Christmas movies are a holiday tradition for a reason. They’re easy to watch, instantly set the mood, and work for almost any kind of evening — from family nights to relaxed moments on the couch.
Instead of one long ranking, this guide breaks Christmas movies down by type, so you can quickly choose what fits your mood.
Classic Christmas movies
These are the films people return to year after year. They focus on tradition, family, and simple holiday themes.
Popular classics that consistently rank high on lists from IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes include:
It’s a Wonderful Life
Miracle on 34th Street
A Christmas Carol
White Christmas
Best for: traditional holiday nights and mixed-age audiences.
Christmas comedies
If you want something lighter and funnier, Christmas comedies are usually the safest choice. They’re fast-paced, familiar, and easy to enjoy without full focus.
Well-known favorites include:
Home Alone
Elf
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
The Holiday
Best for: friends, casual gatherings, or relaxed evenings.
Christmas movies on Netflix
Netflix is one of the easiest places to find Christmas movies without much planning. Their overview of Christmas movies on Netflix helps you see what’s currently available.
A simple approach:
one classic
one newer Netflix holiday movie
Best for: quick decisions and low-effort watching.
Hallmark Christmas movies
Hallmark Christmas movies follow a familiar formula: small towns, romance, and predictable happy endings. That’s exactly why they remain popular every year.
For upcoming releases and schedules, Hallmark’s official Countdown to Christmas guide is the most reliable source.
Best for: cozy background viewing and comfort watching.
Christmas movies for kids
When kids are involved, shorter runtimes and clear stories matter more than rankings. Animated and family-focused movies usually work best.
Helpful roundups like this list of Christmas movies for kids make choosing easier.
Best for: family nights and daytime viewing.
Christmas horror movies
For viewers who want something different, Christmas horror movies use the holiday setting as contrast. They’re not for everyone, but they’re surprisingly popular for late-night watches.
Best for: horror fans and viewers who’ve already seen all the classics.
How to choose fast
If you only have a minute to decide, ask one question:
What kind of night is this?
cozy and calm: classic or Hallmark
laughs: comedy
kids present: family or animated
something new: streaming originals
something different: holiday horror
Christmas movie nights often go hand in hand with gift exchanges or family gatherings. If you’re still looking for ideas, this guide to the best Christmas presents to give fits naturally into holiday planning alongside your watchlist.
Common questions about Christmas movies
What is the number one Christmas movie?
There’s no single answer. Rankings depend on criteria like reviews, popularity, or nostalgia. Titles like It’s a Wonderful Life and Home Alone frequently appear at the top of major lists such as IMDb.
What are the best Christmas movies to watch?
The best choice depends on mood. Classics for tradition, comedies for laughs, family movies for kids, and streaming originals for something new.
What is the most popular Christmas movie?
Popularity usually comes from repeat viewing and cultural impact. Movies like Home Alone and Elf consistently rank high on lists from outlets such as Rotten Tomatoes.
Why Christmas movies work every year
Christmas movies are predictable in a good way. They’re tied to routines, easy to revisit, and fit almost any holiday moment. Choosing based on mood rather than “the best of all time” usually leads to a better watch.
