8 Christmas Classics for the Holidays

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. From the festive food to the wonderful time off work, it’s a perfect excuse to bundle up and watch movies. We’ve come together and compiled a list of our personal favorite Christmas movie recommendations to share with you. In no particular order, of course. From animated to classic black and whites, there’s a movie on here for just about everybody.

A Muppet’s Christmas Carol (1992)

The nostalgic season of Christmas always warrants a revisit to the world of The Muppets. Brian Henson takes up his father's mantel in his version of Charles Dicken’s Christmas Carol, showcasing the art of puppetry through enjoyable characters like Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Fozzy, as well as the acclaimed acting of Sir Michael Caine, this film will leave you thoroughly in the spirit. 

Rise of The Guardians (2012) 

While this film isn’t strictly limited to Christmas, Peter Ramsey’s Rise of the Guardians retells several classic holiday characters, including Jack Frost and Saint Nicholas. With a stacked cast featuring Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, and Hugh Jackman, this is a beautiful animated journey to watch with the whole family. 

 Klaus (2019)

This is a modern gem unlike any other, the Netflix Original Klaus by Sergio Pablos takes Christmas to the most whimsical level possible. Featuring highly stylized animation, with vibrant colors and movement. Klaus, voiced by J.K. Simmons, gives us a refreshing take on Santa’s origin story, this is a film you won’t regret adding to your usual Christmas Movie Binge.  

Home Alone (1990)

Chris Columbus’s Home Alone is considered a classic for a reason, as it’s a wonderfully humorous film that puts you right in the shoes of Kevin McCallister, an endearing (and antagonistic) eight-year-old who has been left alone during Christmas. With a soundtrack done by legendary composer John Williams, and phenomenal writing by John Hughes, it’s a must-watch every season. 

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

The age of this movie may scare some off, but it’s truly an underrated gem. Despite there being numerous remakes, they just don’t capture the charm and witty absurdity of the George Seaton original. There’s just nothing like seeing a man named Kris Kringle, played by Edmund Gwenn, argue in court to legally prove he’s Santa Claus. 

The Polar Express (2004)

Most people may see a movie like Robert Zemeckis’ The Polar Express and think it’s just another cookie cutter children’s movie, but that’s simply not true. From embarking on a grand adventure to the North Pole, to drifting a train, to rediscovering the true magic of hope, this movie has it all: action, drama, and a great message to it. No matter how old you may be, one thing is for certain: this classic will transport you back to the childlike joy and whimsy of Christmas-time. 

A Christmas Carol (2009)

If Muppets isn’t your cup of tea, then the Robert Zemeckis remake of the original A Christmas Carol is an excellent movie choice this holiday season. This impressively animated gem, starring Jim Carrey as the Ebenezer Scrooge, is sure to put you right in the Christmas spirit. 

Gremlins (1984) 

This movie isn’t one typically seen as a “Christmas movie.” Steven Spielberg and Joe Dante catered to a huge range of audiences with this classic film. From hearty enjoyers of Christmas to those who enjoy a more subtle holiday theme, this movie is sure to be a hit with all.