Christmas Movies Worth Watching: From Classics to New Releases

Christmas Movies Worth Watching: From Classics to New Releases

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Christmas is a magical time of the year when everyone longs to bask in the warmth, coziness, and festive spirit. What could be better than spending a winter evening watching a heartwarming and inspiring Christmas movie? These stories uplift the soul, restore faith in miracles, and remind us of the importance of family, love, and joy. On Joy-pup, you’ll find Christmas movies for every taste that will leave you with unforgettable emotions.

Classic Movies

Home Alone (1990)

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Young Kevin McCallister accidentally ends up home alone when his family leaves for Paris for Christmas, forgetting him amidst the chaos. While enjoying his newfound freedom, Kevin quickly adapts to independent living. However, his peace is disrupted by two clumsy burglars intent on robbing his house. Using his creativity, Kevin sets up an array of clever traps to defend his home from the intruders.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

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Once again, Kevin finds himself alone, but this time in the bustling city of New York after boarding the wrong flight. Armed with his father’s credit card, he checks into a luxurious hotel and explores the city. Fate reunites him with the same burglars who escaped from prison and plan to rob a toy store. Kevin uses his signature traps to thwart their plans.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

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Clark Griswold is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his family, decorating the house with thousands of lights and inviting all the relatives. However, nothing goes as planned: the lights don’t work, family members quarrel, and unexpected guests cause chaos. Hilarious mishaps ensue as Clark tries to save the holiday.

Elf (2003)

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Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, discovers he is not an elf and travels to New York to find his biological father. In the big city, his naivety and childlike innocence clash with harsh realities. His father, a successful businessman, initially finds him odd but gradually warms to Buddy’s Christmas spirit and optimism. The family comes together, and Buddy finds his place in the world.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

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An elderly man named Kris Kringle claims to be the real Santa Claus and begins working at the department store Cole’s. His sincerity and kindness win over shoppers and employees, but his sanity is questioned, leading to a court case. A little girl, Susan, and her mother, Dorey, stand by Kris, believing in him. The trial ends with faith in miracles and Christmas spirit triumphing as Kris is declared the real Santa Claus.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1947)

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George Bailey, a man who has always prioritized others’ needs over his own, reaches a point of despair due to financial troubles. On Christmas Eve, he considers ending his life, but his guardian angel, Clarence, intervenes. The angel shows George what the world would be like without him, highlighting the lives he has touched. Realizing the value of his life, George returns to his family, and the townsfolk rally to help him.

Family Christmas Movies

Family Switch (2023)

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A busy family finds themselves swapping bodies with one another just before Christmas. The parents become their teenage children, and vice versa. This experience forces them to navigate the challenges and joys of each other’s lives, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation through humorous and heartfelt moments.

Welcome to Christmas (2018)

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Madison is sent to the small town of Christmas to assess its suitability for a resort development. The local sheriff, Gage, seeks to show her the town’s charm, hoping to preserve its unique spirit. As she meets the residents and learns their traditions, Madison reevaluates her plans. Romance blooms between her and Gage, and she decides to stay, embracing a new life in the town.

The Heart of Christmas (2011)

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The family of Matt and Julianna learns that their little son is suffering from a terminal illness. Realizing that this might be his last Christmas, they decide to celebrate it early. Their neighbors and the entire town come together to support the family by decorating homes and organizing a Christmas celebration in October.

Borrowed Hearts (1997)

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Businessman Sam Pollard needs a family to present to a conservative investor in order to secure an important deal. He hires his employee Kathleen and her young daughter Zoe to play the roles of his wife and daughter. As they spend time together, they begin to understand and appreciate each other. Zoe dreams of having a real family and sees Sam as the perfect father. Over time, their professional arrangement grows into genuine affection, and they become a real family.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

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Young Nikolas sets off to the North in search of his father, who disappeared while looking for the legendary village of elves, Elfhelm. Accompanied by his loyal pet mouse and a tame reindeer, he faces numerous dangers and encounters magical creatures. Along the way, Nikolas discovers the courage and kindness needed to overcome the challenges. His journey reveals the origins of Christmas traditions and symbols.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

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When their daughter leaves home, the Kranks decide to skip Christmas and go on a cruise, much to the disapproval of their neighbors. Their plans are thrown into chaos when their daughter suddenly announces her return for the holiday. In a rush, they try to organize a traditional Christmas celebration in record time. Comical situations arise as the previously upset neighbors come to their aid.

Romantic Christmas Movies

Falling for Christmas (2022)

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Sierra, a wealthy heiress to a hotel empire, has a skiing accident and loses her memory. She is found by Jake, the owner of a small mountain hotel, who offers her refuge. Not knowing who she is, Sierra begins to help out at the hotel and grows closer to Jake and his daughter. As they spend time together, sincere feelings develop between them. After recovering her memory, Sierra must decide which life to choose.

How to Fall in Love by Christmas (2023)

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An ambitious woman named Emma decides to prove to herself and others that she can find love before Christmas. She turns to her best friend Tom for help, unaware of his long-standing feelings for her. Together, they go through a series of unsuccessful dates and funny situations. Gradually, Emma begins to realize that true love has been right beside her all along.

Love Actually (2003)

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This film intertwines several love stories taking place in London before Christmas. The Prime Minister falls in love with his staff member, a writer finds love abroad, and a widower tries to help his stepson express his first love. These and other stories show different facets of loveβ€”romantic, platonic, and familial. Each story reaches its climax just before the holiday, and love connects people in the most unexpected ways.

The Holiday (2006)

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Two women, Iris from England and Amanda from the U.S., disillusioned with love, decide to swap homes for the holidays. Iris ends up in sunny California, while Amanda is in a cozy English village. In their new surroundings, they meet new people: Iris gets to know composer Miles, and Amanda meets Iris’s brother Graham. Both heroines find love and reconsider their lives.

A Christmas Prince (2017)

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Journalist Amber travels to the European kingdom of Aldovia to cover the coronation of Prince Richard. Posing as a tutor for his younger sister, she sneaks into the palace. Amber discovers that the prince is not the person the press portrays, and a romantic connection forms between them. However, her deception could ruin everything.

Unlocking Christmas (2020)

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Two strangers, Kate and Kevin, receive mysterious keys and invitations to participate in a Christmas quest. Joining forces, they follow clues around the city, performing good deeds and uncovering secrets. As they progress through the quest, they get to know each other better and begin to develop mutual feelings. In the end, they discover that the mysterious organizer is an elderly couple who wanted to spread holiday joy. Kate and Kevin find love and a new meaning for Christmas.

Christmas Fairy Tales for Children

Frozen (2013)

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Princess Elsa has the magical power to create ice and snow but cannot control it, which causes her to isolate herself from the world and her sister Anna. After her power is accidentally revealed, Elsa flees to the mountains, plunging the kingdom into eternal winter. Anna sets out to find her sister and bring back summer. Along the way, she meets Kristoff, his reindeer Sven, and the cheerful snowman Olaf. Sisterly love helps break the curse, and Elsa learns to control her abilities.

Olaf’s Frozen Adventure (2017)

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In anticipation of the first Christmas after the kingdom’s gates were opened, Anna and Elsa realize they have no holiday traditions of their own. Olaf decides to help the sisters and sets out in search of the best traditions in the kingdom. Along the way, he gathers various customs and encounters amusing situations.

The Grinch (2018)

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The Grinch is a green hermit who lives on a mountain and hates Christmas because of loneliness and past grievances. As the residents of Whoville prepare for the holiday with great fanfare, he decides to steal Christmas from them. Disguised as Santa Claus, the Grinch steals gifts and decorations. However, a little girl named Cindy Lou helps him understand the true meaning of the holiday. Realizing his mistake, the Grinch returns everything he stole and finds friends and joy.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)

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Scrooge is a greedy and cold-hearted man who despises Christmas and the joy of others. On Christmas Eve, he is visited by three spirits: of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. They show him his loneliness, the consequences of his actions, and a grim future. Shocked by the vision, Scrooge decides to change his life.

The Polar Express (2004)

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A boy, doubting the existence of Santa Claus, boards a magical train on Christmas Eve that is headed to the North Pole. On the train, he meets other children and experiences thrilling adventures. Upon arrival, he meets Santa Claus and receives a special gift β€” a bell that only those who believe can hear.

Klaus (2019)

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Jesper, the lazy son of a wealthy postmaster, is sent to the remote island of Smerensburg to prove his worth. The town is immersed in a feud, and no one sends letters. After meeting the mysterious carpenter Klaus, who has the gift of making toys, Jesper comes up with a plan: children will write letters to Klaus to receive gifts. Their actions gradually change the town, bringing joy and reconciliation.

Christmas Comedy Movies

Four Christmases (2008)

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Brad and Kate are a couple who avoid family obligations, preferring to spend the holidays alone. However, when their flight is canceled, they are forced to visit all four of their divorced parents in one day. Each family gathering is filled with comedic and awkward situations that reveal secrets and quirks of their relatives. As the journey progresses, they learn more about each other and themselves.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

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After the loss of their father, Teddy and Kate Pierce try to preserve the Christmas spirit. On Christmas Eve, they decide to film Santa Claus, but accidentally cause an accident with his sleigh. Now, they must help Santa fix the equipment and deliver gifts to save Christmas. Throughout their adventures, they overcome differences and learn to work together.

Daddy’s Home (2015)

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Brad, a kind-hearted stepfather, tries to be the best father to his stepchildren. His efforts become complicated when the biological father, Dusty, returnsβ€”charismatic and adventurous. A competitive rivalry begins between the two men as they vie for the love and attention of the children. The competition leads to a series of comedic situations and misunderstandings.

Holidate (2020)

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Sloane and Jackson, tired of the pressure from their families and the loneliness during the holidays, agree to be “holiday partners” with no commitments. They spend all the holidays together throughout the year, avoiding awkward questions from relatives. However, as they spend more time together, real feelings begin to develop. Comedic situations and romantic moments lead them to confess their feelings. Ultimately, they decide to be together not just for the holidays.

Christmas with You (2022)

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Pop star Angelina, facing a creative crisis, decides to grant the wish of a young fan and travels to her small town. There, she meets the girl’s father, Miguel, a widowed music teacher. Together, they work on a new Christmas song. As they collaborate, Angelina finds inspiration and love. She reevaluates her life and career, deciding to stay in the town.

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