Home Alone is the definitive holiday classic that never loses its charm. Macaulay Culkin is perfectly self-assured as young Kevin, who must cleverly defend his house from two wonderfully goofy burglars. The entire movie packs in brilliant visual jokes and delightfully clever traps that make it a genuine, enduring joy for everyone. | © 20th Century Studios
Elf wins you over completely with its huge heart and a truly charming cast. Will Ferrell shines as the endlessly cheerful Buddy, bringing a genuine warmth to the film's simple and well-meaning story. It’s a sweet, visually festive adventure that will make anyone feel ready for the holidays. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Miracle on 34th Street makes a heartfelt case for the importance of fantasy and hope. Edmund Gwenn is utterly convincing as Kris Kringle, a man whose gentle charm slowly wins over a skeptical mother and her pragmatic young daughter. This Christmas classic weaves a timeless tale about believing in the impossible, culminating in a wonderfully satisfying courtroom drama. | © 20th Century Studios
Gremlins is a perfect blend of creepy and comedic, a true 80s staple. It follows the simple but brilliant rule of keeping the adorable Mogwai cute and the resulting Gremlins gleefully chaotic. This movie delivers a fun, spooky ride that's ideal as a first "scary movie" for older kids. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Edward Scissorhands is a beautifully strange and deeply heartfelt modern fairy tale from Tim Burton. It thoughtfully explores the good and bad in humanity through the gentle eyes of a unique outsider. The film's powerful message about staying true to yourself remains both timeless and deeply moving. | © 20th Century Studios
The Polar Express is a spectacular animated fantasy that fully captures the magic of Christmas. Its breathtaking visuals and jolly atmosphere create a truly immersive winter wonderland. The film pairs these stunning scenes with a beautiful moral about belief, making it a modern holiday classic. | © Warner Bros. Pictures
Joyeux Noël is a profoundly moving film based on the incredible true events of the 1914 Christmas Truce. It movingly portrays the shared humanity of enemy soldiers, highlighting the utter absurdity of war. This is a powerful commentary on the stupidity of conflict and a beautiful reminder of our common ground. | © Sony Pictures Classics
Die Hard redefined the action genre with its perfect mix of thrilling spectacle and a relatable hero. It's a cleverly paced ride where Bruce Willis's iconic one-liners are just as memorable as the explosions. This movie proves you can have a brilliant, entertaining Christmas film without any cheesy romance. | © 20th Century Studios
It's a Wonderful Life is far more than a simple holiday film; it's a deeply touching and encouraging story about the true value of life. James Stewart gives a phenomenal performance as George Bailey, a man who gets to see how he's touched everyone around him. Its powerful message about the difference one person makes is genuinely life-affirming. | © Paramount Pictures
How the Grinch Stole Christmas brings Dr. Seuss's world to life with incredible sets and costumes. Jim Carrey's performance is the heart of it all, making the Grinch's journey from bitterness to joy both hilarious and surprisingly relatable. This vibrant adaptation has a special charm that adults, in particular, will find themselves returning to. | © Universal Studios
A Boy Called Christmas is a sweet and visually charming origin story for Santa Claus. It strikes a great balance, offering a simple, engaging adventure for kids while including enough deeper messages for parents. While perhaps not an annual classic, it's a very enjoyable film that warmly captures the holiday spirit. | © Netflix
The Christmas Chronicles offers a fresh and incredibly fun take on the classic Santa Claus story. Kurt Russell is the movie's biggest gift, perfectly playing a charismatic and effortlessly cool Santa full of rock-and-roll energy. This lively, modern holiday adventure delivers a sleigh-full of festive fun that’s perfect for the whole family. | © Netflix
Falling for Christmas is a fun, lighthearted movie that serves as a delightful comeback for Lindsay Lohan. Set against a gorgeous, snowy resort backdrop, it’s the perfect film to just turn on and enjoy without overthinking. Ignore the sour reviews; this is a charming and adorable dose of holiday cheer. | © Netflix
Holidate is a self-aware and witty twist on the typical holiday romance, perfect for anyone tired of the same old sappy stories. The two leads have fantastic chemistry and bring a lot of fun energy to a script that knows exactly what it is. It’s genuinely funny and doesn't take itself too seriously, making for a very entertaining watch. | © Netflix
Krampus offers a darkly fun alternative to sugary holiday movies, blending horror and comedy with a festive twist. It starts with humor but steadily descends into a genuinely creepy and fantastical nightmare. While too intense for young kids, it’s a great pick for those who like their Christmas with a few good scares. | © Universal Studios
Get ready to cozy up with a blanket and some hot cocoa, because we've built the perfect movie schedule for your December nights. From timeless classics to modern laughs, this watchlist has a film for every day to get you into the holiday spirit. Let's kick off the season with Part 1 of our countdown.
