Grab a cup of cocoa, a popcorn tin, and a fuzzy blanket and turn on a Christmas film to get you and your family in the Christmas spirit. At a loss at what to choose? Whether you want to laugh, cry or just feel good, there is a Christmas classic just for you. All of the Christmas films on our list are available on DVD, Blu-ray, and to either rent or own through Amazon Prime Video.
The Polar Express
All aboard for fun and magic
This computer-animated film stars Tom Hanks in a variety of roles. The Polar Express embarks on a magical journey to the North Pole where young children learn that the magic of the season depends entirely on their ability, and desire, to truly believe. There are some intense moments, but most children will find this film entertaining, as will adults.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Careful what you wish for
It’s a Wonderful Life, starring James Stuart and Donna Reed, follows George Baily as the life he wanted and the life he got bring him much more joy, friends, and riches than he realizes until it is taken away. Given his wish to never have been born, George realizes he took for granted the people, luxuries, and opportunities that made his life wonderful. Also stars Lionel Barrymore, Henry Travers, and Thomas Mitchell.
Home Alone
You thirsty for more?
An instant classic when it was released in 1990, Home Alone shows just how important family is, especially during the holidays. Kevin McAllister (played by Macauley Calkin) is left behind as his family flies away to celebrate Christmas overseas. Finding himself alone, Kevin enjoys breaking all the rules, eating whatever he wants, and thwarting the plans of the Wet Bandits. Kevin also discovers the importance of forgiveness and learns that he really does need his family.
The Man who Invented Christmas
A new film about a classic story
The Man who Invented Christmas is a biographical drama that tells the story of how the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol, came to be. Set in 1834 and starring Dan Stevens as Chares Dickins, you learn the intimate details and influences that created Scrooge, the three Christmas spirits, and the families that brought this story to life and made it one of the most well-known and retold Christmas tales. This film also stars Christopher Plumber.
Elf
Spreading Christmas cheer
Buddy the Elf isn’t really an elf and struggles to fit in at the North Pole. So he travels through the candy cane forest and past the swirly-twirly gumdrops to New York City in search of his human father. Along the way, Buddy meets friends and learns that despite the cold, harsh, unbelieving hearts of people there is a way to spread Christmas cheer. Elf stars Will Farrell, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, and Bob Newhart.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Christmas is just a little bit more
The citizens of Whoville love Christmas. The Grinch does not. This adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic book tells the story of how the Grinch steals Christmas from Whoville but is foiled in a big way while learning what Christmas really is all about. This film stars Jim Carey as the Grinch and also features Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, and Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Bah. Humbug.
A family-friendly adaptation of Dicken’s classic, The Muppet Christmas Carol stars your favorite Jim Henson Muppets alongside Michael Caine as the selfish, pompous, and crotchety Ebenezer Scrooge. Filled with memorable music and laugh-out-loud comedy, this film keeps the heavy theme light and enjoyable for adults and kids as Scrooge learns to be kind and enjoy Christmas, not just during the holiday season, but throughout the year.
Miracle on 34th Street
And the verdict is...
Santa is put on trial and an out-of-luck attorney is given the chance to represent him and convince the judge, New York City, and the world that Santa Clause really does exist. Kris Kringle also tries to get Susan Walker and her moth Dorey to believe in him by granting Susan’s seemingly impossible Christmas wishes. Miracle on 34th Street stars Dylan McDermott, Mara Wilson, and Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.
The Santa Clause Movie Collection
Learn all the secrets
After accidentally causing Sant to fall from the room, Scott Calvin becomes the new St Nick. In this three-film box set, you enjoy the adventure of Calvin learning how to be Santa Clause, meet and marry Mrs. Clause, and save Christmas from a jealous Jack Frost. These films star Tim Allen, David Krumholtz, Elizabeth Mitchell, and Martin Short.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Christmas time is here
This Christmas film features the entire Peanuts gang, including the beloved beagle, Snoopy, and his boy, Charlie Brown. Chosen to direct the Christmas play, Charlie Brown becomes deflated when everyone does their own thing. Hoping to redeem himself, he volunteers to choose the Christmas tree instead, only to pick the scrawniest one in the lot. In the end, Charlie Brown and the gang learn what the true meaning of Christmas is.
Die Hard
It really is a Christmas film
This action-packed classic is perfect for those moments when you want to transport away from the traditional frenzy of the holidays. Starting Bruce Will, Bonnie Bedelia, and Alan Rickman, Die Hard follows a New York City police detective attempting to subdue a terrorist that has interrupted an upscale office party. Die Hard became so popular that several other films followed.
Here are a few of our favorites
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It’s hard to pick a favorite Christmas film because there are so many classics. The Polar Express is a good choice for a family film night because it appeals to all ages and touches on the magic of the season. Elf is another family-friendly film that, while live-action rather than animated, still captures the attention of younger audiences with fun characters and hilarious scenes.
And don’t forget the classics. It’s a Wonderful Life should be a go-to every season, and there isn’t a more memorable classic than A Charlie Brown Christmas feature fun music and the whole Peanuts gang. Another great Christmas film is the comedy Home Alone. Nestled between the memorable moments of defending the home, releasing a tarantula, and accidentally stealing a toothbrush, this film touches on the importance of forgiveness and family.
If you’d like to try something different, check out The Man who Invented Christmas. This more recent film tells the story of how Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol came to be. Starring a fun cast this film keeps a good pace and a balance between moving, serious and fun.
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