The holiday season is here, and it's time to get cozy under a warm blanket with a mug of hot cocoa and dive into the magical world of Christmas films and TV shows. Whether you're looking for a touch of nostalgia, a sprinkle of romance, or a dose of holiday cheer, we've compiled the ultimate list of 20 Christmas must-watches. So light up the fireplace, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a festive binge that will keep you entertained all December long. Don’t forget to add these gems to your watchlist on flickd!
1. "Home Alone" (1990)
The quintessential holiday caper, "Home Alone" follows the misadventures of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister who, accidentally left behind by his family, must defend his home from two bumbling burglars. It's a hilarious festival of traps and tricks!
2. "Elf" (2003)
Buddy the Elf isn’t your ordinary elf. Raised at the North Pole and towering over his peers, he ventures into New York City to find his biological father, spreading his unique brand of Christmas joy in a world of cynics.
3. "Love Actually" (2003)
This beloved British ensemble film weaves together a patchwork of stories—romantic, heartbreaking, and hilarious—about the lives of seemingly unrelated people during the holiday season.
4. "The Polar Express" (2004)
All aboard for a magical train ride to the North Pole! Based on the children’s book, this animated adventure follows a young boy’s extraordinary train journey that teaches him about bravery, friendship, and the spirit of Christmas.
5. "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" (1989)
The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. Watch as Clark's continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon.
6. "A Christmas Story" (1983)
All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder BB gun, and he'll go to any lengths to convince his parents, his teacher, and Santa that it's the perfect gift. This nostalgic, wryly humorous tale is a holiday staple.
7. "The Holiday" (2006)
Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love. It’s a charming rom-com that proves a little change of scenery can lead to big changes in life.
8. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (2000)
Jim Carrey brings Dr. Seuss's beloved Grinch to life in this live-action adaptation. Watch as the Grinch hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville, only to learn a powerful lesson about the true spirit of the holiday.
9. "Die Hard" (1988)
Yes, it’s a Christmas movie! NYPD officer John McClane's Christmas Eve is turned upside down when he has to save everyone at his wife's office holiday party, taken hostage by terrorists. Action-packed and iconic!
10. "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947)
When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. A heartwarming classic that challenges the cynics!
11. "It’s a Wonderful Life" (1946)
An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. It’s a heartfelt reminder of how each life is precious.
12. "The Santa Clause" (1994)
When a man inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place. A funny and touching film about fatherhood, fate, and Christmas cheer.
13. "Jingle All the Way" (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in this comedy about a father who must embark on an epic quest to obtain the season's hottest toy on a last-minute shopping spree on Christmas Eve.
14. "Bad Santa" (2003)
A conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid, and the security boss discovers the plot.
15. "Black Doves" (2024)
Spies, London, drama - all in the lead up to Christmas. An instant classic TV miniseries starring Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw.
16. "Carry-On" (2024)
A Netflix film with Taron Eagerton
17. "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang" (2005)
A modern noir that brings laughs, thrills, and holiday vibes as a crook-turned-actor and a private eye unravel a mystery together.
18. "In Bruges" (2008)
Two hitmen hide out in Bruges during Christmas and find themselves in a series of bizarre and violent events.
19. "Merry Happy Whatever" (2013)
A comedic look at the struggles of a father during the holidays as he tries to balance the demands and eccentricities of his complicated family.
20. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993)
Tim Burton’s fantastical tale follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, as he stumbles through a portal to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate the holiday.
There you have it—20 festive films and TV shows guaranteed to spread the holiday cheer. Whether you're watching with family, friends, or enjoying some solo time, these classics are bound to make your season bright. Make sure to add these to your watchlist on flickd and keep track of all your holiday viewing this season. Merry watching!
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