December 16, 2024 | 09:34 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Christmas is a time for joy, family, and cherished traditions. There is no better way to celebrate the holiday season than by watching a classic Christmas movie while snuggling up and sipping some hot cocoa.
In this article, we’ll take a cinematic journey to find ten of the best Christmas movies of all time worth binge-watching, as cited from IMDb and Timeout Travel. Let these all-time favorites bring you nostalgia and plenty of laughs.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It is not a list of the best Christmas movies without mentioning the 1946 classic It’s a Wonderful Life. The Academy Awards-nominee movie follows George Bailey, a frustrated businessman who has given up on all his dreams. An angel named Clarence Odbody is sent from Heaven to help him discover the profound impact he has had on others’ lives.
- Directed by: Frank Capra
- Portrayed by: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore
2. Die Hard (1988)
It is still up for debate whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie or not. But, one thing that makes it fit into the category is that the movie is set on Christmas Eve. Nevertheless, this action-packed thriller promises explosions and unforgettable entertainment to the audience.
- Directed by: John McTiernan
- Portrayed by: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Bonnie Bedelia
3. A Christmas Carol (1951)
Another holiday classic, A Christmas Carol has been adapted countless times, but Charles Dicken’s version remains iconic. In case you are on the same page as the main protagonist, Ebenezer Scrooge, who is not sentimental enough to grasp the joy of Christmas, you may change your point of view after watching this movie.
- Directed by: Brian Desmond Hurst
- Portrayed by: Alastair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison
4. Home Alone (1990)
Imagine your whole family is on vacation, and you are accidentally left home alone. In the middle of this lonesome situation, you have to confront two burglars who are targeting your house. This is basically the main plot of Home Alone.
Despite having up to four sequels, the original story remains superior. The movie was broadcast on nearly every television channel around the world during the Christmas season, further cementing its prominence as the best Christmas movie of all time.
In addition to a nostalgic feeling, Home Alone sure promises a few chuckles at some of its scenes.
- Directed by: Chris Columbus
- Portrayed by: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern
Few movies capture the chaotic charm of Christmas quite like Home Alone. In this 1990 classic, Macaulay Culkin stars as Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old left behind for the holidays who must defend his home from two bumbling burglars. Packed with humor, heart, and festive pranks, it is a perfect choice for family movie night.
5. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rudolph is among the most popular characters in any Christmas tale, and you can watch his story in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The latter stands out for being a stop-motion TV special.
Indeed, the story brings you to a brief nostalgic trip, but as you get older, you may find something odd about the movie itself. After all, why would Santa pick on Rudolph for his red nose?
- Directed by: Larry Roemer
- Portrayed by: Billie Mae Richards, Burl Ives, Larry D. Mann
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
If you are looking for a good laugh this holiday season, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is the perfect pick. Starring Chevy Chase, this movie tells a hilarious story of the chaos and mishaps of Clark Griswold hosting a family Christmas. With its over-the-top humor and relatable moments, as the phrase on the poster suggests, “Yule crack up”.
- Directed by: Jeremiah S. Chechik
- Portrayed by: Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis
7. A Christmas Story (1983)
Few movies capture the spirit of Christmas as well as A Christmas Story. Set in the 1940s, the movie follows young Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
While some may find the movie to be weird, but not necessarily in a bad way, A Christmas Story is a holiday tradition for many families to rewatch during the holiday season, along with It’s a Wonderful Life.
- Directed by: Bob Clark
- Portrayed by: Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin
8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Is Santa Claus real? As Nate Bargatze’s George Washington quoted on SNL, “Nobody knows.” But, a man named Kris Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus, and he must prove it to a young girl who has somehow lost the excitement of Christmas.
Miracle on 34th Street was first released in 1947 by 20th Century Fox and has remained a timeless favorite ever since.
- Directed by: George Seaton
- Portrayed by: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne
9. Elf (2003)
Starring an SNL alumnus Will Ferrel, Elf follows the story of Buddy, a human raised as an elf. He embarks on a journey from the North Pole to New York City to find his biological father. Packed with humor and festive cheer, Elf has become a beloved holiday staple.
- Directed by: Jon Favreau
- Portrayed by: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart
10. Gremlins (1984)
For those looking for something different to catch the Christmas spirit, Gremlins offers you a mix of comedy and horror elements. This 1984 classic tells the story of mischievous creatures unleashed during the holidays, causing mayhem on Christmas Eve.
- Directed by: Joe Dante
- Portrayed by: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton
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