A Cup Of Cozy
It's time to start preparing for one of the best seasons of the year: Christmas. String lights, warm drinks, and getting warm under a pile of blankets. Nothing pairs better with the holidays than a heartwarming film to restore your hope in the world during the darkest days of the year.
To help you pick your next Christmas movie, here are Rotten Tomatoes' highest-rated picks.
The Santa Clause
When Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve, he accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit. After being teleported to the North Pole, an elf explains that Scott has to become the new Santa Claus before next Christmas.
Through this 1994 film, Scott physically transforms into the Christmas figure and has to accept his new role in the holiday season.
Tomatometer: 73%
Walt Disney, The Santa Clause (1994)
Merry Christmas
In the harrowing trenches of WWI, four opposing individuals from both sides of the conflict come together during a respite. Together, they see the hope and humanity in one another as Christmas approaches. This 2005 film stars Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet, and Gary Lewis.
Tomatometer: 74%
Nord-Ouest Films, Joyeux Noel (2005)
The Ref
When a thief breaks into their home and takes them hostage, two dysfunctional spouses irritate him into counseling them on their problems. Starring Denis Leary, Judy Davis, and Kevin Spacey, this 1994 comedy is a great palette cleanser between sweet, heartwarming films.
Tomatometer: 74%
Happy Christmas
When a party girl (Anna Kendrick) goes through a breakup, she moves in with her brother’s family for support and throws the family’s lives off the rails. This film also stars Melanie Lynskey, Mark Webber, and Lena Dunham in this holiday comedy.
Tomatometer: 76%
Lucky Coffee Productions, Happy Christmas (2014)
White Christmas
In this 1954 seasonal classic, a four-person musical act plan an extravagant performance to save a failing country inn. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, this too-sweet classic is sure to bring the glitter back to the snow this winter.
Tomatometer: 76%
Paramount, White Christmas (1954)
Terrifier 3
After Sienna and her brother survive Art the Clown’s Halloween horrors, they struggle to rebuild their lives as the Christmas season approaches. But when Art the Clown returns, they have to fight to stay alive and survive the terror he brings.
This horror/holiday film was released in October 2024 to bridge the Halloween and Christmas seasons.
Tomatometer: 77%
Bloody Disgusting, Terrifier 3 (2024)
Anna And The Apocalypse
When a zombie apocalypse takes over Little Haven during Christmas, Anna and her friends battle and sing for their survival and race to meet their loved ones. This 2018 film reinforces how the holidays bring people together, and the importance of relying on those you love.
Tomatometer: 77%
Blazing Griffin, Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The 1992 Muppets film re-enacts the classic Dickens story, with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit and other Muppets weaving in and out of the story. This family film shows audiences why it's important to be kind to others and brings hope and happiness to the holidays.
Tomatometer: 77%
Walt Disney, The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Bad Santa
This R-rated 2003 film follows ill-fortuned Willie T Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton) as he pulls a yearly con with his friend (Tony Cox). Mall security is suspicious of Willie’s behavior and right as Willie loses all faith in humanity, he befriends a small boy who shows him there is still hope.
Tomatometer: 78%
The Man Who Invented Christmas
When three of Charles Dickens' novels flop, he’s desperate to find a story that will sell. Drawing from real life inspirations, he brings the story of A Christmas Carol to life, changing the trajectory of all seasonal holiday stories to come. Released in 2017, this biographical drama gives us a historical look at a festive classic.
Tomatometer: 79%
The Mazur Kaplan Company, The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
A Christmas Story Christmas
In the 2022 sequel to the holiday staple, A Christmas Story, Ralphie is a father who has to deal with everything that comes with Christmas. Peter Billingsley reprises his role and sets up a new Christmas classic in this film.
Tomatometer: 79%
Warner Bros., A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
While You Were Sleeping
When Lucy Moderatz’s (Sandra Bullock) crush (Peter Gallagher) ends up in a coma, his family assumes Lucy is his fiancee and she doesn’t correct them. After they bring her into their home, she starts falling for her crush’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman).
This 1995 romantic comedy is perfect for a movie night with friends as you celebrate Christmas.
Tomatometer: 81%
Hollywood Pictures, While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Happiest Season
When long-term couple Abby (Kristen Stewart) and Harper (Mackenzie Davis) go to visit Harper’s family for the holidays, Abby discovers her partner isn’t out to her conservative parents. As Christmas unfolds, so do the shenanigans of keeping their relationship under the radar. This 2020 film is a great LGBTQ+ film to watch with your chosen family this holiday season.
Tomatometer: 82%
TriStar, Happiest Season (2020)
Batman Returns
Penguin (Danny DeVito) teams up with Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to take down the Batman, with newly transformed Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer). But Catwoman’s task becomes more difficult as she starts to experience affection for the anti-hero. This wintery 1992 superhero movie will bring light to the dark seasons.
Tomatometer: 82%
Warner Bros., Batman Returns (1992)
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang
Harry Lockhart (Robery Downey Jr) finds himself auditioning for a mystery film while running from the police. When he gets the part, he becomes steeped in conspiracy with his childhood sweetheart (Michelle Monaghan) and PI Perry Van Shrike (Val Kilmer). The film, released in 2005, is a heartfelt parody of noir tropes.
Tomatometer: 86%
Warner Bros., Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Elf
Buddy (Will Farrell) is a human raised among Santa’s elves. After not fitting in for his whole life, he sets off on a quest to find his human father. In this chaotic, heartfelt, and comedic 2003 film, the Christmas spirit will bring the whole family together.
Tomatometer: 86%
A Christmas Tale
When matriarch Junon discovers she has leukemia, she asks her family at a Christmas gathering if any of them are eligible to be a marrow donor. This 2008 French film details family conflict amidst illness and loss.
Tomatometer: 86%
Why Not Productions, A Christmas Tale (2008)
Gremlins
When a salesman finds a unique gift for his son, it comes with significant rules and regulations. When all of these rules are broken, the man must find a way to deal with the gang of gremlins that appears and wreaks havoc on the town on Christmas Eve.
Starring Zach Galligan and Phoebe Cates, this 1984 comedy is a great addition to the seasonal movie list.
Tomatometer: 86%
Better Watch Out
Young woman Ashley babysits 12-year-old Luke during Christmas, only to find herself fighting for both their safety as intruders make an unwelcome appearance at the home. Released in 2017, this horror comedy features Levi Miller as Luke and Olivia DeJonge as Ashley.
Tomatometer: 89%
Storm Vision, Better Watch Out (2016)
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
Sometimes winter isn’t so beautiful. As young Pietari and his friend Juuso grow excited about seeing Santa Claus this season, they discover the Christmas figure is a feral old man. But, the old man seems to know the answer as to why children are going missing.
This 2010 film is a Finnish comedy horror for after the young ones have gone to bed.
Tomatometer: 89%
Trading Places
This comedy film released in 1983 stars Dan Aykroyd as Louis Winthorpe III and Eddie Murphy as Billy Ray Valentine. The pair deal with being framed and uncover the mystery of a scheme that could bring about their downfall.
Tomatometer: 89%
Paramount, Trading Places (1983)
A Christmas Story
This 1983 film details the adventures of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) as he avoids his bully, wishes for the perfect Christmas present, and keeps up with his contrasting parents. A Christmas Story is sure to bring kids and parents to laughter this holiday season.
Tomatometer: 89%
Edward Scissorhands
When a scientist (Vincent Price) dies after building a half-finished animated human named Edward (Johnny Depp), the newly animated human is taken in by saleswoman Peg (Dianne Wiest) and he falls in love with her teenage daughter, played by Winona Ryder.
This 1990 film is sure to tug on the heartstrings of any who have experienced being an outcast.
Tomatometer: 90%
Twentieth Century, Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
This holiday musical follows a toymaker whose life is brightened when his young granddaughter arrives at his home to become his apprentice. This Netflix exclusive was released in 2020, and features Forest Whitaker and Anika Noni Rose.
Tomatometer: 91%
Golden Girl, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Tokyo Godfathers
A trio of unhoused misfits—Miyuki the teen runaway, Gin the middle-aged alcoholic, and Hana the former drag queen—find a newborn abandoned in a trash bin on the streets of Tokyo. The trio endeavor to return the baby to its parents in this comedy anime released in 2003.
Tomatometer: 92%
Dentsu, Tokyo Godfathers (2003)
Arthur Christmas
When part of Santa Claus’s refined gift-delivery system fails, his son, Arthur (James McAvoy) is tasked to deliver a gift to the child who was missed. This 2011 film is a heartwarming comedy animation that will bring a spot of joy to family movie night.
Tomatometer: 92%
Columbia, Arthur Christmas (2011)
Little Women (1994)
The March sisters manage the all-too-common issues of financial struggles, familial tragedy, and romance alongside personal growth. This adaptation features Winona Ryder as Jo, and Christian Bale as the sisters’ neighbor.
Tomatometer: 92%
The Apartment
CC Baxter (Jack Lemmon) allows his bosses to use his Upper West Side as a location to undergo extramarital affairs, but when one of his bosses pursues CC's love interest, he has to decide whether he wants to break up the affair or advance his career.
Tomatometer: 93%
The Mirisch Corporation, The Apartment (1960)
The Guardians Of The Galaxy Holiday Special
Star-Lord, Drax, Rocket, Mantis, and Groot participate in some amusing holiday mischief. This 2022 Holiday special is sure to bring a some humor and joy to Marvel fans.
Tomatometer: 94%
Marvel, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
It’s A Wonderful Life
When George Bailey (James Stewart) needs a reality check to appreciate his life, an angel (Henry Travers) shows him what the life of his loved ones would look like if George didn’t exist. Released in 1946, It’s A Wonderful Life brings a heartwarming light to the impact we have on those around us.
Tomatometer: 94%
Liberty Films, It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Carol
This Christmas romantic drama was released in 2016, and details the beginnings of a romantic relationship between department store worker and aspiring photographer Terese and elegant, married Carol. Set in the 1950s, the two women deal with the consequences of their growing love.
Tomatometer: 94%
Die Hard
Perhaps one of the most unsuspecting Christmas films, Die Hard (1988) follows New York City policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he visits his wife on Christmas Eve. They meet at her company holiday party, but the festivities are interrupted when terrorists infiltrate the company’s high-rise.
Tomatometer: 94%
Twentieth Century, Die Hard (1988)
Little Women (2019)
The 2019 interpretation of the film, featuring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh, reinterprets the story of four sisters as they carve out individual lives in the aftermath of the American Civil War. When their youngest sister, Beth, becomes terrifyingly ill, the family comes back together to support one another in this time of need.
Tomatometer: 95%
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
After becoming tired of the same yearly event, Halloweentown’s pumpkin king, Jack Skellington, finds his way into Christmastown with its vibrant colors and upbeat spirits. It gives him a burst of needed inspiration, and he plans to kidnap Santa Claus to take over the role of King of Christmastown.
Released in 1993, this film has become a classic in the Christmas canon.
Tomatometer: 95%
Walt Disney, The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Klaus
Returning to the origins of the Santa Claus myths, a down-and-out postman accidentally becomes the starting point for the classic Christmas figure. This 2019 film features Jason Schwartzman, JK Simmons, and Rashida Jones.
Tomatometer: 95%
Tangerine
Released in 2015, this film follows a transgender adult worker who is cheated on by her boyfriend and employer. In retaliation, she and her best friend endeavor to make him face consequences for his actions.
Tomatometer: 96%
Freestyle Picture Company, Tangerine (2015)
Miracle On 34th Street
This 1947 film features a comedic take on Santa Claus becoming the highlight of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, as Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated first pick. After claiming he’s the real Santa Claus, a court case ensues where he has to back up his claim or be deemed mentally unwell.
Tomatometer: 96%
Twentieth Century, Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
The Shop Around The Corner
Co-workers Alfred (James Stewart) and Klara (Margaret Sullavan) are the classic rivals-to-lovers. Both are secretly in love with their pen pals, whose true identities are unknown. The twist is that they don't know that they are each other’s pen pals, and they’ve unknowingly fallen in love with one another.
Released in 1940, this film will remind you of how humans are connected despite their differences.
Tomatometer: 99%
MGM, The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Meet Me In St. Louis
This 1944 MGM classic is a romantic musical comedy starring Judy Garland as one of four sisters as the siblings learn about the world around them. Life and love in this Christmas film are depicted in stunning Technicolor.
Tomatometer: 100%
MGM, Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (1967)
Based on the Dr Seuss book, this classic 1967 film follows the Christmas-hating Grinch as he takes out his misery on the nearby town of Whoville. Where he expects to find satisfaction in his meanness, he finds love, acceptance and the Christmas spirit in the Whos he tries to torment.
Tomatometer: 100%
Chuck Jones Enterprises, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Christmas Spirit
Did your favorite get missed? Disagree with the percentage rankings? Let us know in the comments and provide more recommendations for our readers!
