List of Christmas films

Trends in Christmas Movies over nearly a Century (1925-2022)

List of Christmas films refers to a cinematographic compilation that focuses on the Christmas holiday or incorporates scenes that are significantly related to the Christmas season. These films span across various genres, including comedy, drama, fantasy, horror, and romance. They often explore themes of love, family, forgiveness, and the magic of Christmas. This list includes both theatrical releases and made-for-television movies.

Overview

Christmas films are a popular genre that captures the essence of the holiday season, often emphasizing the values of Christmas spirit, family reunions, and the act of giving. These films can range from heartwarming tales to comedic escapades, often featuring Santa Claus, Christmas elves, or magical occurrences that embody the holiday's wonder.

Notable Christmas Films

Classic Christmas Films

• It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - A drama about a man who has given up his dreams to help others, and whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel.
• Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - A film that follows a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa, leading to a court case to determine his authenticity.

Modern Classics

• Home Alone (1990) - A comedy about a young boy who, accidentally left behind by his family during Christmas vacation, must defend his home from burglars.
• The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) - A stop-motion animated film that tells the story of Jack Skellington from Halloween Town who discovers Christmas Town and attempts to bring Christmas to his home.

Animated Christmas Films

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) - An animated television special based on the Dr. Seuss book, about the Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville.
• Arthur Christmas (2011) - An animated film that reveals the high-tech operations at the North Pole and follows Santa's clumsy son, Arthur, on a mission to deliver a misplaced present.

Romantic Christmas Films

• Love Actually (2003) - A romantic comedy that follows various individuals and their love lives in the month leading up to Christmas.
• The Holiday (2006) - A romantic comedy about two women who swap homes for the holidays to escape their relationship issues, only to find love in their new locales.

Themes and Impact

Christmas films often explore themes beyond the festive cheer, including but not limited to the importance of family, the spirit of giving, and the belief in magic and miracles. They serve as a reflection of cultural values associated with the holiday season and have a significant impact on holiday traditions and celebrations. These films also contribute to the economic aspect of the holiday season, with many becoming box-office hits and annual television staples.

See Also

• Christmas in media
• Christmas music
• Holiday season