It’s that time of the year again when we all settle down together to celebrate Christmas. As a time-honored tradition during the holidays, many families find that enjoying a movie together is one of the many activities to wind back and spend quality time together. We’ve gathered up a list of classic Christmas films that the entire family shouldn’t miss out on this Yuletide season.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Starting this list is the first special to bring Charles Schulz’s beloved Peanuts gang to screens worldwide. While its animation errors and slipups are a bit telling of its time, its charm continues to remain charmless. Vince Guaraldi’s jazzy score adds a soothing ambiance as we follow Charlie Brown’s attempt at directing the annual Christmas play. It also voices criticisms about the overcommercialization of the holiday season, although it comes off rather ironic, as there are versions specifically made with special cuts for advertising a product. What many recall from this special as well is Linus’ solemn retelling of the birth of Jesus Christ to remind everyone what Christmas is all about. 

Home Alone (1990)

What else needs to be said about this Christmas classic? Featuring child star Macaulay Culkin in his prime, Home Alone follows the story of Kevin McAllister being left behind after his whole family flies off to Paris. At first, he believes it to be a wish come true and gets into all sorts of shenanigans as he celebrates his newfound independence. Things take a turn when two criminals, Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern), decide to rob the McAllister residence. Hoping to fend off the two, Kevin strategically places traps around the household to bring the Wet Bandits to justice. It’s a heartfelt film that signifies the importance of family. 

A Christmas Story (1983)

Following the point of view of Ralphie Parker, A Christmas Story chronicles the story of Ralphie’s desire to get a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot Range Model air rifle for Christmas. He is faced with numerous rejections as most believe he’ll shoot his eye out with such a gift. While it may not seem like much of a plot, its simple premise is enough to draw smiles from its viewers and proves to have quite a reach. A Christmas Story has even proven popular enough to have some cable channels in the US run it for 24 hours straight.   

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Under Henry Selick’s direction and Tim Burton’s gothic storytelling, The Nightmare Before Christmas makes for a ghoulishly fun watch this holiday season. It centers around Jack Skellington and his urge to find something new to work on other than the Halloween celebrations. His search leads him to Christmastown. Chaos ensues as he tries to take over the holiday. The film features top-notch stop-motion animation and a whimsical soundtrack provided by Danny Elfman, giving us classics like “What’s This?” and “This is Halloween.” Many have argued that this film falls more under the Halloween film category but much of the plot centers around Jack discovering the joys of Christmas, making it perfect for either holiday.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Don’t let the black and white turn you off from catching this Christmas classic. In It’s A Wonderful Life, George Bailey’s problems stack up to the point that he contemplates jumping off a bridge. Hoping to persuade him otherwise, an angel named Clarence shows George an alternate timeline, in which George doesn’t exist. It’s a touching film that makes one remember how the people around us are what truly makes the holidays a special time. 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Hoping to learn more about the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who decides to learn more about his past from the townsfolk of Whoville and why he has a disdain for Christmas. Perhaps one of Jim Carrey’s most iconic roles, there’s much to love about his despicably humorous take on Dr. Seuss’ Grinch character. It’s amazing to see how much of his physical mannerisms can still show through the heavy makeup of his Grinch costume. One of the most important lessons to take from this film is to always remember that Christmas isn’t always about flashy decor and extravagant gifts.     

Klaus (2019)

Netflix has always been known to deliver quality animated films (Nimona, Leo, and Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio come to mind), and among that high-quality lineup is Klaus. Klaus follows the story of Jesper, a postman stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle. Here he runs into a reclusive toymaker named Klaus and strikes up an unusual friendship. It gives a fresh new take on the story of Santa Claus. 

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Muppets make everything better, and that’s a fact! In what is arguably one of the greatest iterations of Ebeneezer Scrooge to grace the screen, Michael Caine treats his muppet co-stars with just about the same amount of passion as he would in his other films. Plus, it’s always amusing to watch Kermit the Frog and his colleagues add some humor to a timeless classics. This film also features one of the best takes on the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, as just looking into the muppet’s empty dementor-like face is enough to send chills down your spine. 

Elf (2003)

What happens when a human baby gets sent to the North Pole? Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a toddler mistakenly transported to the North Pole and raised by Santa’s elves. Hoping to search for his biological father, Buddy ends up in New York City. Shenanigans ensue as he tries to adjust to his new surroundings while reconnecting with his father who works on children’s books for a living. It’s Ferrell’s performance that sells his character and provides heartwarming laughs for viewers.

The Polar Express (2004)

As a young boy starts to doubt the existence of Santa Claus, he finds himself on a magical trip to the North Pole after boarding the Polar Express. There’s much to enjoy about this motion capture animated film like its stunning visuals and heartwarming story. Tom Hanks puts his best work performing as several characters throughout the film, perhaps the most popular one being the conductor of the train, if not Santa Claus himself. It certainly has enough magic for kids and parents to enjoy it together.