As a certified movie lover, we all know I like to grace my readers with my unsolicited but highly reviewed themed movie lists. (Ask my friends, they will attest to their viewing pleasure.) I’ve given my top horror-filled Halloween picks. I’ve given my niche Thanksgiving movie selections. Now it’s time to strap in and get ready for my ultimate Christmas movie marathon list. Christmas movies are like no other. There are the classics, the cheesy Hallmarks, the Christmas comedies, the rom-coms and that one inescapable movie your dad plays on repeat for the entirety of Christmas Eve into day. Holiday films are your pastime, your lifeline and your awkward silence barrier when you’re sitting on the couch with your estranged in-laws. Here is my ultimate holiday watch guide so you can escape your busy finals season and view the holidays with a cinematic eye.
The Night Before (2015), Levine
If you’re looking for a funny, raunchy and Seth Rogan Christmas, this one is for you. Starting off with a film set on the night before Christmas… Three friends share a youthful and debauchery-filled Christmas Eve tradition, hitting all the bars wearing ugly Christmas and Hanukkah sweaters and singing karaoke. As one of the friends is venturing off into adulthood and on the way to becoming a father, the three decide to cap off their tradition and share one more crazy Christmas Eve together. If you’re into watching mindless comedies with friends while sipping on a Christmas cocktail, this will be your new holiday staple. It’s absurdly underground and it needs to go mainstream immediately.
The Holiday (2006), Meyers
Next on my list is my absolute favorite Christmas movie of all time- A film that needs a description of two words and two words only: Jude Law. That’s right. What the heck is better than a Jude Law Christmas? Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jack Black also appear in this star-studded cast. This movie is the embodiment of coziness, holiday romance and a Ralph Lauren English Christmas. You will fall in love with the characters and book your trip to Surrey, England for an escape and a possible chance to rent a house belonging to Jude Law.
The Family Stone (2005), Bezucha
I was recently shown this movie by my roommate, which then incited an impromptu movie night with my group of friends. This movie had everyone locked in and cringing in second hand embarrassment. Sarah Jessica Parker delivers a truly agonizing performance making the movie so shockingly hilarious. As her character, Meredith, tries to impress and fit in with her boyfriend Everett (Dermot Mulroney), at his family home for the holidays, she merely pushes herself further and further away, revealing her eccentric and uptight personality. The cast is packed with A-listers including Rachel McAdams and the lovely Diane Keaton, may she rest in peace. This is your new chaotic rom-com, filled with twists and turns and set during the craze of the Christmas season.
A Christmas Story (1983), Clark
This is that holiday gem that my dad has locked on the TV for the entirety of Christmas day. It definitely stays a classic for many households each and every year. Ralphie is adorable and nostalgic as he journeys through the days leading up to Christmas wishing near and far for his Red Ryder rifle. This is a funny and witty family oriented movie that will teach you not to give into peer pressure and stick your tongue on a pole in the dead of Winter.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000), Howard
I had to include this classic on the list since the film is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Even Taylor Momsen (Cindy Lou Who) and Jim Carrey (The Grinch) reunited recently for the first time in 25 years at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Jim Carrey is fabulous in this role, completely embodying the wickedness of The Grinch. Get lost in the whimsical world of “Whoville” and appreciate the beautiful sets and costumes from the creative mind of Ron Howard. Watching this movie at least once a year grows your heart three sizes larger.
Love Hard (2021), Jiménez
If you’re like me and your guilty viewing pleasure happens to be corny Netflix Christmas originals, this is your new watch. Love Hard stars Nina Dobrev as she jumps on the plane for the holidays to meet her online dating match. When she arrives, she comes to find out her virtual soulmate is merely a catfish. This hilarious Christmas rom-com takes you on an adventure filled ride that you’ll want to rewatch every single year. This one is a staple in my household as my mom and I laugh at the same jokes as if we hadn’t heard any of them before.
Feast of the Seven Fishes (2019), Tinnell
Now this one’s a bit more underground. As an Italian American, this film is one of my favorites as it embodies the Italian traditions of Christmas time. If there are any Jersey Italians reading this, you know the best part of the holiday season isn’t Christmas, but the night prior. Christmas Eve is the night to relish in the most delicious foods cooked by your beloved Nonna or Nonno. Christmas Eve is the night of the feast of the seven fishes. You got the shrimp, stuffed clams, baccala and so much more. The film starring Madison Iseman and Skyler Gisondo, takes the audience on a journey of forbidden love, tradition, good food and assimilation in a new culture. It’s a hilarious period piece set in the early 80’s that will draw you in and leave you craving a big bowl of linguine alle vongole.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970), Bass
You can’t get any more classic Christmas than this picture. The stop motion is completely recognizable and nostalgic as audiences are enamored with Kris Kringle’s transformation into Santa Claus and ultimately saving the magic of Christmas and toys for the children. The visuals and characters are whimsical and doll-like, and the narration by the acclaimed Fred Astaire makes it all the more special.
As Christmas inches closer and our Fall 2025 semester comes to a close, it’s important to prioritize time for yourself, your friends and family to get together, and make memories during this holiday season. Whether you’re a skiing family, a caroling family, or a holiday baking family, take some time to relax, unwind and immerse yourself in the beauty and joy of Christmas film. Some of your favorite nights might just be relaxing, sipping on hot cocoa and staying warm by the fire and the soft illumination of the movie screen. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, the happiest of New Years and a very well earned break.