In a hurry?

Of course, this is all subjective, but here are my favourite Christmas films available on Amazon:

1. The Muppet A Christmas Carol (1992)
2. The Grinch (2018)
3. The Polar Express (2004)
4. Home Alone (1990)
5. Die Hard (1998)

Set the scene with the perfect home cinema

With Christmas just around the corner, perhaps you’re thinking of treating yourself to something special. Or maybe a loved one has been dropping hints over the past few months, and you can’t wait to see their face light up when they unwrap that perfect gift you’ve chosen for them.

Whether it’s a new AV receiver, speakers, or cables to enhance your Christmas cheer or a present for a child who has flown the nest to help them enjoy sound as they did at home, there are plenty of accessories and larger items available at AV.com that will help you enjoy these films to their full potential.

Below are five suggestions for you to explore:

• The Klipsch KD-400 active bookshelf speakers will enhance anyone’s TV and smartphone streaming sound quality, also available with an R-8SW subwoofer
• Bring that Christmas cheer to your loved ones studying at uni with the Mackie CR Stealthbar Soundbar Bluetooth desktop speaker
• Enjoy the festive atmosphere with Elac Debut A4.2 Atmos Speakers, probably one of the most desirable home cinema speaker gifts this year
• Nothing oozes quality more than the Marantz Cinema 70s AV Receiver. Designed to impress, it has style and quality in abundance, HDMI connectivity up to 8k/60Hz, and 75w per channel. For an even more premium option which can process up to 11.4 channels’ worth of speakers and subwoofers, check out the Marantz Cinema 40 AV Receiver
• For the ultimate home cinema setup, I recommend the Optoma HD28e projector

For more ideas, check out our favourite gifts for vinyl lovers and music enthusiasts.

The best Christmas films on Amazon Prime

1. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) (Fantasy)

Jim Henson’s legacy is honoured by his sons, who created one of the most memorable retellings of A Christmas Carol. In the film, you’re transported into the whimsical musical world of the Muppets, where Michael Caine delivers an outstanding performance as Ebenezer Scrooge.

2. The Grinch (2018) (Comedy animation)

Based on Dr. Seuss’ book How the Grinch Stole Christmas, this story is set in the cheerful land of Whoville, where six-year-old Cindy Lou encounters a grumpy, green character whose heart is two sizes too small. This meeting sets off a series of events that change both of their lives forever.

3. The Polar Express (2004) (Animation)

Set on Christmas Eve, a boy who is growing increasingly sceptical about Santa Claus is whisked away to the North Pole aboard the magical Polar Express, along with other children, to confront his doubts. Fun fact: The Polar Express is the world’s first all-digital capture film.

4. Home Alone (1990) (Comedy fantasy)

Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old boy from a large, chaotic family, is accidentally left “home alone” when his family departs for a Christmas vacation to Paris. While awaiting their return, Kevin uses his wits to outsmart a pair of would-be robbers, turning his home into a fortress of clever traps.

5. Die Hard (1998) (Action)

Although not originally intended as a Christmas film, the public has spoken and “Die Hard” has become a holiday classic. This star-studded film sees NYPD Detective John McClane travel to Los Angeles to meet his estranged wife at her company’s Christmas party in Nakatomi Plaza. Unbeknownst to him, a group of terrorists, led by Hans Gruber, seizes the building, taking everyone hostage.

McClane manages to evade capture and attempts to alert the LAPD, leading to an unexpected alliance with Officer Al Powell. Together, they work to thwart the terrorists’ plans in this action-packed thriller.

6. Elf (2003) (Comedy)

This larger-than-life character, played by Will Ferrell, begins his journey as an orphaned baby who crawls into Santa Claus’s sack and is accidentally taken to the North Pole. Raised by elves, Buddy grows up unaware of his human origins. Once he is old enough, Papa Elf reveals the location of his biological father, setting Buddy on a journey to New York City to find his true family.

7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) (Fantasy)

Is it a Christmas film or a Halloween film? Does it matter? This stop-motion musical follows Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who stumbles upon a magical world filled with baubles, tinsel, and carols. Inspired by this enchanting discovery, Jack tries to bring Christmas to Halloween Town, but his well-meaning plans take a dark twist, leaving Jack to save the day and restore the holiday spirit.

8. Gremlins (1984) (Comedy horror)

A struggling inventor finds the perfect Christmas gift for his son – a mysterious creature called a Mogwai. However, the gift comes with three strict golden rules that must never be broken. When one of these rules is accidentally violated, things quickly turn bad, unleashing mischievous creatures that wreak havoc and transform the sleepy town forever.

9. Deck the Halls (2006) (Comedy)

In this fictional parody of suburban life, a father strives to create the perfect Christmas atmosphere for his family. However, his plans are disrupted when his neighbour notices his house isn’t visible on a satellite image of their town. Determined to make his home stand out, the neighbour’s extravagant actions set off a chain of events that lead to rivalry between the two men and a series of comedic events.

10. Arthur Christmas (2011) (Animation)

Santa Claus belongs to a family where the title is passed down through generations. In this fantasy film, Santa’s eldest son leads the 17th Christmas delivery operation using the high-tech S-1 sleigh, aided by an army of elves.

During the mission, a child is accidentally awakened, sparking a rescue operation that inadvertently results in a lost gift. Arthur, Santa’s clumsy yet big-hearted younger son, teams up with others to save Christmas in an adventure filled with unexpected twists.

11. Jingle All the Way (1996) (Comedy)

In this holiday comedy, workaholic salesman Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) procrastinates buying his son’s Christmas present until the last minute. He discovers that the sought-after Turbo Man action figure – the toy his son has asked for – is sold out everywhere.

Determined to fulfil his son’s wish, Howard embarks on a frantic quest across town, facing numerous obstacles, including near arrests and fierce competition from other desperate parents, all searching for the elusive toy.

12. A Christmas Carol (2009) (Animation)

We all know the classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the man who learns the true meaning of Christmas. Unlike the lighthearted Muppet version, this adaptation takes a darker and more atmospheric approach to Charles Dickens’s tale. Voiced by Jim Carrey, Scrooge’s journey with the three ghosts is brought to life in stunning animation.

13. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) (Comedy)

This Christmas classic showcases Jim Carrey’s incredible physical comedy and face-bending talents as he brings Dr. Seuss’s iconic Grinch character to life. Set in Whoville, the film follows the Grinch’s mean-spirited antics as he attempts to ruin the town’s Christmas celebrations.

14. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) (Fantasy)

This timeless classic begins as a tragic tale of George Bailey, a man whose dreams are shattered by life’s challenges and family obligations. Overwhelmed and on the brink of despair, he contemplates ending his life.

In response to prayers from his loved ones, heaven sends Clarence, an angel-in-training, to help George see the profound impact he has had on the lives of others. Through their journey, George comes to realize the true value of his existence.

15. Scrooged (1988) (Comedy)

A modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, this comedy follows Frank Cross, a ruthless and self-centred TV executive who prioritises his career and greed above all else. His life takes an unexpected turn when he is visited by three ghosts, each revealing truths that challenge his perspective and force him to confront the consequences of his actions.

16. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) (Comedy)

Fans of the Griswold family will recognise their trademark chaos in this holiday classic. This time, Clark Griswold is determined to create the perfect Christmas, starting with finding the ideal Christmas tree. What follows is a series of laugh-out-loud mishaps, including an electrifying holiday lights display and an unexpected visit from a SWAT team, all wrapped in the Griswolds’ signature brand of hilarious absurdity.

17. Nativity! (2009) (Comedy)

Primary school teacher Paul Maddens is given the responsibility of directing his school’s Nativity play, despite having his heart broken at Christmas. A white lie that Hollywood is coming to watch the performance gets out of hand, leading to a series of unbelievable and hilarious events.

18. Santa Who? (2000) (Comedy)

The ever-funny Leslie Nielsen takes on the role of Santa Claus, who suffers from amnesia after falling from his sleigh. Oblivious to his true identity, a news presenter tries to help reunite him with his family in time for Christmas. While Santa’s elite elves search for him, a young boy figures out who he really is – but will anyone believe him?

19. Jack Frost (1998) (Fantasy)

Jack, a lead singer in a rock band, is often absent and full of empty promises when it comes to his family. On a rare day at home, he and his son, Charlie, build a snowman together. Jack gives Charlie a harmonica, telling him it’s magical. Tragically, Jack is killed in a car accident shortly after.

A year later, Charlie builds another snowman and plays the harmonica and something extraordinary happens – Jack is brought back to life in the form of the snowman, giving father and son a second chance to connect.

20. Violent Night (2022) (Dark comedy)

Not for children, this dark comedy sees Santa Claus stepping in as the saviour when a group of mercenaries, led by someone calling himself “Mr Scrooge,” invades Trudy’s family home to steal their fortune.

Communicating with Santa through her walkie-talkie, Trudy (the walkie-talkie girl) inspires him to fight back. Using his magic, Santa ensures the mercenaries end up on the Naughty List, giving them far more than they bargained for.

21. Bad Santa (2003) (Dark comedy)

Another one not suitable for children, this dark comedy follows two professional thieves who pose as a shopping mall Santa and his elf to carry out their annual holiday heists. While playing the role of Santa, Willie Soke, a crude and self-destructive conman, meets Thurman, a naive and dim-witted boy who genuinely believes Willie is the real Santa.

As their unlikely friendship develops, they discover they may need each other more than they ever imagined.

22. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985) (Fantasy)

A kind-hearted toymaker and his wife from the Middle Ages are chosen to become Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus after being magically transported to the North Pole. Over centuries, Santa spreads joy by delivering gifts each Christmas. However, by the late 20th century, Santa must save Christmas from the schemes of a misled elf and a ruthless businessman.

23. Krampus (2015) (Horror)

During a tense family Christmas gathering, a dysfunctional family loses its holiday spirit, with only young Max still holding on to his belief in the season. When a severe blizzard causes a power outage across the town, the family finds themselves under siege by Krampus, the dark counterpart of Santa Claus.

24. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018) (Fantasy)

In this Disney fantasy tale, Clara’s late mother leaves a special gift for each of her children. Clara receives an intricate, egg-shaped box but struggles to open it. Following a golden thread with her name on it, Clara discovers a magical parallel world divided into four realms. She soon learns that she must step up as their saviour to restore peace and harmony.

25. 8-Bit Christmas (2021) (Comedy)

Set in 1988, this nostalgic tale is narrated by an adult recalling his childhood Christmas wish that year: a Nintendo Entertainment System. At the time, only the richest kid in town owned one and used it to gather attention by making others bring gifts to play. The film follows the boy’s hilarious and determined quest to secure the coveted console. Does he ever get his Nintendo? You’ll have to watch to find out!

26. Christmas with the Kranks (2004) (Comedy)

When their daughter decides not to come home for Christmas, the Kranks, known for hosting the neighbourhood’s biggest holiday celebration, choose to skip Christmas altogether. Their decision alienates them from their festive-loving neighbours.

However, chaos erupts when their daughter calls with just 24 hours’ notice to announce she’s coming home after all, forcing the Kranks to scramble to pull together a last-minute Christmas celebration.

27. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) (Comedy)

In this sequel to Home Alone, Kevin McCallister accidentally boards a plane to New York City while his family flies to Florida for Christmas. However, Kevin’s trademark cunningness keeps him safe as he outsmarts crooks Harry and Marv once again.

28. Miracle on 34th Street (1994) (Fantasy)

This reimagining of the iconic Christmas tale follows Kris Kringle, a man whose beliefs and claim to be the real Santa Claus are ridiculed by others who set out to destroy him. With the help of Dorey, a pragmatic department store executive, and Bryan, a kindhearted lawyer, Kris fights to clear his name and restore faith in the holiday spirit.

29. Scrooge (1970) (Musical)

Up for a fourth time, a live-action remake of the classic Christmas tale. For children of the ’70s, this version was a little scary. Without the benefit of digital special effects, the film relied on atmosphere and practical effects to create a sense of foreboding that modern adaptations sometimes lack.

30. Candy Cane Lane (2023) (Comedy)

Eddie Murphy stars as Chris Carver, a man determined for his family to have the best Christmas house decorations. During his quest, he comes across a mysterious Christmas shop with magical decorations.

31. Fred Claus (2007) (Comedy)

Fred Claus is the estranged and mischievous older brother of Santa Claus. When Fred reunites with his brother at the North Pole, chaos ensues. Taking on a new role in the workshop, Fred’s unconventional behaviour jeopardises the holiday, putting Christmas at risk.

FAQs

Are there any good Christmas movies on Amazon Prime?

There are many great Christmas movies on Amazon Prime. While researching this article, I around 100 films available to watch via Amazon Prime and its partnering channels.

Which Christmas movie has the highest rating?

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is the highest-rated Christmas film to date with Die Hard (not officially known as a Christmas film) coming a close second.

What is the most rewatched Christmas Movie?

Home Alone (1990) is the most rewatched Christmas film to date.

Final thoughts

With December fast approaching at the time of writing, compiling a list of the best Christmas films on Amazon Prime was a joy – and I couldn’t resist placing my favourite film at the top of the list.

What about you? Did we miss one of your top picks on Amazon Prime, or do you agree that some of these are true Christmas classics? Let us know in the comments!

If you’re still undecided on the perfect gift for that special someone while you’re settling in to watch one of these Christmas films, why not explore our recommendations? Check out our guide to the best gifts for music lovers, the 13 best gifts for vinyl enthusiasts, or even the top 13 active speakers. You’re sure to find something that will bring a smile to their face.