10 Christmas Movies to Watch this Holiday

As the holiday season gets closer, it's time for some festive favorites:  sweet panettone, fun advent calendars, cozy stockings, and a good Christmas movie marathon. From the classics such as childhood quintessential Home Alone and the all-time beloved rom-com Love Actually to some unexpected surprises, check 10 movies that have some of that Christmas sparkle to make your holiday. 

White Christmas (1954)

In a traditional Michael Curtiz musical, after the Second World War, former American soldiers, now talented musicians and dancers, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, put on a spectacle with the Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. On the way, reunions, romance and mix-ups, snow and musical numbers await. 

Gremlins (1984)

A Christmas favorite that flirts with fantasy, Joe Dante's Gremlins follows young Billy Peltzer, who gets a new furry friend from his father. The gift comes with some rules, though: never get it wet, keep it away from bright lights, and never feed it after midnight. Despite the instructions, the boy breaks them and creates a group of naughty monsters in a small town. 

Home Alone (1990)

In the childhood classic Home Alone, Kevin expects to have the perfect Christmas after his parents travel and forget him at home. But when unexpected and clumsy intruders try to rob his house on Christmas Eve, Kevin rolls up his sleeves and sets improvised traps to detain the burglars.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

In this Tim Burton production, an almost complete man, Edward, who has scissors instead of hands, lives a lonely life in a castle on a hill until a kind lady named Peg takes him into her home. While he is initially welcomed into the community, noted for his talents such as creative tree trimming and an unparalleled skill at cutting hair, the tables are turned when he is accused of a crime for which only Peg and her daughter, Kim, believe he is innocent. 

Love Actually (2003)

The cult holiday romance Love Actually, directed by Richard Curtis, centers on the complex pre-Christmas lives of eight couples in London, England. 

The Family Stone (2005)

Directed by Thomas Bezucha, The Family Stone tells the story of reserved Meredith Morton, who joins her boyfriend Everett Stone's ultra-extroverted family for Christmas. Despite their best efforts, they don't get along very well. Only Everett's brother Ben seems to give her a chance, which grows into a strange romance. Under siege, she seeks help from her carefree sister Julie, who fails to help, but soon finds a spark with Everett. 

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

In Shane Black's mystery film Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, a murder brings together a detective, an actress and a New York thief mistaken for an actor in the heart of Hollywood.

The Holiday (2006)

Directed by Nancy Meyers, two women in different countries find themselves in the same situation: heartbroken. In order to solve their romantic problems by living and forgetting, they switch houses during the holidays. While a new country seems like the perfect place to get over broken hearts, both end up finding new lovers. 

Four Christmases (2008) 

In this Seth Gordon romance, a couple have their flight to Fiji cancelled and then have to spend Christmas with their four divorced parents. 

Happiest Season (2020) 

In Clea DuVall's Happiest Season, Abby meets her girlfriend's family, Harper, for the first time at Christmas and plans to propose to her at the celebration. Except: Harper's parents don't know their daughter is gay. As Abby discovers that her girlfriend has been keeping this a secret, she starts to have doubts.