
Most rewatchable Christmas movies based on real-life stories

15. Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is the ultimate holiday comedy about the madness of traveling during the busiest time of the year. Inspired by the travel troubles of writer-director John Hughes, this funny movie shows the crazy adventures of two total opposites trying to get home. | © Paramount Pictures

14. The Christmas Cottage
The Christmas Cottage is a heartwarming movie about home, nostalgia, and the magic of love during Christmas. While the story follows the familiar Hallmark path, Merritt Patterson shines in her role, and the likable cast creates sweet moments that make this movie a delightful holiday watch. | © Lionsgate

13. A Godwink Christmas
A Godwink Christmas is a charming movie based on a true story, where fate seems to play a hand in bringing two people together. With positivity and a heartwarming story of serendipity, this film is a delightful reminder that sometimes the best things happen when you least expect them. | © Hallmark Movies & Mysteries

12. 8-Bit Christmas
8-Bit Christmas is a nostalgic holiday comedy that showcases a young boy who tries to get a Nintendo Entertainment System for Christmas. With its mix of retro charm and holiday magic, it’s a delightful watch for anyone who remembers the excitement of chasing the perfect Christmas gift. | © HBO Max

11. Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied Minors is a fun holiday movie inspired by a real-life incident featured on This American Life. The story follows a group of kids traveling alone who get stranded at an airport during Christmas and band together to outwit the strict airport authority. | © Warner Bros. Pictures

10. Operation Christmas Drop
Operation Christmas Drop is a holiday movie inspired by a real-life humanitarian mission carried out by the U.S. Air Force. While the romantic subplot is fictional, this story highlights the incredible generosity and hard work of service members as they deliver supplies and holiday cheer to remote islands. | © Netflix

9. An Almost Christmas Story
An Almost Christmas captures the true meaning of home during the holiday season. Through rich visuals and memorable characters, this movie tells the story of a protagonist discovering that home isn’t just a place but the love and connection shared with others. | © Disney

8. Lost Holiday
Lost Holiday is a gripping made-for-TV drama based on the true story of a couple lost in the snowy wilderness. While some scenes lean more toward their conversation and relationships than survival drama, the film is perfect for an emotional holiday watch. | © Lifetime Television

7. The Heart of Christmas
The Heart of Christmas is a movie inspired by the true story of a family determined to create lasting memories for their terminally ill child. The film is a powerful reminder to cherish your loved ones and appreciate the moments that matter most. | © SlingShot Picture

6. The Christmas Choir
The Christmas Choir is a movie with a true spirit of Christmas that tells an inspiring true story of a man who finds purpose by creating a choir with residents of a homeless shelter. While the film has a straightforward approach, the genuine performances and uplifting messages make it shine. | © Hallmark Channel

5. Once Upon a Christmas Miracle
Once Upon a Christmas Miracle benefits from being based on the true story. Free of unnecessary drama, the film focuses on genuine connection and kindness, delivering a touching tale about Heather and Chris, a liver donor recipient and her donor who find love most unexpectedly. | © PAX Network

4. The Man Who Invented Christmas
Inspired by a real-life miser who helped shape the character of Scrooge, The Man Who Invented Christmas is a fresh and imaginative movie about the creation of Charles Dickens' iconic holiday tale. Combining biography with fantasy, it follows Dickens as he interacts with his vivid characters, including a brilliant portrayal of Scrooge by Christopher Plummer. | © Elevation Pictures

3. Joyeux Noël
Joyeux Noël is an extraordinary movie showcasing the true story of the Christmas Truce during World War I. Capturing the rare moments of humanity and kindness amidst the horrors of war, this movie shows that there is some good in humans worldwide. | © Sony Pictures Classics

2. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is stunning holiday movie inspired by semi-autobiographical tales from Jean Shepherd. While kids will delight in Ralphie's quest for the perfect Christmas gift, adults will appreciate the bittersweet humor and relatable memories woven throughout the story. | © MGM

1. It's a Wonderful Life
Based on the short story by Philip Van Doren Stern, It's a Wonderful Life is a timeless holiday classic that captures the true spirit of Christmas. This heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience shows how even in the darkest times, one person can profoundly change the lives of those around them. | © RKO Pictures
Related News
More