Christmas movies are undoubtedly one of the greatest, most anticipated aspects of the holiday season; watching these unique stories come to life on the big screen can illicit serious holiday cheer in viewers and even inspire some to partake in the season of giving. Once the holidays roll around, watching Christmas movies become extremely popular, and with so many to choose from, there's no shortage of fun flicks for the whole family.
Every year brings new holiday films, however, some Christmas movies go above and beyond, becoming definitive classics both within and outside the genre. From the 1940s all the way up to the 2020s, we rank the best Christmas movie of each decade and reminisce on what makes each of these works so special.
9 It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
We open our list in the 1940s with one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, It's a Wonderful Life. Nearly, 80 years later, this film is still a consistent holiday replay for people of all ages. The story follows George Bailey as he learns what life would be like had he never existed. The movie emphasizes the importance of being a good person and giving generously to others: a message that still rings true today.
8 White Christmas (1954)
White Christmas tells the story of a talented bunch of performers as they try to save a failing Vermont Inn from collapse. Set during World War II, the story is not only emotionally riveting but also, surprisingly cheery. Full of singing and dancing, this musical masterpiece basically oozes Christmas spirit. One of the main draws of the film is the inclusion of Bing Crosby, who has also lent his talent to the music industry, producing some of the most recognizable Christmas tracks of all time.
7 A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Few Christmas movies have stood the test of time like 1965's A Charlie Brown Christmas. Every year children and adults alike tune in to watch the Peanuts as they engage in their usual shenanigans and childlike fun. With adorable characters and an absolutely exquisite musical score from the renowned Vince Guaraldi Trio, A Charlie Brown Christmas has provided families with timeless holiday music and a beautifully simple story that speaks to viewers of all ages.
6 Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)
This list would be incomplete without a Rankin Bass Production. The 1970 film Santa Claus is Comin' to Town tells the origin story of orphan Kris Kringle. Along the way, we meet a myriad of mystical characters who help Kris become the Santa Claus the world knows and loves today. Like the aforementioned entry, Santa Claus is Comin' to Town has become a staple of the holiday season; for many, its unique stop-motion animation style has become synonymous with the holiday season and elicits a sense of nostalgia.
5 A Christmas Story (1983)
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A Christmas Story is as quotable as it is hysterical. Here, we meet Ralphie, a young boy who desperately wants a BB gun for Christmas, despite warnings from adults. Ralphie's story is the perfect representation of what being a kid was like in the 1980s; viewers follow along as he wreaks standard childhood havoc, dodges bullies, and handles his family's dysfunction. The movie is known for phrases like "you'll shoot your eye out" and for Mr. Parker's eyesore of a window display, including a now-iconic leg lamp.
4 Home Alone (1990)
Kevin McCallister might be the toughest, coolest kid out there. The 1990 film Home Alone introduced us to the McCallister family, who accidentally leave their son Kevin behind when they travel to France for the holidays. Kevin must single-handedly protect his family home from a duo of robbers. Home Alone was so popular that it spurred multiple follow-up films, solidifying its place as a beloved Holiday series, complete with an absolutely adorable lead and funny antics fit for the whole family.
3 Elf (2003)
Who doesn't love Buddy the elf? 2003's hit Elf introduced viewers to Buddy, a human man who was raised by Santa's elves at the North Pole. With no experience living in the human world, Buddy must learn the ways of the world while trying to spread Christmas cheer to his birth father, who just so happens to be on the naughty list. Will Ferrell's incredible performance makes this not only one of the best Christmas movies of all time but certainly one of the funniest as well.
2 How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2018)
2018's How the Grinch Stole Christmas is the latest remake of the classic Dr. Seuss tale. Though Jim Carrey's version of the story is certainly an honorable mention, the 2018 version of the film brings new life to an old tale. With smoother, more crisp animation, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is silly, witty, and colorful as ever, capturing Seuss' original character with modern technology.
1 Spirited (2022)
The 2020s have only just begun; only time will tell what movie truly emerges as the best of the decade. But for now, 2022's Spirited is certainly the best contender. With beloved actors Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds, the film reinvents Charles Dickens' classic tale, A Christmas Carol. This time, audiences follow the Ghost of Christmas present on a music-filled adventure through his own experience as a ghostly entity. Big-hearted and fun, Spirited is a great watch and the perfect film to cap off this list.