The Best Classic Christmas Movies

By Betsy Cribb
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In alphabetical order, because we couldn’t choose a favorite.
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1 of 21

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2 of 21

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

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Because what’s more lovable than the Peanuts in a Christmas pageant and the world’s most endearingly pitiful little Christmas tree?

Buy it here: $12.99; amazon.com

3 of 21

A Christmas Carol (1951)

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It’s just not Christmas without witnessing the redeeming transformation of one Ebenezer Scrooge. (If you’re looking for an adaptation that will entertain the little ones, The Muppet Christmas Carol is always a safe bet.)

Stream it here: $0.99; amazon.com

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4 of 21

A Christmas Story (1983)

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The leg lamp, the scary department store Santa, the kid who gets his tongue stuck to the flagpole, and Ralphie’s “official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle:” These are the icons of the darkly funny holiday comedy that’s featured in a 24-hour marathon on TBS every year.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

5 of 21

Elf (2003)

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This feel-good Will Ferrell flick follows the New York City (mis)adventures of Buddy, a human raised by elves, as he searches for his biological father. The new holiday classic offers lessons in elf culture (“the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”) and the power of Christmas spirit along the way.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

6 of 21

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

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Few Christmas characters are more memorable than the snowman who magically came to life. Relive the holiday wonder of the talking, dancing snowman with your children this season.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

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7 of 21

The Holiday (2006)

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The Kate Winslet + Cameron Diaz power duo is enough to land this rom-com on our list, but throw in the dreamy scenery (the most charming countryside cottage of all time and a sunny California pad) and you’ve got a holiday flick that’s a warm-fuzzy watch all year long.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

8 of 21

Home Alone (1990)

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Kevin McAllister wishes his family would disappear, and he wakes up to find his dream come true: In the scramble to make it to the airport on time, his family forgets him. Holiday hijinks ensue, as he’s left to defend his home from the neighborhood’s “Wet Bandits,” Harry and Marv.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

9 of 21

Home Alone 2 (1992)

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The McCallisters manage to accidentally leave Kevin behind again (what happened to responsible parenting?), but this time, Kev’s living a cushy life (spending $967 on room service) in the Big Apple, where he manages to outsmart Harry and Marv once again.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

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10 of 21

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

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The first adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s beloved Christmas tale is so nostalgically sweet, your heart just might grow three sizes too.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

11 of 21

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

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The live adaptation of the Dr. Seuss story stars Jim Carrey at his finest ... and most quotable: “6:30, dinner with me … I can't cancel that again.” Adults will like this hilarious take on the holiday classic as much as the kids.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

12 of 21

It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)

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If we were forced to choose just one Christmas movie for an annual viewing, the story of George Bailey and his guardian angel Clarence would probably be our winner. “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings,” and every time we watch this movie, we cry our eyes out. Tomato, to-mah-toe.

Buy it here: $13.99; amazon.com

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13 of 21

Love Actually (2003)

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While most movies with casts this celeb-packed are total trainwrecks (looking at you, Valentine’s Day), this holiday rom-com is a delightful exception. Plus, there’s that amazing scene of Hugh Grant dancing through 10 Downing Street to the Pointer Sisters’ “Jump (For My Love).”

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

14 of 21

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

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It’s not technically a Christmas movie, but we wouldn’t have “Have Yourself a Little Merry Christmas” without this Judy Garland-led classic.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

15 of 21

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

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When a man working as a Macy’s Santa claims to be the real deal, he’s put on trial, where he must prove his authenticity to the court … and a skeptical 6-year-old named Susan.

Stream it here: $2.99; amazon.com

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16 of 21

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

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From Cousin Eddie parking his RV outside to the Christmas Eve kidnapping of his “cheap, lying, no-good, rotten…” boss, Clark Griswold’s “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas” provides the holiday season’s most irreverent (and laugh-out-loud funny) watch.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

17 of 21

The Polar Express (2004)

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Based on the classic 1985 children’s book of the same name, this beautifully animated adaptation celebrates the importance of believing—a valuable Christmas message for both the young and young-at-heart.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

18 of 21

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

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Cue up the nostalgia! The most famous reindeer of all saves Christmas with the help of his special nose and some other North Pole misfits in this sweet animated movie that’s perfect for the whole family.

Buy it here: $11.99; amazon.com

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19 of 21

The Santa Clause (1994)

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If your hair turns white and you start putting on weight inexplicably, you just might be transforming into Ole St. Nick himself. That’s exactly what happens to divorced dad Scott Calvin in this heartwarming family comedy starring Tim Allen.

Buy it here: $3.99; amazon.com

20 of 21

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

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This memorable Sandra Bullock flick has all the makings of a guilty pleasure rom-com: A love triangle, a case of mistaken identity, and oh yeah, a coma patient.

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

21 of 21

White Christmas (1954)

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Bing Crosby himself, a song-and-dance-filled plot designed to save a Vermont inn from closing, and snow that (finally) falls at just the right moment—what more could you want in a classic Christmas movie?

Stream it here: $3.99; amazon.com

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