''best Christmas movies''

“Santa Camp” (2022) 

This full spectrum of stories feels especially important in an age of endless culture wars, and its nudging for better actor’s pay serves as an unintentional (but oddly perfect) precursor to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. 

Off-white Section Separator
Yellow Leaf

“The Polar Express” (2004) 

The tracks on this Robert Zemeckis film seem familiar: A young boy must catch a mystical train to a faraway land where an even more mystical man resides.

Off-white Section Separator

“Nothing Like the Holidays” (2008) 

Nothing Like the Holidays takes a page out of the National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation playbook. 

Off-white Section Separator

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) 

In retrospect, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation seems like a truly unexpected gift from Santa Claus himself. .

Off-white Section Separator

“Jack Frost” (1998) 

This story of Michael Keaton as a distant dad who dies and comes back as a not-so-frosty snowman and learns how to better love his family is a paint-by-the-numbers plot. 

“Holiday Harmony” (2022) 

Holiday Harmony is certainly a modern Christmas movie in both its plot and its potential appeal to younger viewers. 

Off-white Section Separator

“A Hollywood Christmas” (2022) 

A Hollywood Christmas may be the light-hearted meta-commentary you’ve been craving.  .

Off-white Section Separator

“Four Christmases” (2008) 

Four Christmases may ironically be the holiday film for you. 

Yellow Dots
Green Round Banner

“Arthur Christmas” (2011) 

Arthur Christmas finds a satisfying middle ground by portraying Santa Claus’ annual miracle of delivering presents to be as technological as it is magical.

Yellow Leaf

“A Christmas Story Christmas” (2022) 

A Christmas Story Christmas is the definitive sequel to A Christmas Story

“Elf” (2003)

Green Leaf
Green Leaf

The film is fun for the young and the young-hearted, and director Jon Favreau knows how to make the most of the star’s manic energy.