Host a holiday movie marathon with these must-watch Christmas titles

The air is crispier, lights sparkle in every corner, and you can feel the scent of cinnamon and citruses from all around – we can tell it’s December, and Christmas is near!

If you’re already done with your Christmas shopping, you can now relax and enjoy the holiday spirit. And what better way to do so than with a good old-fashioned holiday movie marathon?

The classics you can’t go wrong with

We’ll start with some classic titles that we revisit every year for some holiday magic:

Love Actually

Is it even Christmas without this quintessential Christmas rom-com? Set the tone of your movie marathon right with some laughter, tears, and a lot of holiday romance.

You’ve got it all—the heartwarming, funny, and bittersweet love stories; the festive backdrop of London; the iconic scenes (the cue card scene, Hugh Grant dancing through 10 Downing Street, the heartbreaking Joni Mitchell moment—should we list more?); the true meaning of Christmas!

Love Actually tugs at heartstrings in all the right ways. It’s packed with memorable moments and a killer soundtrack that will have you humming for days.

It’s a Wonderful Life

This 1946 classic is a perfect reminder of what truly matters during the holiday season: the importance of family and friends and the impact of our relationships on each others’ lives. This is more than just a Christmas movie; it’s a life-affirming experience that leaves us crying happy tears by the end.

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Is it a Christmas movie? Yes! Is it also a Halloween movie? Yes! Is it worth watching? Also yes!

Tim Burton’s stop-motion musical follows Jack Skellington as he discovers the wonders of Christmas Town. Not only that, but Jack Skellington also learns what it truly means to embrace the holiday spirit.

Die Hard

Let’s settle this debate once and for all: Die Hard is absolutely a Christmas movie.

Bruce Willis in a tank top – good! He is battling terrorists in a Los Angeles skyscraper – good! All this happens during the holiday office party-turned-hostage crisis on Christmas Eve – great!

This is a fast-paced, explosive ride with just enough holiday spirit to keep it on the list. Yippee-ki-yay, and pass the eggnog.

The Harry Potter series

While not strictly Christmas movies, the Harry Potter films (especially the first two) capture the enchantment of the holiday season like no other. Just picture Hogwarts blanketed in snow, cosy common room celebrations, and Mrs Weasley’s hand-knit sweaters, and you’ll get into the spirit instantly!

Besides, who would refuse some sense of wonder and community and a dash of happy endings in the world we live in?

How about some romantic escapes?

Love is all around, especially on Christmas! Here’s what to watch if you somehow have forgotten that (these are also perfect for stocking up on some holiday spirit or restoring your faith in humanity):

The Holiday

What happens when two women from opposite sides of the world swap homes for Christmas? They find love, of course! This sweet film features cosy cottages, dreamy romance, and unforgettable performances by Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black.

Falling for Christmas

Lindsay Lohan makes her grand return in this must-watch Netflix show. Expect small-town charm, memory loss shenanigans, and an ending so sweet it might give you a sugar rush.

Holidate

If you’ve ever wished for a no-strings holiday date to ward off invasive family questions, Holidate gets you. Here, we have two strangers who agree to be each other’s platonic plus-ones for every holiday of the year. However, their chemistry is electric, and the humour is sharp, so who knows what might happen, right?

Some unexpected gems to add to your list

You’ve probably watched most of the films listed above (and if not, what are you waiting for?). Here are some unconventional picks to WOW your friends with or just save to your watchlist for when you’re craving something different:

Tangerine

A modern Christmas story like no other. This Sean Baker film set in sunny Los Angeles and shot entirely on an iPhone is about the power of friendship and resilience amidst life’s challenges. It follows two trans women navigating a chaotic Los Angeles on Christmas Eve.

Bridget Jones’s Diary

If holiday awkwardness were a sport, Bridget Jones surely would be its champion. As always, Bridget is hilariously relatable as she navigates her love life, career, and disastrous family gatherings—all while donning some of the ugliest Christmas sweaters ever seen.

Plus, you have Colin Firth as a grumpy yet charming love interest and countless laugh-out-loud funny moments.

Klaus

A selfish postman finds himself in a remote town where he meets Klaus, a reclusive toymaker. Together, they bring joy to a community that is living in bitterness. The story is touching, the animations are gorgeous, and the emotions are overwhelming—a perfect blend for movie nights and a modern classic in the making.

The Holdovers

Set in the 1970s, The Holdovers tells the story of a curmudgeonly teacher and a rebellious student who are stuck together at their boarding school over the Christmas holiday. The film features a mix of humour and poignant moments while not missing the opportunity to drown us in a bittersweet nostalgia for the past.

Some honorary mentions

Sometimes, you need a little something extra to round out the festive cheer. Here’s a bit more holiday vibes:

• The Santa Clause – when Tim Allen accidentally inherits Santa’s responsibilities, chaos ensues. This one is a blend of pure magic with a side of humour that’s a go-to for family movie night.
• The Polar Express – a magical journey to the North Pole, full of wonder and nostalgia. It manages to convey the magic of belief and the wonders of childhood Christmas. Also, a family favourite, especially fitting for children.
• Love Hard – a rom-com about catfishing, Christmas traditions, and finding love in unexpected places. Light, funny, and sweet.
• Bad Santa – dark humour takes centre stage in this black comedy about Billy Bob Thornton as a drunk, foul-mouthed mall Santa. Beneath it all, though, lies a surprising amount of heart. It’s a great antidote to the sugary sweetness of some holiday movies, especially for those who like their Christmas with an edge.
• Decalogue III – a lesser-known Polish masterpiece that offers a philosophical and sombre exploration of morality and human connections set on Christmas Eve. This one is for the introspective movie buff.

Want more Christmas spirit?

If you’ve gone through this list and still want more, head to the goldmine of Christmas movies and enjoy some no-pressure, mindless fun. Hallmark always has you covered with its small-town romances, cookie-baking competitions, and plenty of rediscovered holiday spirit—all wrapped in predictably happy endings.

Also, you can always just watch the king of holiday movies – Home Alone doesn’t get old!