with a timeless Christmas movie. From heartwarming classics that have delighted generations to modern comedies that put fresh spins on cherished traditions, the best Christmas films have a magical way of bringing out the kid in all of us. Whether you’re in the mood for Jimmy Stewart running through the snowy streets of Bedford Falls, Will Ferrell discovering the joys of syrup-covered spaghetti, or the warm glow of a questionably safe leg lamp, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas movies that deserve a spot in your annual tradition. So grab your hot cocoa, wrap yourself in your coziest blanket, and settle in for our picks of the films that perfectly capture the wonder, chaos, humor, and heart of the Christmas season – because let’s face it, some stories just get better with each December viewing.

5 Best Christmas Movies, According to Fans

1. “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)

“It’s A Wonderful Life” is a heartwarming and timeless holiday film that captures the essence of the human spirit and the power of community. Directed by Frank Capra and released in 1946, the film has become a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.

As Vulture reminds us, Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of George Bailey, the reluctant hero of Bedford Falls, isn’t just another feel-good holiday tale. It’s a profound exploration of how one person’s everyday kindness can ripple through an entire community, even when they can’t see it themselves. The story hits its emotional peak when George, facing a bleak Christmas and contemplating the unthinkable, gets an unexpected intervention from Clarence, his somewhat bumbling but earnest guardian angel.

While placing this film at number one might seem predictable, Entertainment Weekly insists that Capra’s masterpiece has earned its crown for good reason. This isn’t just sugary holiday fluff – it’s a beautifully crafted film that manages to be simultaneously funny, touching, and deeply meaningful. Stewart’s performance as George Bailey continues to resonate, making this more than just a seasonal tradition; it’s a powerful reminder that the true spirit of Christmas goes far beyond gift-giving.

The film’s deeper layers are what make it truly special. According to Indie Wire, the movie is based on Philip Van Doren Stern’s “The Greatest Gift,” and it bravely tackles the darker emotions that can surface during the holiday season – something many modern Christmas films shy away from. Through Clarence’s divine intervention, the story offers a timeless message of hope that speaks to anyone struggling with life’s challenges, not just during the holidays but all year round. It’s this combination of darkness and light that has helped this black-and-white classic maintain its emotional punch decades after its release.

2. “A Christmas Story” (1983)

“A Christmas Story” is the epitome of nostalgia for some. It takes viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of one boy’s quest for the perfect Christmas gift. Directed by Bob Clark and released in 1983, this beloved holiday classic has become a staple in many households, capturing the essence of the holiday season with its humor, warmth, and relatable characters.

This movie has become such a holiday staple that it’s hard to believe it was once considered a quirky outlier in the Christmas movie canon. As Time Out points out, this delightfully weird film spent decades as a cult favorite before becoming the marathon-worthy classic we know today. Like your family’s most cherished holiday memories, it’s a bit odd, completely unpredictable, and somehow perfect in its imperfection.

Entertainment Weekly can’t help but champion the film’s memorable moments, particularly that infamous triple-dog-dare flagpole scene that’s become part of pop culture history. And while some might debate its placement just shy of the top spot, there’s no denying that Ralphie’s quest for his dream Christmas gift – that legendary Red Ryder air rifle – has captured hearts across generations.

The magic lies in director Bob Clark’s deft handling of Jean Shepherd’s nostalgic tales. Set in the fictional town of Hohman (really Hammond, Indiana), the film strikes that perfect balance between warmth and wit, wrapping its sentiment in layers of broad comedy and occasionally dark humor. It’s this careful blend that transforms Ralphie’s childhood memories into something universal – whether you grew up in mid-century Indiana or not, there’s something about this story that feels like home (Vulture).

3. “Elf” (2003)

“Elf” is arguably one of the funniest holiday movies that has become a modern classic. With its charming storyline, memorable characters, and festive setting, “Elf” has captured the hearts of audiences around the world.

“Elf” has definitely earned its spot at the top of the nice list. As Entertainment Weekly points out, while the 21st century is still relatively young, Will Ferrell’s portrayal of the world’s most enthusiastic elf has already secured its place as the best holiday film of the new millennium – and it’s the rare Christmas movie that can survive (and delight through) multiple back-to-back viewings.

Here’s what makes this fish-out-of-water tale so special: while Ferrell’s childlike persona delivers the laughs, it’s the film’s genuine heart that makes it soar. In an era where holiday movies often feel mass-produced with artificial sweetness, “Elf” manages to capture authentic Christmas spirit while keeping you laughing throughout (Time Out).

The magic comes from a perfect storm of talent. According to AV Club, pre-Marvel Jon Favreau’s direction, Ferrell at his comedic peak, and the late James Caan as the ultimate Christmas grouch come together to create something truly special. Following Buddy’s journey from the North Pole to the concrete jungle of New York City, complete with stops at iconic locations like Fifth Avenue, the film delivers a perfect blend of hilarity and heart that makes it endlessly rewatchable. Who knew watching someone get so excited about elevator buttons could be so entertaining?

4. “Miracle On 34th Street” (1947)

“Miracle On 34th Street” is another Christmas classic that has captured the hearts of audiences for decades. Directed by George Seaton, this beloved film was first released in 1947 and has since become a staple of holiday movie marathons. This Christmas movie is so magical it may even make adults question their skepticism about Santa. As AV Club points out, the film’s genius lies in its ability to transport viewers back to that childlike state of wonder, all while spinning a tale about a man claiming to be the real Kris Kringle who ends up fighting to prove his identity in court. It’s the kind of story that has you secretly hoping he really is Santa, no matter how grown up you think you are.

1947 must have been sprinkled with some serious Christmas magic. According to Vulture, this film was released in the same year as other holiday classics like “The Bishop’s Wife” and “It Happened on Fifth Avenue.” A young Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara star in this classic following a delightful mix of fantasy, romance, legal drama, and a gentle critique of holiday commercialism when Macy’s hires a new Santa who might just be the real deal.

Why does this film stand the test of time? Paste Magazine says it sits alongside “It’s a Wonderful Life” in the battle for the greatest Christmas movie ever. While both films tug at the heartstrings, “Miracle” takes a more grounded approach, tackling the reality of holiday stress and consumerism in bustling post-war New York City. It’s this blend of magic and practicality that makes the film so compelling – it acknowledges the commercial chaos of Christmas while still managing to make us believe in something more wonderful.

5. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965)

“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” for some, has been a must to watch around the holidays since its release in 1965. Directed by Bill Melendez and based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, this animated television special has become a symbol of the true meaning of Christmas.

When it comes to Christmas classics, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” hits different. As AV Club notes, this beloved animated special doesn’t shy away from some surprisingly mature themes, watching our favorite round-headed kid wrestle with holiday commercialism while searching for the true meaning of Christmas. It’s the kind of depth you might not expect from a children’s special, but that’s exactly what makes it timeless.

There’s something incredibly comforting about this special that just wraps around you like a warm blanket. Entertainment Weekly loves everything from those iconic herky-jerky dance moves to Charlie Brown’s dedication to that sad little Christmas tree. Every moment has become part of our collective holiday DNA. It totally makes you root for the underdog – whether it’s Charlie Brown himself or the scraggly tree that just needs a little love.

The magic lies in the details. Paste Magazine says that this 25-minute special combines Schulz’s charmingly downbeat humor with unforgettable elements like the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s jazz score – music that’s become as synonymous with Peanuts as Snoopy himself. Even the slightly rough animation and occasionally wobbly voice acting from real kids add to its authentic charm. It’s these “imperfections” that make it feel more real, more relatable, and ultimately more perfect.

6. “Home Alone” (1990)

Released in 1990, “Home Alone” is a beloved Christmas comedy film directed by Chris Columbus. Featuring a star-studded cast of Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, and even a bit of the late John Candy, this classic has stood the test of time as a holiday must-watch.

This tale of eight-year-old Kevin McCallister’s accidental holiday staycation has earned its place in the holiday hall of fame. What starts as a kid’s ultimate fantasy – having the house all to himself – turns into a slapstick adventure when two bumbling burglars decide to crash his solo Christmas party.

Thrillist credits a major portion of the film’s magic to John Hughes’ masterful touch. Every quirky detail, from Buzz’s pet tarantula to that iconic fake gangster movie “Angels with Filthy Souls,” feels perfectly placed. Macaulay Culkin brings a Tom Hanks-like charm to young Kevin, creating a character whose mischievous grin gradually softens as he realizes that maybe being completely alone isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

But like most holiday flicks, there’s more going on beneath the surface here. Paste Magazine digs into how the film cleverly balances its darker themes – home invasion and family separation – with the universal childhood fantasy of being able to escape parental supervision. Through carefully crafted shots that put viewers in Kevin’s shoes, we experience both the thrill and vulnerability of being small in a big world. It’s this combination of wish fulfillment and relatable childhood powerlessness that has helped “Home Alone” maintain its special place in our hearts, critics’ opinions notwithstanding.

7. “Bad Santa” (2003)

“Bad Santa” is a dark comedy film that takes a hilariously twisted approach to the holiday season. Directed by Terry Zwigoff and released in 2003, this unconventional Christmas movie quickly became a cult classic for its unconventional humor and protagonist.

Looking for a Christmas movie that’s definitely not for the kids’ table? “Bad Santa” is the delightfully dark antidote to saccharine holiday fare. As Entertainment Weekly puts it, Billy Bob Thornton’s portrayal of a booze-soaked department store Santa running a yuletide con job with his “elf” partner (Tony Cox) is the perfect after-hours holiday entertainment – just make sure the little ones are nestled all snug in their beds first.

While the film’s premise might seem one-note – essentially “Santa behaves badly” – Time Out says that Thornton’s performance elevates it far beyond that simple setup. Through his unlikely friendship with a socially awkward kid cursed with the name Thurman Merman, the film finds surprising moments of genuine Christmas spirit amid all the cynicism.

What makes “Bad Santa” truly special, according to Vulture, is how it manages to pull off an impressive balancing act. While it seems determined to be the anti-Christmas movie, it somehow circles back to become a legitimately heartwarming tale of redemption. Thornton’s perpetually intoxicated Willie Soke stumbles into forming an unconventional family with a misfit kid and a Santa-loving bartender (Lauren Graham), while stellar supporting performances from Bernie Mac and John Ritter help director Terry Zwigoff maintain that delicate balance between dark humor and genuine humanity – even if that humanity is often viewed through the bottom of a whiskey bottle.

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