Home For The Holidays
A list of holiday movies in my collection that we watch every year during Christmas time.
List activity
1.4K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
69 titles
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternAn eight-year-old troublemaker, mistakenly left home alone, must defend his home against a pair of burglars on Christmas Eve.The original which spawned several sequels is a new classic in my house, gotta love the slapstick moments in this film.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternOne year after Kevin McCallister was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself stranded in New York City - and the same criminals are not far behind.Well done sequel brings Kevin to NY when he get's seperated from his family at the airport. While in NY he takes in the sights and comes across old friends from the original.
- DirectorJeremiah S. ChechikStarsChevy ChaseBeverly D'AngeloJuliette LewisThe Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.Chevy Chase and Randy Quaid make this movie a true knee slapper and a classic. Great fun for the whole family and we watch it several times during the season.
- DirectorJoe RothStarsTim AllenJamie Lee CurtisDan AykroydWith their daughter, Blair, away in Peru, Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip Christmas all together until she decides to come home, causing an uproar when they have to celebrate it at the last minute.From author John Grisham comes a family friendly Christmas story about a couple who plan to skip Christmas when their daughter heads off to volunteer for a year. The real fun begins when she announces she is returning home for Christmas. Jamie Lee Curtis really shows her comedic chops in this fun film.
- DirectorBob ClarkStarsPeter BillingsleyMelinda DillonDarren McGavinIn the 1940s, a young boy named Ralphie Parker attempts to convince his parents, teacher, and Santa Claus that a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun really is the perfect Christmas gift.Over 3 decades old and still fun to watch, and re-watch frequently. Despite the marathon showing of this movie every year at Christmas, I still watch this film during the season. Love the nostalgia that this movie brings.
- DirectorBrian LevantStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSinbadPhil HartmanA father vows to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. However, every store is sold out, and he must travel all over town and compete with everybody else in order to find one.Arnold needs to get the action figure everyone wants this year for Christmas, he waits until Christmas eve to try to locate it and that's where the fun begins. Sinbad does a great job as a mailman in dire need of getting the same action figure for his son. Love the late Phil Hartman's character, overall great fun for all.
- DirectorDavid DobkinStarsVince VaughnPaul GiamattiElizabeth BanksFred Claus, Santa's bitter older brother, is forced to move to the North Pole to help Santa and the elves prepare for Christmas in exchange for cash.Vince Vaughn is one of those actors whose movies I can't get enough of and this film does not disappoint. Enjoyable tale about Santa's older brother struggling under the shroud of being the unknown to his very famous little brother and how that affects him. Plenty to like about this movie with lots of laughs.
- DirectorRichard DonnerStarsBill MurrayKaren AllenJohn ForsytheA selfish, cynical television executive is haunted by three spirits bearing lessons on Christmas Eve.Modern day retelling of the famous story about greed and redemption. Loved the modern (1980’s) twist this film brings to the traditional story. Bill Murray at his finest along with a great supporting cast.
- DirectorJohn R. Cherry IIIStarsJim VarneyDouglas SealeOliver ClarkErnest helps Santa Claus as he searches for his successor.The late Jim Varney brings mayhem to his pal Vern along with anyone else, including Chris Kringle, that he comes in contact with. Watch as he ultimately saves the day and brings a runaway teen back to her family in the process.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsJim CarreyGary OldmanColin FirthAn animated retelling of Charles Dickens' classic novel about a Victorian-era miser taken on a journey of self-redemption, courtesy of several mysterious Christmas apparitions.Well done animated version of the oft told story of Ebeneezer Scrooge and the Christmas eve visitors who show him the right way. Jim Carey gives voice to several characters and the movie stays true to the original source.
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksChris CoppolaMichael JeterOn Christmas Eve, a young boy embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express, while learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas.Early computer animation shows what the future of animation would become. Well done animated film which would have been cost prohibitive at the time to have been done live action with CGI. Great story and a wonderful soundtrack make for good family fun.
- DirectorBrian HensonStarsMichael CaineDave GoelzSteve WhitmireThe Muppets present their own touching rendition of Charles Dickens' classic tale.First film released after the passing of Jim Henson which is dedicated to him. This is a well done family oriented retelling of the classic story of Ebeneezer Scrooge.
- DirectorClive DonnerStarsGeorge C. ScottFrank FinlayAngela PleasenceA bitter old miser who rationalizes his uncaring nature learns real compassion when three spirits visit him on Christmas Eve.One of the best live action versions of the classic story, doesn't feel like a made for TV movie. I recommend it to anyone who wants to see the Dickens novel told on film.
- DirectorJohn PasquinStarsTim AllenJudge ReinholdWendy CrewsonWhen a man inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof on Christmas Eve, he finds himself magically recruited to take his place.Tim Allen accidently becomes the big guy when his predecessor meets his demise after falling off Allen's roof. Great Disney film that spawned 2 sequels.
- DirectorMichael LembeckStarsTim AllenSpencer BreslinElizabeth MitchellScott Calvin has been a humble Santa Claus for eight years, but it might come to an end if he doesn't find a Mrs. Claus.Fair sequel to the original, story line is that now Santa must marry before Christmas eve or Santa and perhaps Christmas will be no more.
- DirectorMichael LembeckStarsTim AllenMartin ShortElizabeth MitchellSanta, a.k.a. Scott Calvin, is faced with double-duty: how to keep his new family happy and how to stop Jack Frost from taking over Christmas.Third and final film in the Santa Clause film series, this workable sequel loses a lot of the luster of the 2 films that came before it but it is still a nice little family friendly film.
- DirectorSeth GordonStarsReese WitherspoonVince VaughnMary SteenburgenA couple struggles to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas.What to do when your flight to the tropics is cancelled? Perhaps you should visit your families that you have successfully avoided for years. Fun times for all involved, well except for Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon but in the end it all works out.
- DirectorJohn WhitesellStarsMatthew BroderickDanny DeVitoKristin ChenowethTwo neighbors have it out after one of them decorates his house for the holidays so brightly that it can be seen from space.Matthew Broderick and Danny Devito star in a comical look at the craziness that is decorating for Christmas. Devito finds out his house is not visible from satelite despite the fact that his neighbors' homes are. Devito sets out to correct this by creating the most elaborate Christmas display ever seen.
- DirectorJeannot SzwarcStarsDudley MooreJohn LithgowDavid HuddlestonThe legend of Santa Claus is put in jeopardy when an unscrupulous toy manufacturer attempts to take over Christmas.Dudley Moore plays an elf whose efficiency idea fails and Santa chooses another elf's idea for improving production. Moore heads to NY to find some way to get back in Santa's favor. Decent film attempts to show how Santa got his start and takes the story all the way to the 1980's.
- DirectorTroy MillerStarsMichael KeatonKelly PrestonJoseph CrossA father who can't keep his promises is killed in a car accident. One year later, he returns as a snowman who has the final chance to put things right with his son before he is gone forever.Michael Keaton stars in this story of loss and love as Keaton dies tragically on Christmas eve only to come back the next year as a snowman. Family fun with a good soundtrack to boot.
- DirectorRon HowardStarsJim CarreyTaylor MomsenKelleyOn the outskirts of Whoville lives a green, revenge-seeking Grinch who plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town.Live action film showcases Jim Carrey's uncanny slapstick ability. Great film from Ron Howard gives new life to the timeless Dr Seuss classic childrens story. Dr. Seuss would have approved.
- DirectorLeo McCareyStarsBing CrosbyIngrid BergmanHenry TraversAt a big city Catholic school, Father O'Malley and Sister Benedict indulge in friendly rivalry, and succeed in extending the school through the gift of a building.Not so much a Christmas story as a family friendly and charming tale about a Catholic school and the nun's who run it along with their relationship with their neighbor and the new priest played by Bing Crosby. This classic get's a showing in my household every year during the Holiday's and occasionally during the year.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsBing CrosbyDanny KayeRosemary ClooneyA successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.Bing Crosby sings the title song along with several others with the help of Rosemary Clooney and others. Great family friendly holiday film that is a true classic.
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.Shown adnauseum on TV until the rights were finally renewed this charming story of redemption and understanding is a great film not to be missed during the holidays. James Stewart and Donna Reed make this a charming classic that I watch several times each year including when broadcast on TV, now just once a year.
- DirectorPeter FaimanStarsEd O'NeillEthan EmbryJoBeth WilliamsTo get to know his girlfriend's son, a working-class good guy volunteers to pick him up from his prep school, only to learn that he isn't the nicest young man.Made at the height of the John Hughes movie making era this movie failed at the box office but it is worth a watch on home video. The story of a man bringing the son of his girlfriend home for Thanksgiving and the pitfalls that befall them on their journey.
- DirectorGeorge GalloStarsNicolas CageJon LovitzDana CarveyResidents of a friendly Pennsylvania town foil three brothers' plan to rob a bank on Christmas Eve.Found this movie on HBO and immediately knew I had to add it to my collection. Nicholas Cage is the only sibling who is not a convicted criminal gets involved in a bank heist and then the trouble begins as they try to make their getaway from the town of Paradise. One of my favorite lines "4 lefts is a circle" if you watch the movie you'll get that one.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsWill FerrellJames CaanBob NewhartRaised as an oversized elf, Buddy travels from the North Pole to New York City to meet his biological father, Walter Hobbs, who doesn't know he exists and is in desperate need of some Christmas spirit.Will Ferrell is one of my favorite actors and I have many of his movies. This film is among one of them and I can't get enough of it. The story of a man raised by elves and his quest to find his real dad.
- DirectorThomas BezuchaStarsDermot MulroneySarah Jessica ParkerClaire DanesAn uptight, liberal businesswoman accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric and outgoing family's annual Christmas celebration and finds that she's a fish out of water in their free-spirited way of life.A story set at Christmas about family and how they get along or don't. Emotional telling of how a family interacts with each other and those who become members of the family. Sad backstory about the mom that I will leave for watchers to see so as not to spoil it here.
- DirectorJon TurteltaubStarsSandra BullockBill PullmanPeter GallagherA hopelessly romantic Chicago Transit Authority ticket booth operator is mistaken for the fiancée of a comatose patient.Early Sandra Bullock movie about falling in love with the right man. Sandra saves the life of the man she wants to marry despite the fact that they have not spoken two words to each other. Interesting tale about how fate will step in and make sure the right two people end up with each other in the end.
- DirectorBrett RatnerStarsNicolas CageTéa LeoniDon CheadleA fast-lane investment broker, offered the opportunity to see how the other half lives, wakes up to find that his sports car and girlfriend have become a mini-van and wife.Nicholas Cage has it all, the girls, the job, the best apartment in the luxury condo's or does he? Watch as a guardian angel played by Don Cheadle shows him what he's really missing. Nice romantic movie set during the holidays with an interesting ending.
- DirectorPaul MazurskyStarsNick NolteBette MidlerRichard DreyfussA rich but troubled family find their lives altered by the arrival of a vagrant who tries to drown himself in their swimming pool.Although not specifically a holiday film this movie is set during the holidays starting with thanksgiving. When a homeless man played by Nick Nolte, tries to commit suicide in Richard Dreyfuss' swimming pool, Dreyfuss saves Nolte and then gives him a place to stay then mayhem ensues.
- DirectorRichard CurtisStarsHugh GrantMartine McCutcheonLiam NeesonFollows the lives of eight very different couples in dealing with their love lives in various loosely interrelated tales all set during a frantic month before Christmas in London, England.Nicely done romance set during the holidays shows several couples and their struggles with love. My favorite part of this movie is the young boy who learns to play the drums to impress the girl of his dreams. Not your typical weepy romance movie but it does leave you feeling good in the end.
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsEddie MurphyDan AykroydRalph BellamyA snobbish investor and a wily street con artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.Three decades later and still a laugh out loud movie from Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd. Still another movie that is not necessarily a holiday movie but set during the holidays it gets a viewing during the holidays.
- DirectorGeorge SeatonStarsEdmund GwennMaureen O'HaraJohn PayneAfter a divorced New York mother hires a nice old man to play Santa Claus at Macy's, she is startled by his claim to be the genuine article. When his sanity is questioned, a lawyer defends him in court by arguing that he's not mistaken.The original and best, the story of a man who thinks he is Santa Claus. When he is committed to a mental hospital it's up to a friend to defend him.
- DirectorMark SandrichRobert AllenStarsBing CrosbyFred AstaireMarjorie ReynoldsAt an inn which is open only on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.Another classic movie starring Bing Crosby who sings White Christmas among others. Crosby owns The Holiday Inn, which is open during holidays only. He puts on a show that is themed to the holiday involved. There is a scene that is done in black face that would never be filmed today but the rest of the film is quite good.
- DirectorRudi GoldmanStarsPeter Paul & MaryNew York Choral SocietyN. Paul StookeyExcellent concert film with the trio singing many Christmas songs and some of their own hits. Originally aired on PBS during the holidays to raise money for the network it has since been released on DVD and gets several viewings every year.
- DirectorJessie NelsonStarsSteve MartinDiane KeatonJohn GoodmanThe intertwined stories of four generations of Coopers unfold right before the annual family reunion on Christmas Eve. Can they survive the most beautiful time of the year?A disfunctional family celebrates Christmas and their problems all come to light. Heart warming movie about family and redemption.
- DirectorTyler PerryStarsTyler PerryCassi DavisPatrice LovelyMadea lands in the midst of mayhem when she spends a haunted Halloween fending off killers, paranormal poltergeists, ghosts, ghouls, and zombies while keeping a watchful eye on her wild teenage great-niece.Very funny film, Madea movies always make me laugh and earns an airing frequently.
- DirectorTerry ZwigoffStarsBilly Bob ThorntonBernie MacLauren GrahamA miserable conman and his partner pose as Santa and his Little Helper to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. But they run into problems when the conman befriends a troubled kid.As the title references this isn’t a kid friendly movie, in fact some adults might want to steer clear of this one. But, if you’re not easily offended then this one should be viewed at least once during the holidays.
- DirectorMichael TiddesStarsMarlon WayansEssence AtkinsMarlene ForteMalcolm and Kisha move into their dream home, then learn that a demon also resides there. When Kisha becomes possessed, Malcolm--determined to keep his sex life on track--turns to a priest, a psychic, and a ghostbusting team for help.Funny movie that pokes fun at horror films.
- DirectorClay KaytisStarsKurt RussellDarby CampJudah LewisThe story of sister and brother, Kate and Teddy Pierce, whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about.New film from Netflix that is family friendly. The story of siblings who try to capture Santa making his deliveries on video. Has some touching moments and some good comedic moments too.
- DirectorSean AndersStarsWill FerrellMark WahlbergMel GibsonHaving finally gotten used to each other's existence, Brad and Dusty must now deal with their intrusive fathers during the holidays.Another great comedy starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg. Sequel to Daddy’s Home also starring Mel Gibson who steals the show.
- DirectorJosh GordonWill SpeckStarsJason BatemanOlivia MunnT.J. MillerWhen his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand...
- DirectorYarrow CheneyScott MosierStarsBenedict CumberbatchCameron SeelyRashida JonesA grumpy Grinch plots to ruin Christmas for the village of Whoville.
- DirectorBharat NalluriStarsDan StevensMark SchrierPatrick Joseph ByrnesThe journey that led to Charles Dickens' creation of "A Christmas Carol," a timeless tale that would redefine Christmas.
- DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.
- DirectorBrian Desmond HurstStarsAlastair SimJack WarnerKathleen HarrisonEbenezer Scrooge, a curmudgeonly, miserly businessman, has no time for sentimentality and largely views Christmas as a waste of time. However, this Christmas Eve, he will be visited by three spirits who will show him the error of his ways.
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsMadison IngoldsbyEmma ThompsonBoris IsakovicKate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas store is not good for the wannabe singer. However, she meets Tom there. Her life takes a new turn--that seems too good to be true.
- DirectorHernán JiménezStarsNina DobrevJimmy O. YangDarren BarnetAn LA girl, unlucky in love, falls for an East Coast guy on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays, only to discover that she's been catfished. This lighthearted romantic comedy chronicles her attempt to reel in love.
- DirectorJohn HughesStarsSteve MartinJohn CandyLaila RobinsA Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.
- DirectorGil KenanStarsMaggie SmithIsabella O'SullivanJoel FryIn this origin story of Father Christmas, an ordinary boy--with a loyal pet mouse and a reindeer at his side--sets out on an extraordinary adventure to find his father, who is on a quest to discover the fabled village of Elfhelm.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsKurt RussellGoldie HawnDarby CampKate Pierce, now a cynical teen, is unexpectedly reunited with Santa Claus when a mysterious troublemaker threatens to cancel Christmas--forever.
- DirectorBradley WalshStarsKat GrahamQuincy BrownEthan PeckA struggling but talented photographer inherits an antique holiday advent calendar, the contents of which seem to predict the future. Will this magical calendar lead her to love this holiday season?
- DirectorMary LambertStarsBrooke ShieldsCary ElwesLee RossTo escape a scandal, a bestselling author journeys to Scotland, where she falls in love with a castle - and faces off with the grumpy duke who owns it.
- DirectorMick DavisPhilippe MartinezStarsElizabeth HurleyJohn CleeseKelsey GrammerCenters around four sisters who have re-united for the Christmas holiday in a Yorkshire mansion. Misunderstandings uncover the long-buried secret that tore their family apart, so many years ago.
- DirectorMichael MayerStarsMichael UriePhilemon ChambersLuke MacfarlaneDesperate to avoid his family's judgment about his perpetual single status, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to join him for the holidays and pretend that they're now in a relationship.
- DirectorJohn WhitesellStarsEmma RobertsLuke BraceyKristin ChenowethFed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way.
- DirectorShaun Paul PiccininoStarsLauren SwickardJosh SwickardAli AfsharWith his carefree lifestyle on the line, a wealthy charmer poses as a ranch hand to get a hardworking farmer to sell her family's land before Christmas.
- DirectorJon LucasScott MooreStarsMila KunisKristen BellKathryn HahnAs their own mothers drop in unexpectedly, our three under-appreciated and over-burdened moms rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for mothers: Christmas.
- DirectorLuke SnellinStarsIsabela MercedShameik MooreOdeya RushIn a small town on Christmas Eve, a snowstorm brings together a group of young people.
- DirectorMarc LawrenceStarsAnna KendrickShirley MacLaineBill HaderSanta's daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, gets cold feet.
- DirectorJaneen DamianStarsLindsay LohanChord OverstreetGeorge YoungIn the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.
- DirectorClay KaytisStarsPeter BillingsleyErinn HayesRiver DroscheFollows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child, reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old Man.
- DirectorPeter GodfreyStarsBarbara StanwyckDennis MorganSydney GreenstreetA food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas.
- DirectorCharles ShyerStarsJustin HartleyBarrett DossBonnie BedeliaThe story of a man who returns home on Christmas to settle his estranged mother's estate. Once there, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and of a beautiful young woman on a mysterious journey of her own.
- DirectorGabriela TagliaviniStarsAimee GarciaFreddie Prinze Jr.Gabriel SloyerFollows a pop star who's got a career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot of love.
- DirectorAlex RanariveloStarsChristina MooreJohn DuceyViolet McGrawLove is a gift. But when you find out the man you've fallen for still believes in Santa, do you accept it - or send it back?
- DirectorMax McGuireStarsNatalie HallEvan WilliamsAlison BrooksLongtime friends and local radio hosts Maggie and Jack fake it as a couple for their families and listeners in hopes of getting their show syndicated.
- DirectorPhilippe MartinezStarsKelsey GrammerElizabeth HurleyBilly Ray CyrusJoanna's holiday is shattered when her sisters tell her that their dad has been dumped, isn't responding to any calls, and has disappeared to a Caribbean island. The sisters decide to go save their father and bring him home for Christmas.