Essential Christmas Movies

There is an unlimited amount of holiday films and specials out there. Hallmark’s content alone can be overwhelming. From black and white classics to brand new releases, there’s always something new to add to the watchlist. I try to view at least two or three that I’ve never seen before every December. Last year it was Elf. Yep. I had not seen the Will Ferrell holiday classic in its entirety before 2023. Crazy! I loved it, by the way. Today, however, I wanted to share the films that I can absolutely not go without. Year in and year out, these are the ones that make the movies that make it feel like the holidays for me.

10. Frosty the Snowman (1969)

I do have one gripe about Frosty and it’s the reason it’s at the bottom of the list. That is the repetitiveness of the one and only song. During the special’s brief 25-minute runtime, they replay the titular song at least 5 times.

9. Home Alone (1990)

The newest addition to my essential list, I did not grow up with Home Alone. I was not expecting to like it as much going in as an adult, but was definitely surprised. It was funny and charming.

8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

The on-going argument on whether this is a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie is silly. You watch it twice. You watch it in October and again in December.

7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970)

I’m hard pressed to think of a person younger than 60 who has seen this movie. It’s a cute twist on Santa’s origin story.

6. Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Santa is super mean to baby Rudolph and it’s shocking. Songs like “There’s Always Tomorrow” and “Silver and Gold” are underrated.

5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Up until 2 days ago, this was the only version of the Grinch I had seen. And it will continue to be the only one I need.

4. The Santa Clause (1994)

Not much needs to be said about this one. It’s a classic.

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

I am proud to say I can recite this entire special word-for-word. The soundtrack is also essential holiday listening.

2. White Christmas (1954)

This is another one I know all the words — songs and dialog! The movie is an acquired taste, I wouldn’t recommend it to everyone. But it’s also a witty, quippy film with lots of dancing.

1. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

While a 1946 black and white melodrama might seem irrelevant 78 years later, I promise you this movie holds up and you will shed a tear.