The Best Holiday Movies of All Time, Ranked
Who doesn’t love a good holiday movie? Before I dive into this list of must-watch holiday movies, it’s important to know what makes a holiday movie special. Besides the traditional cinematic elements (plot, characters, writing, etc.), a classic holiday movie possesses one defining quality: heart. It must convey a valuable and relevant message that leaves the viewer with something special to hold on to, something that sticks with them throughout the holiday season.
Fifth Place: Home Alone (1990)
As the ultimate Christmas adventure for all ages, Home Alone withstands the test of time as a delightful and entertaining film. Christopher Columbus, best known for directing the first two Harry Potter films, masterfully combines heartwarming holiday themes with thrilling slapstick comedy. In the film, protagonist Kevin Mcallister defends his precious home from intruders Harry and Marv. Speaking of Harry and Marv, the performances by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are the “X-factors” that take the movie to the next level. Casting an actor of Pesci’s caliber in a comedy like this is quite unconventional, yet he and Stern fully embrace the chaos of the break-in at the McCallisters’ home, from slipping on ice to getting their heads lit on fire. What makes Home Alone very special, however, is its sincere core message about family. Beyond the silly gags, the movie reveals that while families may often clash, their love for each other will always shine through. Kevin starts the movie infuriated by his family’s constant bickering and obliviousness to his existence. As the film progresses, it becomes evident that Kevin misses his family. In the end, he lands in a warm embrace with his mother—the most touching ending of all.
Fourth Place: Trains, Planes, and Automobiles (1987)
Although often regarded as a Thanksgiving movie, John Hughes’ Trains, Planes, and Automobiles embodies a more general holiday spirit. The source of comedy and heart is the dynamic duo of Steve Martin and the late John Candy, who both are comedy icons in their own right. Ninety straight minutes of laughter are interwoven with some surprisingly deep conversations between the two leads and an oh-so-wonderful signature 80s score. An odd couple of Martin’s Neal Page (the ultimate control freak) and Candy’s Del Griffith sets up for some true shenanigans to follow, such as driving the wrong direction on a freeway and sharing a disgusting motel room bed. But Trains, Planes, and Automobiles wouldn’t be so memorable without its poignant ending. After their final goodbyes when Neal is reflecting on his journey alongside Del, he brings up some of his rather odd offhand comments in the past. Somewhat bothered, he returns to the train station to find Del sitting alone. Del then confesses that he lacks a permanent home and has been living sporadically following the death of his wife years earlier. This crucial information provides the necessary insight to understand all of Del’s earlier actions, especially his unexplained desperate desire to help Neal reach his family for the holidays. After realizing this, Neal invites Del to come home with him and introduces him to the whole family. Neal’s willingness to accept Del as a family despite all they’ve been through brings home the film’s sincerity. Friendship can be found in anyone, regardless of circumstances. What truly matters is the ability to see their worth.
Third Place: A Christmas Story (1983)
Watching Bob Clark’s A Christmas Story remains a holiday tradition for my family due to its excellent blend of strong themes and nostalgia, similar to Home Alone. Young Ralphie Parker takes center stage in the film, determined to secure a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, even as he constantly hears the warning, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” This famous quote acts as the backbone for the entire story, highlighting Ralphie’s perseverance to achieve his goal despite countless mishaps along the way. The film’s charm originates from its various quirky but lovable characters, such as Ralphie’s somewhat harsh but loving father, his young and rather juvenile brother, and his ever-annoyed mother, whose deep love for her family shines through her constant frustration. The comedy in A Christmas Story is a timeless example of slapstick done to perfection. Ralphie having to wear the pink bunny suit, the leg lamp fiasco, and his triumphant encounter with school bully Farkus are all hilarious scenes that scream of childhood. Besides the great humor, A Christmas Story contains a heartwarming message about the true magical essence of the holiday season. Clark creates a love letter to the simple joys of the holidays that come from the enduring presence of tradition and the warmth of family. One doesn’t need to have the most extravagant experience to find joy, the holiday season—despite all of its chaos—ultimately brings everyone together.
Second Place: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation earned its place as the most iconic holiday comedy due to its outrageous humor sourced from relatable family dynamics. Not to mention, the movie is full of memorable quotes. The plot centers around Clark Griswald, an always-optimistic but perpetually irritated family man, who is set on planning the perfect Christmas for his family. As the holiday season gets underway, Clark’s ideal Christmas gets increasingly chaotic, thanks to endless troubles such as the disastrous Christmas light displays to the arrival of the Griswald’s estranged cousin Eddie. Chase, a true comedy legend from this time, gives one of the best performances of his entire career. Despite mainly being known for his comedic prowess, Chase also pulls off the softer and more heartfelt scenes incredibly well. For example, the scene where Clark reminisces on old Christmas memories by watching his parents’s tapes is truly touching. Despite all the setbacks and misunderstandings, Clark’s love for his family never wavers, signaling that family makes the holiday season special.
First Place: Die Hard (1988)
Die Hard is a Christmas movie. Some may disagree vehemently, but they’re just wrong. Case in point, when does one watch Die Hard? Christmas, always. In my opinion, even trying to describe the plot of Die Hard is doing a great disservice. The action, set pieces, one-liners, etc. are all top-notch. It would already be a great film with just these elements alone, but of course, nothing beats the combination of Bruce Willis and the late Alan Rickman. A simply magnificent acting showcase. Willis is effortlessly cool, no matter what he’s doing in the scene. Every line and dialogue could be put on a t-shirt—that’s just how great the writing of this film is. Then there’s Rickman’s performance as the villainous Hans Gruber. He’s so meticulous as a sinister villain, always making the audience question how he’s always one step ahead. And of course, the film has a strong message. Everything John McClane does as a policeman is motivated by his desire to be with his wife during Christmas—nothing more. Instead of glory, he is putting his life on the line for his family. What’s more Christmas than that? Die Hard is one of the best action movies ever made, it’s the best Christmas movie ever made, and it always will be.
