Here are the best festive flicks to watch this Christmas 2023!

Get ready to deck the halls and jingle those bells, because we’re diving headfirst into the magical world of Christmas movies! ‘Tis the season to be merry, and what better way to embrace the holiday cheer than by snuggling up with some popcorn and a hot cocoa while indulging in the absolute best Christmas movies of all time?

These festive flicks aren’t just your run-of-the-mill ho-ho-hum, they’re the cream of the cinematic Christmas crop delivering doses of joy, laughter, and warm fuzzy feelings. So grab your cosiest blanket, don your tackiest Christmas sweater, and join us on a sleigh ride through the holly-jolly wonderland of holiday cinema with our list of the 10 best classic Christmas movies of all time!


Die Hard, 1988

Let’s settle the debate: Die Hard is a Christmas movie, and a damn good one. Directed by action aficionado John McTiernan, Die Hard follows detective John McClane (played by Bruce Willis) at a Christmas Eve party with his wife at the Nakatomi Plaza in LA. This ends in catastrophe, as a band of terrorists takes everyone hostage, and it’s up to McClane to rescue everyone. Full of high-octane action and classic comebacks, this nail-biting thriller is the perfect Christmas movie to stream for those wanting a little more ‘yipee-ki-yay’ in your holiday watching!


It’s a Wonderful Life, 1946

What would life be like if you never existed? That’s the question at the heart of one of the most iconic, classic Christmas movies of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life. Directed by Frank Capra, this heartwarming film follows the life of George Bailey as he contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. It’s a timeless classic that reminds us of the impact one person can have on the lives of others. Just get your tissue boxes ready for this classic Christmas film!


Home Alone, 1990

Who knew staying at home could be so exciting? Released in 1990, Home Alone has become a Christmas movie classic, jump starting the career of Macaulay Culkin and becoming one of the most beloved films of all time. Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, this family comedy tells the story of Kevin McCallister (played by Culkin), a young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. With a wonderful mix of humour and heart, bring the family together for one of the most joyous Christmas movies you can stream now!


Miracle on 34th Stret, 1947

It’s surprising there aren’t more Christmas movies about Santa, until you remember Miracle on 34th Street already perfected the buoyant figure many decades ago. One of the most charming and beautiful Christmas movies of all time, this classic film directed by George Seaton tells the story of a man claiming to be Kris Kringle who fills in as Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. It’s a heartwarming tale that explores the spirit of Christmas, and the perfect family-friendly film to get everyone around this year!


Gremlins, 1984

A creepy Christmas classic, Gremlins is a treat for old and young viewers alike! Gremlins tells the tale of a young boy named Billy who receives a fluffy mogwai creature as a Christmas gift. While cute and adorable, Billy feeds the creature after midnight, breaking the rules and unleashing a horde of evil creatures onto his sleepy town. Released in 1984 from horror maestro Joe Dante, Gremlins is the ultimate holiday mashup, blending Christmas cheer with mischievous mayhem! One of the best Christmas movies of all time!


The Nightmare Before Christmas, 1993

Step into the whimsical world of The Nightmare Before Christmas, where Halloween and Christmas collide in a visually stunning and darkly enchanting tale. Directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, this stop-motion musical masterpiece follows the adventures of Jack Skellington who stumbles upon Christmas Town and decides to put his spooky spin on the holiday. With catchy tunes, quirky characters, and a unique animation style, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a festive feast for the eyes that captures the spirit of both Halloween and Christmas.


The Muppet Christmas Carol, 1992

Join the Muppets for a heartwarming Dickensian delight in The Muppet Christmas Carol, infusing the classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with Muppet charm and humour. With Michael Caine as the miserly Scrooge and beloved Muppet characters taking on iconic roles, the movie strikes a perfect balance between holiday cheer and timeless storytelling. Filled with catchy musical numbers, the magic of the Muppets, and genuine warmth, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a family-friendly classic for the holiday season!


How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 2000

One of the most memorable Christmas movies of all time, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a timeless holiday classic that brings to life the devious Grinch straight out of Dr. Seuss’s imagination. Jim Carrey steps into the furry green suit of the Grinch, a curmudgeonly creature on a mission to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos down in Whoville. Filled with Carrey’s over-the-top performance, a colorful Seussian landscape and a heartwarming message about the true meaning of Christmas, this live-action adaptation is a festive feast for the whole family.


Elf, 2003

Embark on a comedic Christmas adventure with Elf, a modern holiday classic that’s equally hilarious as it is heartwarming. We follow Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, on his adventure to New York City to find his real father. Packed with fish-out-of-water moments, infectious holiday cheer, and Ferrell’s pitch perfect performance, Elf delivers belly laughs and genuine warmth to all this Christmas season!


Klaus, 2019

The newest Christmas film on this list, Klaus is a Santa sack-filled holiday treat. Released in 2019, this Netflix original follows the story of Jesper, a postman stationed on a frozen island, who discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus. Together, they forge an unlikely friendship and inadvertently spark a tradition of goodwill. With gorgeous animation, a touching narrative, and a sprinkle of humour, Klaus captures the essence of generosity and the magic of giving during the holiday season, making it a must-watch for those seeking a modern classic with a heartfelt message.


Countdown to Christmas in style with our list to Australia’s 10 Best Adults Advent Calendars for Christmas 2023. Or, if you want a more boutique gift for your loved ones, check out this guide to The 8 Best Creative Personalised Gift Ideas for Christmas 2023.

Feature image: Photographed by FTiare. Image via Shutterstock.