10 Most Moving Christmas Movies of All Time, Ranked

The 10 Most Moving Christmas Movies of All Time, Ranked Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures By  Diego Pineda Pacheco Published 30 minutes ago Diego Pineda has been a devout storyteller his whole life. He has self-published a fantasy novel and a book of short stories, and is actively working on publishing his second novel. A lifelong fan of watching movies and talking about them endlessly, he writes reviews and analyses on his Instagram page dedicated to cinema, and occasionally on his blog. His favorite filmmakers are Andrei Tarkovsky and Charlie Chaplin. He loves modern Mexican cinema and thinks it's tragically underappreciated. Other interests of Diego's include reading, gaming, roller coasters, writing reviews on his Letterboxd account (username: DPP_reviews), and going down rabbit holes of whatever topic he's interested in at any given point. Sign in to your Collider account follow Follow followed Followed Like Like Thread Log in Here is a fact-based summary of the story contents: Try something different: Show me the facts Explain it like I’m 5 Give me a lighthearted recap

With the holiday season fast approaching, it has once again become time to binge-watch Christmas movie classic after Christmas movie classic until you're as stuffed as you'll be during New Year's dinner. But while it's always fun to watch an offbeat action-packed Christmas classic like Die Hard, or an even more unusual (and terrifying) Christmas classic like Terrifier 3, people always end up circling back to the good ol' deeply moving gold standard.

A movie can be moving in lots of different ways. Whether it's a heart-tenderizing tear-jerker, a deeply relatable character piece, or just a film capable of making anyone feel romantic, there are plenty of profoundly moving Christmas films out there. From essential classics to modern gems that only recently have become a wintertime viewing tradition, these movies take full advantage of the fact that people's hearts are usually softened around Christmas.

10 'Love Actually' (2003)

Its numerous characters may not be particularly good people, but there's no denying that Love Actually is one of the best-liked and most iconic Christmas classics of the 21st century. One of the best rom-coms of the early 2000s, this multi-story narrative is definitely more than a little overstuffed, but each of its vignettes has such fantastic performances and so much emotional punch that it's hard to resist their charm.

Fans of rom-coms will always love films more on the realistic side, but every now and then—and particularly during Christmastime—it's okay to crave something with a bit more sugar and corniness. Love Actually is like a warm hug for the hopeless romantics in the audience, a film that puts a sweet little twist on every genre cliché imaginable and becomes surprisingly moving as a result.

9 'The Snowman' (1982)

Image via Channel 4

The British classic The Snowman is actually a television short film, but you don't get a Best Animated Short Film Oscar nomination and expect not to become a Christmas classic. Told through pictures and music but no dialogue, this mesmerizing symphonic poem has aged like fine wine, so gentle in its tone and its approach that its 26 minutes of runtime go by in even more of a flash than one would expect.

The Snowman is one of the greatest short films of the '80s, and it proves that you don't need a feature-length runtime to tug at the heartstrings. It's moving more in the "why is this children's movie so sad?" kind of way, so it's definitely not a note anyone would like to end their Christmas Eve on; but as part of a Christmas film marathon, it's irresistible, full of beautiful visuals and some heart-stirring music.

8 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)

The Grinch and Max in Whoville in 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas'Image via Universal Pictures

Considering that it holds the approval of only 49% of critics and 59% of audiences on Rotten Tomatoes, you might never expect Ron Howard's How the Grinch Stole Christmas to be as iconic and beloved a classic as it undeniably currently is. Perhaps it's Jim Carrey's delightfully over-the-top performance, or the delightfully Dr. Seuss-y visuals and world-building, or Howard's bright and colorful direction, but at some point between its release and today, this movie became a bona fide essential Christmas watch.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the funniest Christmas movies, made absolutely timeless by Carrey and his endlessly elastic expressions. It also packs quite an emotional punch, however, with a perfect blend between holiday warmth and not-overly-sweet cheer. Following a character who initially hates Christmas is certainly not a common occurrence in the genre, so the Grinch's arc is nothing if not unique—and hugely effective.

7 'The Apartment' (1960)

The Apartment with Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine having a conversationImage via United Artists

Billy Wilder was one of the most ahead-of-his-time filmmakers of Hollywood's Golden Age, and he made multiple films worthy of being considered his magnum opus. Alas, if they absolutely had to pick one, most people who have checked out his entire filmography would very possibly point to The Apartment. It's no coincidence that this masterpiece came out right at the tail end of the Golden Age of Hollywood: blending traditional screwball comedy elements with surprisingly complex and mature topics, it's the definitive post-Classical American rom-com.

It's also no coincidence that the film is set during Christmas, as the juxtaposition of holiday cheer and the story's themes of loneliness and alienation packs quite a punch. The Apartment is by no means a downer, though, but rather one of the most rewatchable films of the '60s, with a deeply moving romance anchored by deeply moving character arcs at its core. With five Oscars under its belt, it's no wonder The Apartment is still considered one of the best movies of its era.

6 'The Holdovers' (2023)

Angus (Dominic Sessa) and Hunham (Paul Giamatti) at an ice rink looking confused in The Holdovers.Image via Focus Features

It takes something quite special to join the canon of modern holiday classics, and special The Holdovers definitely is. One of the best Christmas movies of the last five years, this beautifully bittersweet dramedy holds tear-jerking moments of poignancy and laugh-out-loud funny moments of comedy in equal measure. It may not be the most joyous Christmas film, but it sure is one of the most sincere.

Dominated by Paul Giamatti, an Oscar-winning Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and newcomer Dominic Sessa, all delivering some exceptional work, The Holdovers is a profound and beautifully human gem the likes of which Hollywood just doesn't make anymore. It's well-written, well-directed, and perfectly paced despite a 133-minute runtime, every moment contributing something invaluable to a story that's nothing if not deeply moving.

5 'Klaus' (2019)

Jesper and Klaus resolve to brighten children's lives with toys in 'Klaus'.Image via Netflix

Yet another recent movie so phenomenal that it instantly managed to join the ranks of the most obligatory Christmas watches, Netflix's Klaus is one of the best original animated movies that the streaming giant has ever produced, Christmas-themed or otherwise. The vibrant hand-drawn animation is lovely, it's unique and full of personality, and it has some of the best Christmas movie characters ever.

Klaus' execution is so heartfelt and moving that it makes the film come alive in all sorts of unexpected ways.

Klaus is a deeply sweet celebration of the power of kindness. That may sound simple and clichéd for a Christmas film on paper, but the execution is so heartfelt and moving that it makes the film come alive in all sorts of unexpected ways. Films reimagining the myth of Santa Claus aren't always as creative or effective as they mean to be, but Klaus fulfills its every well-intended goal with flying colors.

4 'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)

The three protagonists of Tokyo GodfathersImage via Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan

The late Satoshi Kon will forever be one of the best things that ever happened to anime cinema. His filmography, though tragically short, is one of the most consistent of any animation filmmaker, as demonstrated by movies of the stature of Tokyo Godfathers. Though not often in the same conversation as far more mainstream Christmas classics, this deeply poignant yet funny triumph is unlike any other Christmas film out there.

The kind of anime that deserves to be on the Criterion Collection, Tokyo Godfathers is as delightfully odd and mature as one might expect from any Kon film, qualities which are very welcome in a genre like this one. The visuals are timeless, and the script's many twists and turns are all a treat, and though it's definitely a bit on the over-the-top side, that feels natural coming from this kind of material.

3 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)

Kris and Doris meet in Miracle on 34th StreetImage via 20th Century Studios

Miracle on 34th Street is not only one of the most essential Christmas classics of Hollywood's Golden Age, but also one of the best movies of the 1940s—which is no small feat. It's the kind of warm, gentle holiday warmer that proves that sometimes, the genre can get away with being a little cheesy. Its story may not be revolutionary, but if it has been able to stand the test of time as well as it has, it's because it has an irresistibly human heart at its center.

The messages on the commercialization of Santa Claus and Christmas have unfortunately aged like fine wine, but it's not a sanctimonious film in any way. Instead, Miracle on 34th Street is heartwarming and wholesome, a feel-good kind of Christmas treat that never feels like it lacks sincerity. That's precisely what makes it so powerful and moving, and it's what keeps it fresh even when one watches it every single Christmas.

2 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)

Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, and their kids eating dinner during The Muppet Christmas Carol.Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is the quintessential Christmas story, and as such, it has been adapted for the big screen on multiple occasions. It's genuinely quite amusing that the best adaptation out of all of them is one where almost every character—save for Michael Caine playing the part of Scrooge admirably straight—is played by a puppet. Indeed, The Muppet Christmas Carol has no equal.

It's one of the most essential Christmas movies ever, a beautifully tender, funny, and charming retelling of Dickens' story that works a hundred times better than it has any right to. Its ensemble may not be made up of human characters, but The Muppet Christmas Carol still manages to tug at the heartstrings in constantly unexpected ways, proving that when it comes to moving Christmas tales, it's all about the story.

1 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)

James Stewart as George Bailey motions he wants a big suitcase, standing in a store in It's a Wonderful Life.Image via Paramount Pictures

Frank Capra was another one of Classical Hollywood's biggest legends and rule-breakers, so it's no surprise that It's a Wonderful Life was so far ahead of its time. The film's gorgeous story and the way it deals with themes of family, depression, and suicide all mean that it's not just the best of the best Christmas movies: It's far and away one of the greatest films ever made.

After all, you don't become one of Pope Leo XIV's favorite movies without being something truly special. Capra's magnum opus isn't just moving: It's also funny, well-paced, well-acted, and full of memorable characters whose journeys and arcs should be able to get a tear out of even the most cold-hearted viewer. It has stood the test of time, the way it has for a reason: It's an undeniable masterpiece whose emotional effect cannot be overstated.

It's a Wonderful Life PG Drama Family Fantasy Release Date December 20, 1946

Cast James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers, Beulah Bondi, Frank Faylen, Ward Bond, Gloria Grahame, H.B. Warner, Frank Albertson, Todd Karns, Samuel S. Hinds, Mary Treen, Virginia Patton, Charles Williams, Sarah Edwards, William Edmunds, Lillian Randolph, Argentina Brunetti, Robert J. Anderson, Ronnie Ralph, Jeanne Gail, Jeanine Ann Roose, Danny Mummert Runtime 130 minutes Director Frank Capra Writers Frank Capra, Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich Genres Drama, Family, Fantasy Powered by Expand Collapse

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