Christmas is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year because you have to take care of so many things and so many people in a very short time. It is the time when all of the family members, friends, relatives, and all the good people we know gather around to wish us the “Happiest Christmas”. Every family has a unique tradition of spending that time during Christmas. Some attend parades, participate in religious services, do holiday parties, go ice skating, visit Santa Claus, and others just watch movies.
Watching movies is one of the popular Christmas traditions that many people follow. Every Christmas, friends or family members come together and watch movies that make a great impression in their lives. From classic to action and comedy movies, here is a list of the best Christmas movies to watch in 2023 that will keep your Christmas spirit till the next year.
Best Christmas Movies To Watch in 2023
The following list includes the classic and popular movies watched in almost every household. If, for some reason, I miss mentioning some of your favorite Christmas movies, let me know so I will add them in the next article.
1. It’s a wonderful life (1946)
No matter how many times you watch this movie, it never gets old. It is the timeless tale of George Bailey understanding the meaning of life and reuniting with his family. The movie is not about Christmas but it captures everything it stands for. It helps you forget all the differences you might have had with your family members in the past and helps you start relations as new.
2. Polar Express (2004)
Every time you watch this movie, you will feel the chill of winter and remember the innocence of your childhood. Polar Express isn’t just a movie; it is a dream-like experience to live again and again. If you are not into animated movies, you should still try to watch it once or show it to your kids for a spirited Christmas time.
3. Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2 (1992)
You cannot imagine Christmas without watching Home Alone movies. Home Alone came out in the 1990s, and it was a smash hit that made Macaulay Culkin, aka “Kevin McCallister,” a known name in every household. Not only is this movie is funny, but it also keeps the Christmas spirit and childhood alive in you. It is a nostalgic movie that does not and will not ever get old. The sequel keeps the original movie’s essence and adds some more laughs to the overall Christmas thrill ride.
4. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
I know what you must be thinking: “Why is this movie on the Christmas list?” Well, there is a reason and a solid answer to that as well. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles is not just a classic limited to a particular genre or mood. You cannot forget the powerful performances of John Candy as the annoying but sweet “Del Griffith”. We all have a situation where such a person has come to us, and we have tried to handle him or her like Steve Martin’s “Neal Page” character. It reminds us of some of the funniest incidents we had with some of the most annoying people in our lives. It helps us enjoy Christmas more!
5. A Christmas Story (1983)
This 1983 classic never gets old and never fails to surprise us every time we watch it with family. Not only does this movie capture the essence of a good Christmas movie, but it also delivers beyond the wildest expectations. This movie should be up there on the top of the list, but still I am glad to add it to the list. The comedy, the characters, and the all-time classic story of this movie do not let it get any older for any generation. It captures the era of the 1980s perfectly with all the Christmas spirit.
6. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Every year, a new Christmas movie is released, trying to capture the fun element of Christmas and keep the Christmas memorable and fun. But, some of the classics, like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, set an example for others to follow. It is funny, frustrating, and a personal story of every family that tries to do something great but fails miserably until the end.
7. Elf (2003)
You didn’t think I would forget to add this movie, did you? Well, Elf is simply fun, but it takes a while to adjust to the movie’s whole theme. A human raised among elves? Honestly? How funny such a movie can be? But, you will be surprised how much you laugh in this movie by the performance of Will Ferrel as William “Buddy” Hobbs. The movie is absolutely hilarious when it comes to jokes and slapstick.
8. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas is about a guy, or son of Santa Claus, trying to do the right thing even if he fails. In the movie, Christmas has become more like a commercial festival and has lost some holiday fun. The movie shows that it can be funnier as well as serious to remind us of the meaning of Christmas and its value. Every year, a movie like Arthur Christmas comes along and rekindles that forgotten Christmas spirit. However, this movie combines modern tech and the traditional Christmas vibe.
9 Jingle All The Way (1996)
Remember back when Arnold Schwarzenegger performed a great comedic father role in a movie? Yes, it was Jingle All The Way released in 1996. Although this movie is not that memorable to many people, it keeps you laughing until the end. To many, Arnold felt unbelievable in the role, but he definitely delivered some of his better performances as a worn-out father trying to make his kid happy by giving him “Turbo Man.”
Conclusion
I hope you like my list of best Christmas movies to watch in 2023. Do you still like the classic movies to watch in 2023? Do you have your personal list of Christmas movies to watch this year? Which one of your favorite movies did I miss to include in the list? Let me know in the comment section below.