25th, December, 2024
Ah, Christmas—a season that brings families together or keeps them apart, but one thing is for certain: movies are always part of the tradition. Whether you dive into the cinematic cheer the day after Halloween, during Thanksgiving, or as December begins, the warm glow of a Christmas movie has a unique way of lighting up our hearts. With festive snacks in hand, we gather around screens, grinning as we binge-watch holiday classics.
While Hollywood delivers a steady stream of Christmas films, only a select few earn a spot on the all-time box office nice list. Streaming exclusives like Klaus, Krampus, Bad Santa, Violent Night, Jingle All the Way, or Scrooged are left out, as are classics such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and The Muppet Christmas Carol. And no, before you ask—Die Hard didn’t make the cut either (yes, it’s a Christmas movie, but the rules aren’t mine to make).
Here’s the definitive ranking of the top 10 highest-grossing Christmas movies ever made. Let the festive nostalgia begin!
10. The Santa Clause (1994)
Worldwide Gross: $190.5M | Domestic Gross: $145.5M
Tim Allen’s breakout Christmas comedy launched a lucrative franchise and became a holiday favorite. Despite its legacy, Allen wasn’t the first choice for the lead—Bill Murray and Chevy Chase turned it down. Directed by Home Improvement alum John Pasquin, The Santa Clause remains a go-to holiday staple.
9. The Holiday (2006)
Worldwide Gross: $205.8M | Domestic Gross: $63.2M
Starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, this romantic comedy about home-swapping during the holidays has become a festive classic. Directed by Nancy Meyers, the film earned lukewarm reviews upon release but has aged into a fan favorite. Fun fact: Dustin Hoffman makes a surprise cameo in the video rental scene, a nod to his role in The Graduate.
8. Elf (2003)
Worldwide Gross: $227.3M | Domestic Gross: $178M
Will Ferrell shines as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves. This modern Christmas classic, also starring James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, and Ed Asner, is full of improvisational gems—like Buddy’s iconic “Santa!” outburst. Originally written for Chris Farley, the role found its perfect fit in Ferrell.
7. The Polar Express (2004)
Worldwide Gross: $316.8M
Robert Zemeckis’ motion-capture animated adventure captures the magic of Christmas Eve through the story of a boy’s journey to the North Pole. Tom Hanks voices multiple characters, from the Conductor to Santa Claus. Though its visuals feel dated today, its heartfelt story has stood the test of time.
6. A Christmas Carol (2009)
Worldwide Gross: $325.2M
Disney’s motion-capture retelling of Dickens’ classic tale features Jim Carrey voicing Ebenezer Scrooge and several other characters. Despite mixed reviews, the 3D release drew audiences in droves, cementing it as one of the most successful adaptations of the story.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Worldwide Gross: $345.8M | Domestic Gross: $260.7M
Jim Carrey’s take on the Grinch, directed by Ron Howard, remains a holiday favorite 25 years later. While critics were divided, audiences adored the live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ story. Its success has even inspired annual “Grinchmas” events at Universal Studios theme parks.
4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Worldwide Gross: $358.9M
Critics may have been less enthusiastic about this sequel, but fans embraced Kevin McCallister’s misadventures in New York City. The cast additions, including Tim Curry as a mischievous concierge, make it a standout. Its meme-worthy moments, like the Donald Trump cameo, only add to its enduring appeal.
3. Home Alone (1990)
Worldwide Gross: $476.6M | Domestic Gross: $285.7M
A timeless classic, Home Alone turned Macaulay Culkin into a household name. The film dominated theaters for 12 straight weeks, earning its spot as a fan favorite. Its charm and humor continue to resonate with audiences of all ages.
2. The Grinch (2018)
Worldwide Gross: $526.7M | Domestic Gross: $271.3M
Illumination’s animated reimagining of Dr. Seuss’ classic features Benedict Cumberbatch as the voice of the Grinch. The highest-grossing Dr. Seuss adaptation of all time, this film brings a fresh spin to the beloved tale and won over audiences with its vibrant animation and heartwarming message.
1. The Grinch (2018)
Grossing $526.7 million globally, this animated adaptation reigns as the king of Christmas movies. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the iconic Grinch, and Illumination’s vibrant animation and humor helped make it a record-breaking success.
From animated adventures to heartfelt comedies, these films capture the spirit of Christmas and continue to bring joy to audiences worldwide. Which one is your favorite? 🎄✨