41 Greatest Classic Christmas Movies That Are a Must-Watch This Holiday Season

There are many versions of the Grinch, but we can't get enough of the 1966 animated classic.

Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker. It features an iconic leg lamp, an improbable Christmas gift wish, and one liners galore ("You'll shoot your eye out!").

The whole family will be singing along to this comedy about a talented foursome who put on an extravagant Christmas show.

This relatively new classic is sure to stand the test of time when it comes to those Christmas movies we turn to over and over for all the holiday feels. And you'll get plenty of them in the dreamy worlds of Iris's Surrey cottage and Amanda's Hollywood mansion. Both unlucky in love, Iris (played by Kate Winslet) and Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz) decided to swap homes for the Christmas holiday and find the love and connection in the process.

Kevin McCallister's tale of taking on thieves after his parents accidentally leave him home for the holidays is a favorite for viewers old and young.

Judy Garland is unforgettable in the musical that revolves around the 1904 World's Fair.

There are a lot of versions of the Christmas Carols out there, but this Muppets holiday classic brings together all your favorites—Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Gonzo to name a few—and Academy Award-winning actor Michael Caine. Together they tell the classic Charles Dickens tale complete with musical numbers and all the hilarity and joy you expect from Jim Hensen's Muppets characters.

Irving Berlin's song "White Christmas" was eventually adapted into a full-length feature shot in color, but listen to the original version in this 1942 musical.

There are many lessons to be learned from Buddy the Elf, played by Will Ferrell. For one, "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing for all to hear." Oh, and that maple syrup can go on spaghetti.

This movie was remade in 1994 with Mara Wilson and Richard Attenborough, but head back to the 1947 version for the original magic.

Louisa May Alcott’s novel makes for an inspired holiday movie about family and love.

It's a relatively new classic, but a classic nonetheless! The Griswold family will delight you with their now-legendary antics.

A priest (Bing Crosby) and a nun (Ingrid Bergman) butt heads about the outcome of their inner city catholic school St. Mary's. Will the nuns prevail and save their school with the help of their community, or will all the kids be sent off to other schools

This 1991 cartoon is perfect for the whole family—and that snowball fight scene is peak Christmas. We dare you not to sing along!

A hilarious tale of a young man is tricked by his coworkers into thinking he's won a slogan contest, only to find out that the President of the company has been pranked himself and gives him the reward. What will happen when everyone finds out the truth?

What's more classic than a Norman Rockwell painting? In this film, you'll see one brought to life—along with all the Christmassy goodness you could ask for.

Did someone say "Katharine Hepburn"? We're sold.

Barbara Stanwyck also appeared in this 1945 movie about a single food writer who lies about living an idyllic country life in her articles, and must cover it up when a returning war vet and her boss invite themselves over for Christmas dinner.