The Ultimate Holiday Movie List

Cozy Christmas living room with a tree decorated in neutrals and pink, a garland-adorned fireplace, and festive holiday decor. ; The Ultimate Holiday Movie List ; The Pursuit of L

There’s just something about holiday movies, isn’t there?

They’re like a warm blanket for the soul—comforting, familiar, & full of all the festive feels.

Whether they make you laugh until your cheeks hurt, cry happy tears, or just melt into your coziest spot on the couch, holiday movies have a way of making everything feel a little brighter.

So, I put together the ultimate list of holiday movies to keep you company this season. It’s packed with my all-time faves—some classics, some hilarious, some heartwarming, & of course, a sprinkle of that Hallmark magic we all secretly (or not-so-secretly) love. Let’s dive in!

Family-Friendly Holiday Classics

These are the movies that never get old—the ones that remind us of the magic we felt as kids (or help us see it through our own kids’ eyes now).

Home Alone series – Seriously, what’s better than Kevin outsmarting the bad guys? Classic chaos & so much fun.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas – Whether it’s the animated OG or Jim Carrey’s hilarious version, this one’s an absolute must.
Frosty the Snowman – A feel-good classic that brings back all the childhood memories.
The Polar Express – All aboard for a magical ride to believing in the spirit of Christmas.
Prancer – This one always tugs at my heartstrings. It’s sweet, magical, & perfect for a cozy movie night.

Comedies to Keep You Laughing All Season Long

Because sometimes, we all need a good laugh to balance out the holiday chaos.

Elf – Buddy the Elf. Enough said. (But seriously, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer…” is by watching this movie!)
Christmas with the Kranks – Their plan to skip Christmas goes hilariously wrong, & we’re here for it.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – The Griswolds just… get it. The chaos, the lights, the family drama—it’s all so real & so funny.
Deck the Halls – A full-on Christmas light battle? Yes, please.
A Bad Mom’s Christmas – Moms letting loose during the holidays? It’s chaotic & hilarious in all the best ways.

Heartwarming Holiday Tales

If you’re in the mood for a good cry (or just want to feel all warm & fuzzy inside), these are for you.

The Santa Clause series – Tim Allen as Santa Claus is everything. These movies are full of magic & heart, & they never get old.
A Christmas Carol – So many versions to love, but the message is always the same: it’s never too late to change.
The Family Stone – Messy family dynamics + the holidays = an emotional rollercoaster you can’t help but love.
This Christmas – It’s heartwarming, a little dramatic, & full of family love.
The Best Man Holiday – This one is beautiful & emotional. Have tissues ready.

Romantic Holiday Favorites

Because nothing says cozy like a little holiday romance.

The Holiday – Honestly, I could watch this one over & over. Love, laughter, & two amazing love stories.
The Nutcracker – Magical, whimsical, & perfect for those dreamy holiday vibes.
Noelle – Sweet, lighthearted, & full of Christmas magic.
The Knight Before Christmas – A medieval knight finding love in modern times? Cheesy? Yes. Adorable? Also yes.

Magical & Unique Holiday Stories

When you’re craving something a little different but still full of holiday vibes.

Christmas Chronicles – Kurt Russell as Santa Claus is chef’s kiss. It’s fun, adventurous, & full of heart.
The Nightmare Before Christmas – A Halloween-meets-Christmas classic that never goes out of style.

Hallmark Holiday Favorites

Oh, Hallmark. You just get us, don’t you? The cozy small towns, the magical romances, & those picture-perfect holiday vibes. These are a few of my go-tos:

Christmas Under Wraps – Big city doctor meets small town Alaska—& all the Christmas feels.
The Christmas Train – A heartwarming journey with a few twists.
A Royal Christmas – Love, royalty, & holiday magic? Yes, please.
The Nine Lives of Christmas – A fireman, a vet student, & a cat—what’s not to love?
Switched for Christmas – Twins swapping lives during the holidays = double the festive fun.
Christmas at the Plaza – Romance blooms while decorating one of NYC’s most iconic hotels.

Pro tip: Hallmark movies are best served with fuzzy socks, twinkling lights, & a big mug of hot cocoa.

For me, holiday movies are EVERYTHING. I love curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a candle flickering nearby, & maybe some popcorn (or cookies, let’s be real). Sometimes it’s just me, & sometimes it’s a whole family thing. Either way, it’s the perfect way to slow down & soak in the magic of the season.

What about you? Do you have a favorite holiday movie or a go-to tradition? Let me know in the comments or over on Instagram—I’d love to hear all about it!

Want to make your holiday movie marathon official? I’ve put together a checklist so you can keep track of what you’ve watched (and plan your next cozy night in). Save it, print it, or share it with your movie buddies.

A visually appealing holiday movie checklist graphic with a beige and green color palette. The title at the top reads "The Ultimate Holiday Movie List" in large, bold text, along with the website URL "www.thepursuitofl.com." The graphic is divided into six sections with headings in bold: "Family-Friendly Holiday Classics," "Comedies to Keep You Laughing All Season Long," "Heartwarming Holiday Tales," "Romantic Favorites," "Magical & Unique Stories," and "Hallmark Holiday Favorites." Each section lists movies with checkboxes for tracking, including titles like Home Alone Series, Elf, The Holiday, and Christmas Under Wraps.

That’s it—your ultimate guide to holiday movie magic! I hope this list brings you as much joy as it does for me.

Here’s to lots of cozy nights, laughs, and all the festive feels. Happy watching, friends! 🎄✨

– L