The Christmas season puts all of us in a warm, cozy mood that usually leaves us winding down with family, with a cup of hot cocoa and gathering around the TV. As expected, there are tons of Christmas movies that have been released throughout the years, which can make it challenging on deciding what exactly you’re in the mood for. As of 2023, there are more than a hundred christmas movies that have been aired and these are the top ten most watched Christmas movies.
Starting off with number ten, Die hard. Die hard was first released in 1988 and many people have debated for many years about whether or not this movie is considered a “Christmas” movie. Despite this, Die hard made the list at top ten. Almost the entire plot is based around Christmas. For example, the main character of the movie McLane is in Los Angeles because it’s Christmas. He’s trying to repair his relationship with his wife because it’s Christmas.
Miracle on 34th street takes that place of number nine on the list. This movie was released in 1947 and is considered a Christmas classic by many. Miracle on 34th street is essentially about an old man filling in for an intoxicated man that was supposed to be dressed as Santa in the annual Macy’s day parade. His acting skills as Santa became a hit and he regularly started to appear at a store in Manhattan, New York. He starts to surprise employees and customers by claiming that he is the real Santa Claus. However, this ends up leading to a court case to determine whether or not he is sane. About 81% of viewers liked this film.
The Santa Clause marking number eight on the list and It’s a Wonderful life marking number seven on the list. These two movies have been considered as being some of the best Christmas movies to ever air. The Santa Clause is a Disney Movie in which a divorced dad has full custody of his son on Christmas Eve. Unfortunately, they accidentally kill a man in a Santa Suit and they get magically transported to the North Pole where an elf explains to the dad that he has to take Santa’s place before the next Christmas. The release date for this movie is 1994. It’s a WOnderful Life is a fan favorite of many, where the whole fifty-eight minutes of the movie is set on Christmas eve. The main character is struggling and thinking about ending his life on Christmas Eve however, he ends up meeting his lover Clarence who saves him and shows him his full capability. The release date for this movie was 1947 and about 89% of watchers enjoyed it.
Christmas Vacation (1989), is about a man wanting to show his family a fun-filled old-fashioned Christmas in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation but, his extended family comes over and takes over his house, he has to cancel his plans.
Elf is a Christmas classic that is played throughout everyone’s household this time of year. Everyone has at least seen it once and it shows because this is the fifth most watched Christmas Movie. Elf is about a man accidentally getting transported to the North Pole and is raised among elfs but he feels he doesn’t fit in and is transported to New York To try and persevere and find his true father. This movie is liked by 85% of viewers.
Taking spot number four of this list is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer which was released in 1964. The movie itself is animated and based on the story of Rudolph and how his red nose helped guide Santa through his journey to deliver presents. This movie is popular and is liked by 95% of viewers. Another animated movie that made spot number three on this list is A Charlie Brown Christmas. This movie was released in 1965. The comedic film is based on the animated Tv show, the Peanuts.
Getting closer to the top, the second most watched movie is A Christmas Story. The movie is based on the humorous writings of Jean Shepherd, where a young boy attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 shot BB gun really is the best Christmas gift for him. This movie was released in 1983.
The most watched Christmas movie of all time is, unsurprisingly, Home Alone. Home Alone is such a Christmas classic and is watched frequently by many. The plot of Home Alone revolves around a young boy who is fed up with his family and wishes that his family would just disappear. His wish is granted when he ends up getting left behind while his family goes on vacation. However, after a few days of being alone he ends up missing his family. This move was released in 1990 and is liked by 90% of watchers.
I interviewed a high school sophomore who’s favorite holiday is Christmas about what Christmas movies they enjoy watching the most. However, this student was uncomfortable with the idea of their name being written in this article so, I will refer to them as J.
The first question that I asked was; Is Christmas your favorite holiday?
J: Yes, it’s one of my favorite holidays
The second question I asked was what is your all time favorite Christmas movie?
J: My favorite Christmas movie is the Grinch, the live action one. If you couldn’t tell I’m wearing a grinch sweater right now and grinch socks as well.