For nearly as long as cinema has existed, Christmas films have been a staple. However, it was the advent of television that solidified watching these films as a holiday tradition, a trend that continues even in the streaming era.
To celebrate the festive season, our team has compiled a list of the top 10 Christmas movies of all time, ranked by IMDb scores. Many of these films are likely familiar to you, and the good news is they are all available on streaming platforms like Prime Video and HBO Max.
10. ‘Love Actually’ (2003)
IMDb rank: 7.5
Despite its lighthearted and sentimental nature, Love Actually remains a beloved holiday film. The 2003 movie features an ensemble cast, primarily British, navigating the ups and downs of love in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The British Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) is distracted by his staff member, Natalie (Martine McCutcheon), while Mark (Andrew Lincoln) struggles with his feelings for Juliet (Keira Knightley), who has married his best friend.
With nearly a dozen intertwined stories of romance and heartache, Love Actually offers a delightful, if syrupy, viewing experience. Many films have tried to replicate its magic, but none have matched its success.
Love Actually is available on Prime Video.
9. ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (1989)
IMDb rank: 7.5
The Griswold family opts for a staycation in this third installment of the comedy series. Despite staying home, chaos ensues with the arrival of in-laws and Cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid). The film’s humor remains fresh, with memorable scenes such as Clark (Chevy Chase) attempting to decorate the house with Christmas lights and Eddie’s dog, Snots, causing havoc.
Featuring a young Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a neighbor, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation continues to be a holiday favorite, streaming on HBO Max.
8. ‘The Bishop’s Wife’ (1947)
IMDb rank: 7.6
Bishop Henry (David Niven) is preoccupied with church fundraising, neglecting his wife, Julia (Loretta Young). Angel Dudley (Cary Grant) arrives to help, but complications arise when Dudley develops feelings for Julia. This classic film, filled with charm and an uplifting ending, remains a favorite among viewers.
The Bishop’s Wife is available on Prime Video.
Hallmark delivers an array of new holiday films each year, but some of their best are from the past. Since 2001, the network has been providing festive content that continues to entertain audiences.
7. ‘White Christmas’ (1954)
IMDb rank: 7.6
The song “White Christmas” was first featured in the 1942 film Holiday Inn, but the 1954 movie White Christmas captures the holiday spirit in a more uplifting manner. Starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as a song-and-dance duo, the film follows their efforts to save their former Major General’s hotel.
White Christmas is streaming on Prime Video.
6. ‘Home Alone’ (1990)
IMDb rank: 7.7
Macaulay Culkin rose to fame with Home Alone, a 1990 holiday comedy. The McCallister family accidentally leaves Kevin (Culkin) behind during a trip to Paris, leading to his solo adventures at home. With memorable music by John Williams, the film remains a holiday favorite.
Marking its 35th anniversary, Home Alone remains a holiday staple, showcasing Kevin’s antics as he defends his home from the Wet Bandits.
Home Alone is available on Hulu.
5. ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ (1993)
IMDb rank: 7.9
Conceived by Tim Burton and directed by Henry Selick, The Nightmare Before Christmas features Jack Skellington, voiced by Chris Sarandon, as he discovers Christmas Town and attempts to take over the holiday. The film’s unique stop-motion animation and captivating story have made it a classic.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is streaming on Disney+.
Nearly 40 years after its release, A Christmas Story returned with a sequel featuring familiar faces from the original film.
4. ‘A Christmas Story’ (1983)
IMDb rank: 7.9
A Christmas Story has become a holiday staple, especially with its 24-hour marathons on TNT and TBS. The film follows Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) and his quest for a “Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle.” Narrated by Jean Shepherd, the story captures the humor and heart of a family Christmas.
A Christmas Story is streaming on HBO Max.
3. ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
IMDb rank: 7.9
The original Miracle on 34th Street remains a timeless classic. Edmund Gwenn won an Oscar for his portrayal of Kris Kringle, who believes he is the real Santa Claus. The film follows lawyer Fred Gailey (John Payne) as he defends Kris in court, with young Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) coming to believe in him.
Freeform’s 25 Days of Christmas includes a mix of holiday classics, including Home Alone and The Santa Clause trilogy.
Miracle on 34th Street is streaming on Disney+.
2. ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1951)
IMDb rank: 8.1
This British adaptation of A Christmas Carol, known as Scrooge in the UK, is considered one of the most faithful renditions of Charles Dickens’ story. Alastair Sim stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, leading to his redemption.
A Christmas Carol is streaming on Tubi.
1. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)
IMDb rank: 8.6
It’s a Wonderful Life has become synonymous with Christmas films. Although initially a box-office disappointment, it found success through television broadcasts. The film follows George Bailey (James Stewart), who, facing ruin, is shown by an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) the impact of his life.
It’s a Wonderful Life is streaming on Prime Video.
