It’s that time of year! Want to get more into the holiday spirit in a way that isn’t listening to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on repeat? Check out this list of the best holiday movies of all time, and you’re sure to jingle all the way through the rest of the year, or turn into the Grinch — either way, you’re in for a good time.
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (1970)
The full stop-motion movie is available on YouTube. A postman (voiced by Fred Astaire) explains why Santa has whiskers, lives at the North Pole and brings presents once a year.
Mean Girls (2004)
If you missed re-watching Mean Girls on Mean Girls Day (October 3), now’s your chance to get your dose of the cult classic. The talent show performance of “Jingle Bell Rock” is iconic and for that reason, earns a spot on our list.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
What better time to binge the Harry Potter series than in December? Also, how adorable are they as kids in the first movie?!
The Shining (1980)
All joyous Christmas movies and no play, make for a dull holiday. The Shining is the perfect Christmas movie for horror lovers, taking place at the isolated Overlook Hotel in Colorado over the winter.
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This stop motion film came out before Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town, and has been telecast every year since 1964, making it the longest continuously running Christmas TV special. The whole movie is available on YouTube, too.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen makes a perfect Santa Claus in this 1994 classic. After he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, Scott (Tim Allen) and his son are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf explains that he must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives.
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
When Winona Ryder’s Kim goes out into the backyard to find Edward making an angel ice sculpture, it creates a beautiful sprinkling of “snow.” Edward Scissorhands is a fantasy film all framed by an old woman telling the story to her granddaughter one late snowy night.
Christmas Carol The Movie (2001)
In this animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Ebeneezer Scrooge (Simon Callow) remains the same old curmudgeonly hermit. As he tries to resist the Christmas cheer surrounding him, several ghosts appear to him to show him the error of his ways. The Ghost of Christmas Past (Jane Horrocks), the Ghost of Christmas Present (Michael Gambon), former partner Marley (Nicolas Cage) and an earnest mouse help him change his cold heart just in time for the holiday.
Die Hard (1988)
At this point, you can’t possibly disagree that Die Hard is a Christmas movie — and if you do, you’re wrong.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, Jim Carrey stars as the reclusive Grinch whose goal is to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville.
Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Halloween meets Christmas in Tim Burton’s claymation fantasy film. When Jack Skellington accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life — he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping “Sandy Claws” and taking over the role.
The Polar Express (2004)
Inspired by the beloved children’s book of the same name, Tom Hanks voices the narrator and conductor of The Polar Express. The story follows a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, embarking on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe.
Bad Santa (2003)
Billy Bob Thornton plays a miserable Santa conman with his Little Helper, played by Tony Cox to rob a department store. But that all changes when he makes an unlikely friend in a troubled kid. The movie also stars Bernie Mac, Lauren Graham and John Ritter.
Home Alone (1990)
“KEVIN!” You absolutely have to watch Home Alone this holiday season. It never gets old watching Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) slap that aftershave on his face and torment house robbers (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern) to protect his family’s home.
It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
The best Christmas movie of all time is It’s A Wonderful Life. It’s message of how your life impacts all those around you and the significance of it all can be applied to anyone today. A truly touching film that shows us what the holidays are really all about: gratitude.