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1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)<br/>This black-and-white classic isn’t just a Christmas movie; it’s THE Christmas movie for many. George Bailey, on the brink of despair, gets a glimpse of what life would be like without him, realising the profound impact he’s had on his loved ones and community. The snowy Christmas Eve setting, the heartwarming message of hope, and the iconic final scene make this a timeless masterpiece.
1/261. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This black-and-white classic isn’t just a Christmas movie; it’s THE Christmas movie for many. George Bailey, on the brink of despair, gets a glimpse of what life would be like without him, realising the profound impact he’s had on his loved ones and community. The snowy Christmas Eve setting, the heartwarming message of hope, and the iconic final scene make this a timeless masterpiece.
2. Die Hard (1988)<br/>Yippee Ki Yay! Yes, we’re serious... Die Hard is a Christmas movie. While some argue it’s just an action movie that happens to take place at Christmas, it has become a holiday staple for many. John McClane battling terrorists barefoot in a skyscraper, a Christmas party gone wrong, and festive one-liners like “Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho” make this an unconventional but undeniably entertaining Christmas flick.
2/262. Die Hard (1988)
Yippee Ki Yay! Yes, we’re serious... Die Hard is a Christmas movie. While some argue it’s just an action movie that happens to take place at Christmas, it has become a holiday staple for many. John McClane battling terrorists barefoot in a skyscraper, a Christmas party gone wrong, and festive one-liners like “Now I have a machine gun. Ho-ho-ho” make this an unconventional but undeniably entertaining Christmas flick.
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)<br/>This heartwarming tale is all about the magic of believing. When a department store Santa claims to be the real deal, it sparks a debate about faith and the true spirit of Christmas - the OG movie of the classic Christmas flick trope. With its iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scene and courtroom showdown over Santa’s authenticity, it continues to be a household fave all these years on.
3/263. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This heartwarming tale is all about the magic of believing. When a department store Santa claims to be the real deal, it sparks a debate about faith and the true spirit of Christmas - the OG movie of the classic Christmas flick trope. With its iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade scene and courtroom showdown over Santa’s authenticity, it continues to be a household fave all these years on.
4. A Christmas Story (1983)<br/>”You’ll shoot your eye out!” This hilarious coming-of-age story follows Ralphie Parker’s desperate quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. From the leg lamp to the Chinese turkey dinner, the film is packed with iconic moments and quotable lines that have become synonymous with Christmas for generations.
4/264. A Christmas Story (1983)
”You’ll shoot your eye out!” This hilarious coming-of-age story follows Ralphie Parker’s desperate quest for a Red Ryder BB gun. From the leg lamp to the Chinese turkey dinner, the film is packed with iconic moments and quotable lines that have become synonymous with Christmas for generations.
5. Elf (2003)<br/>Ahhh, Buddy the Elf! With his infectious (and relentless) enthusiasm and childlike wonder, Will Ferrall’s performance makes this a modern Christmas classic. Raised in the North Pole, Buddy travels to New York City to find his father, spreading Christmas cheer and reminding us all to embrace the season’s joy. Who can resist paper snowflakes, syrup-drenched spaghetti, and Buddy’s unwavering belief in Santa?
5/265. Elf (2003)
Ahhh, Buddy the Elf! With his infectious (and relentless) enthusiasm and childlike wonder, Will Ferrall’s performance makes this a modern Christmas classic. Raised in the North Pole, Buddy travels to New York City to find his father, spreading Christmas cheer and reminding us all to embrace the season’s joy. Who can resist paper snowflakes, syrup-drenched spaghetti, and Buddy’s unwavering belief in Santa?
6. Home Alone. This hilarious family comedy is a masterclass in slapstick and holiday hijinks. When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone for Christmas, he must defend his house from bumbling burglars with ingenious booby traps. Home Alone is a fan fave for a reason. The Wet Bandits (also known as the Sticky Bandits) in Home Alone included Marv Murchins (Daniel Stern) and Harry Lyme (Joe Pesci). Stern managed to negotiate 1% of the profits of Home Alone 2, scoring him an additional $5.67m on top of his wage of $2.37m.
6/266. Home Alone. This hilarious family comedy is a masterclass in slapstick and holiday hijinks. When 8-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left home alone for Christmas, he must defend his house from bumbling burglars with ingenious booby traps. Home Alone is a fan fave for a reason. The Wet Bandits (also known as the Sticky Bandits) in Home Alone included Marv Murchins (Daniel Stern) and Harry Lyme (Joe Pesci). Stern managed to negotiate 1% of the profits of Home Alone 2, scoring him an additional $5.67m on top of his wage of $2.37m.
7. Love Actually (2003)<br/> This ensemble rom-com weaves together interconnected stories of love and connection during the Christmas season. From heartwarming to heartbreaking, each vignette explores the complexities of relationships with humour and tenderness. With its star-studded cast and feel-good ending, “Love Actually” is a perfect Christmas movie for romantics... despite having to relive the devastation of Alan RIckman’s character’s betrayal of Emma Thompson’s.
7/267. Love Actually (2003)
This ensemble rom-com weaves together interconnected stories of love and connection during the Christmas season. From heartwarming to heartbreaking, each vignette explores the complexities of relationships with humour and tenderness. With its star-studded cast and feel-good ending, “Love Actually” is a perfect Christmas movie for romantics... despite having to relive the devastation of Alan RIckman’s character’s betrayal of Emma Thompson’s.
8. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)<br/>Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The debate rages on! Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries to bring Christmas to his spooky world. With its unique blend of spooky and festive, this film has become a holiday favourite for those who like their Christmas with a touch of the macabre.
8/268. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Is it a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? The debate rages on! Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, as he tries to bring Christmas to his spooky world. With its unique blend of spooky and festive, this film has become a holiday favourite for those who like their Christmas with a touch of the macabre.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)<br/>Jim Carrey’s over-the-top portrayal of the Grinch is a comedic masterpiece. This live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic follows the Grinch’s attempt to steal Christmas from Whoville, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday. With its vibrant visuals and heartwarming message, this film is a modern Christmas classic.
9/269. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey’s over-the-top portrayal of the Grinch is a comedic masterpiece. This live-action adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic follows the Grinch’s attempt to steal Christmas from Whoville, only to discover the true meaning of the holiday. With its vibrant visuals and heartwarming message, this film is a modern Christmas classic.
10. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)<br/>This Muppet-filled adaptation of the Dickens classic is a delightful blend of humour, music, and heartwarming storytelling. With Michael Caine as Scrooge and the Muppets in supporting roles, this film brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to a timeless tale of redemption.
10/2610. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This Muppet-filled adaptation of the Dickens classic is a delightful blend of humour, music, and heartwarming storytelling. With Michael Caine as Scrooge and the Muppets in supporting roles, this film brings a fresh and entertaining perspective to a timeless tale of redemption.
11. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)<br/>The Griswold family’s disastrous Christmas vacation is a hilarious reminder that the holidays don’t always go as planned. From exploding turkeys to squirrel-infested Christmas trees, this film captures the chaos and absurdity of family gatherings with very relatable moments and over-the-top antics.
11/2611. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family’s disastrous Christmas vacation is a hilarious reminder that the holidays don’t always go as planned. From exploding turkeys to squirrel-infested Christmas trees, this film captures the chaos and absurdity of family gatherings with very relatable moments and over-the-top antics.
12. Bad Santa (2003)<br/>This raunchy comedy is definitely not for the faint of heart. Billy Bob Thornton plays a department store Santa who uses his job as a cover for a holiday heist. With its dark humour and unconventional characters, “Bad Santa” is a Christmas movie for those who like their holiday cheer with a side of irreverence.
12/2612. Bad Santa (2003)
This raunchy comedy is definitely not for the faint of heart. Billy Bob Thornton plays a department store Santa who uses his job as a cover for a holiday heist. With its dark humour and unconventional characters, “Bad Santa” is a Christmas movie for those who like their holiday cheer with a side of irreverence.
13. Scrooged (1988)<br/>Bill Murray’s cynical TV executive gets a supernatural wake-up call in this darkly comedic take on “A Christmas Carol.” With its sharp wit and satirical humour, “Scrooged” is a super fun holiday flick that delivers a message of redemption and compassion.
13/2613. Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray’s cynical TV executive gets a supernatural wake-up call in this darkly comedic take on “A Christmas Carol.” With its sharp wit and satirical humour, “Scrooged” is a super fun holiday flick that delivers a message of redemption and compassion.
14. The Santa Clause (1994)<br/>Always a classic, The Santa Clause is firmly rooted in the sort of good old-fashioned holiday spirit some newer Christmas flicks miss the mark with. When Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof, he finds himself magically transformed into the jolly old elf. Watching him grapple with his newfound identity and reconnect with his son never misses. Plus, it’s a franchise. Hello, Christmas binge sesh!
14/2614. The Santa Clause (1994)
Always a classic, The Santa Clause is firmly rooted in the sort of good old-fashioned holiday spirit some newer Christmas flicks miss the mark with. When Scott Calvin accidentally causes Santa to fall off his roof, he finds himself magically transformed into the jolly old elf. Watching him grapple with his newfound identity and reconnect with his son never misses. Plus, it’s a franchise. Hello, Christmas binge sesh!
15. The Holiday (2006)<br/>Two women from different countries swap homes for the holidays, hoping to escape their relationship woes. It’s the ultimate rom-com with an all-star cast that covers themes of love, loss, and finding happiness in unexpected places. It’s the perfect Christmas escape to fuel our delulu fantasies of what could be. *Googles home swaps for the holidays*.
15/2615. The Holiday (2006)
Two women from different countries swap homes for the holidays, hoping to escape their relationship woes. It’s the ultimate rom-com with an all-star cast that covers themes of love, loss, and finding happiness in unexpected places. It’s the perfect Christmas escape to fuel our delulu fantasies of what could be. *Googles home swaps for the holidays*.
16. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)<br/>This classic musical will transport you back to a simpler time, with stunning period costumes and a wholesome family vibe. Set in St. Louis at the turn of the 20th century, the film follows the Smith family and the excitement of the upcoming World’s Fair. But let’s be real, we’re mostly here for Judy Garland’s iconic rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which will have you reaching for the tissues and belting out the high notes.
16/2616. Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
This classic musical will transport you back to a simpler time, with stunning period costumes and a wholesome family vibe. Set in St. Louis at the turn of the 20th century, the film follows the Smith family and the excitement of the upcoming World’s Fair. But let’s be real, we’re mostly here for Judy Garland’s iconic rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” which will have you reaching for the tissues and belting out the high notes.
17. Klaus (2019)<br/>This animated gem isn’t your typical Santa origin story. Klaus has stunning visuals and a fresh take on how Christmas traditions came to be. A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker? It may sound like an odd couple, but their bond will melt even the most cynical or hearts. Warning: may cause uncontrollable sobbing and a sudden urge to perform random acts of kindness.
17/2617. Klaus (2019)
This animated gem isn’t your typical Santa origin story. Klaus has stunning visuals and a fresh take on how Christmas traditions came to be. A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker? It may sound like an odd couple, but their bond will melt even the most cynical or hearts. Warning: may cause uncontrollable sobbing and a sudden urge to perform random acts of kindness.
18. Edward Scissorhands (1990)<br/>This Tim Burton classic is a visually stunning and bittersweet story about an outsider finding his place. Edward, with his scissorhands (and seriously iconic haircut), is truly misunderstood. He brings a unique wonder to a cookie-cutter suburban world, but he struggles with fear and rejection. It’s always a rollercoaster of emotions watching old Ed navigate love, loss, and acceptance.
18/2618. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
This Tim Burton classic is a visually stunning and bittersweet story about an outsider finding his place. Edward, with his scissorhands (and seriously iconic haircut), is truly misunderstood. He brings a unique wonder to a cookie-cutter suburban world, but he struggles with fear and rejection. It’s always a rollercoaster of emotions watching old Ed navigate love, loss, and acceptance.
19. The Polar Express (2004)<br/>All aboard! This animated adventure will take you on a magical journey to the North Pole. Did you know Tom Hanks plays like, every single character in this movie, thanks to some seriously impressive motion-capture technology? (They basically glued a bunch of sensors to his face and he acted out every line). Rent was DUE. Anyway, hop on the Polar Express and get ready for a touching story about believing in the magic of Christmas, even when the world tells you to grow up.
19/2619. The Polar Express (2004)
All aboard! This animated adventure will take you on a magical journey to the North Pole. Did you know Tom Hanks plays like, every single character in this movie, thanks to some seriously impressive motion-capture technology? (They basically glued a bunch of sensors to his face and he acted out every line). Rent was DUE. Anyway, hop on the Polar Express and get ready for a touching story about believing in the magic of Christmas, even when the world tells you to grow up.
20. While You Were Sleeping (1995)<br/>This one’s for all the hopeless romantics out there. Sandra Bullock is at her finest, playing a lonely transit worker who gets caught in a web of lies (and accidental engagements). It all starts when she saves a handsome stranger’s life, and his family mistakes her for his fiancée. Awkward? Definitely. But oh so hilarious and very entertaining watching her fall for the brother.
20/2620. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
This one’s for all the hopeless romantics out there. Sandra Bullock is at her finest, playing a lonely transit worker who gets caught in a web of lies (and accidental engagements). It all starts when she saves a handsome stranger’s life, and his family mistakes her for his fiancée. Awkward? Definitely. But oh so hilarious and very entertaining watching her fall for the brother.
21. Gremlins (1984)<br/>A Christmas movie with bite. Cute, cuddly Mogwai... until you feed them after midnight. Then all hell breaks loose (literally). This horror-comedy is equal parts funny and freaky. It’s perfect for those who like their holiday cheer with a side of mayhem. Just remember the three rules: no bright lights, no water, and never feed them after midnight.
21/2621. Gremlins (1984)
A Christmas movie with bite. Cute, cuddly Mogwai... until you feed them after midnight. Then all hell breaks loose (literally). This horror-comedy is equal parts funny and freaky. It’s perfect for those who like their holiday cheer with a side of mayhem. Just remember the three rules: no bright lights, no water, and never feed them after midnight.
22. Holidate (2020)<br/>I just made tiny tweaks to avoid too many question marks: <br/><br/>Tired of being the odd one out at family gatherings? This Christmas rom-com gets it. Emma Roberts stars as a woman who’s so over awkward holiday dates and nosy relatives. Her solution is a “holidate” – a platonic plus-one for every festive occasion. But what happens when fake dating turns into something real? It’s full of hilarious antics, relatable awkwardness, and a healthy dose of holiday cynicism with a surprisingly sweet ending.
22/2622. Holidate (2020)
I just made tiny tweaks to avoid too many question marks:

Tired of being the odd one out at family gatherings? This Christmas rom-com gets it. Emma Roberts stars as a woman who’s so over awkward holiday dates and nosy relatives. Her solution is a “holidate” – a platonic plus-one for every festive occasion. But what happens when fake dating turns into something real? It’s full of hilarious antics, relatable awkwardness, and a healthy dose of holiday cynicism with a surprisingly sweet ending.
23. The Night Before (2015)<br/>This one’s for anyone who’s ever had a really wild Christmas Eve.Three lifelong friends decide to go out with a bang for their last Christmas Eve tradition together. It’s an epic party crawl with questionable decisions, and enough holiday shenanigans to make your head spin. With a hilarious cast (Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie), this movie is a raucous reminder that sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to let loose and embrace the absurdity of it all. Just maybe don’t try to recreate this one at home...
23/2623. The Night Before (2015)
This one’s for anyone who’s ever had a really wild Christmas Eve.Three lifelong friends decide to go out with a bang for their last Christmas Eve tradition together. It’s an epic party crawl with questionable decisions, and enough holiday shenanigans to make your head spin. With a hilarious cast (Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie), this movie is a raucous reminder that sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to let loose and embrace the absurdity of it all. Just maybe don’t try to recreate this one at home...
24. Red One (2024)<br/>The newest flick on the list and highly deserving of its spot, this probably won’t be your grandma’s go-to Christmas movie. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans bring the holiday heat in this action-packed adventure. Think explosions, epic fight scenes, and a globetrotting quest to save Christmas. Red One is Santa Claus meets Mission Impossible with hilarious one-liners and snarky rhetoric. There aren’t a lot of new Christmas movies that hit the mark, but this one did not disappoint.<br/><br/>
24/2624. Red One (2024)
The newest flick on the list and highly deserving of its spot, this probably won’t be your grandma’s go-to Christmas movie. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans bring the holiday heat in this action-packed adventure. Think explosions, epic fight scenes, and a globetrotting quest to save Christmas. Red One is Santa Claus meets Mission Impossible with hilarious one-liners and snarky rhetoric. There aren’t a lot of new Christmas movies that hit the mark, but this one did not disappoint.

25. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)<br/>The Guardians bring a whole lot of Christmas cheer (and chaos) to Earth in this holiday special. When Star-Lord is feeling down about the holidays, the Guardians decide to give him the ultimate gift: Kevin Bacon! Yes, THE Kevin Bacon. Things get a little wild as they try to kidnap the Hollywood star and bring him to space, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
25/2625. Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022)
The Guardians bring a whole lot of Christmas cheer (and chaos) to Earth in this holiday special. When Star-Lord is feeling down about the holidays, the Guardians decide to give him the ultimate gift: Kevin Bacon! Yes, THE Kevin Bacon. Things get a little wild as they try to kidnap the Hollywood star and bring him to space, but hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?
Honourable mention: Office Christmas Party (2016)<br/>This outrageous comedy takes the office Christmas party to a whole new level. When a branch manager throws an epic party to impress a client and save his employees’ jobs, things spiral out of control in spectacular fashion. Is best way to spread Christmas cheer is to throw caution (and office etiquette) to the wind?
26/26Honourable mention: Office Christmas Party (2016)
This outrageous comedy takes the office Christmas party to a whole new level. When a branch manager throws an epic party to impress a client and save his employees’ jobs, things spiral out of control in spectacular fashion. Is best way to spread Christmas cheer is to throw caution (and office etiquette) to the wind?

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/controversial-christmas-movie-causing-a-stir/image-gallery/9cc7e70d5eecfe1c33a415db74cdbd2a