Top 24 Must-See Christmas Movies: Expert Picks for Holiday Viewing
Top Christmas Movies Chosen by Filmmakers
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Tokyo Godfathers (Satoshi Kon, 2003)
Chosen by Will Sharpe
This animated film tells the story of three homeless people who find a baby in a trash bin. Their quest to reunite the child with its parents reveals their backstories and offers humor and warmth. -
Radio Days (Woody Allen, 1987)
Chosen by Mike Leigh
This nostalgic film captures 1930s and 1940s New York, combining humorous showbiz stories with a portrayal of Jewish suburban life, backed by a great soundtrack. -
Love Actually (Richard Curtis, 2003)
Chosen by Thea Sharrock
A classic ensemble movie filled with intertwining love stories during the Christmas season, offering comfort through humor, heartbreak, and joy. -
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (Stanley Donen, 1954)
Chosen by Abi Morgan
A colorful musical about a man who brings his bride home to care for his six brothers, with themes of romance and humor mixed with darker undertones. -
Phantom Thread (Paul Thomas Anderson, 2017)
Chosen by David Nicholls
This gothic love story intertwines the art of fashion with complex relationships, featuring stunning visuals and memorable dialogues. -
Christmas Evil (Lewis Jackson, 1980)
Chosen by John Waters
This film, though initially banned, is a quirky take on the holiday with a focus on its darker sides compared to conventional Christmas movies. -
Carol (Todd Haynes, 2015)
Chosen by Mahalia Belo
Set in the 1950s, this film explores a forbidden love story addressing personal struggles set against a beautiful cinematographic backdrop. -
The Snowman (Jimmy T Murakami and Dianne Jackson, 1982)
Chosen by Joe Alwyn
A beloved animated short about a young boy and his magical snowman, capturing innocence and holiday spirit without dialogue. -
Babes in Toyland (Gus Meins and Charley Rogers, 1934)
Chosen by Sean Baker
A nostalgic movie featuring Laurel and Hardy in a fantastical world where they face an evil businessman. It combines humor and darker themes. -
It’s a Wonderful Life (Frank Capra, 1946)
Chosen by Gurinder Chadha
This timeless classic showcases the impact one person’s life can have on others, focusing on familial love, community, and hope. -
Miracle in Milan (Vittorio De Sica, 1951)
Chosen by Alice Rohrwacher
A heartwarming fairy tale about a boy born under a cabbage who brings hope and change to a bleak society. -
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Peter Jackson, 2003)
Chosen by Himesh Patel
A fantasy epic that evokes strong holiday memories, marking a collective experience during its theatrical releases. -
The Holdovers (Alexander Payne, 2023)
Chosen by Jack Thorne
This film explores quirky connections over the holiday season through its protagonist, blending humor and emotional depth. -
Fanny and Alexander (Ingmar Bergman, 1982)
Chosen by Richard Eyre
A family drama set during the holidays, reflecting on the complexities of life through the lens of a theatrical family. -
Gone With the Wind (Victor Fleming, 1939)
Chosen by James Ivory
A classic film featuring themes of love and loss made memorable by its characters’ interactions, including a Christmas scene. -
The Silent Partner (Daryl Duke, 1978)
Chosen by Peter Strickland
A psychological thriller set around Christmas that highlights unexpected relationships in a darkly humorous context. -
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (Chris Columbus, 1992)
Chosen by Leila Farzad
This family film captures the holiday spirit through a child’s adventure in New York, filled with humor and heartwarming moments. -
The Kid (Charlie Chaplin, 1921)
Chosen by Paul King
A touching silent film that showcases the bond between a child and his caretaker, balancing comedy and emotional depth. -
The Dead Zone (David Cronenberg, 1983)
Chosen by Mark Jenkin
A horror-thriller with a Christmas backdrop, exploring the moral complexities faced by its protagonist. -
The Lion in Winter (Anthony Harvey, 1968)
Chosen by Maxine Peake
A drama depicting the intrigues of a royal family during the Christmas season, offering a mix of relatability and intense performances. -
Bad Day at Black Rock (John Sturges, 1955)
Chosen by Daniel Kokotajlo
A genre-bending film exploring themes of resilience and redemption in a hostile environment during the Christmas season. -
Dean Spanley (Toa Fraser, 2008)
Chosen by Gillian Anderson
A whimsical story about family dynamics and exploration of relationships, filled with charm and warmth. -
Song of the Sea (Tomm Moore, 2014)
Chosen by Jamie Demetriou
An animated feature capturing familial love and mythical tales, ideal for cozy evenings during Christmas. - Miracle on 34th Street (George Seaton, 1947)
Chosen by Carol Morley
A classic film about belief, exploring the true spirit of Christmas through heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters.