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If you don’t know – Christmas is my favorite season! And with this time, it brings joy and laughter. Well – it’s suppose to. But honestly, what better way is there to enjoy a laugh than to gather your loved ones and watch your favorite Christmas comedy movies?
Christmas movies come in many genres, from dramas to even horror, as odd as that may sound. I do think it sounds odd, but to each his own. But we feel that it’s only right that a Christmas movie leaves you feeling happy and warm at the end, which is why our favorite genre of Christmas movies is comedy.
There’s a large selection of Christmas comedy movies out there, but you don’t want to end up watching a bad one. To make sure that you have the best Christmas movie viewing experience, we’ve created a list for you. We’ve added a little bit of everything too in the comedy genre for the holidays. I just think it helps when you have a variety of different movies to watch, especially during the holidays.
Keep reading to discover the top 10 best Christmas comedy movies that you should be watching this holiday season.
Themes You’ll Find in the Best Christmas Comedy Movies
Although you can recognize one when you see one, have you ever wondered what makes a Christmas movie a comedy? Of course, taking place during the holidays and causing laughter would the most common sense answer. But there are several themes that pop up again and again in this category of film.
Feel-Good Comedy
One of the qualities that separates the good Christmas comedies from the great ones is how they make you feel at the end of the experience. The best Christmas comedies are feel-good films that have you walking away feeling happy and excited about the holidays. This joy is infectious, and you’re bound to pass it on to the friends and family you encounter after watching the movie!
I like to think of these as the ones I dream of feeling with my family. The laughs, the joy, the connection.
Learning the True Meaning of Christmas
Another common theme is learning about the true meaning of Christmas. Although it may sound like more of a cliche these days, this is still found in many of the best Christmas comedies.
A common plot sees the main character not feeling the Christmas spirit and often hating Christmas, expressing a selfish attitude or bitter resentment. Sometimes they even want to ruin the holidays for everyone around them. However, as the plot moves along, one or several other characters help this character get into the Christmas mood. By the end of the film, the main character gets into the holiday spirit with everyone else and finds the true meaning of Christmas.
This theme is found in an abundance of Christmas films across all genres. This isn’t a new theme, as it’s been at the center of many beloved Christmas tales for as long as we can remember. This brings us to our next theme:
Literary Inspiration and Adaptation
Before movies became a major form of entertainment, there was already a variety of Christmas stories in literature that people would come back to every holiday season. Many of those stories have been adapted for the screen and turned into classic movies.
One of the most adapted Christmas stories of all time is that of Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, which sees the greedy protagonist hating Christmas but growing more of a fondness for the holidays after being visited by a series of ghosts from the past, present, and future.
Another favorite Christmas story is Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, which has been adapted in animation and live-action films. The movie follows the Grinch, a creature who lives in a reclusive lift at the top of a mountain in the city of Whoville, where Christmas is a joyous occasion. The Grinch, being the grouch that he is, doesn’t appreciate the joy of the people of Whoville and tries to cancel Christmas, until a little girl comes along and helps change his mind.
Adaptations of each of these films can be found in our list of the best Christmas comedies, so let’s jump right into it!
Christmas Comedy Movies to Watch Every Holiday Season
If you’re in the mood to watch a Christmas movie, sometimes you just need a little help with ideas. Especially on the days you don’t want to think. Thankfully, we’ve got you covered when it comes to the classics with this article.
Here are our top 10 Christmas comedy movies so that you can schedule the perfect Christmas movie marathon full of laughter this holiday season.
Home Alone (1990)
To kick off our list of the best Christmas comedies, we have one of everyone’s favorite movies: Home Alone.
It can be argued that Home Alone isn’t just one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, but also one of the most iconic movies ever made.
The story follows eight-year-old Kevin, who, after being made to sleep in the attic the night before a family trip to Paris, is forgotten by his family the next day and left … home alone. At first excited about the prospect of being without his family, he soon realizes that two con men are trying to rob his home. He’s suddenly tasked with protecting his family home from these invaders. And it makes for entertaining and comedic film sequences.
This movie showcases Macaulay Culkin in his prime, and no one else could have brought the same charm that he did to this movie. Once you’ve finished your yearly viewing of Home Alone, don’t forget to turn it into a marathon and watch the sequel, Home Alone 2 – which some people controversially think is the superior comedy – and the subsequent sequels that don’t feature Culkin.
This is probably one of my absolute favorite movies!
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The second Christmas classic that we have on the list is How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Although this Dr. Seuss story has been put on screen several times, Ron Howard’s 2000 version featuring everyone’s favorite funny man, Jim Carrey, is the superior film. (In my humble opinion LOL)
The story follows a solitary Grinch who hates Christmas. So Mr. Grinch decides to ruin the holiday for everyone in Whoville. He plans to descend from his mountaintop home with his dog, Max, and swipe everything. Yes, he’s going to steal everything Christmas-related from the people of the town. However, when he encounters little Cindy Lou Who, he finds his plans foiled, and he even begins to soften up.
Starring as the titular Grinch, Carrey makes an already entertaining story into a laugh riot. Also, he gained numerous positive reviews for his portrayal. This is a must-see for the entire family every Christmas, and if you can’t get enough of the Grinch, check out the 2018 adaptation of the Dr. Seuss classic.
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Next on our list of the best Christmas comedies of all time is Ernest Saves Christmas.
If you’re a fan of the many Ernest films, chances are that you watch this Christmas comedy every holiday season. Even if you aren’t familiar with the adventures of Ernest, Ernest Saves Christmas is a hilarious classic worth checking out.
The film starts with Santa Claus searching for his successor. And oh mylanta, he decides that Ernest, a taxi driver, is the perfect man to help him inform Joe Carruthers, a children’s TV show host, that he’s the man for the job. However, on his way there, Santa Claus lands himself in some trouble. Because, why not? And now it’s up to Ernest and a girl named Harmony to help Santa before Christmas is ruined.
Ernest Saves Christmas can be described as funny and entertaining, yet lighthearted and innocent. Although not the most critically acclaimed film, it’s enjoyable and will easily get you into the holiday spirit.
Christmas With the Kranks (2004)
Christmas With the Kranks is another comedy that should be on your list of films to watch every year, and it’s a fun one to watch with those who aren’t yet in the holiday spirit.
After their daughter departs for a Peace Corps assignment in Peru, Luther and Nora Krank are excited to be alone for Christmas and take a cruise. However, their neighbors do not agree with their lack of holiday spirit. And no one is more vocal than their neighbors Vic and Walt, who want to keep up their annual reputation of the best-decorated street. Things continue to get messy for the Kranks, and they try to go against the norm to boycott Christmas.
Starring acting powerhouses Tim Allen, Dan Akroyd, Michael Emmet Walsh, and Jamie Lee Curtis – this is a gem! Christmas With the Kranks is a hilarious movie that will have you thinking twice about trying to skip Christmas.
Love, Actually (2003)
Is it really the holiday season if you don’t catch a glimpse of Love, Actually? No, it isn’t. This is probably my second favorite Christmas movie, kind of. I just have too many to name.
This 2003 gem stars an ensemble cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, and more. Just as it sounds, Love, Actually is essentially a romance film following nine interconnected love stories. Among the most prominent plotlines are that of a British prime minister who falls for their junior staffer. There’s a graphic designer with a brother who needs extra help. And a married man who is feeling “tempted” by his secretary.
Categorized as a romantic comedy, this film pulls at our heartstrings and keeps us crying and laughing. Whether you love it or hate it, Love, Actually has had a major impact on Christmas. Ever since it’s release it has been considered a classic!
Elf (2003)
Elf is a Christmas comedy that’s fun for the entire family, as it includes several jokes for both children and adults.
In this film, Buddy the Elf is a human who is accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised as an elf, despite becoming a tall adult. His height and other characteristics make him feel like he doesn’t belong. So he travels to New York City to find his real father. His dad turns out to be a contemptuous businessman named Walter. Walter is pretty boring and doesn’t seem like he has time for Buddy. But once DNA proves that Buddy is his son, they attempt to form a relationship, although it’s chaotic.
Will Ferrell can truly do no wrong, according to my husband. Elf was his first film after leaving Saturday Night Live in 2003. It totally jump-started his career. And established him as a comedy legend. Knowing the impact it’s had on his career, it’s no wonder Elf continues to be an iconic Christmas comedy today. There’s no doubt in my mind it will always be a timeless classic.
Scrooged (1988)
The next Christmas comedy we recommend watching is Scrooged. This movie is the perfect feel-good family film that hilariously shows the true meaning of Christmas.
As you can guess from the title, this film is a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Frank Cross is a successful TV executive who has caused the love of his life, Claire, to distance herself from him due to his cold and selfish ways. After firing one of his staff members on Christmas Eve, Frank is visited by ghosts who help him understand the errors of his ways and fix the wrongs he’s inflicted onto others.
The Christmas Carol is a story that has been retold, modernized, and parodied a million times, but it somehow never gets old. This modern take is now a classic and deserves to be watched at least once during the holiday season. Plus, who doesn’t love Bill Murray?
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
There was a time that any film that started with National Lampoon was bound to be comedy gold, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is no exception.
The story follows Clark Griswold, a family man whose main goal is to ensure his family has the perfect Christmas. However, in pushing for perfection, he annoys his wife and children with his constant demands. Things go left when his hick cousin Eddie and his family show up unannounced, living in their camper in the Griswold’s driveway. Things get worse when Clark finds out he isn’t getting his holiday bonus, quickly turning his perfect Christmas vision into a nightmare.
This film stars many young actors at the beginning of their careers, including Johnny Galecki and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. But it was the already-established comedy legend Chevy Chase that led the cast in this holiday classic. He used his signature comedy and hilarious face to make this film entertaining for generations to enjoy together.
Last Holiday (2006)
Next on our list of the best Christmas comedies of all time is Last Holiday.
When Georgia Byrd finds out she has a terminal illness and has only weeks to live. She decides that she should take this time to live life to the fullest. As opposed to the overly cautious life she’s been living thus far. She uses her life savings to travel to Europe and live a wealthy lifestyle. And on this journey she meets a famous chef and rediscovers what life’s about. At the same time, her feelings for her longtime crush, Sean, deepen as she’s finally free to live her truest self.
Starring Queen Latifah and LL Cool J as the two lovebirds, Last Holiday is an aspiring feel-good comedy that will bring out the laughs during your Christmas movie night.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The last Christmas comedy on our list is The Muppet Christmas Carol. And I, like you, already know that anything the Muppets are involved in is comedy gold. And The Muppet Christmas Carol is no exception.
In this film, the Muppets perform Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Kermit the Frog is played by Bob Cratchit. And Michael Caine plays the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. The movie follows the classic plot of the novel with other Muppets making appearances. Of course, including favorites such as Gonzo, Fozzie Bear, and, of course, Ms. Piggy. The film is as heartfelt as you can expect from a Muppets film, with several laughs along the way.
This is the second movie on this list that’s inspired by Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The English author probably had no idea that his story would become the blueprint for Christmas films. If you’re looking for even more Muppet comedy content this holiday season, check out the lesser-known TV movie, A Muppet Family Christmas (1987).
Final Thoughts
It isn’t Christmas if you aren’t watching at least a couple of Christmas movies. Although new movies come out every year, we always revert back to the classics. Especially when it comes to Christmas comedies. And of course, we enjoy delicious treats while we watch too!
No matter what the plot is or who the actors are, the best Christmas comedies all basically have one element in common: they’re feel-good movies that bring you joy throughout the holiday season.
If you haven’t yet seen all of the movies on this list, be sure you make time to check them out. There are so many Christmas movies to watch with so little time, so make sure you start with your favorites!
Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Thank you. Read our disclosure + terms here.
