‘Tis the season to start watching Christmas movies, and if you’re looking for the perfect film to watch to get you in the holiday spirit, we’ve got you covered. Amazon Prime Video doesn’t make it easy, exactly, to find what you’re looking for, but below we’ve assembled a list of the best Christmas movies they currently have to offer. These range from bona fide classics to underseen gems, so whether you’re looking for something comforting or brand new, you’ll surely find the right film.
You can find our top-rated Christmas movies on Amazon Prime here.
“Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”
If you’re still in denial that Halloween is over, then “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas”The perfect place to be! “transition”Movie to get you in the Christmas spirit. The animated stop-motion film is based on the original concept of Tim Burton. It follows Jack Skellington (the king of Halloween Town), who becomes disillusioned with the traditions of Halloween every year. After he discovers Christmas Town, Jack becomes obsessed with getting the ghouls & goblins ready for celebrations. Henry Selick directs this delightfully spooky but ultimately touching story of an outsider who finds his heart in the right places. They are also great songs.
“It’s a Wonderful Life”
If for some reason you’ve never seen “It’s a Wonderful Life,”Now is the right time. You’ve no doubt heard this one’s a classic, but you’re surely not prepared for just how great and compellingThis film has been remade more than 70 years ago. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, who gives up his personal dreams to do a good deed for his future wife and town. But after attempting to take his own life on Christmas Eve he’s given the opportunity to see what would have happened to the town and those he loved had he never been born. Frank Capra’s fantasy drama is a surprisingly dark, poignant and ultimately faith-restoring film.
“Jingle All the Way”
Okay “Jingle All the Way”This is not what we would consider a “good” thing. Great film, but for those who watched it when they were kids in the ’90s, it certainly holds a certain nostalgic appeal. Arnold Schwarzenegger plays the role of a father who waited until the last minute to get his son Turbo Man action figures, the most desired Christmas gift. He spends the day running all around the city and fighting off other last-minute shoppers to try and make his son’s Christmas dream come true. Schwarzenegger and Sinbad make for an unlikely pair, and Phil Hartman is a scene-stealer in his supporting role as Schwarzenegger’s neighbor.
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
You’re likely to find “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” playing on cable on a loop, but if you want to fire this one up at will, Amazon’s got you covered. The third film in this trilogy. “Vacation” franchise is the best, as Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold hosts his and his wife’s extended families at their house for Christmas, all while he’s awaiting a bonus from his boss that will make his dream of building a pool come true. Chaos ensues everywhere you turn “go,”This film has been a classic due to how well (and somewhat mean-spiritedly!) it captures holiday stress with your family.
“The Polar Express”
The beloved children’s book “The Polar Express”Animation film treatment thanks to “Back to the Future”And “Who Framed Roger Rabbit”Robert Zemeckis was the filmmaker of this film in 2004. It has been a Christmas staple. Zemeckis used rudimentary motion capture technology throughout the film. This resulted in Tom Hanks’s somewhat sloppy performance as he played a variety of characters. This movie has been a hit with a particular generation.
“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
There are countless adaptations of Dr. Seuss’ “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”Amazon offers the 2000 live-action version, starring Jim Carrey and the green curmudgeon. As directed by Ron Howard, this adaptation brings Seuss’ world into live-action in fairly faithful fashion, with particularly impressive production design and makeup. Carrey is loads of fun as the titular Grinch, although it’s best not to read up on It’s a miserable timeThe actor was wearing all of that makeup on set.
“Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas” (1977)
This charming Christmas classic was broadcast in Canada in 1977, and in the U.S. on HBO in 1978. It is filled with charm, humor, humor, and some truly amazing songs, written by Paul Williams, a frequent collaborator of Henson and all-around genius. Based on a 1971 children’s book of the same name, Jim Henson’s “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas”Concerns Jerry Nelson, the title otter. He lives down by the river with Marilyn Sokol, his mother. Emmet and Mary Sokol decide to join a local talent competition for Christmas. The goal is to win the top prize and receive something special. Ingenious theatre techniques were used to create the scene. Some of these would have an impact on the production. “The Muppet Movie”) and full of colorful characters (we are partial to the animals that make up the River Bottom Nightmare band, including Dave Goelz’s wily catfish), “Emmet Otter’s Jugband Christmas”It has become a Christmastime tradition over the years. Notable: The Amazon Prime Video version includes Kermit the Frog interstitial content, which was previously banned from home video versions of the special due to rights issues.