Credit: 20th Century StudiosThe holidays aren’t complete without the perfect lineup of Christmas movies, and there’s no shortage of festive favorites to choose from. From timeless classics to modern hits, these films capture the magic, humor, and heartwarming moments that make the season special.
Whether you’re looking for laughs, action, romance, or a little bit of nostalgia, this watchlist covers 12 movies that are perfect for the next 12 cozy nights leading up to Christmas Day. But there’s a bit of a twist on our list — there are some movies you may have never even heard of!
1. Home Alone
No Christmas watchlist is complete without the original Home Alone. Macaulay Culkin’s iconic performance as Kevin McCallister, the clever kid who’s left behind when his family flies to Paris, still delights audiences with slapstick booby traps and plenty of holiday charm.
From setting up micro-machine mayhem to swinging paint cans to defend his house against the bumbling burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern), the 1990 film, directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets), perfectly blends big laughs with heartwarming family moments.
2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Both Columbus and Culkin returned for Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which finds Kevin McCallister all alone in the Big Apple instead of his Chicago home. This time, with a new ally in the Pigeon Lady and new traps. Kevin must once again fend off Harry and Marv, who plan to rob a toy store.
The mix of Christmas cheer and cityscape adventure makes the 1992 film a must-watch sequel for fans of the original. Some even argue that it’s superior to its 1990 predecessor.
3. The Polar Express
Tom Hanks (Toy Story) leads The Polar Express (2004), a magical, 3D animated motion-capture adventure in which a young boy boards a train to the North Pole.
The film’s stunning visuals and festive soundtrack capture the thrill of belief in Santa Claus, and memorable characters like the Hobo on top of the train (Hanks in one of many roles in the film) make it a modern holiday classic.
Robert Zemeckis’ film is perfect for kids and adults alike, especially for those who want a Christmas story full of wonder.
4. Last Christmas
Last Christmas (2019), directed by Paul Feig and starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding, offers a romantic twist on the holiday movie formula.
Set against London’s festive backdrop, Clarke plays Kate, a woman learning to embrace joy again, while Golding’s Tom challenges her to take risks in enjoying life. The film’s soundtrack, which exclusively features songs by the late, legendary George Michael and his band Wham!, brings extra cheer and warmth to this heartfelt seasonal story.
5. Jingle All The Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger delivers belly laughs and holiday chaos in 1996’s Jingle All The Way, as absent, workaholic father Howard Langston scrambles to find the season’s must-have toy for his son, Jamie (Jake Lloyd). From battling rival parents to outrageous mall shenanigans, the film perfectly captures the stress and humor of Christmas shopping.
Brian Levant’s festive flick is a silly, high-energy romp that still resonates with anyone who’s ever raced the clock for holiday gifts.
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppet Christmas Carol brings Charles Dickens’ classic to life with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo in unforgettable roles. Michael Caine stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, surrounded by Muppets singing, dancing, and delivering both laughs and heartfelt moments.
Directed by Brian Henson, the 1992 film is a perfect blend of puppetry, humor, and the timeless message of redemption.
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7. The Holiday
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star in Nancy Meyers’ 2006 classic The Holiday, a cozy romantic comedy about two women swapping homes for Christmas. But Diaz’s Amanda and Winslet’s Iris unexpectedly find love and self-discovery across the festive season, while Jack Black and Jude Law bring the charm as their respective love interests.
It’s a feel-good story full of laughter, emotion, and snowy landscapes perfect for holiday viewing.
8. Die Hard
Yes, Die Hard is a Christmas movie! Bruce Willis’ John McClane battles terrorists in an LA skyscraper during a holiday party, which sparked the eternal Is Die Hard a Christmas movie debate.
Explosive action, witty quips, and a festive setting make John McTiernan’s 1988 high-rise actioner a must-watch for anyone who likes their holiday movies with a dose of adrenaline.
9. A Christmas Carol (2009)
Jim Carrey’s performance in A Christmas Carol (2009) brings Ebenezer Scrooge to life like never before — in full 3D animated, motion-capture performance.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis (The Polar Express), the film explores Scrooge’s journey with the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, delivering a darkly enchanting and visually rich retelling of the Dickens classic that’s perfect for a reflective Christmas evening.
10. Look Who’s Talking Now
The cult favorite Look Who’s Talking Now (1993) continues the story of the Thornburg family (led by John Travolta and Kirstie Alley), now featuring talking dogs voiced by Danny DeVito and Diane Keaton.
Silly, charming, and nostalgic, it’s a quirky holiday pick that fans of the series adore, even if it didn’t get as much mainstream attention as the first two films.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
While not strictly a Christmas movie, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, directed by festive-flick master Chris Columbus (the first two Home Alone films), captures the season’s magic with Hogwarts’ first winter, including literal magic décor and snow-capped castle towers.
Daniel Radcliffe’s Harry, Emma Watson’s Hermione, and Rupert Grint’s Ron charm audiences as they discover friendship, courage, and plenty of magic along the way.
12. The Snowman (1982)
Finally, The Snowman, the animated 1982 classic from the UK, is still waiting to be discovered by American audiences. This silent tale, based on the children’s book of the same name by Raymond Briggs, follows a young boy and his magical snowman, accompanied by the unforgettable song “Walking in the Air”.
Its gentle pace, breathtaking animation, and timeless message make it a must-see for anyone looking for a quieter, contemplative Christmas experience.
Will you be streaming any of these Christmas movies over the next 12 days? Are you familiar with any of the surprises on this list! Let us know in the comments down below!