The one thing I’ve been looking forward to all year was Christmas movies, and now it’s finally time to sit back and watch or rewatch a few.
My favourite Christmas movies change every year; it all depends on how much Christmas cheer I need. I can, however, say that Die Hard and Home Alone are the two best Christmas movies ever made, so to be fair I’m not going to include them in this year’s list. I want to give other movies a fair shot. That’s why I’m going to list some forgotten or ignored movies in my list.
I watch a mixture of Christmas movies, but I usually prefer the more comedic ones. I want to laugh and be entertained, but I also really want to be reminded of all the Christmas miracles. And every now and then, I don’t mind watching a horror Christmas movie as well. My 2025 list is a mix between wholesome family movies and those Christmas movies that seem like they just missed being on Santa’s naughty list.
The Night Before
I feel like this is one of those Christmas movies that deserves a lot more attention. When it came out in 2015, it sort of flew under the radar. This is a Christmas movie for adults, meaning it’s something that will resonate with most of us. It feels like a typical Christmas movie, but aimed at grown-ups. It’s funny, a little raunchy, but it’s still full of festive cheer. I just have to put it on my 2025 watch list.
The Holdovers
Another underrated Christmas movie, but this one might leave you sobbing. The first time I watched this, it was already after Christmas, so this year I want to do it right. It’s a beautiful story about a student and a teacher; it’s almost like Dead Poets Society, but with Christmas themes. The movie wraps up in a beautiful and powerful way, another thing that might leave you crying.
Christmas Office Party
One of the few Christmas movies I got to watch in cinemas when it came out. This movie isn’t for everyone, but if you love the comedies of the late 2000s, then you will definitely enjoy this one. I was laughing until my tummy hurt. It has a great comedy cast, and I’m surprised that not more people know about it. It’s definitely something that spreads some holiday cheer to those of us who have to work throughout the festive season.
Jingle All the Way
One of my childhood favourites; unfortunately, it gets overshadowed by newer Christmas family movies. There’s a big possibility that this might be my favourite Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. I remember watching it over and over again as a kid, and maybe it’s just the nostalgia talking, but I think it’s still a fantastic movie. It has everything that makes a Christmas movie special.
Silent Night, Deadly Night
The only movie on this list that you can go watch in movie theatres. The name might sound familiar to you, and that’s because it’s a remake. If you like to see a guy in a Santa Claus suit killing people, then this is the horror movie of the season for you. It’s not your typical horror movie, and it’s not your typical Christmas movie, and that’s why it’s perfect for this list.
