Christmastime is about family. It’s about giving back, baking cookies, sparkling lights, and oh! Don’t forget the eggnog! Okay, so the holiday season involves a lot of joyous things. But perhaps our favorite tradition is parking our butts on the couch and watching all our favorite funny Christmas movies.
You’ve got your “once a year” hilarious films that – you guessed it – must be watched once every year. For us, those include Elf and Home Alone. And yes, we have them on VHS.
Then, you’ve got the more rogue options that might not make a repeat showing in your home, but provide some nice variety. This includes Christmas movies like Four Christmases and A Bad Moms Christmas. No offense if those are actually your favorites. Gingersnap?
And, we’ve got the new films for your list too, including Best. Christmas. Ever! and Dashing Through the Snow. If you’re looking to do a full festive film marathon, we have you covered with the best funny Christmas movies. Even for the Scroogiest types, these films are sure to elicit a chuckle or a smile.
And if nothing else, they’ll at least lighten the tense mood that resulted from your little cousin breaking another precious family ornament.
50 Funny Christmas Movies To Break Up The Awkward Family Dynamics
1. A Christmas Story (1983)
You’ll shoot your eye out, kid. Or you’ll freeze your tongue off. Think of this charming look at a small-town childhood Christmas with Ralphie and company as a great cautionary tale. It’s funny in a cringey, “I’m-so-glad-I’m-not-nine-anymore” kind of way.
2. Elf (2003)
The early 2000s were perhaps the golden age of Christmas movies. We got Elf, Jim Carrey’s Grinch, and loads of other hilarious instant classics.
If you somehow haven’t seen it, this particular flick stars Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel. It follows a human raised by elves who leaves the North Pole to reconnect with his long-lost dad. We’re still waiting on the narwhal’s spin-off, but there’s always next year.
3. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Look, Jim Carrey is a polarizing figure. You either love him or hate him. And you likely feel one of those two ways about this version of Dr. Seuss’s classic Christmas tale.
All we know for sure is that Cindy Lou Who is a style icon and we’ll be spending the rest of December with a lot of hairspray trying to master her look.
4. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Father Christmas, aka Tim Allen, stars in this family romp alongside the Scream Queen herself, Jamie Lee Curtis. Based on the John Grisham novel, “Skipping Christmas,” the film focuses on a family who decides to skip the holiday for one year since their daughter is away. But then…she returns.
They soon learn that that’s not how calendars work, and chaotic entertainment ensues.
5. Home Alone (1990)
What would an eight year old do if he was left at home alone while the entire rest of his family jetted off to France? Bravely and creatively defend his family home from thieves, apparently. Oh, and go shopping for toothpaste. This movie really is a wild ride.
6. Krampus (2015)
Christmas-horror-comedy is a genre we never thought we’d see. But alas, in 2015, it arrived in the form of Krampus.
Based on the character from folklore, this movie stars Toni Collette and Adam Scott. It shows us what would happen if instead of coal, Santa sent demons to unleash their wrath for those on the naughty list.
It’s funny, scary, and festive. Much like how scarily fast that plate of Christmas cookies just disappeared.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is an example of a holiday where everything goes wrong, in spite of Clark Griswold’s intense desire for a perfect Christmas. What’s the lesson here? That trying is fruitless? Life is disappointing? You should always check the tree for squirrels before you bring it inside?
Essentially, you should use this as a guidebook for your life. We’re pretty sure that’s the lesson.
8. A Madea Christmas (2013)
We all know and love Tyler Perry’s beloved character Madea. In this comedy film, she heads to Bucktussle, Alabama to spend time with her family. Featuring Kathy Najimy (of Hocus Pocus fame), it’s really everything you could ask for in a feel-good holiday movie. BYO tinsel.
9. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones’s Diary is a Christmas movie in the same way that Die Hard is, but we’ll take it. You know the story: right around the holidays, a charmingly imperfect lady (Jones, played by Renée Zellweger) miraculously attracts the attention of two super-hot dudes (Hugh Grant and Colin Firth).
They then spend the movie vying for her affection. What do we need to write on our Christmas list to get this same treatment?
10. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This movie is a funny take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” It stars all our favorite muppets and a perfectly-cast Michael Caine as Ebenezer Scrooge. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll have confusing dreams about puppets for the next week. Merry Christmas!
11. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen (yup, him again) stars as Scott Calvin. He becomes the new Santa Claus thanks to a classic case of right place, right time. Or wrong place, wrong time if he wasn’t looking for a new job. Or a new beard.
12. Four Christmases (2008)
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn star in this funny, charming flick about in-laws, when the couple are forced to visit with both sets of their divorced parents all in one day. It’s one of those feel-good, “you love to hate them” kind of takes on family.
You’ll either walk away feeling grateful for your in-laws, or with a fresh sense of dread about the impending holidays. Proceed with caution.
13. Jingle All the Way (1996)
This film revolves around a struggle that every parent (and well-meaning aunt) knows all too well: getting the must-have toy of the season. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in the movie that could have only come out before the rise of both Amazon and eBay. A 2022 dad would never.
14. Arthur Christmas (2011)
Who doesn’t love a good animated tale about Santa? Be quiet, Steve, no one asked you! In this film, the whole Santa family comes together to deliver a toy misplaced by Arthur, his young grandson, to a girl on Christmas day.
High stakes, and genuinely fun for the whole family, this film will make you grateful that you never agreed to go into business with your family.
15. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn star in this festive sequel to Bad Moms. And this time the moms are battling it out with their own mothers around the holiday season.
Tensions are high, and the eggnog is flowing. We assume. THB the eggnog was flowing readily when we watched it, and we might have slept through half of it. Re-watch anyone? We’ll bring mulled wine this time.
16. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
What are the odds of a single child getting abandoned in two different locations on Christmas day? If you’re like Macaulay Culkin, they’re astronomical. And you should also buy a lottery ticket.
In the Home Alone sequel, Kevin McCallister’s old opponents come back to haunt him in New York City this time. And to think, we’ve just been battling the giant rats.
17. Love Actually (2003)
The star-studded cast in Love Actually includes Liam Neeson, Laura Linney, Hugh Grant, and Emma Thompson, among others. Like, a lot of others.
There are eight love stories explored throughout the five weeks before Christmas. And it was all before cell phones were big. Just imagine the chaos!
18. The Night Before (2015)
Think of this as a Christmas version of The Hangover. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mindy Kaling, and Seth Rogen star in this funny film about a Christmas Eve tradition between childhood best friends.
But now, it must come to an end as one of the dudes is starting a family. Mass revelry ensues, Santa crawls are had, and Miley Cyrus even makes an appearance. Yeah, we saved the best part for last.
19. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
The buddy stoner comedy film marks the third in the Harold & Kumar franchise. Starring John Cho, Kal Penn, and Neil Patrick Harris, the movie is just what you’d expect it to be: funnier if you – like the main characters – are high.
20. Almost Christmas (2016)
Featuring an all-star cast with Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Mo’Nique, and plenty others, Almost Christmas is set during the first Christmas since the family matriarch died. And things are…different.
It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and everything you want from a holiday dramedy. Other than a few pounds of candy canes.
21. The Holiday (2006)
Two women on opposite sides of the world are looking for a change and decide to do a pre-Airbnb house swap over the Christmas holiday. What could go wrong? And how many adorable, attractive men could they possibly meet?
The answer is just enough, and just enough. Starring Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, and Jack Black, this will renew your passion for spontaneous travel. Sure, you may run into some rough patches. But as long as Mr. Napkin Face is involved, it’s always a win.
22. Fred Claus (2007)
Fred is St. Nick’s hell-raising brother, who gets himself into trouble, and then has to ship off to Santa’s toy factory to work off his debts.
What follows are some classic family hijinks, like when we’re forced to help cook Thanksgiving dinner, because we need to “grow up” and “take some responsibility for a change.”
23. Deck the Halls (2006)
Danny (Danny DeVito) and Steve (Matthew Broderick) find themselves in a neighborly one-up war of Christmas decorations. If nothing else, the movie will give you plenty of design inspo for your own house.
Is this the “war on Christmas” everyone keeps talking about?
24. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Who hasn’t seen this animated classic from the ‘60s? You know what – if you’re a member of Gen Z, don’t answer that.
This one isn’t strictly hilarious, but it is heartwarming. Yeah, we know we changed the rules of the list halfway through. Why do you think we’re on the naughty list?
25. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Sure, The Santa Clause 2 might not be quite as good as the original. But it is a rom-com, and who doesn’t need more of those on their watch list?<
In this festive flick, our protagonist Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) finds out he has to get married so he doesn’t lose his title. Christmas, meet Game of Thrones.
26. Best. Christmas. Ever! (2023)
A new addition to your Christmas rotation, Best. Christmas. Ever! shows what happens when you actually follow up on the threat to show up at someone’s house uninvited to see if their life is as perfect as it seems in the annual holiday card. What, you’ve never done that?
27. The Apartment (1960)
The Apartment is a Christmas movie in the way Die Hard is, but it’s an old-fashioned adventure that might actually make you thankful for Tinder.
A group of executives share an apartment to carry on extramarital trysts, but then one of them catches feelings, and the rest is history.
28. Dashing Through the Snow (2023)
This new, family-friendly comedy explores the true meaning of the season. When a divorced dad is tasked with giving his daughter a special holiday season, despite having bad memories associated with the day himself, he gets some magical help from Santa. Yes, really.
29. Boxing Day (2021)
Meeting your partner’s family at the holidays for the first time? Sounds incredibly stressful. And extremely entertaining. Luckily, it’s just the premise of this 2021 film and not your actual life. We hope.
30. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
A wily group of college friends reunite over Christmas after 15 years apart, and they realize that not much has really changed. Receding hairlines, notwithstanding.
31. Happiest Season (2020)
Featuring an all-star cast of Millennial dreams (Daniel Levy? Aubrey Plaza? Kristen Stewart? Alison Brie?), this film will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Daniel Levy’s in it, so you’re gonna laugh, too.
A tale of a closeted lesbian (Mackenzie Davis) who brings her girlfriend (Kristen Stewart) home for the holidays under false pretenses, it’s also a story about self- and familial acceptance.
32. Trading Places (1983)
The classic comedy film Trading Places stars Dan Akroyd and Eddie Murphy. Murphy was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, too, so watching this one means you’re cultured. Not that choosing Elf means… nevermind.
It asks the question, if your life circumstances were different, would you still be in the position you’re in today? A wealthy Wall Street banker and a street hustler switch places in this hilarious holiday romp.
33. Just Friends (2005)
A holiday themed romantic comedy starring Ryan Reynolds and Anna Faris? Say less. Okay, we will.
34. Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick leads Noelle, a creative film about Kris Kringle’s daughter, who is full of Christmas spirit and clearly the better choice to take over for her father as Santa Claus. But, she is constantly overlooked in favor of her brother, who… is a man.
Cue the jingle bells.
35. Scrooged (1988)
This Christmas Carol retelling features a cynical, grumpy TV executive (played by Bill Murray), who is haunted by three ghosts bearing lessons on Christmas Eve. Their names are cheese, milk, and eggnog.
36. The Family Stone (2005)
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Julie is an uptight businesswoman who visits her boyfriend (Dermot Mulroney)’s family for the holidays, and finds that she doesn’t quite fit in, in The Family Stone.
It has nothing to do with the door frame being oddly shaped, but good guess, though.
37. Spirited (2022)
Finally, a Christmas Carol adaptation starring Ryan Reynolds as the Scrooge character and Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Oh, plus, it’s a musical. What do you mean you don’t want to watch it now?
38. Unaccompanied Minors (2006)
In Unaccompanied Minors, a bunch of kids end up missing their flights due to a giant snowstorm, and wind up having to spend Christmas in the airport together.
You kind of have to be willing to suspend your disbelief for this one, to be fair.
39. Friday After Next (2002)
In this American stoner comedy film, a robber dressed as Santa Claus breaks in and steals Christmas. Did Dr. Seuss write this?
40. Bad Santa (2003)
Hey look, another film with a “bad Santa” who poses as the big guy and tries to con people and steal things. What was that about not paying writers enough for their creativity and genius?
(As writers, we are legally obligated to say we are kidding.)
41. Office Christmas Party (2016)
When CEO Carol (Jennifer Aniston) says she’s going to shut down her brother’s branch of the office if they don’t make their sales goals by the end of the year, he and the technical officer (Jason Bateman) throw an epic Christmas party in an attempt to impress their clients.
Picking up the phone when they called might have been easier, but a plan’s a plan.
42. Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
The title of this film might sound like a nightmare, but the predicament the protagonist got herself into is even worse.
Food writer Elizabeth Lane is actually not much of a cook at all, her column a complete sham. She’s forced to reckon with that when a returning war hero sets up a visit to her farm. As someone who has lied about projects almost being done one too many times, we can relate.
43. Falling for Christmas (2022)
This newer Christmas flick features all your favorite rom-com tropes: amnesia, forced proximity after a ski accident, a newly engaged heiress who doesn’t remember any of that. Oh, and Lindsay Lohan. Your evening plans are set.
44. Single All The Way (2022)
Instead of bearing his family’s incessant questioning about why he’s still single, Peter (Michael Urie) brings his friend (Philemon Chambers) home with him to pretend he’s his boyfriend. So basically, Single All The Way is a roadmap for us all to follow this year.
Did we mention that Jennifer Coolidge plays a kooky aunt?
45. Get Santa (2014)
Santa’s in jail (don’t ask), so a paroled inmate and his son pick up the reigns (literally) and attempt to save Christmas. Another one of those real “have the courage of a mediocre white man” moments.
46. Mean Girls (2004)
Is
47. Better Watch Out (2016)
Better Watch Out is a horror, but it’s really more of a comedy-horror if you ask us. (Which, you did, when you clicked this article.)
It follows suit for films like Scream that sort of poke fun at the genre while still being in-genre. If you like your humor dark, this one’s for you.
48. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
A pair of pesky kids devise a plan to capture Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles. Shockingly, all does not go to plan, and they end up having to help the big guy and save the day. High stakes, and high amounts of peppermint. So, worth it.
49. Christmas Cupid (2010)
In this made-for-TV movie, a PR executive (Christine Milian) is haunted by a recently-deceased client (Ashley Benson) who encourages her to change her ways. We could all use a true friend like that who discourages our bad choices, even in death.
50. The Princess Switch (2018)
A pair of doppelgangers switch places and fall in love with each other’s boyfriends in this funny romp starring Vanessa Hudgens. Hey, as long as they both did it, it’s okay. We think.
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