Christmas is a time of joy and giving, but it can get overwhelming trying to get shopping done, deal with holiday crowds, fit in all the parties, bake, plan your dinners, get your family together, keep your kids sane, and remain jolly. If you need a break from the holiday rush, sit back and watch one of these great Christmas movies with your family. They’ll revive your Christmas spirit and remind you of the happiness of this special time of year. ‘Tis the season for great movies, so relax and enjoy some of these great Christmas DVDs.
Originally a book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express roared to life in the 2004 movie. A little boy waits up on Christmas Eve, hoping to hear Santa’s sleigh. Instead, the Polar Express pulls up and takes him on an incredible journey to the North Pole. In adventures, including a visit with Santa, the little boy comes to believe in the magic of Christmas. This heart-warming story is family-friendly (rated G), and the graphics will interest viewers of any age. Using performance capture technology, the actions and words of real actors – including Tom Hanks in five different roles - are melded into animated characters. The colors, graphics, and action of this movie are incredible, and the story is touching. This Academy Award nominee should be a yearly tradition. [Buy Blu-ray] [Buy DVD]
Charles Dickens couldn’t have wished for a better cast for the adaptation of his classic work. The Muppets add their special, and musical, touch while staying true to the story. With Michael Caine as Scrooge, Kermit the Frog as his poor employee Cratchit, and a host of other fun, loveable Muppets, The Muppet Christmas Carol is both funny and touching. Appropriate for children (rated G), this Christmas movie also has plenty to offer adults. [Buy DVD]
Tim Allen plays a divorced father (Scott) who becomes contractually obligated to be Santa when the real one falls off his roof and dies on Christmas Eve. Scott finishes up the toy delivery, and so begins his transformation into Santa. His son’s mother and step-father question his sanity – and his custody rights – as the change becomes more apparent. This movie is rated PG as it has a few more occasions of adult humor and a more grown-up theme. [Buy DVD]
What collection of Christmas DVDs would be complete without the eerie, creepy fun of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas? Jack Skellington resides in Halloween Town. Bored of the repetition, he discovers Christmas Town. Jack decides to combine the two holidays: a coffin sleigh, shrunken heads for presents, and more ensue, terrifying children around the world. Peopled by interesting characters and great imagery, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a dream come true for those who want a fresh take on the old Christmas movie genre. You might want to put your little kids to bed and let the older ones (and yourself) enjoy this great Christmas treat (rated PG). [Buy Blu-ray] [Buy DVD]
One of the most loved Christmas stories in the world is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Several movie versions have been made of this great tale; at least one should grace your Christmas movies collection! Besides the more kid-friendly Muppet version, there are great adaptations for more grown-up viewers. Actors from Albert Finney to George C. Scott to Patrick Stewart take on this classic role and breathe life into Scrooge. These can be frightening for small children, but you will love the ghosts and chilly atmosphere. A great way to get into the Christmas spirit! [Buy DVD]
If you need some humor to go with your Christmas spirit, Elf is for you. Will Ferrell stars as a six-foot elf who leaves the North Pole to find his father. His unfailingly cheerful attitude and misadventures offer a nice break from the bustle of the Christmas season, and a nice change from traditional Christmas movies. But, don’t worry; there is enough heart-warming magic of Christmas moments to make it a great movie for this special season. Older children and adults will love this new classic (rated PG). [Buy Blu-ray] [Buy DVD]
This classic Dr. Seuss-inspired cartoon is a staple of Christmas. Since 1966, this has been one of the most loved Christmas movies as we watch to make sure the Grinch doesn’t steal Christmas from the kind-hearted Whos. The transformation from grouchy Grinch to giving Grinch never fails to please. For those craving a modern feel, the live action version starring Jim Carrey is also available. This PG rated version will be a favorite among older children and adults. Whether you watch the animated or live version, How the Grinch Stole Christmas should be among your collection of Christmas DVDS. [Buy DVD]
Another classic that is a must-watch among Christmas movies. Many people grew up watching this on television each year; they’ll love the nostalgic feeling Charlie Brown induces, and children will love experiencing it for the first time. In the midst of the rush to buy, buy, buy, Charlie Brown reminds us what Christmas is all about. You’ll be tempted to go out and find the scraggliest, scrawniest tree and turn it into a stunning Christmas centerpiece. This is a kid’s movie with a very real message for adults. [Buy DVD]
This is one of the best holiday films for younger viewers. Small children will be able to understand and sympathize with the storyline, and the short time frame fits smaller attention spans. Filled with fun music and colorful characters, this is a classic that your kids will love. They’ll want to watch it all year long, and with Christmas DVDs they can! The magic of Frosty is timeless – and seasonless! [Buy DVD]
And, of course, the king of all holiday flicks: A Christmas Story. All poor Ralphie wants is a BB gun. After asking, begging, and pleading, will he get it? This is more than just an “I want this for Christmas” movie – it deals with bullies, family relationships, and being misunderstood. This classic movie will appeal to kids and adults alike who will sympathize with Ralphie – and his parents who are afraid he’ll shoot his eye out with a BB gun. The magic of Christmas comes in a funny, irreverent, and heart-warming package with A Christmas Story. [Buy Blu-ray] [Buy DVD]
Christmas movies can invoke tears, laughter, joy, sadness, and all of the above. The great ones allow you to enjoy some time with your whole family and remind you of the magic of the season. Christmas DVDs are a great way to capture this feeling any time of year.
November 6th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
Why isn’t “A Wonderful Life” on this list?
November 6th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
You know, I am not sure. We must have just missed it for some reason. I will have to re-look at the list and maybe change the Top 10.
November 7th, 2008 at 1:38 am
It’s a Wonderful Life - you betcha.
November 9th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Surprised to see Polor Express, Elf and not Wonderful Life or Little Matchstick Girl..that’s a real oldy.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
how about all of the classics? white christmas, national lampoon’s christmas vacation, bishop’s wife, A MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET!!, prancer, ernest saves christmas, Santa Clause, etc.
November 11th, 2008 at 9:36 pm
new movies for christmas
November 12th, 2008 at 3:12 am
#2 has a tag line of Frosty , but the picture is Rudolph. Looks like you have 11 on this list !! Rudolph should be ahead of Frosty.
November 15th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
the #2 spot looks like “Rudolph” not “Frosty”
and what happened to the older classics?
November 17th, 2008 at 1:35 am
What happened to “White Christmas” and “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
November 20th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Oh no, he’s gonna stick his tongue opn that pole! Don’t do it man!
A Christmas Story is the ultimate classic Christmas film. I can sit around with the family during the holidays and watch it iver and over and over again.
Who can forget the classic lamp, dad cussing at the boiler, and my favorite, the singing cooks at the asian restaurant? Whether you’ve ever had a bar of soap stuck in your mouth you can relate to this kid. All he wants for christmas is that darned b b gun.
November 21st, 2008 at 2:33 am
A Christmas Story is my favorite Christmas movie, but I do agree that the other classics are missing. I love White Christmas, Miracle on 34th Street (old and new), It’s a Wonderful Life, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and of course the new How the Grinch Stole Christmas aka The Grinch. The cartoon classics are also my favorites, but I know this can only be a list of ten.
November 23rd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
There’s a scene in ROCKY, where he and Adrian are sitting in a chair watching a black and white Christmas movie. What movie is that? Anyone know?
November 24th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
what about christmas vacation???
November 29th, 2008 at 3:28 am
Elf and the Polar Express are so new that it should be replaced with more well known classics. Someone has already mentioned “Its a Wonderful life” but I suppose the other classics that I tradition watch is also the old “Miracle on 34th Street” and “The Bishop’s Wife” with Cary Grant. If you want to add funny in place of Elf, I think Bill Murray’s “Scrooged” to be fantastic.
November 29th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
What about Home Alone. Who doesn’t love McCully Culkin?
November 30th, 2008 at 12:00 am
We agree with Stephen Brace..Elf and Polar Express are just too new to be considered in the top 10 classic movies.(altho they might be someday) We can’t imagine a list without “Its a Wonderful Life” or “Miracle on 34th Street.” Scrooged might be fantastic, But
my daughters and their families laughed our way thru “Christmas Vacation” on Thankgiving evening.. Love those old traditional movies best..
November 30th, 2008 at 2:27 am
Christmas vacation with Chevy Chase should be on the list tooo!!! and what about that old one with Judy Garland singing “have yourself a merry little christmas” on ‘Meet me in St Louis” ?! there are so many you missed you should have the top 20 i think!!!PS: MY favorite is CHRISTMAS STORY too!!!
December 1st, 2008 at 12:18 am
How about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever? Great story.
December 1st, 2008 at 12:50 am
Where is the proof reader? Last time I checked Christmas was spelled with Christ in it. Look at the title to this list and what is missing?
December 1st, 2008 at 5:03 am
“White Christmas” and “Miracle on 34th Street” definately should have made this list. Whatever happened to “Holiday Inn” where the song White Christmas made it’s debut? Haven’t seen that one in years, and it was great! Personally, I’m sick of “A Christmas Story”. Once a year is enough already!
December 1st, 2008 at 7:22 pm
My very favorite Christmas Movie is “A Christmas Memory”. I love the original one starring Geraldine Page. The movie is never on Tv and you cannot find in the video stores. Ms. Page gave a great performance and the writing was wonderful in this movie. Also there was an old movie I believe called “A House without a Christmas Tree: starring Jason Robards. I would love to see some of these older movies on TV. Sorry but I cannot stand Elf and A Nightmare Before Christmas. Many more better movies than the ones shown here.
December 2nd, 2008 at 3:30 am
I want to thank Pam for jogging my memory because I am trying to find out if the tv movie A House without a Christmas Tree is on DVD. I have been trying to think of this tv movie title
for years and finally someone remembered it. I also think that Sarah Jessica Parker was in this tv movie. I agree I would also like to see some of the older christmas tv shows that were on in the 70s when I was growing up. I like the show A Christmas Story but I would love to find the above tv movie that starred Jason Robards.
December 3rd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
You forgot WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING a movie I watch every Christmas along with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.
December 3rd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I think an error has been made. You stated “Frosty The Snowman” is the #2 Christmas film, but the picture is of Herbie The Dentist Elf and Rudolph from Rudolph-The-Red-Nosed Reindeer.
I also like the other Rudolph cartoons:
Shiny New Year
Land Of Misfit Toys
Rudolph & Frosty’s Winter Wonderland
Nightmare Before Christmas is too scary for me.
Other Christmas Carol versions: Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
Walt Disney’s Babes in Toyland - Annette Funicello, Tommy Sand
Ray Bolger as Barnaby (Villian)
(Yes, the Oz Scarecrow!!)
Mrs. Santa Claus - Angela Landsbury, Charles Durning
(Musical by Jerry Herman, specially written for Angela)
Alvin & The Golden Harmonica
Eloise At Christmas
…and there are many more I love. Choosing is not my strong point.
December 3rd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
What ever happen to Borrowed Hearts, The Christmas List. These are wonderful Christmas movies. They should be number one.
Thanks
December 4th, 2008 at 1:15 am
I love “A Christmas Story” - it unbeatable and makes you feel like a kid all over again. Let’s not forget two other unforgettable movies - “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” and “Bad Santa.” Ho Ho Ho and Merry Christmas!! Kathy
December 4th, 2008 at 1:20 am
How could I forget? I love to see the Bing Crosby Christmas specials as well as Andy Williams - never get tired of them even after all these years. They are a joy. Kathy
December 4th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
hey….what about Scrooged?? doesn’t anyone like Scrooged any more? I love Bill Murray… and Scrooged is Bill at his best!
December 5th, 2008 at 4:01 am
Frosty the Snowman on what is clearly a picture from Rudolph… good job, folks.
December 6th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
* Babes in Toyland (TV) (1986) with keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore
* Bells of St. Mary’s, The (1945)
* Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983) (TV)
* Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977) (TV) (not the one on DVD since it’s CUT)
* House Without a Christmas Tree, The (1972) (TV)
* It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
* Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) (where the song “Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas” came from)
* Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
* Miracle on 34th Street (1973) (TV)
* Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
* Mom for Christmas, A (1990) (TV) Just released on DVD
* Prancer (1989) (this movie made me CRYYYYYYY)
* Scrooge (1970) (the musical)
* The Snowman (1982)
* Very Brady Christmas, A (1988) (TV) Cheesy but a classic
* White Christmas (1954)
* A Wish for Wings That Work (1991) (TV)
* Year Without a Santa Claus, The (1974) (TV)
December 7th, 2008 at 2:40 am
What about the wonderful, dreamy animated movie “The Snowman”? And I’m sorry , but Home Alone is NOT a Christmas movie, even if it takes place during an Xmas vacation.
December 9th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Home Alone is totally a Christmas movie. There’s a ton of Christmas songs in the soundtrack, it happens over Christmas, there’s the whole heartwarming Christmas morning scene where Kevin’s mom comes home. If that’s not a Christmas movie, I don’t know what is!
December 10th, 2008 at 1:46 am
What about the old Christmas Eve movie with Loretta Young. What about Nester the Long Eared Christmas Donkey and The Leprechauns Christmas Gold. Kilarni!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
I cannot beliive that White Christmas and Holiday Inn are not on the list. They are the best Christmas movies ever. Also Christmas in Connecticut (the Barbara Stanwyck version) is sensational. I have never seen Nightmare Before Christmas but I think that may be frightening for younger children. I would like to mention also that A Christmas Carol (the Alistar Sim version is fabulous.)
December 12th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
iamtrying to find the name of the movie, in black& white. the story is about the families on (bankers row) that goes south for the winters.and there homes are inhabited by some steet people who enter into these homes thru underground means.the owner of one of the homes came back uninspected. he has no keys . he is taken in by the same steet people. he goes along and works along with them .a love story unfolds with a man and a women and her little girl who the old man has become very close.the old man(the owner who looks like santa the story is a beautiful christmas and love one. the story ends with all to meet again same time the next year. still not knowing the old man is the owner. please help me to find this movie. I would place it between 1935 and 1946
December 12th, 2008 at 11:09 pm
Uh… #2 is not Frosty, it’s Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. :O ?
December 13th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
I would like to add Groundhog Day with Bill Murray. Not my number 1 choice (that would be Miracle on 34th Street-original) but still fun
December 14th, 2008 at 2:11 am
I have been looking for this Christmas movie that I watched every year when I was a child. All I can remember is there was this family and the father worked for this ompany and his compan would blow up he ground in different areas, and the family went to meet Santa Claus and they believed but the fathr did not, and his company was going to blow up the North Pole, and they had to make him believe so they did not blow it up, Can anybody help me figure i out, Please.
December 14th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
whats # 2??? i says frosty the snowman but the picture is Ruldolf the Red Nosed Reindeer????? I think Ruldolf is better then frosty!
December 17th, 2008 at 2:59 am
Kennitha, it’s called “The Night They Saved Christmas.”
December 23rd, 2008 at 2:32 am
I love this list! And I new that a chrismas story would be #1!!! Who dosnt like it?!!!
August 21st, 2009 at 3:49 am
To Jim Guthrie who asked:
December 12th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
i am trying to find the name of the movie, in black& white. the story is about the families on (bankers row) that goes south for the winters.and there homes are inhabited by some steet people who enter into these homes thru underground means.the owner of one of the homes came back uninspected. he has no keys . he is taken in by the same steet people. he goes along and works along with them .a love story unfolds with a man and a women and her little girl who the old man has become very close.the old man(the owner who looks like santa the story is a beautiful christmas and love one. the story ends with all to meet again same time the next year. still not knowing the old man is the owner. please help me to find this movie. I would place it between 1935 and 1946
THE MOVIE IS: “It Happened on 5th Avenue”. Stars: Eon DeFore, Ann Harding, Chalie Ruggles, Victor Moore, and Gale Storm . By Roy Del Ruth. 1947 Copywrighted 1975 by Warner Bros. on DVD.
I searched for this movie nearly 10 years!! After missing the beginning on T.V., I fell in love with it and for years asked various people if they’d seen it or know the title. No Luck.
Found it last Fall in a Barnes & Noble in Dallas in a 4 DVD Pack called: ” Classic Holiday DVD Collection, Volume 2. by Warner Home Video. It also included: “Holiday Affair, All Mine to Give and Blossoms in the Dust”.
Merry Christmas to All, Pinky
August 21st, 2009 at 4:06 am
Another favorite to add to the Christmas List is:
Serendipidy with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. It’s a romantic comedy.
(P.S. Sorry about the last post spelling errors, I didn’t proof read nor have my computer glasses on.)(Don Defore and copyright)
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
the family man…great message and classic christmas story/it stars nicholas cage and tea leoni…my fav is it’s a wonderful life but i also am in love with “jimmy stewart”