As December approaches, the undeniable magic in the air by the reflections of sparkling lights and festive jingles slowly greets the holiday season. Read our list for 25 movies to watch until Christmas below.
The holidays are an occasion to slow down, reflect, and celebrate the joy of the season. But with the first snowflakes dropping, the days are beginning to chill, and the nights are growing longer, one of the greatest ways for spreading the Christmas spirit is through watching a movie; whether it’s a heart warming classic, a fantastical adventure, or a darker tale, movies always instil the emotions and themes that defines Christmas.
While Christmas movies are often seen as family-oriented, the seasons’ cinematic offerings are more diverse than they might seem. Horror comedies, horror slashers, romantic comedies, action adventures, and even an erotic film can still complement the Christmas festive.
Presented below is a curated list that invites you on a 25-day journey through a wide variety of movies, counting down the days up until Christmas. This list is a celebration of connection and hope, and offers everything from typical family-friendly films to thought-provoking tales. Whether you’re inviting friends over for a holiday movie marathon, a family gathering, or cosying up alone, these films promise to make your December an unforgettable cinematic experience.
1. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979)
Start the holiday season off with Monty Python’s silly and subversive satire. Life of Brian tells the story of a man born in Bethlehem on the same day as Jesus Christ and was mistaken as the Messiah. The film’s clever and silly humour turns the traditional biblical storytelling and gives a fresh and new perspective on faith.
Not a Christmas film per se, but it sets the tone for its ability to challenge conventional narratives. It’s an odd but great start to the countdown, so sit back and laugh and keep an open mind as you begin your holiday journey.
2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The first instalment in the Harry Potter series introduces us to the magical universe of wizards, where every moment feels infused with wonder. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is more than just a seasonal film; it’s a story about friendship, courage, and finding one’s place in the world. Revisiting this classic during the holidays feels like unwrapping a treasured gift, full of warmth and joy.
3. Frozen (2013)
Enter a winter wonderland with Disney’s Frozen, a tale that has become a modern classic since its release. Set in the icy kingdom of Arendelle, the story follows two sisters, Elsa and Anna, as they navigate themes of love, self-discovery, and acceptance. After all, “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” feels like an anthem for the season.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
For a dose of humour and intergalactic story, look no further than this Marvel holiday special. This 40-minute special centres on the Guardians of the Galaxy as they prepare to celebrate Christmas on Knowhere by kidnapping Earth’s finest movie star Kevin Bacon.
5. Black Christmas (1974)
Not all holiday films are merry and bright. Black Christmas takes a sinister turn, delivering a chilling tale of terror that unfolds during the most festive time of the year. This cult classic follows a group of sorority sisters who become the target of a mysterious killer in a shrewd mixture of suspense, horror, and holiday motifs that is as unsettling as it is utterly captivating.
6. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Set against the backdrop of a charming Budapest gift shop during the holiday season, this classic romantic comedy beckons viewers to journey back in time with James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan in their charming misadventures and gradual realization of their feelings, which create a heartfelt narrative perfect for December.
7. Little Women (1994)
Little Women is one of the few stories that gives an amazing sense of family and togetherness. The film adaptation, released in 1994, of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel brings the March sisters alive with heart-wrenching performances and grand cinematography. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century New England, the film reeks of moments of love, sacrifice, and sibling bonds.
8. Beauty and the Beast (1991)
This Disney animated classic tale as old as time features stunning animation, unforgettable songs like “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and a heart warming message of looking beyond appearances. Beauty and the Beast is a Christmas favourite for all ages.
9. Die Hard (1988)
For a burst of adrenaline in your holiday countdown, Die Hard is a perfect pick. Though it’s often debated whether it’s truly a Christmas movie, Die Hard has become a beloved holiday action classic, offering a heart-pounding excitement to the holiday spirit.
10. Elf (2003)
No holiday season is complete without Will Ferrell’s lovable Buddy the Elf. The film’s theme of rediscovering childlike wonder reminds us to embrace the joy and innocence of the season. From Buddy’s hilarious attempts to navigate the modern world to his unwavering belief in the spirit of Christmas, this comedy is a festive classic that never fails to brighten December.
11. I’m Thinking of Ending Things (2020)
For a change of pace, dive into the surreal and unsettling world of Charlie Kaufman’s I’m Thinking of Ending Things. The film challenges viewers to reflect on identity, memory, and the passage of time; a fitting theme for the season’s quieter, more reflective moments.
12. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Enter the magical land of Narnia, where it’s winter all the time, but never Christmas –until four siblings arrive to change that. This retelling has the same wonder and magic as the novel itself, akin to the first Harry Potter film which makes it a perfect holiday fantasy film.
13. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey stars in this live-action rendition of the classic Dr. Seuss holiday tale. As the Grinch, he portrays a grumpy, grouchy creature who hates Christmas and whose plan it is to steal it from the folks of Whoville. How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of those holiday fun flicks, with Carrey’s over-the-top performance and a strong heart warming message of love and community.
14. The Polar Express (2004)
Hop aboard for a magical journey to the North Pole in this visually stunning animated film. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, The Polar Express tells the story of a young boy who rediscovers his belief in the magic of Christmas during an unforgettable train ride.
15. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)
Swing into the holiday spirit with this thrilling multiversal superhero adventure and relive the moment when the three live-action Spider-Men met for the first time! Spider-Man: No Way Home is an emotional and action-packed film that celebrates the legacy of Spider-Man while exploring themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and redemption.
16. Gremlins (1984)
This horror-comedy is a chaotic, festive romp that combines the holiday and mischievous mayhem. With its small-town holiday setting and dark humour, Gremlins offers a unique Christmas experience to be filled with chaos and dark comedy. Gremlins is a fun and spooky holiday film that has gained a cult following over the years.
17. Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
Set in a dreamlike atmosphere with slow-burn tension and a philosophical exploration of desire, trust, and fidelity, this film is both a psychological thriller and an intimate drama and sets the mood as a provocative choice for something more mature and enigmatic over the holidays.
18. Home Alone (1990)
Revisit the hilarious antics of Kevin McCallister as he defends his home against two bumbling burglars while celebrating Christmas alone. Home Alone remains a nostalgic, classic favourite and perfectly captures the mischievous spirit of childhood and the joy of reuniting with your family.
19. Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a star-studded romantic comedy that weaves together a series of interconnected stories about love and heartbreak set in the weeks before Christmas. Love Actually captures the complexity of human emotions and the magic of the holiday season, making it a feel-good favourite during Christmas.
20. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a fantastical journey through the world of Halloween Town and Christmas Town. It presents an eerie yet heart warming atmosphere, perfectly bridging Halloween and Christmas, reminding us of how these two grand holidays make for great surprises.
21. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
In this classic Christmas film starring Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street is a warm-hearted tale that delves into the mystique of belief in the power of Christmas, kindness, and generosity. It has become a staple holiday viewing for generations with its wholesome message and memorable performances.
22. Carol (2015)
Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt, Carol is a beautiful, slow burn love story that takes place during the holiday season in 1950s New York. Its snowy winter setting, atmosphere, and lush cinematography, makes it a rich choice for a more subtle, emotional film to unravel what Christmas means on an even deeper and personal level.
23. Klaus (2019)
This animated feature by Sergio Pablos presents a fresh and heartwarming origin story about Santa Claus. Klaus is beautifully written about redemption, kindness, and the transformative power of selflessness. With its beautiful animation and a truly uplifting story, it is a holiday classic of this generation.
24. The Holdovers (2023)
The Holdovers is a heart warming and hilarious story of how an unlikely bond forms between a grumpy professor, a talented but troubled student, and a cook who are stuck at a remote boarding school over the holiday break. Its bittersweet humor and unexpected friendship makes it a perfect film to watch as you reflect on the year and the importance of human connection.
25. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
And finally, bringing an end to the holiday countdown is this Christmas classic, often regarded as the greatest Christmas film of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life’s simple yet profound message: ‘every life matters’ is a fitting tribute to the timeless and enduring power of hope, love, and the impact that can be made by one life among many. The performance by James Stewart, combined with its perfect holiday imagery, makes it the ultimate Christmas movie.
Whether you prefer classic holiday warmth, thought-provoking dramas, or unconventional twists, this curated list of 25 Christmas movies ensures there’s something for everyone. So grab a blanket, pour a cup of cocoa, and let these films make your December truly unforgettable.
Thanks for reading this article! If you liked this list of 25 Christmas movies to watch in December make sure to check out our other lists at Feature First.
