Top 25 Best Christmas Movies (Noel)

This movie is considered one of the best and a must-watch every Christmas season. Through the eyes of children, it brings a mix of fun, humor, and excitement. Set in the 1940s, A Christmas Story, released in 1983, is based on the radio memoirs of Jean Shepherd. The story follows Ralphie Parker, a young boy who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun as a Christmas gift.

This film is regarded as a classic and a key part of Christmas television worldwide. Notably, It’s a Wonderful Life earned five Oscar nominations and remains one of the top 100 most thrilling and best American films of all time.

Set in the fictional town of Bedford Falls after World War II, the movie follows George Bailey, a man contemplating suicide on Christmas Eve. He is saved by his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody, who is sent to help George in his moment of need.

The plot largely revolves around George's life, as told by Franklin and Joseph, invisible angels preparing Clarence for his mission to save George.

Movie fans are surely familiar with this iconic film, where Tim Allen's portrayal of Santa Claus remains one of his most memorable roles.

The Santa Clause tells the story of Scott Calvin, who, along with his son Charlie, is awakened one Christmas Eve by strange noises on the roof. Scott witnesses a figure resembling Santa Claus, who disappears, leaving behind only his Santa suit and eight reindeer on the roof.

The next morning, Scott believes it was all a dream, but Charlie enthusiastically recounts events Scott didn’t remember, which leaves him questioning what really happened. On Christmas Eve, Scott starts delivering presents and is arrested when he mistakenly enters Laura and Neal Miller's house, leaving Charlie stuck in the sleigh on the roof. The plot keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.

Having recently surpassed the 12-year reign of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" at the Thanksgiving box office, Frozen has been hailed by critics as a triumphant return to Disney's peak years in the 1990s.

Frozen follows the story of two princesses, Elsa and Anna. Elsa possesses magical ice powers so powerful that she isolates herself to keep them under control, while Anna is a spirited, naïve young woman.

On her coronation day, Elsa accidentally freezes the entire kingdom and, terrified of her powers, runs away, leaving the country in an eternal winter. Determined to bring her sister back, Anna braves the snowstorm and treacherous conditions to find Elsa, hoping she can reverse the magic. With a solid storyline, stunning animation, brilliant voice acting, and unforgettable music, this is a must-see for the holiday season.

The story follows a young boy named Tiny, a genius who can see the future. He learns that a group of villains plans to steal Santa’s Time Orb and harm him, so he travels back in time to warn Santa and help him stop the villains.

Saving Santa features a simple yet charming cast of characters and straightforward relationships. The characters are endearing, and even the villain is lovable and humorous, which is one of the film’s greatest strengths.

The Christmas atmosphere fills the entire movie, with snowy rooftops, reindeer pulling Santa's sleigh, and colorful outfits and sparkling ornaments. Saving Santa creates a lighthearted and joyful Christmas vibe while imparting simple life lessons to children. The film celebrates courage, determination, and the belief that goodness will always prevail.

Elf is a heartwarming film with a light plot that still manages to tug at the heartstrings. The story centers around Buddy, a child abandoned as a baby and raised by Santa Claus. Santa entrusts Buddy to Papa Elf’s care.

Elves are small beings responsible for making and wrapping gifts for children around the world during Christmas. Although Buddy grows up surrounded by love, he feels out of place due to his large size.

Upon learning the truth about his origins, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York to find his biological parents. Despite being rejected by his father, Buddy wins him over with his love and sincerity, and also bonds with his stepmother and half-siblings.

Seeing the materialistic world that has forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, Buddy sets out to bring a magical holiday to everyone. Elf captivates audiences not only with Will Ferrell's hilarious performance as Buddy but also with its touching story, leaving many in tears. It remains a top Christmas film choice, consistently ranking high among critics and audiences alike, grossing over $220 million worldwide.

The Nightmare Before Christmas, often marketed as Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a musical stop-motion film that blends eerie and dark tones with the humor typical of Burton's style.

The story unfolds in an imaginative world where each town is responsible for a different holiday. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, has grown bored with Halloween and no longer finds meaning in his role. After wandering into Christmas Town, he becomes captivated by its festive atmosphere and colorful decorations.

Driven by a wild idea, Jack kidnaps Santa Claus and decides that Halloween Town will now also handle the Christmas gift delivery. What follows is a chaotic twist on the holiday season, as Christmas is celebrated in the hauntingly spooky style of Halloween.

The Nightmare Before Christmas was both a critical and commercial success, praised for its unique filmmaking and the meaningful messages it conveyed.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush and a touch of intensity this Christmas season, Lethal Weapon, starring Mel Gibson, is a must-see. The action-packed film kicks off with the lively tune of Jingle Bell Rock and wraps up with a warm family scene around a Christmas tree.

The plot follows two detectives working together to dismantle a drug cartel. However, the film made its debut in the spring, a somewhat unusual release for an action blockbuster at the time.

Despite the unusual timing, Lethal Weapon went on to become a huge box office hit and marked a significant milestone in Mel Gibson's career.

Die Hard is one of the most iconic action films from Hollywood, and it's an excellent pick for Christmas Eve viewing. This film not only features thrilling gunfights and explosive action but also carries deeper meanings behind its story.

The plot follows Bruce Willis as he battles terrorists in the Nakatomi Plaza, all while trying to reunite with his wife and children on Christmas night. For action movie fans, watching Die Hard every December has become a beloved tradition over the years.

With a production cost of $28 million, Die Hard grossed over $140 million worldwide at the box office and received positive critical acclaim. In 2008, it was ranked 29th on Empire magazine's list of the 500 greatest films of all time.

The first thing that draws people to The Holiday is the star-studded cast, featuring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black.

The movie follows the romantic lives of two women, both overwhelmed by their busy careers. Feeling exhausted as Christmas approaches, they decide to swap homes via the internet in search of something new and refreshing.

This bold decision leads them to discover true love. Thanks to the charming and humorous performances of the four main characters, the film offers lighthearted laughter and warmth for the audience during the holiday season.

Based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott, Little Women tells the story of the March family living in Massachusetts during the American Civil War. The father is away fighting in the war, leaving the mother and her four daughters at home. Although they are siblings, each one has a distinct personality, leading to frequent conflicts that drive them apart.

However, through a series of trials and tribulations, the family members eventually realize that home is the safest place of all. When they reunite, it coincides with the first snowfall, signaling the arrival of Christmas.

Little Women is a heartwarming tale of family bonds and love, making it an ideal film for parents wishing to teach their children about the importance of family unity and care.

Have you ever wondered if Santa Claus is real, or if he's just a figment of imagination from fairy tales? In The Polar Express, what seems like an impossible fantasy becomes a reality right before your eyes.

On a snowy Christmas Eve, a young boy wakes up at midnight to see a magical train, The Polar Express, stopping at his doorstep. With an irresistible pull, he boards the train and embarks on an unforgettable adventure to the North Pole, experiencing thrilling and meaningful moments along the way, enhanced by stunning 3D visuals.

The Polar Express brings viewers back to their childhood memories, recounting the legendary tale of Santa Claus traveling around the world on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to children everywhere. This is a gentle and enchanting Christmas movie for anyone who still believes, or once believed, in the magic of life.

Although it arrived later than many famous Christmas films, Arthur Christmas quickly earned its place as one of the best Christmas movies of all time, even earning a nomination for Best Animated Feature at the 2012 Golden Globe Awards.

Set in a technologically advanced world, Arthur Christmas reimagines the classic tale with a high-tech sleigh system. The enormous vehicle now delivers gifts to over 2 billion children worldwide in just two hours. However, this fast-paced, modern system strips Christmas of its magic.

As Santa's family becomes increasingly lazy and materialistic, Arthur, the youngest son, is the only one who still believes in the true spirit of Christmas. When a gift is accidentally left behind, Arthur embarks on an adventure with the old sleigh to ensure it reaches a deserving child, Gwen.

Featuring stunning 3D animation, Arthur Christmas captivates viewers with a heartwarming journey around the globe, full of humor and sharp wit. Through its delightful and cheeky story, the film delivers powerful messages about the spirit of Christmas and the importance of kindness and generosity.

A Christmas to Remember is widely regarded as one of the most meaningful films of the 2015 holiday season. The story begins with Charlotte Cooper (Diane Keaton), who wishes to see her four-generation family gathered together for Christmas.

However, things take an unexpected turn as all four generations of the Cooper family gather under one roof. The film is told with a humorous and lighthearted tone, but it also carries important messages about family, love, and forgiveness, ultimately highlighting the power of kindness and understanding.

The film follows Brad (played by Will Ferrell), a successful radio announcer striving every day to become the perfect stepfather in the eyes of his wife Sara's two children, Megan and Dylan.

However, things take an unexpected turn when Dusty (played by Mark Wahlberg), the children's biological father, a wild and free-spirited man completely opposite to Brad, returns to visit his family and quickly captures everyone's attention.

This presents a major threat to Brad's efforts to become the ideal father figure, risking everything he has worked for. With plenty of tense moments, Daddy's Home has captivated audiences during Christmas time.

Instead of the jolly Santa Claus found in fairy tales, Universal has released a film called A Christmas Nightmare to offer a chilling new experience, perfect for a frightening Christmas night.

Krampus, a character from Western folklore, is often seen as a dark version of Santa Claus. Rather than bringing joy and gifts, Krampus punishes misbehaving children. According to the legend, Krampus is depicted as a half-human, half-goat figure adorned with bells and a birch rod used to whip naughty children.

The story begins when Max's extended family gathers to enjoy the warmest holiday of the year. However, family tensions and conflicts create chaos, setting the stage for the appearance of Krampus, who threatens the lives of all family members. The film features Adam Scott, Toni Collette, and David Koechner.

Edward Scissorhands is the most famous film collaboration between director Tim Burton and actor Johnny Depp. In this movie, Depp plays a man whose hands are made of scissors. Created by a reclusive genius inventor living in a mountain castle, Edward was designed to be nearly a perfect human, except for his unusual, scissor-like hands.

However, fate complicates things when Edward falls in love with the granddaughter of his caretaker, only for their relationship to face opposition. Johnny Depp delivers an outstanding performance as a deeply lonely man burdened by sadness.

With several heart-wrenching scenes, this film is sure to bring tears to the eyes of viewers. Edward Scissorhands remains one of the most touching films with a beautiful ending, set against the warm backdrop of Christmas.

This heartwarming comedy-drama tells the story of Jack Frost, a father who tragically dies in a Christmas Eve accident. His sudden passing leaves his wife Gabby heartbroken and deeply mournful, especially for their young son, Charlie.

However, a miraculous event occurs: Jack returns to his family in the form of a snowman created by Charlie. Although Jack Frost has been labeled as one of the lesser Christmas films in America, it has left a lasting impact on Vietnamese audiences.

The most poignant moment in the film comes when Charlie and his mother watch Jack's spirit for the final time, a scene that has moved many viewers to tears, especially when the film aired on VTV1 in 2002.

Miracle on 34th Street is considered one of the most iconic Christmas films for families, suitable for all ages. Kris Kringle, a jolly elderly man, is hired by Macy's department store to play Santa Claus for the holiday shopping season, with no one realizing he is the real Santa Claus.

People often long for miracles, yet they are reluctant to believe that magic truly exists. Through Kris’s kindness and his love for his customers, especially Doris Walker and her daughter, the film conveys a simple yet powerful message: we don't find happiness, we create it, just like a miracle.

The film won three Oscars in 1947, including Best Supporting Actor, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

"Violent Night" is arguably one of the most exciting action-comedy films to watch this Christmas season. The film premiered at the New York Comic Con on October 7, and will be released widely in the U.S. and other countries, including Vietnam, in early December.

The story centers around a group of armed mercenaries who storm the home of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve with the goal of stealing $300 million from the safe. It is in this chaotic moment that Santa Claus, played by David Harbour, appears as the only hope to save everyone.

This classic film, known in Vietnam as "Home Alone", has become a beloved holiday favorite. Released in 1990, Home Alone remains a top pick for Christmas entertainment, offering a fun and lighthearted experience for movie lovers.

The story follows 8-year-old Kevin McAllister, who is accidentally left behind by his family during their Christmas vacation. Left alone at home, Kevin devises clever ways to outsmart two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. To this day, Home Alone is considered one of Hollywood's most popular films and continues to capture the hearts of generations of Vietnamese viewers.

Not only does the film provide laughs and joy, but it also carries meaningful moments. Every Christmas season, the movie is re-aired on television, and it remains warmly welcomed by audiences, despite having been shown numerous times.

Love Actually is one of the most iconic holiday films, created specifically to welcome the Christmas season, with a powerful message: "Love touches us all." The film has the ability to make viewers laugh and cry through its diverse stories and the emotional expressions of its characters.

With at least 8 different love stories, the film explores various aspects of love, ranging from romantic relationships to family bonds, friendships, workplace camaraderie, and even human connection.

Since its release in 2003, Richard Curtis' film has become a holiday favorite worldwide. It remains one of the most cherished Christmas films, bringing joy and reflection to audiences every year.

Love, like the gifts we receive at Christmas, appears dazzling on the outside, but when unwrapped, some are filled with joy, while others are disappointed. True love means embracing your feelings and facing them head-on—that’s what "love actually" is all about.

A Christmas Carol is a film adaptation of the famous novel by Charles Dickens, consistently regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time.

The story centers on Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly, bitter old man, who, through visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come, learns of his past wrongs and gains a newfound appreciation for the Christmas season. This film not only dazzles with its festive decorations but also delivers moments of humor, while deeply moving the audience with its heartfelt and poignant scenes.

The movie carries a profound moral message: sharing kindness with others is the true path to happiness and peace in life.