It’s finally Christmas movie season. Here at Karen Millen, we are all too excited to stick on our favourite Christmas movies and cosy up in front of the tree. But what is the best Christmas movie? What movies should we watch around Christmas? And is Die Hard even a Christmas movie?
We asked KMHQ to rank 9 classic Christmas movies, provide thoughts, and present their honourable mentions. Movies were ranked by enjoyment levels and festive feelings, so read on for Karen Millen’s top Christmas movies for 2024. We think you’ll be surprised by our findings.
9. Die Hard
2.24 Stars
While we appreciate that Die Hard is a classic action movie loved by many, it simply does not deliver the Christmas spirit like the rest of the movies on this list. We asked everyone who took part to tell us whether they personally considered Die Hard to be a Christmas movie, and 62.5% said no.
While one person told us Die Hard is their family’s go-to Christmas Eve movie, many people simply stated “this is not a Christmas movie”.
Fantastic movie, with a star-studded cast and iconic one liners, but just doesn’t deliver enough festive cheer for us at KM!
8. The Santa Clause
2.75 Stars
A 90’s classic, The Santa Clause brings with it a sense of unbeatable nostalgia. One of our colleagues stated that this movie keeps the fantasy alive, with its magical storytelling and 90’s charm. Another said that they always enjoy this movie more than they think they’re going to, so if you’ve never seen it, or haven’t watched it for a while, give it a go this festive season.
7. The Polar Express
2.95 Stars
Perhaps the most divisive movie on this entire list, The Polar Express gained an almost equal amount of votes for each star rating. Opinions range from “I don’t like the animation style” to “this is the only film you should be watching on Christmas Eve”. From Tom Hanks playing a multitude of characters, to the unique animation, to the scene with the singing elves at the finale, The Polar Express is certain to elicit that warm, festive feeling.
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol
3.12 Stars
A classic story, retold with everyone’s favourite puppets, The Muppet Christmas Carol is a Christmas movie that shouldn’t ever be overlooked. KMHQ opinions included that this move reminds us of Christmastime at school so brings back nostalgic memories, to “it’s brilliant. Michael Caine plays the most serious character in a sea of Muppets”, to “Christmas + the Muppets + Michael Caine singing. What's not to love?”
5. Love, Actually
4 Stars
We’ve reached the top 5, and only just missing out on a top 3 placement is Love, Actually. This movie got a lot of love in our survey:
“This is the best Christmas film ever!”
“A Christmas classic! Sad, funny, all the emotions really!”
“Easy, comforting, Hugh Grant dancing on the stairs.”
“The ultimate Christmas film. No question.”
“An absolute classic, watch it every year!”
3. Home Alone
4.05 Stars
Coming in joint third with an impressive 4.05 stars, is Home Alone. Clearly very beloved by the KM team, here’s what they had to say:
“Home Alone is a classic! You can’t have Christmas without it.”
“The soundtrack to this movie is so festive and heartwarming”
“Home Alone 2 is elite”
“This is the best Christmas film, and it still feels current too”
“I love Home Alone! Me and my sister would watch this every Christmas growing up”
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
4.05 Stars
Sharing the third place with Home Alone is another beloved classic, featuring everyone’s favourite furry, green anti-hero. KMHQ have rated How the Grinch Stole Christmas highly for the best Christmas movie. Read what they had to say:
“I love the Grinch! Such a Christmas classic”
“An easy watch at the beginning of Christmas - one for watching when you put the tree up”
“This is Jim Carrey in his prime”
“This movie is pure, festive joy. The special effects still look great, the costumes are gorgeous, and it still makes me laugh after all these years”
2. The Holiday
4.37 Stars
Second place on the festive podium goes to The Holiday. A star studded cast meets idyllic settings and heartwarming storylines: a Christmas recipe for success. Jude Law is a clear favourite amongst KMHQ:
“It wouldn't be Christmas if you didn't watch The Holiday.”
“The best.”
“The music in this film is everything! And Jude Law too of course.”
“The best Christmas film ever. Jude Law makes it.”
“Such a fabulous film. Love it!”
1. Elf
4.40 Stars
Finally, we have reached first place. The top of Karen Millen’s watch list, and the most enjoyed film across KMHQ is Elf. From its fun storyline, to its even funnier writing, and uplifting message, Elf is a Christmas movie that transcends generations and has made its own traditions.
“We watch this when we put the tree up, perfect for getting in the festive spirit”
“Our putting up the Christmas tree watch, every year”
KMHQ also love the comedic work of Will Ferrell, and the feelings this film evokes:
“It's still hilarious no matter how many times you watch it! "SANTAAAA"”
“I love Elf. It’s so funny!”
“Will Ferrell is a genius”
“Best movie ever! Immediately gets you in the Christmas spirit! HILARIOUS”
“The funniest, most uplifting Christmas movie”
Honourable Mentions
Of course, this is not an extensive list of every Christmas movie, and we knew that our KM team would have more favourites to shout about. Please read on for even more Christmas movie inspiration. Some controversial takes, some new movies that may inspire you to watch something different this year. What do you think? Is Elf the best Christmas movie? Does Die Hard even count? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
“Bridget Jones! It starts in the festive period, she has to wear a Christmas jumper, they kiss in the snow! It's about as festive as it gets”
“Christmas with the Kranks is the ultimate best Christmas film ever, along with Deck the Halls - super cringe but a goodie. Four Christmasses is also a classic.”
“Klaus - SO good. It came out on Netflix probably 4-5 years ago and anyone I tell to watch it absolutely loves it. Love it!!”
“Family man, with Nicolas Cage. It’s my family's tradition to watch every year!”
“My favourite movie is the Nightmare Before Christmas - but I’m not sure if that’s a Christmas or Halloween film!”
“Jack Frost, The Snowman, Nativity, Gremlins”
“You can’t forget Scrooged!”
Merry Christmas to all of our KM customers. We hope you can find some festive inspiration from our recommendations, and enjoy some festive fun - we certainly had fun debating Christmas movies in the office!
