41 Greatest Classic Christmas Movies That Are a Must-Watch This Holiday Season
From old black and white classics to newer favorites, you'll have these holiday classics on repeat this Christmas season.
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One of our favorite Christmas traditions is getting cozy for a holiday movie night. And while we're always looking for new Christmas movies to watch, sometimes there's nothing more nostalgic than watching a classic Christmas movie. We rounded up our favorites to stream.
Whether you're needing a miracle and sense of purpose like George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life, or a new perspective on love and friendship like the ladies in The Holiday, or maybe your family rivals the Griswold's and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation's helps you laugh about the impending family invasion. These classic movies have a lot to offer us beyond the Christmas cheer - deep laughs and life lessons are tucked away in these cinematic gems. So make it a night for the whole family - trim the tree or making your favorite holiday treat, and cozy up together and share a bit of Christmas movie magic. If you're looking for more family friendly holiday flicks, check out our list of Best Christmas Movies for Kids That the Whole Family Will Love Watching.
It's just not Christmas until we've watched this 1964 classic with the family.
Frank Capra's 1946 film is considered to be one of the best movies ever, coming in eleventh place on the list of 100 Greatest American Films Of All Time by the American Film Institute.
There are many versions of the Grinch, but we can't get enough of the 1966 animated classic.
Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker. It features an iconic leg lamp, an improbable Christmas gift wish, and one liners galore ("You'll shoot your eye out!").
The whole family will be singing along to this comedy about a talented foursome who put on an extravagant Christmas show.
This relatively new classic is sure to stand the test of time when it comes to those Christmas movies we turn to over and over for all the holiday feels. And you'll get plenty of them in the dreamy worlds of Iris's Surrey cottage and Amanda's Hollywood mansion. Both unlucky in love, Iris (played by Kate Winslet) and Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) decided to swap homes for the Christmas holiday and find the love and connection in the process.
Kevin McCallister's tale of taking on thieves after his parents accidentally leave him home for the holidays is a favorite for viewers old and young.
Judy Garland is unforgettable in the musical that revolves around the 1904 World's Fair.
There are a lot of versions of the Christmas Carols out there, but this Muppets holiday classic brings together all your favorites—Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo to name a few—and Academy Award-winning actor Michael Caine. Together they tell the classic Charles Dickens tale complete with musical numbers and all the hilarity and joy you expect from Jim Hensen's Muppets characters.
Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" was eventually adapted into a full-length feature shot in color, but listen to the original version in this 1942 musical.
There are many lessons to be learned from Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell. For one, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing for all to hear." Oh, and that maple syrup can go on spaghetti.
This movie was remade in 1994 with Mara Wilson and Richard Attenborough, but head back to the 1947 version for the original magic.
Louisa May Alcott’s novel makes for an inspired holiday movie about family and love.
This 1991 cartoon is perfect for the whole family—and that snowball fight scene is peak Christmas. We dare you not to sing along!
What's more classic than a Norman Rockwell painting? In this film, you'll see one brought to life—along with all the Christmassy goodness you could ask for.
Did someone say "Katharine Hepburn"? We're sold.
Barbara Stanwyck also appeared in this 1945 movie about a single food writer who lies about living an idyllic country life in her articles, and must cover it up when a returning war vet and her boss invite themselves over for Christmas dinner.
Leah Hall is currently a digital producer and writer for Country Living. She is based in Huntsville, Alabama.
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