20+ Best Christmas Movies to binge on this season

Good morning, lovely dreamers! and welcome to another massive geeky list here on the Dreaming of Butterflies blog. Today, we’re getting ready for our personal second favourite holiday of the year, Christmas! 

And we’re doing it the best way we know how: with movies that hit us right in the feels. 

From new releases to super popular films, to comedies, to classic movies, to some unconventional Christmas movies, to the random movies we used to see on TV when we were kids back in Transylvania, we have it all here today. 

It will be a trip down memory lane for us, but we’ll also embark on new and exciting adventures together with you. All we want today is to give you something to warm up to, on a cold Winter’s evening, while you wait for Santa. 

And maybe spark some healthy debates. Who knows? 

If some of our friends knew that we actually enjoy silly little feel-good Christmas movies as much as we enjoy any Marvel, Disney or WB movie, they would flip! Oh, but who cares?

Christmas is about being happy, silly and a kid again. Even just for one day.

Maybe these movies will inspire your Christmas shopping this year, or your decorations, or the delicious menu… Whatever it may be, we’re just glad to be here with you and share in the fun.

Related:

10 Brilliantly Simple Winter Home Decorations for the Frugal

20 Super Fun Alternative Christmas Trees

10 Genius Alternative Christmas Gift Wrapping Ideas

The Magical Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts Gift Guide

This is a perfect time to recharge, to reconnect with the child inside your soul, and to simply be grateful for what and who you have in your life at the moment, not what Santa might bring you this year. 

So put on your comfy PJs or onesie, grab your favourite hot cocoa or tea, don’t forget some delicious Christmas treats and let’s enjoy.

But enough with the chit-chatting! Let’s get to it!

The MASSIVE List of Favourite Christmas Movies to watch this season

For this list, we wanted to gather a little bit of everything - conventional Christmas movies, older movies (but not too old though), a few new and exciting, and some super popular (but very debatable, some might say) Christmas movies.  

Will you agree with our list? Don’t forget to leave your comments down below!

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNgwNXKBEW0

Get the 20th Anniversary Edition here!

Yes, we’re starting this list with an unconventional one. You see, the story of the boy who lived is so important in our household, that we had to include it not only in the Halloween Movies list but Christmas as well.

Why? Well, for two main reasons: because the first movie was released in the Winter of 2001 & because nothing warms our souls more than seeing Hogwarts in the Winter, all white and dressed up for Christmas. A game of Wizard’s Chess anyone?

Plus, let's not forget that the important bit of the story does happen during the winter.

2. Home Alone 1 & 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEDaVHmw7r4

Get them here: Home Alone 1 & Home Alone 2

Two classic, must-watch movies that will definitely awake all the feels inside! 

For me personally, it’s the smell of Christmas dinner being prepared by my grandmother and grandfather, mixed in with the scent of the Christmas tree that we just finished decorating (and will definitely be sleeping under for at least one night.) Ahhh…

Plus, there’s something so satisfying about seeing two adult men being basically tortured for hours by a little kid using household supplies!

3. The Grinch - Movie + 2018 animation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjnqABgxfO0

Get them here: Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas & The Grinch

They’re both fun in their own way, and it's hard to compare Jim Carey’s brilliant acting to the awesome animations done by the guys and gals from Illumination, don't you think?

And because we just couldn’t choose “the best one”, we included both! Which is your favourite?

4. The Nightmare Before Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wr6N_hZyBCk

Get it here: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Another brilliant movie that is PERFECT for both Christmas and Halloween is none other than another one of Tim Burton’s works of art, the one that gave us the King of Halloween, Jack Skellington. 

This is for you, lovely dreamers, that are still not quite over Halloween, but ready for Christmas, just like me. Long live the Pumpkin King!

5. Edward Scissorhands

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBHIO60whNw

Get it here: Edward Scissorhands

Keeping up with Tim Burton’s amazing imagination and visuals, here’s another unconventional Christmas movie that is definitely worth mentioning.

It might not have been your pick or something you might watch with your family during Winter and Christmastime, but it was definitely something worth our time when I was a kid.

Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story is a must-see at least once in your life. It’s filled with so many beautiful life lessons, the symbolism and visuals are out of this world, but the most important question to answer is “Where does the snow come from?”...

6. The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaeDa_Uempk

Watch it here: Netflix

Do you believe in Christmas magic? If you do, then you’ll LOVE this movie! And if not, you’re in for a crazy adventure that might make you a true believer. 

And the best part? You get to see Santa as you've never seen him before.

7. The Santa Clause

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx8FX7etF_8

Get it here: The Santa Clause

When an accident turns into a life-changing event, you know you’re in for something fun. This family movie is so great for when you want to gather everyone and simply have a good time.

8. A Christmas Prince 1, 2 & 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG4Fbj1B1bY

Watch it here: Netflix

Are you a hopeless romantic in search of a prince this Christmas? If so, this Netflix series is the one for you. 

Fun fact, the castle that you see in the movies is real, and it’s in Transylvania, Romania. It’s called Peles Castle, and you can visit it! And yes, it’s MAGICAL in the Winter!

9. Christmas With the Kranks 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTzyGuB9V6c

Get it here: Christmas with the Kranks

What happens when two empty nesters decide to NOT celebrate Christmas, but at the very last minute, their baby comes back home expecting everything to be a perfect Winter Wonderland? Think about this one when you want to surprise your parents by going home for Christmas.

"We want Frosty!"

10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBTTipJX-h4

Get it here: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Chaos and comedy blend so well sometimes, especially when you sprinkle a little bit of Christmas in the mix. 

This movie is the perfect example of that, and it was one of the most ridiculous things we had on TV during the holidays when we were kids.

What can happen when you have ALL your family over for Christmas? One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored!

11. Love Actually

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z3_ifFheQ

Get it here: Love Actually

There’s so much love in this movie that it’s impossible not to have some of it stick to you. 

8 different love stories, somehow intertwined, take us through all the stages of the relationship - from the eagerness to tell someone how you feel, the butterflies, the grief, the madness... 

Sprinkle some Christmas magic plus the super cast: Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Billy Bob Thornton, Rowan Atkinson, Claudia Schiffer, Denise Richards, Thomas Brodie-Sangster (just to name a few), it makes this film a must-see at least once in your life.  

12. Let It Snow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pitxxQYZcug

Watch it here: Netflix

What do you do when the snow comes, and you get stuck in a small town? 

Well, let’s just say it’s the perfect time for love, laughter, partying, even adopting a lovely pig! Known as Netflix's modern version of Love Actually, it’s a very feel-good movie that leaves you with a smile on your face and a thirst for snow.  

13. Single All the Way

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCQxxqdowOg

Watch it here: Netflix

Netflix did it again! This movie is the perfect example of how amazing a family can be when you’re too afraid of true love. 

Gay love, matchmaking, acceptance, love, and beautiful people. Oh, and Christmas. What more could you ask for?    

14. Die Hard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaJuwKCmJbY

Get it here: Die Hard

What side are you on when it comes to Die Hard? Is it, or is it not a Christmas movie?

To be honest, I’m inclined to agree with the guy that made this meme:

https://imgur.com/gallery/vHZnDaG

And going by the logic about Harry Potter being a Christmas movie, it's a win in my books!

15. The Princess Switch 1, 2 & 3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WBhj57fHeI

Watch it here: Netflix

Vanessa Hudgens does quite a great number in these, don’t you think? Here’s a big shout-out to your feel-good movies for this week’s afternoons. Thank you, Netflix!

16. The Knight Before Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JtwROpSVWc

Watch it here: Netflix

Another underrated jewel in Netflix’s Christmas Crown is this lovely film that for us is just the pick-me-up you need in a cold December day. 

It has Christmas, time travel, love, a little bit of magic and a gorgeous, confused knight, that just makes you believe in chivalry and kindness.  

17. Last Holiday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO0NSRPcPFs

Watch it here: Last Holiday

Life-changing news, GREAT food, adventures and turning negatives into positives. (And breaking the bank, but who's counting?) That’s how I would describe this movie. 

Also, Queen Latifa, LL Cool J and Gérard Depardieu are so awesome!

18. The Holiday

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDi5zH18vxU

Get it here: The Holiday

This movie is the perfect example of what can happen to you if you just do something impulsive, once in your life. 

Switching homes, meeting new people, having new experiences, escaping your reality (even just for a bit) and changing the air really can change your life.

19. Just Friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIBBVzy5UoQ

Get it here: Just Friends

This movie is for all the bullied souls out there that got off their butts, and in spite of everything, they are WINNING it now. 

Pair this with love, Christmas magic, and BFFs for life, and you get something special.

20. Happiest Season 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6Rkckaeap0

Get it here: Happiest Season

Romance, Christmas, chaotic comedy, acceptance, secrets being revealed, coming out, and everything in between unfolds in this lovely film.

Meeting your (possible) future inlaws before Christmas can be stressful in any situation, but when you find out that your significant other is still in the closet… What do you do?

21. Love Hard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3boMRfx6cjE

Watch it here: Netflix

What do you do when all you want for Christmas is love, and you get catfished? 

This super cute rom-com is such a good example of the chaos that is online dating in 2021, it's a lesson about expectations vs reality, and most importantly ... seeing the true person from under the mask.  

22. The Holiday Calendar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km7gv28_uX0

Watch it here: Netflix

Gifts, photography, best friends, love, a magical calendar and Christmas mix so well in this situation, just like a big cup of hot cocoa with marshmallows.

23. A Boy Called Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFI_aiidke0

Watch it here: Netflix

The newest, visually fantastic Christmas adventure from Netflix, is a nice way to enjoy the evening while setting up your Christmas decorations.

The story does get pretty predictable, but it's still nice to see yet another "how it all started" story. 

24. Klaus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=taE3PwurhYM

Watch it here: Netflix

This is such a masterpiece, both visually stunning and with an interesting twist on Santa’s origin story. 

You’ll definitely fall in love with Klaus this season.

25. Elf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a54yC1etmVc

Get it here: Elf

This is one of those movies that just can't disappoint you if you give it a chance. Ignore the trailer, just watch the movie.

Special mention: It’s a wonderful life

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLR3gZrU2Xo

Get it here: It's A Wonderful LIfe

The classic of the classics, in the Christmas movie department. This is the kind of film that will make sure that you get to love and appreciate your life, no matter how twisted it might be right now. 

Make sure to save some time and give it a chance, even if it might not be your cup of tea. You’ll be surprised by what you learn.

Aaaaaaand that’s all for today, lovely dreamers! We hope you enjoyed our picks for today’s binge-worthy Christmas Movies list, and if you did, please make sure to share it, pin it, tweet it! We’ll make sure to ask Santa to bring you something special for your help!

QOTD: What’s your favourite Christmas movie? Was it on our list?