25 of the Best Feel-Good Christmas Movies of All Time – 2022

It’s a Wonderful Life is a classic that no one should miss this Christmas. Its main character is George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) who’s lost all hope, believing in his heart that his life is no longer worth living until Clarence, a heavenly angel shows up to show him what the world would be like without him. It’s a Wonderful Life is a heartwarming movie that brings hope and happy endings.

While the original movie that was released in 1947, starring Natalie Wood, has been a long-time beloved classic, the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street is my favorite. Richard Attenborough’s portrayal of Kris Kringle is so convincing that you may even mistake him for the real Santa Claus. Hey.. I BELIEVE! 😉 You’ll get it when you watch the movie.

Ah, another must-watch Christmas movie that I’m almost positive everyone has seen. Jim Carrey delivers an excellent comedic performance as the Grinch. It would be difficult for any other actor to fill in his shoes. This is another “feel-good” movie that you won’t want to miss.

A Christmas Story is a fan favorite of Gen-Xers. There are so many funny lines from this movie about a dysfunctional family just trying to get through Christmas. Lines from the movie that many Gen-Xers can still quote to this day. It is a memorable film that should be watched year after year after year.

There are like, 500 versions of A Christmas Carol (just kidding, close but not really) but this one with George C. Scott has been the most highly rated. Two of my top favorites though is the one with Patrick Stewart and the other one is a musical with Albert Finney. Both are vintage but still so good.

Ok. I lied. This is my most favorite version of A Christmas Carol, but since it’s technically called Scrooged, we can just pretend it’s its own original movie, ok? 😉 While it has the same general synopsis, Scrooged puts a modern and hilarious twist on A Christmas Carol. The key ingredient? Bill Murray. He is a comedic genius. I don’t think anyone else could’ve pulled it off better than Bill Murray as Scrooge.

While You Were Sleeping was one of Sandra Bullock’s breakout roles. This rom-com has all the elements guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings. Part romance, part comedy, part inspirational, part emotional equals one feel-good happy ending.

Love Actually, another rom-com is unique in that it tells the story of more than 4 different couples’ romances, which also includes that of a little boy’s. It’s soooo cute, sooo sweet, sooo funny, sooo inspirational, but most of all, at its core is love which takes place during the holidays.

This movie seems unlikely to make it on my list but once you’ve watched it you’ll know why I consider it a great feel-good Christmas movie. First of all, the premise is already funny on its own, but when you combine it with wonderfully talented actors, the movie will take your Christmas mood to a whole new level. It’s about the importance of spending Christmas with family. Blended families included.

I don’t think there is any Harry Potter film that doesn’t include Christmas in the story. In fact, if you’re a fan, you might be associating Harry Potter with Christmas almost every time.

Elf is an all-time favorite, especially when you love Will Ferrell. He delivers the childlike innocence of his character so effortlessly.  The story is just as touching as it is hilarious. Santa Claus? Check. Elves making toys in the North Pole? Check. Snow? Check. Christmas carols? Check. Elf has all the good trappings that can put people in the holiday spirit.

Here we go. Didn’t I tell you? Another Scrooge movie. Bah Humbug! The Muppet Christmas Carol is another spin on the original. Who doesn’t love The Muppets?! I think they did a great job with their rendition of A Christmas Carol. True to form as a Muppet sing-along, The Muppet Christmas Carol adds their own unique flare while paying homage to The Muppets creator, the late Jim Henson.

While Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer uses the old stop-motion animated flick of the 1960’s, it is still one of the best movies to watch that puts you in a feel-good mood. The story follows along with the words of the song (its namesake). When you watch this movie, you’ll understand why it was and still is a beloved Christmas classic. Whether you’re 9 or 99, Rudolph’s timeless classic has an endearing message for both young and old.

Whether or not you follow the Christian faith, The Nativity still gives a historical account of what happened during that period in history. The movie depicts the life, customs, and traditions of the people of Nazareth but this Biblical depiction begins with Mary’s betrothal to Joseph and ends with the birth of Jesus.

Whenever you need a little pick-me-up to get you in the Chrismas spirit, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation will do the trick! It’s packed with loads of fun, goofiness, physical comedy, and memorable characters. Fun fact: Did you know that Johnny Galecki (The Big Bang Theory) is one of the main characters in this movie? Yeah, check out the kid in this film so you know who I’m talking about!

White Christmas is a long-time beloved film, starring Bing Crosby, where the popular Christmas carol, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” was originated. It is a timeless classic that is just as enjoyable today as it was back in the day.

Eloise looks like just another children’s book and a movie to represent it. But you don’t have to be a child to enjoy it! It’s funny and cute and  has a little romance to go along with it. The movie is very festive and has a wonderful happy ending.

Godmothered is fairly new. It came out in 2018 and can be found on the Disney Plus channel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s well-written, the lead character (aka the Godmother) is amazingly funny. There is a plot twist at the end (we all love unexpected plot twists, don’t we?). Overall, inspirational, magical, funny, sweet, and yes, there is a “happily ever after.” Well. Sorta. You just have to see it to find out!

Noelle is another fairly new Christmas movie produced by Disney and can be found on the Disney Plus channel. I must admit, I didn’t expect to be so entertained by it as the cover looked like just another Christmas Santa movie like all the others. This one is not cheezy at all. Anna Kendrick plays the leading role and she is hysterical. The great Shirley McClain is one of the cast as well. That should be a clue that it’s going to be good! The story delivers such a touching message that drives another happy ending.

Do you know anyone who have never seen Home Alone? It’s known to be one of the most popular Christmas movies in American culture for a reason: Its the only one of its kind where a kid outsmarts two bandits by himself using his own clever wits. McCauley Culkin is perfect for this role. And of course, when it’s directed by John Hughes and the soundtrack is by John Williams, it’s destined to do well in the box office, as well as in history! It’s almost impossible for anyone to not fall in love with this heartwarming classic.

Ditto from previous review! Kevin McCallister is up to his own antics again while lost in New York. Meanwhile, the same 2 crazy bandits are still after him. This seems like just a continuation of the first Home Alone movie, and under the same scenario, but still will not disappoint! Which of the two Home Alone films do you like best?

Trouble in suburbia. What do you do when a new family moves into your neighborhood on a mission to have the most spectacularly decorated house on the street, not to mention the brightest? What do you do if that house is right across street? Deck the Halls shows what greed and envy can look like during the holidays. It’s a fun movie with a strong, inspirational message in the end. Photo credit: TV Guide.

Comedic actor, Martin Short joins the cast of The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause as the character, Jack Frost. It’s another fun-filled film brought to us by The Santa Claus franchise. It’s a Christmas movie that’s fun for the whole family.

The Santa Claus 2 without a doubt tops the charts as my number one most favorite Christmas movie of all time. To me, this plot is much more complex and exciting than the first movie as it introduces two pivotal characters: Bernard the Elf and Carol, Scott Calvin’s (Santa Claus) love interest. The main difference between The Santa Claus and it’s sequel is that the former has no romantic love interest while the latter does.

Finally, we get to The Santa Claus, which is considered a top favorite by so many. Actually, The Santa Claus may even be tied with Home Alone. What do you think?