Top 20 Christmas Movies I Watched in 2023
The best way to spread Christmas cheer... is watching movies and then spreading the word about the best of the best!
With so many streaming services nowadays, we have holiday movies, shorts, and series at the tips of our fingertips. Growing up (and even to this day), movies are an important part of the holiday season for me. Every year on Christmas Eve, my family and I would grab hot cocoa and watch "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) before going to bed and waiting for Santa. This tradition is still going on to this day even though my sisters and I are all grown up and out of the house. I've made friends and built relationships out of Christmas movies. And I know they hold a special place in the hearts of many other people out there too.
This year, I compiled a list of 74 movie, short films, and series across a variety of streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max, and I wanted to share some of my favorites!
I evaluated each holiday film/series in three categories: nostalgia, storytelling, and holiday cheer.
Nostalgia - How does this movie evoke feelings and memories from childhood? How does it bring back memories and feelings for the past, for traditions from our childhood and things we grew up with? How does it handle elements of the holidays (Santa, elves, gift-giving, meaning of Christmas, etc.) and adapt them?
Storytelling: How does the plot flow in this movie or series? Do the adaptations work or are they far-fetched or boring? What about the characters - well-rounded or flat? Do the jokes and romance work?
Holiday Cheer: Does this movie/series evoke feelings of happiness, joy, and peace for the holidays? Does it capture the magic of Christmas?
So, grab your hot cocoa and candy canes! Because we're about to take a sleigh ride through some of my holiday favorites this year!
20. The Family Switch (2023) - Overall Score: 7.5/15
Nostalgia: 3/5
Storytelling: 2.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 2/5
So... "Freaky Friday" but with the whole family instead of just the mother and daughter. The most humorous take on this adaptation was the dog and baby swapping places (that was a unique twist). The movie overall was pretty funny with a few nice references to other films/projects ("13 Going on 30," "17 Again," "Wednesday," etc.) and the cast was stacked and did a great job. It did kind of feel like a remake with a twist on "Freaky Friday" though, which is why it's Number 20 on the list, and besides the setting being Christmas and featuring a few holiday songs throughout the movie, I don't think it screams "Christmas movie." Without the timeframe of Christmas and the songs, this movie could have existed at any other point during the year and wouldn't have lost its charm or humor. Would still probably watch again though, but just maybe not at Christmas necessarily.
19. The Christmas Prince Trilogy (2017-2019) - Overall Score: 8.5/15
Nostalgia: 2.5/5
Storytelling: 2.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.5/5
Don't get me wrong: these films ae lighthearted and fun to watch, and their settings of Christmastime allow us to see nostalgic holiday activities like sledding, baking cookies, ice skating, holiday plays, reading Christmas cards, decorating the tree, and more. The plots are a little basic/cookie-cutter and the writing is cliché a good chunk of the time, but the cast does a good job in each movie, and it's still an enjoyable Netflix-original trilogy overall.
18. The Princess Switch Trilogy (2018-2021) - Overall Score: 8.5/15
Nostalgia: 2.5/5
Storytelling: 3/5
Holiday Cheer: 3/5
Another Netflix-original trilogy on the list! Each of these movies is also set during Christmastime, and it does evoke feelings of holiday memories and nostalgia with baking, toys, winter fairs, giving back, and more. I will say, it's pretty impressive that Vanessa Hudgens can portray three distinct characters. It was nice to see her deviate from the stereotypical "good girl" role with the character of Fiona in the last two installments. There's an overall good character development, though it does feel like by the third movie, there are too many characters to successfully integrate into the plot and make it function smoothly. But still a nice and fun series to binge, especially if you like holiday fun mixed with heists and "Parent Trap" vibes.
17. The Naughty Nine (2023) - Overall Store: 9.5/15
Nostalgia: 3/5
Storytelling: 3/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.5/5
"The Oceans" movies meet Christmas! This holiday heist movie is cute and fun with a hint of drama. I love seeing different versions of the North Pole, and this depiction was festive and cute (though there are many others that I feel are more nostalgic and classic). The elf costumes are adorable though - one of my favorite parts! All of the kids' "naughty list" criteria/superpowers are creative too, and the storytelling is family-friendly and fun (albeit a little predictable). I did enjoy all of the different cultural elements infused into this movie - high points for diversity and inclusion.
16. The Knight Before Christmas (2019) - Overall Score: 10/15
Nostalgia: 3/5
Storytelling: 3.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.5/5
A Christmas movie with time travel and romance... there's definitely originality with this premise. I will preface: I do enjoy themes from medieval times (think King Arthur and knights and quests). So, it was especially humorous to me to watch a knight adapt to contemporary ways - I always cackle at the Alexa and grocery store scenes. Even though the plot may seem far-fetched and unrealistic, the film still carries great messages about kindness, community, and love. One of my favorites to watch every year!
15. Dashing Through the Snow (2023) - Overall Score: 10/15
Nostalgia: 3.5/5
Storytelling: 3/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.5/5
This movie is a unique take on a Christmas tale. There are elements of classic storytelling (i.e. bad guys chasing good guys, concept of Santa breaking and entering, adults rediscovering the magic of Christmas, etc.) mixed with innovative takes on traditional themes (i.e. reindeer call button, 'cookie time,' using technology for the naughty/nice list, reindeers preferring the 'Rocky' theme song to holiday music, Santa sweating glitter and having farts that smell like cinnamon, etc.). It is an enjoyable and lighthearted family-friendly movie that is funny and still manages to capture the magic of Christmas. in a modern setting
14. Noelle (2019) - Overall Score: 11/15
Nostalgia: 3.5/5
Storytelling: 3.75/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.75/5
This movie always brings a smile to my face whenever I watch it. The premise of the film is fairly original while also blending in some traditional tropes and themes from its holiday movie predecessors. Anna Kendrick is lovely in this movie, and she does add a special element and extra humor to this film with her delivery of jokes and her acting. One of the most unique parts of this movie, for me, is the costumes; I especially love Noelle's North Pole outfits and her Christmas stockings. The film does include modern elements (an Amazon Prime-like present delivery system, requests for iPads for Christmas, emailing naughty kids with the naughty/nice verdict, etc.) that make it a fun and contemporary holiday movie while still keeping the classic Christmas spirit alive.
13. Prep & Landing Short Films (2009-2011) - Overall Score: 11.5/15
Nostalgia: 4/5
Storytelling: 3.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 4/5
I really wish Disney made more than three of these short films. I think they are so imaginative with their storytelling and adaptations of traditional Christmas elements - coal elves vs. prep and landing elves, the "creatures stirring" device, scanning the milk and cookies for temperature and the presence of nuts, prepping the tree area for proper present placement, the "dash away, dash away, dash away all" terminology for Santa's take-off, etc. The character of Magee is one of my favorites across all of the shorts; her dedication to Christmas and her stress-drinking hot chocolate really vibe with me and make me wanna shout, "Same, girl!" Each of these three shorts is full of creativity and holiday cheer, and the storytelling isn't bad for short films. Definitely a quick and fun series to watch with the whole family!
12. 8-Bit Christmas (2021) - Overall Score: 11.5/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 3.75/5
Holiday Cheer: 3.25/5
Reminiscent of "A Christmas Story," this movie is basically nostalgia in a film. There is humor, love, friendship, and, most of all, family. Upon rewatches, it is interesting to compare the parallels between this movie and the movie I assume is the inspiration behind it. The cast is great, and even the kids do a good acting job. The message is memorable and compelling too. A fun, family-friendly film with a little something for everyone.
11. Christmas Inheritance (2017) - Overall Score: 11.5/15
Nostalgia: 4/5
Storytelling: 3.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 4/5
This is one of my favorite Netflix holiday originals. Yes, it's a little cliché and the plot can be a bit predictable at times, but there's something special and nostalgic about Christmas in a small town. The characters are actually pretty well-thought out and are mostly well-rounded, and the plot is a take on the "big city girl returns to a small town for the holidays" trope. It's a classic trope, and it may be overdone, but I don't think that took away from the originality and storytelling that is present in this movie. There's wonderful messages about family, love, community, giving back, and the true meaning of Christmas too. The premise of this movie does carry the nostalgia and holiday cheer that help make it so heartwarming and joyful to watch.
10. Spirited (2022) - Overall Score: 11.5/15
Nostalgia: 3.5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 4/5
This year was my first year watching this musical adaptation of "A Christmas Carol," and let me tell you: this movie will be on my watchlist every year. I loved the cast, I thought the movie was very funny, and the songs were enjoyable. What makes this film extra special is the self-awareness it has when it comes to being a musical. One of my favorite adaptations of the Dickens classic - the way this film added its own unique twists and storytelling was captivating and humorous. It may have been a bit cliche at times, and some of the songs were a bit lackluster compared to some of the others, but this film still goes down as one of my favorite versions of "A Christmas Carol."
9. The Santa Clause Trilogy (1994-2006) - Overall Score: 12/15
Nostalgia: 4/5
Storytelling: 3.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 4.5/5
Okay, I may be a little biased on this one because I love this trilogy (even the third one even though it's often considered the "worst" of the three). But I've always admired how this trilogy brought a new twist on the Santa Clause lore. From all the different clauses to the concept of the North Pole, this film is a family classic that makes me smile every year and puts me right in the Christmas mood.
8. A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) - Overall Score: 12/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 3.5/5
Holiday Cheer: 4/5
As far as sequels go, this one was long-anticipated and actually pretty well done. The return of so much of the original cast warmed my heart and made this film special and definitely nostalgic. There was family, holiday spirit, magic, and that special something that made "A Christmas Story" such a classic. All of the references/callbacks to the original film (the lamp, the bunny costume, the Santa in the mall, the rifle, the "triple dog dare you," etc.) definitely made this film extra special and gave it a huge nostalgia hit. Even the way the film was framed with Ralphie as the narrator and the scenes of Ralphie's imagination running wild with "what if" scenarios added to the storytelling and nostalgia. The last scene always gets me too when Ralphie is reading his newspaper article and the narration morphs into the original narration from "A Christmas Story." A true feel-good, nostalgic Christmas movie!
7. Mickey's A Christmas Carol (1983) - Overall Score: 12/15
Nostalgia: 4/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 4/5
One of the best adaptations of Charles Dickens' beloved classics, but as we saw with my review of "Spirited," I may be a little biased because I am a fan of many of the "Christmas Carol" adaptations. Still, I thought the "casting" of various Disney characters for the Dickens character roles was creative and fun, and the adaptations remains faithful to the source material. I think what makes this short film so special and memorable is the presence of so many different Disney characters together in one film. I watch this movie every year, and it always makes me smile and keeps me entertained and uplifted.
6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) - Overall Score: 13/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 4.5/5
The best remake of "The Grinch," in my opinion (not counting the original cartoon adaptation). Jim Carrey delights as the iconic Grinch, and there are so many quotable scenes, relatable moments, and humorous instances throughout the whole movie. Part of what makes this movie special are the occasional fourth-wall breaks this Grinch makes to address the audience and the additional narrated lines written for this movie to give some more backstory and context. Even with the added backstory, the nostalgia and many classic scenes (and the Whoville Christmas Day song) are still present, and it still captures the magic of Christmas.
5. Elf (2003) - Overall Score: 13/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 4.5/5
Buddy the Elf, what's your favorite color? This year, this movie celebrated its 20th anniversary, and you'd be sitting on a throne of lies if you said you didn't find this film full of holiday spirit and creativity. Part of what makes this film unique is the details in filming: did you know that all of the scenes when Buddy first arrives in New York were filmed in one day and were mostly improvised? "The Movies That Made Us" documentary series on Netflix has an episode dedicated to "Elf," and if you're a fan of this holiday classic, I highly recommend giving this a watch for more behind-the-scenes details. The premise of "Elf" is fun and memorable. The storyline is well-paced and creative. Will Ferrell is classically funny in this movie (my favorite scene is still when Buddy walks across the street and gets hit by a cab) and every year, this movie seems to grow in nostalgia and holiday cheer.
4. A Christmas Story (1983) - Overall Score: 13/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 4.5/5
What can I say? This is an ultimate classic filled to the brim with memorable scenes, quotable lines, and true laugh out loud moments. I've been watching this film since I was a kid, and it has never failed to make me smile. I will admit: the movie can be slightly slow-paced at times, but the overall storytelling and the humor make up for the occasional slower pace. I triple dog dare you to watch this one!
Before we get to get to the Top 3, here are some honorable mentions:
The Muppet Christmas Carol
Four Christmases
Arthur Christmas
Jingle All the Way
The Year Without a Santa Clause
Beauty and the Beast: Enchanted Christmas
3. Polar Express (2004) - Overall Score: 13.5/5
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 5/5
I know this film has a lot of debate surrounding it about the animation style, but I've never really minded it. And I also kind of like that the main boy and girl protagonists don't have names; as a kid especially, it made me feel like I could easily be taking their place on a magical train ride up to the North Pole. One of my favorite parts of this movie has always been the songs - I still sing the "Hot Chocolate" song at random throughout the year. While the overall storyline is relatively simple, the intricacies in the plot and some of the individual scenes (walking/skiing on top of the train, the "roller coaster" scene, wandering around thee North Pole, etc.) contribute to the uniqueness and nostalgia that make this movie a staple around the holidays. This film is full of Christmas spirit and successfully promotes the messages of hope and belief.
2. Home Alone & Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1990-1992) - Overall Score: 13.75/15
Nostalgia: 4.5/5
Storytelling: 4.25/5
Holiday Cheer: 5/5
After so many years, these movies are still classics. It's no surprise they're in the Top 3. Full of memorable quotes and "LOL" moments, these films have well-paced plots and creative storylines and are full of holiday spirit and nostalgia. I grew up watching these movies, so watching them now as an adult reminds me of moments in my childhood, and the jokes are still classic enough to keep making me smile even years later. The Wet Bandits have always been one of my favorite parts of these two movies, and they both have great messages about family, forgiveness, and love.
1.A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) - Overall Score: 14/15
Nostalgia: 5/5
Storytelling: 4/5
Holiday Cheer: 5/5
A true Christmas classic. I haven't seen this short film in many years, but as soon as I started watching it, all the memories came rushing back. The nostalgia is on point, and the iconic image of the Charlie Brown Christmas tree immediately brought a smile to my face. The scene of the kids playing the instruments and dancing before the play rehearsal is still one of my favorites. A true family-friendly movie with the true meaning of Christmas right at the heart of it.
Comments