25 Must-Watch Classic Christmas Movies: A Holiday Guide by Genre

Get ready for a festive movie marathon. Explore our top 25 christmas movies by genre! From romance to action, find your holiday favorites and new classics.

Top 25 Christmas Movies Sorted by Genre: Your Ultimate Holiday Watchlist

As the holiday season approaches, there's no better way to get into the festive spirit than by watching Christmas movies. From heartwarming romances to family favorites and laugh-out-loud comedies, Christmas films have a special way of bringing joy and warmth. To help you choose the perfect movie for your mood, we've categorized 25 classic Christmas movies into genres. Whether you're in for a romantic evening, a family night, or some solo feel-good time, there's a film for every festive occasion.

Romance Movies:

Hugh Grant in 'Love Actually', an ensemble romantic Christmas movie

Love Actually (2003)

Explore the complexities of love during the holidays through various intertwined stories. Featuring an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Colin Firth, this film weaves together multiple love stories, making it a rich tapestry of holiday romance.

Cameron Diaz in 'The Holiday', a romantic comedy about a festive house swap

The Holiday (2006)

A charming tale of unexpected love found during a house-swap. Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, this charming tale of unexpected love is a heartwarming escape into romantic serendipity.

Bing Crosby in 'White Christmas', a classic holiday musical.

White Christmas (1954)

A timeless musical filled with romance, song, and dance. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye shine in this musical filled with Irving Berlin's songs, perfect for those who love a classic Hollywood romance.

 
Judy Garland singing in 'Meet Me in St. Louis', a romantic musical set at the World's Fair.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

A romantic classic set against the backdrop of the 1904 World's Fair. Judy Garland's unforgettable performance in this romantic musical offers a nostalgic journey into love and family traditions.

 
Sandra Bullock in 'While You Were Sleeping', a heartwarming Christmas-themed romance.

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

A heartwarming story about finding love and family during Christmas. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman's chemistry in this comedic romance makes it a delightful and heartwarming holiday watch.

Feel-Good Movies:

James Stewart in 'It's a Wonderful Life', a classic feel-good Christmas film.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

A poignant film reminding us of life's value. James Stewart's inspirational performance in this Frank Capra masterpiece makes it a timeless feel-good movie.

Maureen O'Hara in 'Miracle on 34th Street', capturing the spirit of Christmas.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

A film that rekindles the childhood joy and wonder of Christmas, starring Maureen O'Hara and Natalie Wood.

Will Ferrell as Buddy in 'Elf', a joyful and hilarious holiday movie.

Elf" (2003)

A joyful tale of a human raised as an elf. Will Ferrell's hilarious and endearing portrayal of Buddy the Elf ensures laughs and joy for the whole family.

Michael Caine with the Muppets in 'The Muppet Christmas Carol', a feel-good holiday film.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

A delightful Muppet rendition of Dickens’ classic. Michael Caine alongside the Muppets provides a unique and joyful retelling of the classic Dickens tale.

Ralphie with his Red Ryder BB gun in 'A Christmas Story', a nostalgic Christmas comedy.

A Christmas Story (1983)

A nostalgic look at a family’s quirky Christmas traditions. This nostalgic trip to childhood Christmases, complete with the quest for the perfect gift, is relatable and humorous.

Comedy:

Chevy Chase in 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation', a hilarious holiday family gathering.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

A family's comic misadventures during the holidays. Chevy Chase's comedic genius makes this film a hilarious portrayal of family holiday gatherings gone awry.

Bill Murray in 'Scrooged', a comedic twist on 'A Christmas Carol

Scrooged (1988)

A hilarious modern twist on "A Christmas Carol." Bill Murray brings his unique brand of humor to this modern retelling of A Christmas Carol.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Jingle All the Way', a humorous Christmas shopping adventure

Jingle All the Way (1996)

A father's humorous scramble to find a popular toy. Arnold Schwarzenegger's foray into comedy provides laughs and an amusing look at the holiday shopping frenzy.

Billy Bob Thornton as a mischievous Santa in 'Bad Santa', a dark holiday comedy."

Bad Santa (2003)

A darkly comic tale of a conman posing as Santa. Billy Bob Thornton stars in this darker, yet funny, take on holiday films, offering a twist on the typical Christmas story.

Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis in 'Christmas with the Kranks', a funny tale of skipping Christmas.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

A couple’s funny attempt to forgo traditional Christmas. Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis brilliantly capture the chaos and humor of skipping Christmas traditions.

For more holiday entertainment recommendations and festive tips, explore our blog and magazine. Let's make this season merry and bright with the best in holiday cinema!

Akeshi Akinseye

Akeshi Akinseye is the founder and CEO of Kesh Events and is the leading expert in the wedding and event industry on all things celebrations.

She is widely regarded as One of the best Wedding planners in America by Brides, Top 5 wedding vendors in the world by WEDLUXE, top wedding planner in Chicago by PartySlate and more. 

Her insights and work have been featured in national publications like Brides, PartySlate, Modern Luxury Weddings, Inside Weddings, Yahoo, ESPN, New York Times etc and she appears regularly in media outlets like ABC, The Tribune and more.

She is the author of the best-selling book, The Art of Floral And Event Design” and founder and editor of celebrations and lifestyle magazine, The Art of Celebrating. Her creativity, keen eye, attention to detail and knack for perfection is what her clients love about her. She brings the art of creativity and personalization to every single event making her the best at what she does. Akeshi honors the individual styles of her clients and she continually strives to make every experience one to remember.

http://www.akeshiakinseye.com
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