Creating a modern Christmas classic is no easy feat, yet the 21st century has introduced moviegoers to some seriously unforgettable holiday staples. When attempting to live up to the legacy of cinematic greats likeMiracle on 34th StreetandIt’s a Wonderful Life, it can be quite daunting to try and create a memorable movie centered on the beloved holiday that is able to appeal to the masses.
And yet, beloved performers like Jim Carrey, Will Ferrell, Cameron Diaz, and Hugh Grant have helped breathe new life into the Christmas genre and were phenomenal in their performances in festive flicks. From raunchy r-rated movies likeBad Santato celebrated rom-com hits likeThe Holiday, let’s take a look at some of the best Christmas movies of the 21st century (so far).
11A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
The titular lovable goofball stoners were back at their zany ways yet again in the 2011 buddy comedyA Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, which is set six years after their daring escape from Guantanamo Bay. The movie follows the now estranged pals as they are brought back together after Kumar (Kal Penn) receives a mysterious package addressed to Harold (John Cho), with their reunion resulting in Harold’s father-in-law’s cherished Christmas tree going up in smoke. The dynamic duo embark on a quest to replace the majestic tree, with mayhem and debauchery naturally ensuing.
What Makes It a Great Christmas Movie
The winning chemistry between Penn and Cho is palpable on the screen, and their effortless camaraderie and side-splitting banter are reason enough to check out the fun and goofy flick. Would it really be a Harold and Kumar adventure if they didn’t just-so-happen to cross paths withthe one and only Neil Patrick Harris?
TheHow I Met Your Motherstar embraced his wild side once again and, this time, his fictionalized self was kicked out of Heaven after dying, only to develop telepathic powers and help save the day for the stoner friends.Stream on Max.
In this dark comedy, the crotchety Willie T. Stokes (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner (Tony Cox) reunite once a year for a holiday con. Posing as a mall Santa and his elf, they rip off shopping outlets on Christmas Eve. This year, however, Willie is falling apart. He’s depressed and alcoholic, and his erratic behavior draws the suspicion of mall security (Bernie Mac). But when befriending a small boy brings out his kinder side, Willie begins to wonder if there is still some hope for him.
Billy Bob Thornton was an absolute riot as a foul-mouthed, booze-loving department store Santa Claus in the raunchy 2003 black comedyBad Santa, centering on notorious thief Willie T. Soke and his loyal assistant Marcus Skidmore (Tony Cox) as he once again takes a job posing as Kris Kringle in order to rip off various stores on Christmas Eve. Willie begrudgingly finds himself connecting with a dim-witted but sweet young boy while also attracting the unwanted attention of a suspicious mall security guard (Bernie Mac).
Related:The Darkest Depictions of Santa Claus in Film
This R-rated farceis jam-packed with profanity, debauchery, and an abundance of rude and crude jokes, and Thornton was an absolute delight as the gloriously vulgar, sex-crazed Santa. He won out the role over fellow stars like James Gandolfini, Bill Murray, and Robert De Niro, with theactor later statingafter the success of the film that audiences “like to watch him play that kind of guy” and that “casting directors call him up when they need an a**hole.” The comedy proved to be both a smash hit with critics and moviegoers, grossing over $76 million and leading to a 2016 sequel.Stream on Paramount+.
9How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas!
Undeniably, one of the greatest book-to-film adaptations of all time is Ron Howard’s 2000 fantasy comedyHow the Grinch Stole Christmas, which enlisted the talent of comedic legend Jim Carrey to star as the Christmas-loathing misanthropic furry green creature as he plots to ruin the festive holiday for all the Whos down in Whoville. The unparalleled funnyman shared the screen with stars like Taylor Momsen, Molly Shannon, and Jeffrey Tambor in thisDr. Seuss-inspired extravaganza, and marked the first time the author’s book was given a full-length feature film.
Before Carrey was cast as the diabolical Grinch, both Eddie Murphy and Jack Nicholson were heavily considered for the role, and studio executives were initially worried whoever had the role would be unrecognizable in the part due to the heavy and elaborate make-up, which took around2.5 hours to apply.
Carrey’s unmistakable magnetism and humor helped soothe such concerns, and despite production being a grueling time for the actor because of the intense costume, he knocked it out of the park and helped the flick rake in over $345 million at the box office while earning a Golden Globe nomination.Rent on Prime Video.
8The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday
With a sensational star-studded cast led by Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, the fan-favorite 2006 romantic comedyThe Holidayfocuses on two women on opposite sides of the world who, after experiencing some devastating relationship woes, decide to swap homes for the Christmas season in an effort to escape their respective heartbreaks. Despite both Iris (Winslet) and Amanda’s (Diaz) overwhelming desire to have a man-free getaway, both love and friendship show up in the most unexpected way for the duo.
Not only are both Diaz and Winslet fantastic in their roles as the lovelorn ladies, but Law’s adorable “Mr. Napkin Head” moment andBlack’s charismatic outingas the swoon-worthy Miles helped makeThe Holidaya modern-day Christmas classic. Devoted viewers of the flick will also remember the scene-stealing Eli Wallach’s poignant speech to Iris about being her own leading lady, and, of course, his explanation of the epic meet-cute. Iris' friendship with Arthur Abbott (Wallach) is one of the most endearing elements in the Christmas hit.Stream on Hulu.
7Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas
The endearing and spirited 2011animated holiday comedyArthur Christmasfollows Santa Claus' bumbling but well-intentioned son Arthur (James McAvoy) as he sets out on a valiant mission with his wise-cracking grandfather Grandsanta (Bill Nighy) and an eager young elf to personally deliver a gift to an overlooked child on Christmas Eve. Arthur has just two hours until the dawn of Christmas morning to get the present to the little girl, and he goes on a major journey of self-discovery along the way.
With an uplifting premise, quirky characters, and some seriously spectacular visuals,Arthur Christmasis a family-friendly flick that is sure to entertain viewers of all ages. Audiences awarded the festive comedy an admirable A- CinemaScore, and it also received five Annie Award nominations as well as a Golden Globe nod for Best Animated Feature Film.TheSan Diego Readerravedabout the picture in their review, writing:
“This witty, handsomely appointed 3-D animated feature is the most delightful Santa biopic since Edmund Gwenn donned the fat suit.”
Stream on Max.
6Happiest Season (2020)
Happiest Season
Clea DuVall directed the 2020 holiday romantic dramedyHappiest Season, focusing on the loving relationship between Abby Holland (Kristen Stewart) and Harper Caldwell (Mackenzie Davis) as the young couple head home for the holidays to celebrate with the latter woman’s conservative family. Things take a dicey turn when it is revealed that Harper has yet to come out to her family, causing tension within their dynamic and leading Abby to question just who her partner truly is.
Hailed as both a major achievement in both the rom-com world and holiday genre,Happiest Seasonprovides a refreshing shake-up to the more formulaic Christmas flicks by making it an LGBT-centric story, and touts a dynamic supporting cast including Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, and Alison Brie. The film also features a top-tier performance by Stewart and depicts the importance of being true to one’s self no matter how intimidating that prospect may be.Stream on Hulu.
5Violent Night (2022)
Violent Night
David Harbor dons the silk red coat and hat of Santa Claus in Violent Night, a black comedy Christmas action film by director Tommy Wirkola. A group of mercenaries lays siege on the property of a wealthy family on Christmas Eve in hopes of scoring a self-bestowed gift of $300 million, leaving Santa Claus as the unlikely but capable last line of defense. Though the family themselves may not be perfect, the youngest daughter remains a kind-hearted child. With her help, and a unique repertoire of magical skills and tools at his disposal, Santa will double-check his naughty and nice list as he dispenses his own brand of justice to the assailants.
Stranger Thingsbreakout star David Harbourportrayed a disenchanted, butt-kicking version of Jolly Saint Nick in the 2022 action comedy hitViolent Night, which follows Santa Claus as he sets out to rescue a little girl and her wealthy family from a group of lethal mercenaries who hold their compound hostage, taking the criminals down one-by-one to save Christmas and deliver some much-needed justice. Harbour is joined by John Leguizamo and Beverly D’Angelo in the offbeat movie, which was a critical and commercial success.
Related:Violent Night Review: David Harbour Delivers Unique Brand of Santa
Violent Nightprovides an exceptional mix of thrilling action sequences and humor, with Harbour shining in the role of Santa Claus as he kicks butt and takes names (putting them firmly on the naughty list), while also fighting to rediscover his love for humanity and the holiday.The Times UKbrilliantly summed upthe exhilarating and uproarious flick in their glowing review, writing:
“Die HardmeetsMiracle on 34th Street.That’s it. That’s the pitch. And most of this blood-soaked action comedy neatly fulfills those expectations.”
Stream on Prime Video.
4The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express
From thebrilliant mind of Robert Zemeckiscomes the 2004 animated fantasyThe Polar Express, with the acclaimed director partnering up with frequent collaborator Tom Hanks for the wondrous holiday picture and adaptation of the popular children’s book. Set on Christmas Eve in 1950s Grand Rapids, the visually stunning film follows a skeptical young boy as he takes an incredible ride on the titular passenger train to the North Pole to visit Santa Claus, discovering the importance of the magic and wonder of the beloved holiday.
Hanks voiced an impressive six characters in the breathtaking triumph, which was filmed with motion capture equipment in a black box stage. At the time of its production,The Polar Expresswas the most expensive animated film ever, with a budget of roughly $170 million — and the epic gamble paid off, as it went on to eventually earn over $314 million and receive three Academy Award nominations, while also winning the Grammy for Josh Groban’s spellbinding original song “Believe.“Stream on Hulu.
3Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually
A go-to Christmas classic for audiences all across the world, the 2003 romantic comedyLove Actuallychronicles the complicated love lives of a diverse group of people in London as they prepare for the impending holiday, with their stories interconnecting in unique and colorful ways.The blockbuster hitdirected by Richard Curtis has an epic ensemble cast largely composed of English actors, including Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley (among countless others).
Despite garnering a mixed response by critics, fans couldn’t get enough of the engrossing and heartwarming picture, with many falling in love with the handsome British prime minister David (Grant) and the adorably smitten adolescent Sam (Thomas Brodie-Sangster). It’s impossible to forget the iconic scene in which the lovelorn Mark (Andrew Garfield) professed his love for his best friend’s new bride Juliet (Knightley) via cue cards, all of which helped establish it as a modern-day Christmas classic.Stream on Netflix.
2Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell delivered one of the finest performances ofhis illustrious careerwhen he headlined the sensational 2003 Christmas comedyElf, which centers on the whimsical Buddy as he is raised by elves in the North Pole and completely believes he is one of Santa’s not-so-little helpers, only to shockingly learn years later he is in fact a human whose father resides in New York City.
Buddy decides to find his biological dad (James Caan) and reunite with the man, and in the process experiences a massive culture shock that completely changes his outlook on life.
Widely regarded as not only Ferrell’s greatest role but also one of the most unforgettable portrayals in Christmas movie history,Elfcaptivated moviegoers everywhere with its phenomenal screenplay, lively humor, and wholesome premise.
Fans watched in delight as Buddy wondrously (and hilariously) explored New York City, enjoyed a heaping plate of spaghetti and syrup, and brought holiday cheer to whoever was lucky enough to cross his path.Elfis undeniably one of the greatest Christmas films of all time and is a must-see staple.Stream on Hulu.
