Fred Claus is a fun and festive comedy starring Vince Vaughn as Santa's grumpy older brother. Paul Giamatti plays a wonderfully stressed-out Saint Nick, and their sibling rivalry gives the movie its big heart. It's packed with clever jokes and even a support group for famous brothers, making for a cheerfully different kind of holiday film. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Arthur Christmas is a truly charming and clever CGI adventure that works on multiple levels for both kids and adults. It follows the hilarious, high-tech operation of Santa’s family business and the heartfelt mission of his clumsy son to deliver one missed gift. With brilliant British voice talent and sharp humor, this film delivers a surprisingly festive punch of holiday magic. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
How The Grinch Stole Christmas stands out as a fantastic, visually wild adaptation brought to life by Jim Carrey's unforgettable performance. The sets and costumes create a unique, immersive Whoville that feels both fantastical and strangely relatable. While kids might love the classic cartoon, this version packs a punch with impressive style that adults can appreciate more each year. | © Universal Pictures
Jingle All The Way is a hilarious live-action cartoon that perfectly spoofs holiday shopping madness. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a desperate dad in a frantic race to find the season's hottest toy, leading to non-stop chaos and laughs. With its great cast and sharp script, it’s a ridiculously fun take on Christmas consumerism that gets better every year. | © 20th Century Fox
The Santa Clause 2 doubles down on cozy, snuggly holiday fun with a clever twist: Santa needs to find a wife. The plot delivers amusing chaos with a maniacal toy Santa running the North Pole and Tim Allen’s charming quest for a Mrs. Claus. It’s not groundbreaking, but its nice message and lighthearted humor are sure to leave you smiling. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Noelle wins you over with its tremendous fun and charming cast, even if the plot feels familiar. Anna Kendrick is delightful as Santa’s daughter who has to save the holiday, and Bill Hader perfectly plays her overwhelmed brother. It mixes the cozy "save Christmas" formula with genuinely funny modern gags, making for a solidly cheerful watch. | © Walt Disney Studios
Klaus reimagines the Santa origin story with stunning animation and a genuinely kind heart. Its beautiful 2D-3D visual style creates a distinct world that feels both fresh and timeless. The film earns its powerful dose of Christmas spirit through a fun, fast-paced story about friendship and goodwill, avoiding sugary sentiment for something more authentic and joyful. | © Netflix
A Boy Called Christmas offers a charming and beautifully visual origin story for Santa Claus that the whole family can enjoy. The plot is sweet and straightforward, weaving together the beginnings of holiday traditions with a touch of gentle magic. While it might not become an annual rewatch for everyone, it’s a heartwarming and perfectly pleasant film to get you in the festive mood. | © Netflix
Elf wins you over completely with Will Ferrell’s infectiously joyful performance as Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole. The movie looks terrific, with festive visuals and a nostalgic soundtrack that instantly puts you in the holiday spirit. While the story is simple, the heartwarming charm of its cast and Buddy's wide-eyed wonder make it an endlessly rewatchable Christmas classic. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Santa Baby is a fun and surprisingly heartfelt twist on the Santa mythology, focusing on his capable daughter taking over the family business. Jenny McCarthy brings a lot of charm and depth to the role of Mary Claus, a no-nonsense executive trying to save Christmas. It’s a sweet, spirited movie that wraps up with the perfect dose of holiday warmth and good cheer. | © ABC Family
The Polar Express is a breathtaking animated journey that fully captures the magic and mystery of Christmas Eve. Its spectacular visuals and jolly atmosphere pull you into a world of living trains and awe-inspiring North Pole sights. Combined with heartfelt songs and a beautiful message about belief, this film has earned its status as a modern holiday classic. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
The Christmas Chronicles delivers a fresh and energetic take on the Santa legend that's full of modern adventure. Kurt Russell is the undeniable highlight, playing a charismatic and cool Saint Nick who feels both timeless and new. The movie thrives on its high-spirited fun and dazzling holiday atmosphere, making it a fantastic pick for a family movie night. | © Netflix
The Santa Clause cleverly blends a classic festive transformation with sharp, modern wit. Tim Allen shines as Scott Calvin, a regular dad who accidentally triggers a magical contract and finds himself physically and hilariously turning into Santa. The movie's real charm comes from the heartwarming struggle to balance his unbelievable new duties with being a good father to his sceptical son. | © Walt Disney Pictures
A Christmas Story is that rare holiday film that works perfectly for both kids and adults. It masterfully blends the wide-eyed wonder of a child's Christmas with the warm, witty nostalgia of an adult looking back. Through a series of hilarious vignettes about BB guns, leg lamps, and family antics, it captures the pure, relatable truth of childhood longing and holiday spirit. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Dear Santa isn't your typical holiday film, but that's what makes it strong. While it has a few rough edges, it delivers more witty dialogue and surprisingly touching moments than over-the-top silliness. It's a heartfelt, unconventional pick that still delivers all the Christmas cheer. | © Paramount Pictures
Whether you're after timeless nostalgia, fresh laughs, or heartwarming new magic, the perfect Santa movie is out there to light up your holiday. We've rounded up the best of the bunch, guaranteed to bring on all the festive cheer. Grab some cocoa and get ready to find your family's new favorite.
