If you’re in the mood for something festive this Christmas, Netflix has plenty of holiday spirit, but maybe not as much depth. So, why not explore the classics? Before you automatically choose It’s a Wonderful Life, consider that you probably already know it well. There are countless Christmas movies out there for everyone. Why not try something different?
We’re here to guide you. Here are some of the best classic Christmas movies ever made—from beloved favorites to more unique picks.
The Thin Man (1934)
If you prefer a movie that’s only subtly Christmas-themed, try this murder mystery. William Powell and Myrna Loy star as Nick and Nora, a married couple on a holiday trip from San Francisco to New York. Nick, a retired detective who enjoys his drinks, can’t resist getting involved when a murder occurs. The killer is revealed during a whodunit-style dinner party, and Nora’s outfits throughout the film are absolutely stunning.
A Christmas Carol (1938)
If you’ve lost touch with the true meaning of Christmas, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella is perfect. It follows the grumpy Ebenezer Scrooge as he slowly rediscovers the holiday spirit. God bless us, every one!
Remember the Night (1940)
In this film, Barbara Stanwyck is arrested for shoplifting and released on bail by the New York district attorney (Fred MacMurray) to avoid spending Christmas in jail. He grows fond of her, but his mother disapproves, leading Stanwyck to choose serving her sentence instead.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan star in this charming love story, which inspired You’ve Got Mail. Their characters constantly clash but find themselves falling for their anonymous pen pals. Can you guess who’s writing those letters?
Holiday Inn (1942)
Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, and Marjorie Reynolds create holiday magic in this Irving Berlin musical, which introduced the classic song “White Christmas.” The story revolves around a sharp-edged love triangle among members of a musical performance group.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
While not strictly a Christmas movie, it gave us the poignant song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” At the Christmas Ball, Judy Garland—wearing a stunning red velvet gown—offers a masterclass in elegant holiday style.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
This festive film is built on lies! Barbara Stanwyck plays a columnist who writes about her fictional life as a housewife on a picturesque Connecticut farm. When a celebrated war hero (Dennis Morgan) becomes a fan, she must keep up the charade. Naturally, love blossoms along the way.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Before The Preacher’s Wife in 1996, there was this film starring Loretta Young and Cary Grant. Grant plays a Christmas angel sent to help mend a bishop’s troubled marriage.
It Happened on Fifth Avenue (1947)
In this movie, a drifting war veteran (Don DeFore) squats in a luxurious Fifth Avenue townhouse owned by the world’s second-richest man. His presence goes unnoticed until he meets the owner’s charming daughter, played by Gale Storm.Shows up unannounced. It’s not breaking and entering if you’re in love!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
You’ve probably seen the 1994 remake starring the delightful Mara Wilson, but don’t miss the original—featuring a young Natalie Wood as the little girl who believes.
Holiday Affair (1949)
This Christmas tale follows a shoplifting single mother and war widow, played by Janet Leigh. The sales clerk, Robert Mitchum, can’t bring himself to turn her in and ends up taking the blame. Then, because it’s Christmas, they fall in love.
The Lemon Drop Kid (1951)
While most early holiday classics warm the heart, they aren’t usually comedies. Enter this screwball comedy starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell. When New York gangsters come to collect a $10,000 debt from Hope’s character at Christmas, comical chaos ensues. Along the way, the Christmas classic “Silver Bells” is performed for the very first time.
White Christmas (1954)
Another must-see Christmas musical starring Bing Crosby, along with Danny Kaye, Vera-Ellen, and Rosemary Clooney. It’s a colorful, feather-filled extravaganza worth watching for the Edith Head costumes alone.
Babes in Toyland (1961)
This fantastical film brings together Mother Goose characters like Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper’s Son in a musical based on Victor Herbert’s operetta. Before Tom and Mary can live happily ever after, almost everything goes wrong.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
It’s no wonder this stop-motion classic is the longest-running Christmas special on TV. Inspired partly by “The Ugly Duckling,” Rudolph is bullied for his bright red nose—even by Santa! But when he’s chosen to guide the sleigh, it gets us every time.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Made nearly 60 years ago, this special remains one of the best animated Christmas movies ever. If Charlie Brown, Lucy, and Snoopy aren’t enough, the jazz score by Vince Guaraldi will put you in the holiday spirit.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
While there’s a newer version, nothing beats the original cartoon based on Dr. Seuss’s book. It can be tricky to find, but it’s worth it—who doesn’t get emotional when the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes?
The Lion in Winter (1968)
Picture a family Christmas reunion, but with King Henry II of England and his estranged wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, freed from prison for the holidays. Set in the 12th century, this film is a masterclass in family tension, political drama, and buried love—perfect for the season. Starring Peter O’Toole, Katharine Hepburn, and a young Anthony Hopkins.
Fanny and Alexander (1982)
Ingmar Bergman drew partly from his own childhood for this film, originally a TV miniseries. Before marital strife and ghosts take over, it opens with a lavish Nativity play and Christmas feast in 1907.These films include some of the most vibrant and joyful moments in Bergman’s body of work.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Do you remember that one special gift you desperately wanted as a child? For me, a zillennial, it was the Nintendo DS. But for nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), it was the “official Red Ryder carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle with a compass in the stock and this thing that tells time.” This uniquely wild Gen X classic is absolutely worth watching again.
The Dead (1987)
Released shortly after his death, John Huston’s final film is a moving adaptation of James Joyce’s 1914 short story from Dubliners. Set during an Epiphany party in early 1904—not exactly Christmas, but with a similar festive atmosphere—the story unfolds over a snowy night in Dublin. Guests recite Old Irish poetry, sing songs, and reflect wistfully on the past. After all, ’tis the season.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
All Clark Griswold wants is a perfect, picture-book Christmas with his family. Starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis, and Johnny Galecki, this comedy is a hilarious ride through everything that can possibly go wrong during the holidays.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
While the original Home Alone is a beloved classic, this sequel certainly holds its own. On the way to Florida with his family, Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) accidentally boards the wrong plane and ends up alone in New York City with his dad’s credit card. That might sound like fun, but trouble arises when he runs into his old enemies, the Wet Bandits.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
No holiday movie list is complete without a Tim Burton film, and The Nightmare Before Christmas (directed by Henry Selick) is the perfect festive pick for Halloween lovers. With Danny Elfman’s memorable score and its beautifully haunting animation, this film is a must-watch.
The Santa Clause (1994)
In a holiday twist—or tragedy, depending on your view—divorced dad Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally becomes the new Santa after the previous one falls off his roof on Christmas Eve. With help from his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd), Scott finishes Santa’s deliveries, leading to even more festive chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about watching classic Christmas movies this holiday season
General Beginner Questions
Q What makes a movie a classic Christmas film
A Its a movie that has stood the test of time is beloved by multiple generations and is centered around themes of the holiday season like family generosity hope or the spirit of Christmas itself
Q Where can I watch these classic Christmas movies
A They are spread across many streaming services free adsupported platforms and can often be rented digitally Some still air on traditional TV channels during December
Q Are these movies good for kids
A Many are like The Muppet Christmas Carol or Home Alone but always check the rating Some classics like Die Hard or Gremlins are more for teens and adults
Q Im new to Christmas movies Where should I start
A Start with the universally beloved ones Its a Wonderful Life for a heartfelt drama Elf for modern comedy or The Santa Clause for family fun
Q How many of these movies are animated
A Several classics are animated including How the Grinch Stole Christmas The Nightmare Before Christmas and Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer
Recommendations Curation
Q I want a funny Christmas movie What do you recommend
A For slapstick comedy try Home Alone or National Lampoons Christmas Vacation For witty humor Elf or The Muppet Christmas Carol are excellent
Q Which classic is the most romantic
A The Holiday and Love Actually are modern romantic classics set during Christmas
Q Are there any classic Christmas movies that are also action or thriller films
A Yes Die Hard is famously debated as a Christmas movie and is an action thriller Gremlins is a horrorcomedy set at Christmas