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Christmas movies, sorted by who is on the couch: kids, couples, the Die Hard crowd

148 Christmas titles chosen by hand and sorted by the room: the canon everyone rewatches, the kids' tier, the cozy and romantic ones, the grown-up comedies, the Die Hard argument, the horror, and the films that are merely set at Christmas. What is streaming right now sits first in every section, and every page carries scare, gore and emotional-weight tags.

The canon

The ones people mean when they say Christmas movie. Rewatched yearly, argued about never.

  1. 1It's a Wonderful Life posterIt's a Wonderful Life (1946)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PGA selfless man's Christmas Eve crisis reveals how one life profoundly shapes an entire community.Prime Video · Hoopla · The Roku Channel
  2. 2Home Alone posterHome Alone (1990)Mildly scary · brisk · PGAn eight-year-old left alone for Christmas defends his home with whimsical, brisk, and broadly funny booby traps.Disney+ · The Roku Channel
  3. 3Home Alone 2: Lost in New York posterHome Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)Mildly scary · brisk · PGA resourceful boy gets into holiday mischief and outsmarts bumbling bandits in a festive New York City.Disney+
  4. 4The Nightmare Before Christmas posterThe Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)Mildly scary · measured · PGA whimsical, darkly comic fantasy unfolds as the king of Halloween tries to hijack Christmas.Disney+
  5. 5How the Grinch Stole Christmas! posterHow the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)No gore · measured · GA bitter Grinch, disguised as Santa, raids a village to steal Christmas cheer in this whimsical, feel-good animation.Peacock
  6. 6Miracle on 34th Street posterMiracle on 34th Street (1947)No gore · measured · NRA department store Santa spreads heartwarming whimsy, making even the most skeptical believe in magic.Prime Video · Disney+
  7. 7Miracle on 34th Street posterMiracle on 34th Street (1994)No gore · measured · PGA skeptical girl discovers the true spirit of Christmas when a whimsical man claims to be Santa.Disney+
  8. 8A Christmas Carol posterA Christmas Carol (2009)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · measured · PGSpirits guide a miser through his past and present, revealing the path to a heartwarming redemption.Prime Video · Disney+
  9. 9The Muppet Christmas Carol posterThe Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Mildly scary · measured · GBeloved muppets bring a wholesome, whimsical, and heartwarming twist to a classic holiday tale.Disney+
  10. 10Scrooged posterScrooged (1988)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A cynical TV executive finds darkly comic redemption through whimsical, ghostly visitations on Christmas Eve.Hoopla · YouTube (free)
  11. 11Spirited posterSpirited (2022)No gore · measured · PG-13A cynical man turns the tables on a Christmas ghost, sparking a witty, heartwarming, and uplifting holiday musical.Apple TV+
  12. 12Klaus posterKlaus (2019)No gore · measured · PGA selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker deliver heartwarming joy to a cold town.Netflix
  13. 13The Santa Clause posterThe Santa Clause (1994)No gore · measured · PGA divorced dad unexpectedly becomes Santa, navigating whimsical new duties and a heartwarming journey of self-belief.Disney+
  14. 14Jingle All the Way posterJingle All the Way (1996)No gore · brisk · PGA mattress salesman's Christmas Eve quest for a sold-out action figure becomes a brisk, broad comedy.Disney+
  15. 15A Charlie Brown Christmas posterA Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)No gore · measured · NRA wholesome, heartwarming animation finds a young boy struggling with materialism and discovering the true meaning of Christmas.Apple TV+
  16. 16White Christmas posterWhite Christmas (1954)No gore · measured · NRTwo song-and-dance men find love and friendship while bringing music and warmth to a Vermont inn.Prime Video · Hoopla
  17. 17Meet Me in St. Louis posterMeet Me in St. Louis (1944)No gore · measured · GA heartwarming family year unfolds with measured pace, building cozy nostalgia for a grand 1904 World's Fair.Kanopy · Plex · Tubi
  18. 18The Bishop's Wife posterThe Bishop's Wife (1947)No gore · measured · NRA charming angel brings whimsical disruption and heartwarming romance to a bishop's troubled life.Prime Video · Kanopy · Hoopla
  19. 19Scrooge posterScrooge (1951)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · measured · NRA miserly man confronts his past and present, guided by spirits toward a heartwarming, uplifting Christmas.Kanopy · Plex · Tubi
  20. 20Mickey's Christmas Carol posterMickey's Christmas Carol (1983)No gore · measured · GClassic characters tell a cozy, wholesome tale of Christmas spirit and heartwarming, whimsical redemption.Disney+
  21. 21Love Actually posterLove Actually (2003)No gore · measured · RMultiple London love stories intertwine at Christmas, delivering heartwarming and wholesome romantic comedy.Starz
  22. 22Elf posterElf (2003)No gore · measured · PGA giant elf brings wholesome, broad humor and feel-good fantasy to the cynical streets of New York.
  23. 23A Christmas Story posterA Christmas Story (1983)No gore · measured · PGA young boy's whimsical, wholesome quest for a BB gun defines a heartwarming 1940s Christmas.
  24. 24National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation posterNational Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)No gore · measured · PG-13A well-meaning father navigates a chaotic family Christmas, finding wholesome humor in every broad mishap.
  25. 25How the Grinch Stole Christmas posterHow the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)No gore · measured · PGA green grump tries to steal Christmas, but a little girl's kindness brings heartwarming, wholesome cheer.
  26. 26The Grinch posterThe Grinch (2018)No gore · measured · PGA curmudgeonly green creature tries to steal Christmas cheer, but a small Who's kindness thaws his heart.
  27. 27The Polar Express posterThe Polar Express (2004)Mildly scary · measured · GA doubting boy's extraordinary train ride to the North Pole reveals the enduring wonder of belief.
  28. 28Arthur Christmas posterArthur Christmas (2011)No gore · brisk · PGA whimsical and heartwarming animated adventure unfolds as a family comedy ensures every child gets their Christmas wish.
  29. 29Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer posterRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)Mildly scary · measured · GA misfit reindeer, an elf, and a prospector journey through a whimsical, heartwarming world of adventure.
  30. 30Frosty the Snowman posterFrosty the Snowman (1969)No gore · measured · NRA magical snowman and a young girl embark on a heartwarming, whimsical journey to the North Pole.
  31. 31Holiday Inn posterHoliday Inn (1942)No gore · measured · NRA crooner and a dancer chase the same lovely woman through a cozy, nostalgic holiday supper club.
  32. 32The Shop Around the Corner posterThe Shop Around the Corner (1940)No gore · measured · NRTwo warring gift shop clerks unknowingly fall for each other through their charming, anonymous letters.
  33. 33The Holiday posterThe Holiday (2006)No gore · measured · PG-13Two heartbroken women swap homes for the holidays, finding unexpected romance and a new lease on life.

For the kids

Santa, snow and nobody dies. Every page lists the scare level anyway.

  1. 1Home Alone posterHome Alone (1990)Mildly scary · brisk · PGAn eight-year-old left alone for Christmas defends his home with whimsical, brisk, and broadly funny booby traps.Disney+ · The Roku Channel
  2. 2Home Alone 2: Lost in New York posterHome Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)Mildly scary · brisk · PGA resourceful boy gets into holiday mischief and outsmarts bumbling bandits in a festive New York City.Disney+
  3. 3Home Alone 3 posterHome Alone 3 (1997)Mildly scary · brisk · PGA resourceful kid with chicken pox defends his home from bumbling spies in a brisk, wholesome adventure.Disney+
  4. 4How the Grinch Stole Christmas! posterHow the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)No gore · measured · GA bitter Grinch, disguised as Santa, raids a village to steal Christmas cheer in this whimsical, feel-good animation.Peacock
  5. 5Klaus posterKlaus (2019)No gore · measured · PGA selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker deliver heartwarming joy to a cold town.Netflix
  6. 6The Santa Clause posterThe Santa Clause (1994)No gore · measured · PGA divorced dad unexpectedly becomes Santa, navigating whimsical new duties and a heartwarming journey of self-belief.Disney+
  7. 7The Santa Clause 2 posterThe Santa Clause 2 (2002)No gore · measured · GA whimsical Santa Claus searches for a wife, bringing wholesome humor and heartwarming antics to the holiday season.Disney+
  8. 8The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause posterThe Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)No gore · measured · GA magical council gathers as Jack Frost schemes to steal Christmas, leading to a heartwarming holiday adventure.Disney+
  9. 9Jingle All the Way posterJingle All the Way (1996)No gore · brisk · PGA mattress salesman's Christmas Eve quest for a sold-out action figure becomes a brisk, broad comedy.Disney+
  10. 10A Charlie Brown Christmas posterA Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)No gore · measured · NRA wholesome, heartwarming animation finds a young boy struggling with materialism and discovering the true meaning of Christmas.Apple TV+
  11. 11Mickey's Christmas Carol posterMickey's Christmas Carol (1983)No gore · measured · GClassic characters tell a cozy, wholesome tale of Christmas spirit and heartwarming, whimsical redemption.Disney+
  12. 12The Muppet Christmas Carol posterThe Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)Mildly scary · measured · GBeloved muppets bring a wholesome, whimsical, and heartwarming twist to a classic holiday tale.Disney+
  13. 13Olaf's Frozen Adventure posterOlaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)No gore · measured · GOlaf embarks on a whimsical, heartwarming adventure to gather beloved holiday traditions for his friends.Disney+
  14. 14Rise of the Guardians posterRise of the Guardians (2012)Mildly scary · brisk · PGImmortal guardians unite in a brisk, wholesome, and epic adventure to protect the world's children.YouTube (free)
  15. 15The Christmas Chronicles posterThe Christmas Chronicles (2018)No gore · brisk · PGTwo resourceful siblings accidentally ground Santa's sleigh, embarking on a brisk, wholesome adventure to save Christmas.Netflix
  16. 16The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two posterThe Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020)No gore · brisk · PGWholesome humor and brisk adventure follow two kids helping Santa save Christmas from a magical menace.Netflix
  17. 17Noelle posterNoelle (2019)No gore · measured · GKris Kringle's whimsical daughter embarks on a heartwarming mission to save Christmas with wholesome humor.Disney+
  18. 18A Boy Called Christmas posterA Boy Called Christmas (2021)No gore · measured · PGA young boy's whimsical adventure to the snowy north unfolds with heartwarming charm and wholesome humor.Netflix
  19. 19Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey posterJingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)No gore · measured · PGA whimsical toymaker and his granddaughter embark on a heartwarming, musical adventure that changes everything.Netflix
  20. 20The Nutcracker and the Four Realms posterThe Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)Mildly scary · measured · PGA young girl discovers a whimsical, adventurous world where her inner strength can change everything.Disney+
  21. 21Home Alone 4 posterHome Alone 4 (2002)Mildly scary · brisk · PGA mischievous boy defends a luxurious mansion from clumsy burglars with inventive, wholesome traps.Disney+
  22. 22Home Sweet Home Alone posterHome Sweet Home Alone (2021)Mildly scary · measured · PGA mischievous boy defends his home from bumbling burglars with wholesome, broad humor and whimsical traps.Disney+
  23. 23Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas posterIce Age: A Mammoth Christmas (2011)No gore · brisk · PGA whimsical, brisk adventure unfolds as a prehistoric posse scrambles to save Christmas with wholesome humor.Disney+
  24. 24Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas posterMickey's Once Upon a Christmas (1999)No gore · measured · GBeloved characters share three heartwarming tales of Christmas magic, filled with wholesome humor and cozy, whimsical cheer.Disney+
  25. 25Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas posterBeauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997)No gore · measured · GBelle brings the cozy, whimsical spirit of Christmas to a gloomy castle and its beastly master.Disney+
  26. 268-Bit Christmas poster8-Bit Christmas (2021)No gore · measured · PGA 1980s kid’s quest for a new video game system becomes a wholesome, witty, and heartwarming Christmas tale.Max
  27. 27Red One posterRed One (2024)No gore · brisk · PG-13A whimsical, briskly paced fantasy adventure sends an unlikely duo on an epic, broad-humored quest to save Christmas.Prime Video
  28. 28Deck the Halls posterDeck the Halls (2006)No gore · brisk · PGTwo competitive neighbors escalate a wholesome holiday decorating rivalry to absurd, crowd-pleasing extremes.YouTube (free) · Plex
  29. 29Christmas with the Kranks posterChristmas with the Kranks (2004)No gore · measured · PGA couple tries to skip Christmas, but their wholesome neighborhood has other, cozier plans.Kanopy · Hoopla
  30. 30Godmothered posterGodmothered (2020)No gore · measured · PGAn eager fairy godmother brings whimsical, feel-good chaos to a grown woman's modern-day problems.Disney+
  31. 31Family Switch posterFamily Switch (2023)No gore · measured · PGA rare planetary alignment hilariously switches family members, leading to heartwarming, wholesome, and whimsical chaos.Netflix
  32. 32Santa Claus: The Movie posterSanta Claus: The Movie (1985)No gore · measured · PGA humble woodcutter fulfills his destiny, becoming Santa Claus with the help of an expert toy-making elf.
  33. 33Elf posterElf (2003)No gore · measured · PGA giant elf brings wholesome, broad humor and feel-good fantasy to the cynical streets of New York.
  34. 34The Grinch posterThe Grinch (2018)No gore · measured · PGA curmudgeonly green creature tries to steal Christmas cheer, but a small Who's kindness thaws his heart.
  35. 35How the Grinch Stole Christmas posterHow the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)No gore · measured · PGA green grump tries to steal Christmas, but a little girl's kindness brings heartwarming, wholesome cheer.
  36. 36The Polar Express posterThe Polar Express (2004)Mildly scary · measured · GA doubting boy's extraordinary train ride to the North Pole reveals the enduring wonder of belief.
  37. 37Arthur Christmas posterArthur Christmas (2011)No gore · brisk · PGA whimsical and heartwarming animated adventure unfolds as a family comedy ensures every child gets their Christmas wish.
  38. 38Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer posterRudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)Mildly scary · measured · GA misfit reindeer, an elf, and a prospector journey through a whimsical, heartwarming world of adventure.
  39. 39Frosty the Snowman posterFrosty the Snowman (1969)No gore · measured · NRA magical snowman and a young girl embark on a heartwarming, whimsical journey to the North Pole.
  40. 40Shrek the Halls posterShrek the Halls (2007)No gore · measured · PGA grumpy ogre tries to create a perfect, cozy Christmas for his family, but unexpected guests arrive.
  41. 41Fred Claus posterFred Claus (2007)No gore · measured · PGA whimsical, heartwarming comedy unfolds as estranged brothers reconcile to save Christmas from an efficiency expert.
  42. 42Jack Frost posterJack Frost (1998)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PGA deceased father gets one whimsical, melancholic chance to reconnect with his son as a magical snowman.

Cozy, warm and romantic

Fireplaces, airports, second chances. The blanket-and-cocoa tier.

  1. 1Love Actually posterLove Actually (2003)No gore · measured · RMultiple London love stories intertwine at Christmas, delivering heartwarming and wholesome romantic comedy.Starz
  2. 2Last Christmas posterLast Christmas (2019)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A young woman’s bad decisions lead to an unexpected romance and a journey of heartwarming self-discovery.Hulu
  3. 3While You Were Sleeping posterWhile You Were Sleeping (1995)No gore · measured · PGA whimsical case of mistaken identity blossoms into heartwarming romance as a woman falls for a comatose man's brother.Disney+
  4. 4Serendipity posterSerendipity (2001)No gore · measured · PG-13Two strangers navigate whimsical chance encounters and cozy romantic yearning to find true love.Paramount+ · Kanopy · Hoopla
  5. 5Just Friends posterJust Friends (2005)No gore · brisk · PG-13A former nerd returns home for the holidays, unleashing broad, raunchy humor in pursuit of an old flame.Max
  6. 6Holidate posterHolidate (2020)No gore · measuredTwo strangers navigate a year of platonic dates, finding unexpected romance and feel-good, wholesome humor.Netflix
  7. 7Love Hard posterLove Hard (2021)No gore · measuredA whimsical holiday catfish scheme blossoms into unexpected romance, proving love finds a way.Netflix
  8. 8The Princess Switch posterThe Princess Switch (2018)No gore · measured · PGA charming baker and a princess trade lives, leading to wholesome, feel-good romantic comedy.Netflix
  9. 9The Princess Switch: Switched Again posterThe Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)No gore · measured · GTwo princesses and a party girl navigate royal duties and romance, bringing whimsical, heartwarming chaos.Netflix
  10. 10A Christmas Prince posterA Christmas Prince (2017)No gore · measured · PGAn undercover reporter finds heartwarming romance and royal intrigue while navigating a whimsical, cozy Christmas.Netflix
  11. 11A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding posterA Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018)No gore · measured · PGA royal wedding at Christmas brings wholesome humor and heartwarming romance, despite pre-nuptial jitters and political crises.Netflix
  12. 12The Knight Before Christmas posterThe Knight Before Christmas (2019)No gore · measuredA medieval knight finds whimsical romance with a science teacher after time travel brings them together.Netflix
  13. 13Falling for Christmas posterFalling for Christmas (2022)No gore · measured · PGAn amnesiac heiress finds wholesome humor and heartwarming romance with a lodge owner and his daughter after a ski accident.Netflix
  14. 14Let It Snow posterLet It Snow (2019)No gore · measured · PG-13A whimsical snowstorm brings young love and wholesome humor together on one cozy Christmas Eve.Netflix
  15. 15Happiest Season posterHappiest Season (2020)No gore · measured · PG-13A holiday proposal goes hilariously sideways when one partner's family doesn't know she's gay.Hulu
  16. 16Single All the Way posterSingle All the Way (2021)No gore · measuredA wholesome, witty holiday romance blossoms as a fake relationship turns real, all while family meddles.Netflix
  17. 17The Holiday Calendar posterThe Holiday Calendar (2018)No gore · measuredA magical Advent calendar guides a photographer toward unexpected romance and a heartwarming, whimsical future.Netflix
  18. 18Christmas Inheritance posterChristmas Inheritance (2017)No gore · measuredA spoiled socialite finds heartwarming lessons and wholesome romance in a cozy small town.Netflix
  19. 19The Holdovers posterThe Holdovers (2023)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · RA curmudgeonly instructor, a troubled student, and a grieving cook find heartwarming connection during a snowy Christmas break.Peacock · Fandango at Home (free)
  20. 20Tokyo Godfathers posterTokyo Godfathers (2003)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13Three homeless friends on Christmas Eve find a baby, embarking on a whimsical, heartwarming, and witty quest.Hoopla · Tubi
  21. 21Joyeux Noel posterJoyeux Noel (2005)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally devastating · PG-13On Christmas Eve 1914, soldiers on both sides of the trenches forge an intimate, heartwarming, and melancholy truce.The Roku Channel · YouTube (free)
  22. 22The Man Who Invented Christmas posterThe Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)No gore · measured · PGA struggling writer finds whimsical inspiration in childhood memories, creating a heartwarming tale that defines a holiday.Max · Kanopy · Hoopla
  23. 23Fanny and Alexander posterFanny and Alexander (1982)Mildly scary · emotionally devastating · measured · RA brother and sister navigate a bleak new reality, finding whimsy and melancholy in a dreamlike, atmospheric world.Max · Plex · Tubi
  24. 24Last Holiday posterLast Holiday (2006)No gore · measured · PG-13An introverted saleswoman with weeks to live finds whimsical adventure and heartwarming connections on a European holiday.Hoopla
  25. 25The Family Stone posterThe Family Stone (2005)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A high-strung woman navigates her boyfriend's quirky family during a Christmas filled with witty chaos and unexpected warmth.Prime Video
  26. 26Love the Coopers posterLove the Coopers (2015)No gore · measured · PG-13Four generations of a family gather for Christmas Eve, finding heartwarming, whimsical chaos and rediscovering their bonds.
  27. 27Almost Christmas posterAlmost Christmas (2016)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A family navigates old wounds and new traditions during their first bittersweet holiday season without mom.YouTube (free)
  28. 28The Best Man Holiday posterThe Best Man Holiday (2013)No gore · measured · ROld college friends rekindle heartwarming holiday romance and wholesome rivalries after fifteen years apart.Starz
  29. 29Dash & Lily posterDash & Lily (2020) · seriesNo gore · measured · TV-14A cynical man and a sunny woman trade dares and messages across New York City at Christmastime.Netflix
  30. 30The Holiday posterThe Holiday (2006)No gore · measured · PG-13Two heartbroken women swap homes for the holidays, finding unexpected romance and a new lease on life.
  31. 31The Family Man posterThe Family Man (2000)No gore · measured · PG-13A fast-paced executive wakes to a whimsical suburban life, finding heartwarming romance in unexpected places.
  32. 32A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish posterA Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019)No gore · measured · PGA singing elf with big dreams navigates a cruel stepfamily and finds romance in a whimsical holiday tale.
  33. 33The Shop Around the Corner posterThe Shop Around the Corner (1940)No gore · measured · NRTwo warring gift shop clerks unknowingly fall for each other through their charming, anonymous letters.
  34. 34Four Christmases posterFour Christmases (2008)No gore · brisk · PG-13A couple's holiday avoidance scheme unravels into a brisk, wholesome comedy of family chaos.

Comedies for the grown-ups

Office parties, bad Santas and the family you did not choose.

  1. 1Scrooged posterScrooged (1988)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A cynical TV executive finds darkly comic redemption through whimsical, ghostly visitations on Christmas Eve.Hoopla · YouTube (free)
  2. 2Bad Santa posterBad Santa (2003)Light gore · emotionally heavy · measured · RA foul-mouthed con man in a Santa suit finds his bleak holiday heist complicated by an innocent child.Max
  3. 3Bad Santa 2 posterBad Santa 2 (2016)Light gore · strong violence · emotionally heavy · brisk · RA raunchy, gritty heist unfolds as a foul-mouthed Santa and his mother target a Chicago charity.Max
  4. 4Trading Places posterTrading Places (1983)No gore · brisk · RTwo callous millionaires swap the lives of a snobbish investor and a street con artist in a brisk, satirical comedy.Kanopy · YouTube (free)
  5. 5Office Christmas Party posterOffice Christmas Party (2016)Light gore · brisk · RA raunchy, broad comedy unfolds as a wild office party tries to save everyone's jobs.Paramount+
  6. 6A Bad Moms Christmas posterA Bad Moms Christmas (2017)No gore · brisk · RThree over-burdened moms rebel against Christmas expectations with raunchy humor and brisk, crowd-pleasing camp.Paramount+
  7. 7Daddy's Home 2 posterDaddy's Home 2 (2017)No gore · measured · PG-13Four fathers navigate a chaotic Christmas, bringing broad humor and heartwarming, wholesome family antics.MGM+
  8. 8The Night Before posterThe Night Before (2015)Light gore · brisk · RThree lifelong friends chase a legendary Christmas party, navigating New York's raunchy, darkly comic holiday chaos.Netflix
  9. 9The Family Stone posterThe Family Stone (2005)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A high-strung woman navigates her boyfriend's quirky family during a Christmas filled with witty chaos and unexpected warmth.Prime Video
  10. 10Love the Coopers posterLove the Coopers (2015)No gore · measured · PG-13Four generations of a family gather for Christmas Eve, finding heartwarming, whimsical chaos and rediscovering their bonds.
  11. 11The Ref posterThe Ref (1994)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · brisk · RA cat burglar's Christmas Eve hostage situation becomes a darkly-comic battle of wits with a bickering family.Hoopla
  12. 12Last Holiday posterLast Holiday (2006)No gore · measured · PG-13An introverted saleswoman with weeks to live finds whimsical adventure and heartwarming connections on a European holiday.Hoopla
  13. 13The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special posterThe Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)No gore · brisk · PG-13Briskly paced, this wholesome, campy adventure delivers feel-good, broad humor across the galaxy.Disney+
  14. 14Grumpy Old Men posterGrumpy Old Men (1993)No gore · measured · PG-13Two feuding neighbors escalate their lifelong rivalry with witty pranks when a charming new widow moves in.Pluto TV
  15. 15Surviving Christmas posterSurviving Christmas (2004)No gore · measured · PG-13A lonely executive pays a family to be his own, creating a wholesome, heartwarming, and whimsical holiday farce.Hoopla · YouTube (free)
  16. 16National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation posterNational Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)No gore · measured · PG-13A well-meaning father navigates a chaotic family Christmas, finding wholesome humor in every broad mishap.
  17. 17Four Christmases posterFour Christmases (2008)No gore · brisk · PG-13A couple's holiday avoidance scheme unravels into a brisk, wholesome comedy of family chaos.
  18. 18A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas posterA Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)Light gore · brisk · RA raunchy and absurdist Christmas adventure unfolds as two friends accidentally ignite a holiday disaster.
  19. 19Eight Crazy Nights posterEight Crazy Nights (2002)No gore · brisk · PG-13A party animal's wild antics land him in trouble, sparking a brisk, raunchy, and darkly-comic animated journey.

The Die Hard argument

Yes, it counts. So do these. Christmas as a setting for mayhem.

  1. 1Die Hard posterDie Hard (1988)Mildly scary · light gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavy · RA lone, off-duty cop battles relentless terrorists in a gritty, suspenseful high-rise siege.Prime Video
  2. 2Die Hard 2 posterDie Hard 2 (1990)Mildly scary · light gore · brutal violence · relentless · RA gritty, pulpy thriller unfolds as a lone cop battles relentless terrorists to save his wife's plane.
  3. 3Lethal Weapon posterLethal Weapon (1987)Mildly scary · light gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavy · RTwo mismatched detectives with a broad sense of humor relentlessly pursue a gritty, pulpy crime ring.AMC+
  4. 4Batman Returns posterBatman Returns (1992)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally heavy · PG-13Gotham's dark, atmospheric streets host a gritty, darkly comic battle for the city's twisted soul.Max
  5. 5Violent Night posterViolent Night (2022)Mildly scary · graphic gore · brutal violence · relentless · RA darkly comic Santa delivers relentless, pulpy action when mercenaries crash Christmas Eve.Netflix
  6. 6Carry-On posterCarry-On (2024)Mildly scary · strong violence · emotionally heavy · relentless · PG-13A relentless Christmas Eve thriller where an airport security officer races to outsmart a mysterious, dangerous traveler.Netflix
  7. 7Iron Man 3 posterIron Man 3 (2013)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · brisk · PG-13A brilliant inventor battles a powerful terrorist in a brisk, high-octane adventure with witty humor.Disney+
  8. 8Kiss Kiss Bang Bang posterKiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)Light gore · strong violence · brisk · RA petty thief, a dream girl, and a detective stumble through a darkly comedic, pulpy murder mystery.
  9. 9The Long Kiss Goodnight posterThe Long Kiss Goodnight (1996)Mildly scary · light gore · brutal violence · relentless · RA suburban mom with amnesia rediscovers her past as a deadly assassin in a relentless, darkly comic thriller.
  10. 10Reindeer Games posterReindeer Games (2000)Light gore · strong violence · emotionally heavy · brisk · RAn ex-con assumes a dead man's identity, then finds himself caught in a pulpy, tense casino heist.Hoopla
  11. 11Silent Night posterSilent Night (2023)Graphic gore · brutal violence · emotionally devastating · relentless · RA grieving father, mute and relentless, trains for a brutal Christmas Eve revenge mission against a gang.
  12. 12Red One posterRed One (2024)No gore · brisk · PG-13A whimsical, briskly paced fantasy adventure sends an unlikely duo on an epic, broad-humored quest to save Christmas.Prime Video
  13. 13L.A. Confidential posterL.A. Confidential (1997)Mildly scary · graphic gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavy · RThree Los Angeles detectives navigate 1950s corruption and pulpy violence to expose a dark conspiracy.Prime Video
  14. 14Go posterGo (1999)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · relentless · RA supermarket clerk's drug deal ignites a relentless, darkly comedic thrill ride through a gritty underworld.Netflix
  15. 15Hawkeye posterHawkeye (2021) · seriesNo gore · brisk · TV-14A wry archer and his aspiring protégé battle a shadowy past to save Christmas with brisk, wholesome wit.Disney+
  16. 16Fatman posterFatman (2020)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · brisk · RA neglected boy hires a hitman to take out a struggling Santa in this darkly comic, pulpy action fantasy.

Horror for the holidays

Krampus, killer Santas and one very bad night at Grandma's. Scare levels on every page.

  1. 1Gremlins posterGremlins (1984)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · brisk · PGA darkly comic Christmas gift unleashes malevolent, mischievous creatures on a small town.Max
  2. 2Gremlins 2: The New Batch posterGremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · brisk · PG-13An office building in New York City is overrun by genetically altered, devilish green creatures in a brisk, absurdist horror-comedy.Max · YouTube (free)
  3. 3Krampus posterKrampus (2015)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · measured · PG-13A dysfunctional family's holiday squabbles summon a chilling, darkly comic demonic force with a taste for naughty.Netflix
  4. 4Better Watch Out posterBetter Watch Out (2017)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · brisk · RA suburban babysitting gig turns into a briskly paced, darkly comedic home invasion with chilling twists.Prime Video · Peacock · Kanopy
  5. 5Black Christmas posterBlack Christmas (1974)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · measured · RObscene calls terrorize a sorority house during Christmas, building chilling dread with each passing moment.Prime Video · Peacock · AMC+
  6. 6Silent Night, Deadly Night posterSilent Night, Deadly Night (1984)Properly scary · extreme gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavy · RA traumatic childhood resurfaces when a man in a Santa suit unleashes a chilling, pulpy rampage.Prime Video · AMC+ · The Roku Channel
  7. 7Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale posterRare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · measured · RA young boy discovers a sinister Santa unearthed in the Arctic, blending dark humor with suspenseful fantasy.Kanopy · Hoopla · Tubi
  8. 8Anna and the Apocalypse posterAnna and the Apocalypse (2018)Mildly scary · light gore · brisk · RTeenagers sing and dance through a zombie apocalypse, finding darkly comic cheer amid holiday chaos.AMC+ · The Roku Channel
  9. 9Terrifier 3 posterTerrifier 3 (2024)Terrifying · extreme gore · brutal violence · emotionally heavy · NRA relentless, pulpy nightmare unfolds as a monstrous clown terrorizes a family during the Christmas season.Prime Video · Hoopla
  10. 10The Lodge posterThe Lodge (2020)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally devastating · RA chilling blizzard traps children and their new stepmother in a remote lodge as her dark past resurfaces.Kanopy · Tubi
  11. 11P2 posterP2 (2007)Properly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally heavy · RA businesswoman's Christmas Eve becomes a relentless, chilling fight for survival in a gritty parking garage.Kanopy · Hoopla · The Roku Channel
  12. 12Inside posterInside (2007)Terrifying · extreme gore · brutal violence · emotionally devastating · RA pregnant woman's Christmas Eve turns into a relentless, chilling fight for survival against a brutal home invader.Tubi

Set at Christmas, not about it

The tree is in the corner of the frame. For people who want the season without the sermon.

  1. 1Eyes Wide Shut posterEyes Wide Shut (1999)Mildly scary · emotionally heavy · measured · RA doctor's marital crisis leads him into a surreal, intimate, and suspenseful night of discovery.Max
  2. 2The Apartment posterThe Apartment (1960)No gore · emotionally heavy · measuredA lonely clerk navigates corporate climbing and romantic melancholy through a darkly comedic New York.Kanopy · YouTube (free) · Tubi
  3. 3Catch Me If You Can posterCatch Me If You Can (2002)No gore · emotionally heavy · brisk · PG-13A witty con man eludes a gritty FBI agent in a brisk, earnest, true-crime caper.Paramount+ · Kanopy · Hoopla
  4. 4Edward Scissorhands posterEdward Scissorhands (1990)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13A gentle, unfinished creation finds bittersweet love and acceptance in a pastel, whimsical suburban world.Disney+
  5. 5Little Women posterLittle Women (2019)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PGFour earnest sisters navigate love and loss while coming of age in Civil War-era America.Hulu
  6. 6Carol posterCarol (2015)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · RA department store clerk in 1950s New York finds intimate, melancholic romance with an older, married woman.Kanopy · Hoopla · Tubi
  7. 7Bridget Jones's Diary posterBridget Jones's Diary (2001)No gore · measured · RA charmingly awkward woman navigates workplace romance and unexpected attraction while documenting every hilarious misstep.Paramount+ · Starz · Kanopy
  8. 8You've Got Mail posterYou've Got Mail (1998)No gore · measured · PGTwo charming booksellers, rivals in real life, fall for each other through anonymous online messages.Paramount+
  9. 9Sleepless in Seattle posterSleepless in Seattle (1993)No gore · measured · PGA grieving boy's radio call sparks a whimsical, cross-country romance, proving love finds a way.Netflix · MGM+
  10. 10Brazil posterBrazil (1985)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally devastating · RA drab bureaucrat's surreal daydreams collide with a darkly comic, absurdly bleak reality.YouTube (free)
  11. 11Shazam! posterShazam! (2019)Mildly scary · strong violence · brisk · PG-13A foster kid transforms into a superhero, navigating newfound powers with broad humor and brisk action.Max
  12. 12The Green Knight posterThe Green Knight (2021)Mildly scary · graphic gore · strong violence · emotionally heavy · RA reckless knight journeys through an atmospheric, dreamlike world to confront a giant, emerald-skinned stranger.Hulu · YouTube (free) · Plex
  13. 13Spencer posterSpencer (2021)No gore · emotionally devastating · measured · RA princess trapped in a gilded cage confronts her spiraling despair and the end of a fairy tale.Kanopy
  14. 14The Impossible posterThe Impossible (2012)Mildly scary · light gore · emotionally devastating · measured · PG-13A family's idyllic holiday shatters into a harrowing fight for survival against nature's terrifying wrath.Netflix
  15. 15The Thin Man posterThe Thin Man (1934)No gore · brisk · NRA witty, wholesome mystery unfolds briskly as a husband and wife solve a cozy, whimsical crime.Kanopy
  16. 16Tangerine posterTangerine (2015)No gore · emotionally heavy · brisk · RA sex worker's Christmas Eve quest for a cheating boyfriend becomes a brisk, darkly comic odyssey through Los Angeles.Prime Video · Kanopy · Hoopla
  17. 17About a Boy posterAbout a Boy (2002)No gore · measured · PG-13A bachelor invents a son to meet women, then finds heartwarming, whimsical lessons from a geeky 12-year-old.YouTube (free)
  18. 18Joyeux Noel posterJoyeux Noel (2005)Mildly scary · light gore · strong violence · emotionally devastating · PG-13On Christmas Eve 1914, soldiers on both sides of the trenches forge an intimate, heartwarming, and melancholy truce.The Roku Channel · YouTube (free)
  19. 19Tokyo Godfathers posterTokyo Godfathers (2003)No gore · emotionally heavy · measured · PG-13Three homeless friends on Christmas Eve find a baby, embarking on a whimsical, heartwarming, and witty quest.Hoopla · Tubi
  20. 20In Bruges posterIn Bruges (2008)Graphic gore · brutal violence · emotionally devastating · measured · RTwo hitmen in Belgium await a dark assignment, confronting their past with witty, melancholy humor.
Cozy fallHalloweenThanksgivingNew Year's Eve

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