20 Christmas movies to get into the Christmas spirit

At the beginning of December, as soon as the Christmas trees start to come out of the storage rooms and light up the houses, that irresistible desire to watch Christmas movies appears. From romance to comedy, to action, whether you want to watch it alone, with your family or as a couple, we have suggestions for all ages and all tastes.

We started with the Christmas classics, but we didn’t forget recent film suggestions for those looking for a change. If the Christmas marathon has already started, take a look at our suggestions and see if you missed any. If you haven’t gotten into the Christmas spirit this year, there’s still time, here’s a good opportunity. Grab a blanket, popcorn and a hot chocolate and let the warm feeling that these films promote to get into your heart. Merry Christmas!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Considered by many to be the most beautiful Christmas story ever made, it tells the story of a good and altruistic man, who finds himself depressed and on the verge of committing suicide. An angel comes down to earth to show him what life would be like for his family and community if he hadn’t been born.

The Sound of Music (1965)

One of the most famous musical films of all time, with actress Julie Andrews, who plays Maria, a young novice who is hired to take care of the troubled children of Captain Von Trapp, a widower who lives in Austria, annexed by Adolf Hitler.

Gremlins (1984)

A Christmas classic, which tells the story of a scientist who gives his son a little monster called Gizmo as a gift. This creature is friendly and intelligent except when exposed to the sun, wet or when fed after midnight.

Ghostbusters (1984)

A classic and supernatural comedy, an unmissable film that tells the saga of a university’s parapsychology department, whose members go from scientists to Ghostbusters. These paranormal exterminators defend Manhattan from an ancient force of evil.

Die Hard (1988)

A total action film, starring Bruce Willis, whose story takes place in Los Angeles at Christmas time. A detective finds himself involved in a terrorist attack, at the same time as he goes through a marital crisis. The backdrop is an imposing skyscraper.

Home Alone (1990)

This Christmas comedy will perhaps be the film that most people immediately associate with Christmas. Kevin, just eight years old, is accidentally left at home alone during the Christmas season, only to find himself involved in a lively fight with thieves trying to break into the house.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This animated film, with lots of fantasy and music, tells the story of Jack Skellington, a fantastic being who lives in Halloween City, a place where fantastic creatures roam. When a portal to Christmas Town opens, Jack is fascinated and becomes involved in a huge adventure.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

The grumpy Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, is a mean, green creature who hates everything about Christmas. He tries to ruin the festive season for the residents of Whoville, and to do so he steals gifts and decorations, accompanied by his dog Max.

Love Actually (2003)

This romantic comedy, with lots of movie stars on the cast, holds a very special place in the hearts of many people. The story takes place in London, on Christmas Eve, and intersects several small stories of people who, in one way or another, also intersect.

Elf (2003)

Starring Will Ferrell, this film tells the story of Buddy, a boy raised as an elf in Santa Claus’ workshop at the North Pole. When he discovers that he has grown larger than the other elves, he sets out to find his biological father, who lives in New York.

The Polar Express (2004)

This animated film, which combines a lot of fantasy and adventure, tells the story of a boy who, on Christmas Eve, sees a mysterious train from his window and is invited to go on it, heading to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

The Holiday (2006)

With an incredible cast (with names like Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black), this romantic comedy tells the story of two women who decide to exchange homes during the Christmas season.

A Christmas Carol (2009)

Inspired by a classic tale by Charles Dickens, this animated film tells the story of Ebezener Scrooge, a grumpy miser who hates Christmas. When his partner dies, he receives a visit from the three ghosts of Christmas (past, present and future), leading him to rethink his life.

The Night Before (2015)

A dramatic comedy with a great cast, with names like Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Anthony Mackie and James Franco. Three childhood friends get together on Christmas Eve, as they do every year, but they conclude that things are no longer as they were.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

After destroying Santa’s sleigh by accident, when trying to prove that it was real, Teddy and his sister Kate try to resolve the problem, helping this outspoken Santa to save Christmas.

Klaus (2019)

An animated film for the whole family that tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a selfish postman and a lonely toymaker. A beautiful friendship, which will bring joy to a gray and unhappy city.

The Claus Family (2020)

Jules Claus is a boy who doesn’t really like Christmas, but when he discovers that his grandfather, who runs a toy store, is Santa Claus, his vision changes. When his grandfather falls ill, he realizes that he must be the one to save Christmas.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

This film for the whole family, with lots of fantasy and music, tells of an enchanting magical world, where anything is possible. A once-cheerful toymaker who had lost his joy rediscovers the magic when his granddaughter enters his life.

Single All the Way (2021)

This romantic comedy tells the story of Peter who, desperate to avoid his family’s judgment for being single, asks his best friend Nick to spend Christmas with his family and pretend to be his boyfriend. But his mom has other plans and tries to hook him up with his spin teacher.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

An adventure and fantasy film, which tells the story of Nikolas, a boy who, while trying to find his father, in the company of his talking pet mouse, lives adventures in a magical world full of elves and magical beings.

Otília Joel, Content Producer