Few seasons of the year are as beloved as Christmas. Since the 1950’s, movies about Christmas have earned a big following. Whether it’s police, children home alone or festive teachers, the genre has produced several characters. Given the sheer number of movies made in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best Christmas movies ever made that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Home Alone
House burglaries are terrifying events that have always scared my mother. Ever since I was a young child, my mother has always been afraid of home invasions. A paranoid woman without a doubt, she would often lock the doors of our house whenever she stepped out. She would always be afraid to leave me home alone as a child fearing that burglaries would occur. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the struggles faced by children left home alone as powerfully as “Home Alone”. Ever since its release in 1990, Chris Columbus’ movie has stood the test of time as the greatest Christmas movie ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Columbus captured the fear felt by children left home alone during the Christmas holidays causing despair. Columbus is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for capturing the lives of children, and “Home Alone” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Kevin realizes that his parents have left him home alone during the Christmas holidays causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Macaulay Culkin, who embodies a child left home alone with commitment. Ultimately, what makes “Home Alone” the greatest Christmas movie ever made is its heartwarming message. The film delivers a meaningful message about home burglaries which would resonate with everyone. Unlike most movies about Christmas, it tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It captures the festive spirit of Christmas as a holiday when families are meant to be together. Nearly 30 years following the release of a classic film about children left home alone during the Christmas holiday experiencing house burglaries that are a painful price to pay, it’s a riveting reminder of a season that deserves to be celebrated in movies today.
2. The Holdovers
Teachers are inspiring figures that shaped my identity. I remember forming a bond with an English teacher that inspired me to become a writer. I grew up to cherish an English teacher that made me believe there was nothing I couldn’t accomplish. His inspirational words of wisdom motivated me to pursue my dreams of film criticism. As someone treasuring a teacher that inspired me to overcome barriers, I adored “The Holdovers”. Released in 2023, Alexander Payne’s movie captured teachers taking care of students during the Christmas holidays. Payne uses captivating montages to capture the positive impact teachers have shaping students’ destinies. For instance, the scene in which Professor Hunham is given the news that he must take care of children during the Christmas holidays causing a dilemma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Paul Giamatti, who embodies a teacher that shapes students’ destinies. Ultimately, what makes “The Holdovers” a classic is its message. The film delivers a strong message about teachers that would resonate with everyone. It captures the warm atmosphere of Christmas as a season that brings grumpy people together in celebration. A strong portrait of teachers that impact children’s fate, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that audiences appreciate.
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone
Harry Potter is a magical franchise that has shaped my identity. The story about misunderstood boys who lived has always been a part of my childhood. I fell in love with a book series about wizards casting a spell having timeless stories to tell. Christmas has always been a prominent theme in the fantasy series, and it is most evident in the first film “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”. Released in 2001, Chris Columbus’ movie did an extraordinary job of introducing the magical world of Harry Potter. Columbus used breathtaking visuals to capture wizards celebrating the Christmas season. For instance, the scene in which Harry discovers that he has been gifted a mysterious invisibility cloak for Christmas captures the festive spirit of the season. At the centre of it all is a marvellous performance by Daniel Radcliffe, who embodied the magical personality of a legendary literary character. Ultimately, what makes “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” a Christmas classic is its message. The film delivers a profound message about childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. A spellbinding beginning to a beloved franchise about wizards that are frightening, it’s a riveting reminder of a festive season that is worth celebrating.
4. Die Hard
Cops are courageous figures that fascinated my brother. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a brother admiring cops saving the world. He spoke fondly about cops putting lives on the line to save innocent civilians facing a decline. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the courage of cops whose jobs are hard as powerfully as “Die Hard”. Ever since its release in 1988, John McTiernan’s movie has stood the test of time as a Christmas classic. McTiernan has always had an aptitude for staging awe-inspiring action in movies, and his strengths are evident in “Die Hard”. For instance, the scene in which John McClane discovers that the building is family is in has been invaded by terrorists causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. The film is elevated to another level by an incredible performance from Bruce Willis, who created one of the greatest action heroes in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “Die Hard” a timeless Christmas classic is its appeal. Unlike most movies about the holiday, it tackles strong themes that would resonate with everyone today. As strong as the courage of John McClane, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has made commemorated movies about a celebrated holiday which always entertain.
5. Edward Scissorhands
Bullying has had a negative impact on my identity. At an early age, I faced bullying in high school that caused emotional damage. In high school, I was mistreated by bullies which were cruel. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t overcome menacing bullies leaving me terrified. As someone impacted by demands of bullying, I identified with “Edward Scissorhands”. Released in 1990, Tim Burton’s movie celebrated the Christmas season. Burton has an aptitude for making spooky movies that are set during the Christmas season, and “Edward Scissorhands” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Burton used stunning gothic visuals to capture struggles faced by a boy with scissors as hands that faces bullying. For instance, the scene in which Edward creates snow using his scissor hands for Kim is one of the greatest moments of the Christmas genre. At the centre of it all is a career-defining performance by Johnny Depp, who created a compelling character. Ultimately, what makes “Edward Scissorhands” a Christmas classic is its message. The film delivers a heartwarming message about bullying which would resonate with everyone. As powerful as Edward’s scissor hands, it’s a groundbreaking reminder of a season that audiences consider special.
6. The Shining
One of the common characteristics of Christmas movies is their strong sense of joy. Movies have always captured the joyous nature of a season people consider precious. However, in 1980 Stanley Kubrick defined the genre when he made his frightening film “The Shining”. Unlike most movies in the Christmas genre, what makes “The Shining” stand out is its frightening atmosphere. Kubrick used stunning foreshadowing to capture the danger faced by a family trapped in a hotel during Christmas. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is extraordinary in the leading role, Kubrick constructed a horror film about Christmas that’s terrifying. As unforgettable as the Overlook hotel, it’s a captivating reminder about a commemorated genre that has managed to tell strong stories about a celebrated season that leaves people unwell.
7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Christmas is often a season where teenagers have a celebration. The holiday often gives teenagers a chance to take break from high school to spend time together. Few films I’ve seen have captured the impact of Christmas on teenagers as powerfully as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”. Released in 2012, Stephen Chbosky’s movie honoured a beloved book about teens. Unlike most movies about Christmas, what makes “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” stand out is its strong depiction of adolescence. Chbosky uses engaging montages to capture teens during the Christmas season. Assisted by Logan Lerman who is amazing in the lead role, Chbosky created a celebration of the season. As strong as Charlie’s desire to be a wallflower teenager, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a season commonly depicted in films that people treasure.
8. Little Women
When it comes to the most beloved books ever written about Christmas, it’s worth discussing Little Women. Since its publication in 1868, Louisa Mary Alcott’s book has become a literary classic. In 2019, Greta Gerwig did an exceptional job of adapting the book about strong women in her film “Little Women”. Unlike most movies about the holiday, what makes “Little Women” stand out is its joyous atmosphere. Gerwig captures the festive spirit of a season in which families spend valuable time together through stunning visuals. Assisted by Saoirse Ronan who is extraordinary in the lead role, Gerwig celebrated a classic book about Christmas. A lovely adaptation of a legendary book about women celebrating the Christmas season, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated season that is definitely worthy of celebration.
9. Catch Me if You Can
Few con-artists committing crimes with detail are as notorious as Frank Abagnale. During the 1960’s, Abagnale was a conman that engaged in felonies. Abagnale participated in criminal activities until the day that he was caught by FBI authorities. In 2002, Steven Spielberg honoured the con-artist with a plan in his movie “Catch Me if You Can”. Unlike most movies about Christmas, what makes “Catch Me if You Can” stand out is its sadness. Spielberg uses emotional montages to capture a con-artist separated from estranged parents during the Christmas holidays. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is amazing in the lead role, Spielberg captured a season causing sorrow. As memorable as cons that Frank Abagnale has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a festive season commonly depicted in films that deserves to be celebrated.
10. Arthur Christmas
Animation is commonly used to capture the Christmas season. Filmmakers often rely on animation to teach young kids about a joyous season. The power of animated movies used to discuss Christmas is clearly evident in the film “Arthur Christmas”. Released in 2011, Sarah Smith’s animated movie celebrated the Christmas season. Smith used animation to capture a season that deserves to be celebrated. Assisted by James McAvoy who is amazing, Smith created an animated film about Christmas that’s compelling. Although “Arthur Christmas” falls short of the greatest Christmas movies, it captures the appeal of the season. As strong as Arthur’s desire to celebrate Christmas, it’s a warm reminder of a joyous season portrayed in precious films which I will forever treasure for inspiring my passion for Cinema I love to discuss.
The Film Buff 