Christmas movies can be the icing on top for the holidays. Though determining the exact viewership numbers for classic films can be challenging, we can rely on box office figures and the pop-culture impact to identify the most-watched Christmas movies in cinema history.
Here are 10 Christmas movies that have captivated audiences for decades:
Home Alone (1990)
A young boy, Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, is accidentally left home alone during the Christmas holidays. When a pair of bumbling burglars target his house, Kevin must use his wit and resourcefulness to outsmart them and protect his home. Home Alone is directed by Chris Columbus.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
George Bailey, played by James Stewart, is a kind-hearted man who is overwhelmed by financial troubles and contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel intervenes, showing him what life would be like if he had never been born, ultimately inspiring him to appreciate the positive impact he has had on others.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Inspired by the children’s book by Dr. Suess, the Grinch (Jim Carrey), a grumpy creature who hates Christmas, plots to steal the holiday from the cheerful residents of Whoville. However, the Whos’ unwavering optimism and joy begin to melt the Grinch’s heart, leading to a heartwarming transformation. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is directed by Ron Howard.
Elf (2003)
Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by elves in the North Pole, discovers his true identity and embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father. Along the way, he spreads Christmas cheer and teaches his family the true meaning of the holiday. Elf is directed by Jon Favreau (Iron Man / Iron Man 2).
A Christmas Story (1983)
Young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) yearns for a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. As he navigates the challenges of childhood, including dealing with bullies and a trip to the department store, Ralphie learns valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the true spirit of the holiday season. A Christmas Story is a classic forever etched into pop-culture history. The film is directed by Bob Clark.
The Polar Express (2004)
On Christmas Eve, a young boy boards a magical train that takes him to the North Pole. Along the way, he encounters various characters and learns the importance of believing in the magic of Christmas. The Polar Express is directed by Robert Zemeckis.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) is once again accidentally left behind, this time in New York City. He must outsmart a pair of thieves while navigating the bustling city and experiencing the sights and sounds of the holiday season. The sequel is also directed by Chris Columbus.
Love Actually (2003)
With an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, The Walking Dead’s Andrew Lincoln, this romantic comedy explores various love stories intertwined during the Christmas season, highlighting the complexities of relationships and the power of love. The film is directed by Richard Curtis.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Jack Skellington (voiced by singer and composer Danny Elfman), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, becomes obsessed with Christmas and attempts to bring the holiday to his own world. However, his unique interpretation of Christmas leads to chaos and confusion. The film’s story is by Tim Burton and Michael McDowell and is directed by Henry Selick.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Charlie Brown feels disillusioned by the commercialism of Christmas. With the help of his friends, he learns the true meaning of the holiday through a simple Christmas pageant. A Charlie Brown Christmas is directed by Bill Melendez.
Bonus Christmas Movies
Die Hard
John McClane (Bruce Willis), a New York City police detective, travels to Los Angeles for the Christmas holidays to visit his estranged wife, Holly. While attending a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza skyscraper, a group of German terrorists led by Hans Gruber takes over the building, holding the party guests hostage. McClane, separated from his wife and hiding in the building’s ventilation system, becomes the only obstacle to the terrorists’ plan to steal millions in bearer bonds.
McClane, armed with only his wits and a service revolver, wages a one-man war against the heavily armed criminals. He uses his police training and the building’s infrastructure to his advantage, outsmarting and eliminating the terrorists one by one. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, McClane’s resourcefulness and determination prove to be a formidable force against the ruthless criminals.
The film culminates in a thrilling climax as McClane confronts Gruber on the roof of the skyscraper. In a final showdown, McClane manages to kill Gruber and foil the terrorist plot, saving the hostages and emerging as an unlikely hero.
Batman Returns
In Tim Burton’s darkly atmospheric Batman Returns, Gotham City is plunged into chaos by two monstrous villains. The Penguin (Danny DeVito), a grotesque outcast, seeks revenge on the city that rejected him, forming an alliance with the corrupt businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to manipulate public opinion and seize power. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), a meek secretary betrayed and brutally discarded by Shreck, is transformed into the seductive and vengeful Catwoman. Embraced by the night, she embarks on a path of destruction, intertwined with the Penguin’s schemes and Gotham’s web of corruption. Batman (Michael Keaton), grappling with his own inner demons and the complexities of his relationship with the enigmatic Catwoman, must confront these formidable foes and restore order to the city, all set against a backdrop of Burton’s signature gothic aesthetic.
