In recent years, Christmas movie marathons have become as essential to the holiday season as hot cocoa and bright, multicolored lights. Yet every December (without fail!) the holiday movie debates also begin: what’s actually worth watching during your Christmas marathon? With plenty of options, countless streaming platforms, and limited time (finals season never helps!), choosing the perfect lineup can feel strangely overwhelming.

After countless seasons spent watching Christmas movies, I’ve finally sifted through many of the classics and all-time favorites to find five which deliver the perfect balance of humor, nostalgia, and holiday spirit. Whether you’re curled up on the couch with family or at a festive movie night with friends, these timeless films are guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000 & 2018)

Is it really a perfect, complete list without our beloved Christmas-hating, green icon? Whether you grew up with the 2018 Illumination animated version with Benedict Cumberbatch or the Jim Carrey live-action version, The Grinch remains a heartwarming, humorous, and nostalgic classic for all. Carrey’s performance is chaotic and unforgettable in a way that keeps us coming back every year. On the other hand, the animated film offers vibrant, warmer visuals and a slightly more modern take on the original story. Either way, both versions remind us that even the grumpiest among us can find some holiday spirit at the end of the day!

Elf (2003)

Up next is Elf, which has somehow become just as essential as the older classics despite only being around for about two decades. Elf follows Buddy, a human accidentally raised as an elf in the North Pole, who travels to New York City in search of his biological father. Will Ferrell absolutely nails his role as Buddy, delivering an earnest enthusiasm which never feels annoying or absurd – truly bringing to life one of the most lovable holiday figures of the last 20 years. Even if you’ve seen it a dozen times, Buddy’s optimism, Christmas cheer, and questionable food choices (yes, syrup and candy-covered spaghetti) never fail to lift the mood.

Home Alone (1990)

Then we have Home Alone, the movie that definitely left a lot of us wondering what we’d do if left alone during Christmas! When eight-year-old Kevin McCallister gets left behind during his family’s Christmas vacation, he suddenly finds himself defending his home from two burglars using traps that are creative, slightly dangerous, and unforgettable. Not only is the comedy exceptional–some traps are so brutal you have to wonder how the Bandits even survived–but the classic “holiday feel” also sneaks in right when it needs to.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Next on the list is none other than The Nightmare Before Christmas! While this brings up the ongoing debate about whether this is a Halloween or Christmas movie, it truly works for both, making it the perfect pick when you’re not quite ready to let go of fall. Tim Burton's masterpiece follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with taking over the holiday. Every frame of the animation is clearly meticulously crafted and visually gorgeous, while the movie’s memorable soundtrack remains incredibly catchy. The movie offers something totally different from your typical, traditional holiday lineup, which is exactly why people keep returning to this classic year after year.

Love Actually (2003)

Last up is Love Actually, the ultimate Christmas rom-com that somehow manages to juggle multiple love stories all at once. Set in London, this film follows various interconnected characters in London during the weeks leading up to Christmas. From storylines with Prime Ministers to housekeepers to writers, this film truly has it all. Most importantly, however, the movie’s Christmas setting is warm and festive, making it a cozy and heartwarming watch that truly captures everything the holiday season is all about.

So, should you watch these five movies this holiday season? After years of rewatching these films, I can confidently say they've earned their reputations as classics for good reason. Yet everyone has different preferences when it comes to holiday movies, so you might want to throw in some of your own personal favorites to complete your official holiday watchlist.