When December rolls in, so do the holiday assignments, the freezing hallways, and the sudden pressure to pretend you’ve been in the holiday spirit since Thanksgiving. Luckily, Christmas movies exist — the universal cure for boredom, stress, and the ability to accidentally scroll on your phone for three hours.
Here’s your official Top 10 Holiday Watchlist: funny, chaotic, heartwarming, and perfect for binge-watching while you wrap presents or ignore chores.
10. The Holiday (2006)
A soft, cozy rom-com that feels like a warm blanket. The plot? Two women swap houses for the holidays and end up finding love in completely unrealistic yet adorable ways. The cottage in England looks like it was handcrafted by the universe specifically for “soft girl winter” energy. Meanwhile, Cameron Diaz is out in the British countryside trying to figure out what feelings are.
This movie is the choice when you want romance without the high-school mess, plus Jack Black reminding everyone he’s secretly very charming.
9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
For the people who believe Halloween never truly ends: this one’s for you. The entire film is basically Jack Skellington having an identity crisis and deciding to steal Christmas. The soundtrack goes unnecessarily hard, the animation still looks cool decades later, and it’s the perfect pick if you like your holidays with a side of spooky.
“I personally love this movie because I’ve been watching it ever since i was little, its probably one of my favorite christmas movies” Cameron Adams 27’
“It’s great bc it’s spooky and Christmas and the characters are cute” Kingsley Xu 28’
8. Jingle Jangle (2020)
A newer film that deserves way more hype. It’s colorful, musical, dramatic, and full of holiday magic. The visuals look like someone mixed a Broadway show with a snow globe. It’s unique, uplifting, and definitely the movie to put on when you want something different from the basic holiday rotation.
Plus, it’s one of the rare modern Christmas movies that actually feels fresh and not like the same recycled plot.
7. A Christmas Carol (2009)
This version takes the classic Dickens story and adds dramatic visuals that make you think, “Wow… ghosts have never looked this intense.” Jim Carrey plays multiple characters, and somehow it works.
It’s great for anyone who wants a mix of suspense, holiday lessons, and the reminder that being a Grinch is only cute when you’re fictional. Also, the Ghost of Christmas Future still scares people of all ages — that’s how you know it’s effective.
“I love this movie because i used to watch this every christmas, i think what makes it memorable for me is because im so used to watching older movies like these” Cameron Adams 27’
6. HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! (1966)
Short, iconic, and adorable. This is the type of movie teachers play on the last day before winter break when everyone is mentally checked out anyway. It’s quick enough to hold your attention and nostalgic enough to make you smile.
A must-watch when you want the Christmas spirit without committing to a full-length movie.
“A classical masterpiece. People still love it because of the Christmas spirit and the animation and its pure comedy gold.” Nevaeh Ellis 27’
5. THE SANTA CLAUSE (1994)
A man becomes Santa after the original one literally falls off the roof. Yes, that’s the plot. Yes, it’s chaotic. But it’s also surprisingly wholesome. The world-building is creative, the humor lands, and it gives you that “old-school Christmas movie” comfort.
Perfect when you want something family-friendly but still funny enough to enjoy as a teen.
“AMAZING Movie. Can def watch this one multiple times.” Samad Alston 28’
4. THE POLAR EXPRESS (2004)
This movie either fills you with Christmas spirit… or makes you slightly terrified of motion-capture animation. No in between. But the soundtrack and atmosphere? Chef’s kiss. The train scenes feel magical, the hot chocolate song slaps way harder than it should, and it’s basically the cinematic version of believing in holiday magic.
If you’re looking for nostalgia, this is the one.
“I loved watching it as a kid” Verneda Saimesier 28’
“It makes me feel awesome and cozy” Kingsley Xu 28’
3. ELF (2003)
Buddy the Elf is a menace in the most lovable way possible. The jokes are iconic, the quotes are endless, and Will Ferrell’s energy carries the entire movie. If you need a good laugh, this is your go-to.
It’s a perfect mix of comedy and holiday spirit — like drinking a gallon of syrup but in movie form.
“I love the elf movie, great way to laugh and end the day/night” Tyler Hollingsworth 27’
“It was very funny! Definitely made the family crack up.” Messiah Vinnie-Briggs 27’
2. THE GRINCH (2000 — Jim Carrey)
This movie lives rent-free in everyone’s head. Jim Carrey didn’t just play the Grinch — he became the Grinch. The sarcasm? Immaculate. The background characters? Hilarious. The set design? Pure winter wonderland on caffeine.
It’s chaotic, over-the-top, and easily one of the funniest Christmas movies ever made.
“What I love about this type of Grinch is that Jim Carrey is the goat of comedy and how he portrayed the character made it really stand out to me.” Nevaeh Ellis 27’
“I love how much action you get within each scene. It’s the ultimate Christmas movie for me because it’s something that all the kids can watch and enjoy.” Messiah Vinnie-Briggs 27’
1. HOME ALONE (1990)
The undefeated champion. A kid gets left behind, booby-traps his entire house with dollar-store materials, and absolutely demolishes two grown men. It’s ridiculous, funny, and surprisingly heartwarming. Watching it is practically a holiday requirement.
It’s the kind of movie you can quote, rewatch, and somehow never get tired of — the ultimate Christmas comfort film.
“yes this was a good movie too” Sahir McCall-Bush 28’
“Best Christmas Movie of All Time. 1 and 2.” Samad Alston 28’
“ANOTHER CLASSICAL GOAT HOLIDAY MOVIE” Nevaeh Ellis 27’
“I love this movie especially because it’s funny. Its the ultimate christmas movie because this movie is watched widely during christmas” Cameron Adams 27’
HONORABLE MENTION: STRANGER THINGS (SEASON ONE)
Okay, technically this is not a Christmas movie… but it earns a spot on this list anyway. Season 1 is basically holiday-coded from start to finish: the Byers house is covered in Christmas lights, the entire plot uses those lights like a supernatural walkie-talkie, and the whole “cozy winter with a side of horror” vibe is unbeatable. It’s the perfect show to binge over break — especially if you need something that’s a little festive, a little creepy, and extremely addictive. Consider it the holiday wildcard.
“PEAK KNOWLEDGE !! id love to watch stranger things, and in a way the show does use some christmas themes” Tyler Hollingsworth 27’
“Wonderful Show. Definitely a good watch.” Samad Alston 28’
Other Honorable Mentions from the students at Saul:
“This christmas !! 10/10” Tyler Hollingsworth 27’
“Naur” Cameron Adams 27’
“Mickey Mouse Christmas” Nevaeh Ellis 27’
“Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.” Samad Alston 28’
Whether you’re watching with friends, family, or just vibing with snacks and low lighting, these ten movies guarantee laughs, warmth, nostalgia, and maybe even a little holiday chaos. Add them to your winter break rotation and let the festive energy carry you straight to the new year.