Cozy Up With These Ten Christmas Classics

Guido Gonzalez / Assistant Entertainment Director

The year has entered its final month, and as we cozy up next to our non-existent fireplaces and wonder what to binge on for the holidays, PantherNOW would like to offer its suggestions for some Christmas cinema both classic and contemporary. Here are ten Christmas movies guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, cheer, and then some. 

Frank Capra’s timeless classic is a quintessential wintertime wonder. Golden-age Hollywood star, James Stewart plays George Bailey, a kind and selfless banker who lost his will to live. His guardian angel, Clarence, decides to help out Bailey and show him what life would be like if he was never born. One of the most wholesome films ever created, a single viewing will make you soar with joy and know everything will be alright one day.  

Available on: Amazon Prime Video

Set from Thanksgiving to Christmas, this fellow monochromatic masterpiece tells the twentieth-century tale of Kris Kringle, a mysterious man hired as a Macy’s department store Santa Claus, who claims to be the real deal. What follows is a heartfelt and earnest look at belief and the Christmas spirit. 

Available on: Disney+

If you’re in the mood for a hearty laugh, this 80s cult comedy classic will certainly get the job done. The story follows a young boy named Ralphie and his determined quest to get a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas. While the plot sounds simple, it’s livened by countless memorable quotes, tons of hilarious scenes, and a charming performance from its cast. 

Available on: Hulu

This unorthodox adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” is the darkest entry on our list, but it certainly earned its place. Bill Murray amps up his dry, sardonic wisecracks as heartless television executive, Frank Cross. On Christmas eve, Cross is visited by three ghosts, each given a creepy and darkly-humorous spin for this contemporary classic. Despite the increased cynicism, the film’s heart remains in the right place as it does preach compassion and empathy, essential qualities for Christmas as well as year-round. 

Available on: Youtube, Itunes, Amazon Prime Video

On the other extreme end of the spectrum, The Muppets’ own take on the Dickens classic is just as enjoyable as the last one, with a more family-friendly appeal. Sir Micheal Caines absolutely excels with performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, especially against the Muppets own surprisingly heartfelt performances. And of course, what’s a Henson classic without its impressive puppetry skills. The film’s interpretations of the ghosts are as visually stunning as they are utterly convincing.

Available on: Disney+

While Disney is no stranger to Christmas movies, some do stand out, and this is one of them. Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, an ordinary man who suddenly finds himself as the replacement for Santa Claus. The film will win you over with its original plot, intriguing lore, and fantastic character development. 

Available on: Disney+

Before donning the mustache as Ron Burgundy, Will Ferrell was Buddy the Elf, a human adopted by elves and raised in the North Pole. A staple of 21st century Christmas classics, “Elf” follows Buddy as he treks to the human world to find his biological father. Ferell’s first dive into the spotlight remains memorable memetastic almost twenty years later. 

Available on: Hulu

A landmark achievement in motion-capture, Robert Zemekis’ adaptation of Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s storybook expands on the locomotive trek to the ever-enigmatic North Pole so the children onboard can see off Old Saint Nick himself on Christmas eve. This is a film that has it all: adventure, action, and of course, the Christmas spirit. It’s an absolute must-watch. 

Available on: Itunes, Amazon Prime Video

Kurt Russel swaggers his way through the film as a new and refreshing reiteration of Santa Claus that will captivate you with his charm and pleasantly comedic performance. If you’re a bit tired of rewatching the same films, give yourself a treat with the surprisingly fun and entertaining Netflix Original. 

Available on: Netflix 

Well worth the Oscar nominations, “Klaus” offers an alternate origin story for Christmas and Santa Claus. An immature, spoiled postman befriends a lone woodsman as they devise to save the town they live in from destroying itself thanks to an endless family feud. Perhaps the most impressive aspect is the stellar animation and lighting used to give the movie its own unique feel. 

Available on: Netflix