In 50 days, it’ll be Christmas, and many of us look forward to watching Christmas movies and putting up our Christmas decorations and trees. As early as now, you can look for the film you want to binge-watch alone, with family, or with someone special.
In this article, we have compiled a list of timeless classics and new Christmas movies to look forward to this year.
The Timeless Classics
It’s a Wonderful Life
This is a 1946 American Christmas supernatural drama film that Frank Capra directed. The movie is based on the short story titled “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern. The film follows George Bailey, played by James Stewart, who sacrifices his dreams to help others. Even though the film was nominated for five Academy Awards, it didn’t do well at the box office. As of now, it’s considered one of the greatest films of all time and among the best Christmas films.
The American Film Institute recognized it as one of the 100 best American films ever made, and it is considered to be a significant film. A remake was also made in January 2024.
Home Alone
This is a 1990 American comedy film directed by Chris Columbus and produced by John Hughes. The film follows Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, who defends his home in Chicago from robbers after his family (accidentally) leaves him behind for a Christmas vacation to Paris. This film has a mix of slapstick humor with moments of unexpected events. It’s a great comedy film that remains relevant to this day.
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol has been adapted numerous times. The remarkable versions are the ones that starred Alastair Sim in 1951, George C. Scott in 1984, and Jim Carrey in 2009. The main story of the movie follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable man who transforms to be generous. Whichever version you decide to watch, the main message of the movie is about redemption and kindness that continues to resonate.
2024 Christmas Movies
A Christmas Miracle
This film follows a struggling single mother and her daughter, who are helped by a visitor who comes out of the blue during the holiday season. The film has elements of magical realism and heartfelt family drama, which will surely pull your heartstrings. Emotional depth, heartwarming moments, and plenty of Christmas magic are to be expected.
This movie is available to watch on Amazon Channel, Peacock Premium, and Peacock Premium Plus. If you buy or rent it from Google Play Movies, Amazon Video, and Apple TV, you can also watch it there.
Holiday Hearts
This film is set in a small town and follows two different individuals (an overworked executive from the city and a local baker) who are forced to work together to arrange the town’s Christmas festival.
They start to discover that love is just a matter of finding the right person at the right time as they spend more time together. This film gives off a cozy vibe and is perfect for fans of feel-good romantic comedy movies.
You can also watch this film on a streaming platform called Peacock.
Santa’s Secret
An animated holiday film that follows a young girl discovering that Santa is her grumpy neighbor and helps him restore the magic of Christmas. The film includes a heartwarming message about believing and why it is important. On top of that, the animation is also visually appealing. This animated film might just be a favorite for the younger audience.
Not mainstream Christmas movies
The Family Stone
An American comedy-drama film directed by Thomas Bezucha in 2005. The film stars Diane Keaton, Craig T. Nelson, Dermot Mulroney, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson, Claire Danes, Rachel McAdams, and Tyrone Giordano.
The story follows the Stone family’s stroke of bad luck on Christmas in a small town in New England. The movie shows the dynamics of family, love, and acceptance. It also balances between humor and heart, which makes it a great pick for those looking for something different from the usual Christmas movies.
Arthur Christmas
An animated Christmas comedy film produced by Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation in collaboration with Aardman Animations. The film was directed by Sarah Smith and co-directed by Barry Cook.
The film focuses on Arthur Claus, the younger son of Santa Claus. He discovers a high-tech ship that his dad (Santa Claus) didn’t get to deliver to a girl who wished for it as a present. He decides to deliver it himself before Christmas morning.
It was released in the United Kingdom and the United States. It also gained positive reviews and earned $147 million at the box office.
Klaus
Another animated comedy film that was released in 2019 by Netflix and was written and directed by Sergio Pablos. The film stars Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Neda Margrethe Labba, and Joan Cusack.
The film follows an alternate origin story of Santa Claus in a fictional 19th-century setting. It received critical acclaim for its animation, story, emotional depth, humor, and vocal performances. It also won seven awards at the 47th Annie Awards and Best Animated Film at the 73rd British Academy Film Awards.
The animation showed the power of stories in creating joy and spreading love.
Additionally, if you want to stray away from watching Christmas movies, check out these movie remakes in Spin Genie.
Have a wonderful Christmas!