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    Home / Faith & Life

    31 Best Christian Christmas Movies to Binge Watch This Year

    By Jaime Published in Faith & Life Last Updated on October 30, 2021

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    This list of the 31 best Christian Christmas movies will help you remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. 

    Couple watching movies from the best Christian Christmas movies list

    The holiday season is almost here! With the colder weather comes the urge to curl up on the couch with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, a roaring fire in the fireplace, and a feel-good Christmas movie. While we certainly enjoy all the classic childhood holiday movies, we’re also drawn to more religious Christmas movies that prompt us to remember the reason for the season.

    That’s where this ultimate list of Christian Christmas movies comes in. Some are more religious-themed than others, but all of them portray an underlying message of faith and the true meaning of Christmas. These festive films are perfect for sprinkling in throughout the next few weeks and maybe even watching together with the whole family. It’s one of our favorite holiday traditions.

    After all, the Christmas season really isn’t about all the pretty gifts and glittering lights… it’s about celebrating our Savior’s birth, finding ways to give and bless others, and treasuring the people around us. It’s truly the best time of year!

    Best Christmas movies list - pin

    31 Best Christian Christmas Movies

    We may receive compensation for products mentioned in this article or if you click a link, at no additional cost to you.


    1. It’s a Wonderful Life

    Click here to watch

    With the endearing message that ‘no one is a failure who has friends,’ Frank Capra’s heartwarming masterpiece continues to endure, and after over 70 years, this beloved classic still remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made. Quite possibly one of the best Christmas movies of all time! It truly is a wonderful and meaningful life. Starring George Bailey.


    2. Miracle on 34th Street

    Click here to watch

    Six-year-old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) is skeptical of the Christmas myth surrounding Santa Claus / Saint Nicholas, a trait she perhaps learned from her mother, Dorey (Elizabeth Perkins). When tasked with hiring the Santa who will pose with kids at Macy’s, Dorey enlists a man with the curious name of Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) who claims to be Santa himself. His assertions are met with scoffs and threats of institutionalization, but a young lawyer, along with Susan and Dorey, comes to his defense.


    3. Charlie Brown Christmas

    Click here to watch

    Grab your hot cocoa — Christmastime is here! Happiness and cheer. And for Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic holiday delight. Christmas lights may be twinkling red and green, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play. And what’s a Christmas play without a Christmas tree? But everyone makes fun of the short, spindly nevergreen Charlie Brown brings back – until the real meaning of Christmas works its magic!


    4. The Ultimate Gift

    Click here to watch

    When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens inherits his grandfather’s crash course on life: 12 tasks-or-gifts-designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways. The “course” sends Jason on a journey of self-discovery that forces him to reevaluate his priorities and determine what he thinks the most important things in life really are. Christian films like this one are true gems.


    5. The Heart of Christmas

    Click here to watch

    Austin and Julie Locke are devastated when they learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. But with courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax a one last Christmas, even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of caring and support. Starring Candace Cameron Bure.


    6. The Farmer and The Belle – Saving Santaland

    Click here to watch

    Sparks fly between a famous model and a farmer with a young daughter when she visits her childhood home. The town is in danger of losing their beloved Santaland festival, but miracles can happen with a little love, family, and faith. This movie packs a powerful message about treasuring a person for their inner goodness and qualities–goodness and qualities not based on what a person does, but through their relationship with God, who “magnificently made them.”


    7. Christmas at Water’s Edge

    Click here to watch

    For spoiled, wealthy college girl Layla Turner (Keshia Knight Pulliam, from TV’s The Cosby Show), Christmas usually means designer wrapping paper and holiday gift bags from Bloomingdale’s. But this year, Layla will learn the true meaning of the season when an unlikely angel in disguise arrives with a very special mission: to turn this pampered brat into a caring young woman! Don’t miss this unforgettable modern-day Christmas Carol – a coming-of-age story full of heart and soul.


    8. VeggieTales: The Best Christmas Gift

    Click here to watch

    Bob and Larry are preparing for their first Christmas show in Mr. Nezzer’s theater and the show seems to be headed for disaster. Bob begins to wonder how to celebrate Christmas when everything is going wrong. It’s when the Veggie Tales crew goes back to the very first Christmas, where times were tough and things didn’t seem to be working out, that they all learn the promise of Christmas – God is with us. It’s a timeless story of hope that every family will enjoy!


    9. The Little Drummer Boy

    Click here to watch

    Celebrate the true spirit of Christmas in the original holiday special, The Little Drummer Boy. Frustrated with the world, the lonely orphan Aaron finds solace in his animal friends and playing the drum. After traveling through the desert to Bethlehem, he finds himself witnessing the birth of baby Jesus. 


    10. Homeless for the Holidays

    Click here to watch

    When an uncaring executive falls from the corporate ladder, he learns how difficult it can be to find work and compassion in today’s economy.  He eventually accepts a humiliating job, but with bills rapidly piling up, and not enough money to go around, he quickly discovers that, unless something changes soon, he’ll lose everything by Christmas. Will family and faith be enough to bring joy when you’re Homeless for The Holidays?


    11. The Family Man

    Click here to watch

    Jack Campbell (Academy Award winner Nicolas Cage) is a single, wealthy Wall Street trader living the high life in New York City. All that magically changes one winter morning when he wakes up in suburban New Jersey next to Kate (Téa Leoni), the girlfriend he left 13 years ago. He’s now got two kids, he’s traded in his Ferrari for a minivan, and he’s trying not to lose his mind. Find out what it takes for a single-minded businessman to become The Family Man in this heartwarming holiday comedy about second thoughts and second chances.


    12. The Note

    Click here to watch

    The Note is vaguely reminiscent of the 1999 Kevin Costner film Message in a Bottle–in which a newspaper reporter finds a letter in a bottle and tracks down the author. A tragic story which shows grace, compassion and redemption. This is a touching movie and perfect for the Christmas holiday!


    13. The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe

    Click here to watch

    C.S. Lewis wrote this story to explain the elements of good and evil, sacrifice and resurrection, and faith, which are the elements of the Christ story, to children. In other words, be like the older brother who can make mistakes but is caring of his family and brave, and not like the younger sinful brother who was selfish and deceitful and betrayed his siblings in both innocuous and serious matters and for whom the “king” (lion) had to sacrifice himself. It even has females as the only witnesses to the risen king. The younger brother is both redeemed and forgiven.


    14. The Star

    Click here to watch

    In this adorable movie, a small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and teams up with Ruth the loveable sheep and Dave the hilarious dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star of Christmas on the adventure of their dreams, filled with lots of laughter – and become part of the greatest story ever told.


    15. The Least of These: A Christmas Story

    Click here to watch

    Rose, a homeless single mother, and her young daughter Katy discover hope in a small-town diner. They are befriended by a feisty waitress, a big hearted short order cook and a store front Santa that gets served a valuable lesson in forgiveness. Rose’s “chance” encounter with a wealthy art collector could change her path…if she chooses. This magical Christmas, it’s the smallest one that teaches the greatest lesson we could ever hope to learn – opening our hearts to the power of forgiveness . . . of others and ourselves.


    16. The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

    Click here to watch

    Five-time Emmy nominee and Golden Globe winner Henry Winkler stars in The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, the story of what happens when you open your heart to the power of Christmas. Disenchanted single mom Jennifer Cullen (Brooke Burns) is a Scroogette when it comes to anything Christmas. In fact, even her six-year-old son, Brian, is having trouble believing in Santa Claus. But when her Uncle Ralph (Henry Winkler) visits and brings a fellow passenger from his flight named Morgan Derby (Warren Christie), Jennifers dubious heart awakens to the possibility that perhaps Christmas really does hold miracles.


    17. By God’s Grace

    Click here to watch

    From a meager beginning to owning a thriving air charter service, the Taylors devoted their lives to their children. Raising them with a solid foundation of faith, they taught them through example to love others and give to their community. Their passion was volunteering and financially supporting the local youth shelter. However when tragedy strikes, Chris turns his back on his faith and the shelter. His choices are leading to destruction unless he changes his ways. Will an unlikely visit save what is about to be lost?


    18. Wish For Christmas

    Click here to watch

    When a high school senior finds out from her parents that she has to miss the town’s winter dance to attend Christmas Eve service at church, she successfully wishes their faith away, bringing disastrous consequences to her family and community. To restore their faith, she is led through a series of Christmas adventures that change her heart and those around her.


    19. Christmas in the Smokies 

    Click here to watch

    Clinging to the only life she’s ever known, a headstrong woman (along with her loving parents) finds herself on the verge of losing her family’s berry farm in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, to an impending retail expansion. Although there is a seriously difficult situation in the family, there is also a lot of love, community support, and joy in this movie.


    20. The Perfect Gift

    Click here to watch

    Max is a young girl who just happens to have a birthday on the same day that Jesus was born, but she does not like it. She also is not happy that her school assignment is to write about Christmas. As Jes helps Max with her essay, he also helps the community, her mother and the assistant minister see how important God’s perfect gift to us was, the gift of love. It also takes a look at what is happening in the world today at this very special holiday season. That Christmas is a time for kindness and love, not gifts and shopping. And that people need to stand up for what they believe in and not let others that do not believe bully us in hiding the real reason we celebrate Christmas. An overlooked gem!


    21. Christmas Grace

    Click here to watch

    Christmas Grace tells the story of two rival toy store owners during Christmas time. Gary, who runs an honest business and has a good relationship with his customers. Everything is running smooth for Gary until he hears of a new bigger store opening up across the street from him. This owner, Jim, is a ruthless businessman who will stop at nothing to grow his business and eliminate his competition. Since his most immediate competition happens to be Gary s store, he sets his target on him. As the story unfolds it becomes very clear that God is at work in the lives of these two men, and Gods Grace and Providence work out in ways neither one of them could of imagined.


    22. Christmas for a Dollar

    Click here to watch

    Inspired by a true story, Christmas for a Dollar is a holiday classic about a family that finds out what truly brings joy and love at Christmas. In the midst of the Great Depression, the Kamp family has struggled since Mrs. Kamp’s untimely death. The older children do their best to take care of the family, but the younger children struggle the most with a bleak-looking future. With mounting debt, the siblings fully expect a Christmas without presents. However, when Father scrapes together a dollar in coins, everything changes. As each child comes up with a special gift to give another member of the family, they soon begin to discover that the spirit of Christmas is priceless.


    23. Christmas Manger

    Click here to watch

    Fleeing an abusive relationship, Jessica is reunited with her estranged foster father, “Chap”, a rough-around-the-edges rancher. With the help of a handsome neighbor, the group learns to trust again and discovers that there is hope and healing at the manger.


    24. The Nativity Story

    Click here to watch

    It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod’s torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman’s faith is put to the test. Join Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) on an incredible journey of hope and discovery in this biblical account of the birth of Jesus. Epic in its scope, yet intimate in it’s portrayal of this historical family, this wonderful film is a family feature that will be cherished for years to come! 


    25. Chasing the Star

    Click here to watch

    Three Magi Priests from different regions of the world journey through the unforgiving desert in hopes of finding proof of an age old prophecy. But Kings of men and fallen angels will stop at nothing to destroy the Magi and the baby boy they hold dear. These evils force the Wise Men to confront and make peace with the past in order to prepare for the arrival of the newborn King.


    26. Christmas on Salvation Street

    Click here to watch

    A pastor and his two daughters move into a new but troubling town, which he needs to lead back to the Lord. We also find a troubled teenage boy whose grandmother passes away and leaves him and his younger brother in the care of the pastor, but is not willing to submit to him and let him help him. It’s a good movie, about persistence and faith in the Lord against all odds.


    27. The Preacher’s Wife

    Click here to watch

    Starring Academy Award(R)-winner Denzel Washington and multi-talented Whitney Houston, here’s a delightful romantic comedy to send spirits soaring! Washington plays a charming angel named Dudley who’s sent to earth to help a young minister and his beautiful wife revive their marriage, but things take a hilarious twist when Dudley accidentally falls in love with the preacher’s wife. 


    28. The Bishop’s Wife

    Click here to watch

    Recently re-made as “The Preacher’s Wife” starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston, this Christmas time movie original was nominated for 5 Academy Awards! Cary Grant stars as an angel come to earth in answer to the prayers of a struggling young bishop. 


    29. Angels In the Snow

    Click here to watch

    It’s not often one comes across a made for television Christmas show that really hits home, but Angels in the Snow manages to do just that. When nothing short of a miracle can hold a deteriorating family together, a Christmas getaway sets the stage for a miracle to occur. A heartwarming family story of love, loss and rediscovery.


    30. The Christmas Candle

    Click here to watch

    The Christmas Candle is a timeless holiday film for the entire family. Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights the Christmas Candle will receive a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When a progressive young minister from London arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles: good deeds and acts of kindness. Now with a skeptic in the pulpit, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve his family’s legacy. When the Christmas Candle goes missing the miraculous and human collide in the most astonishing Christmas the village of Gladbury has ever seen.


    31. The Bells of St. Mary’s

    Click here to watch

    The Bells of St. Mary’s is a wonderful film that stars Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman as two people at odds with each other, but who learn from each other as time goes on. The message of the film is the spirit of giving, and how that heals and helps the soul. Considered a Christmas film, there’s very little Christmas in it, but the overall message (benevolence) makes it a popular choice around the holiday season. 


    Honorable Mentions. Other family friendly Christmas movies with a good message are Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, White Christmas, Home Alone, and Polar Express.


    You might also like these posts:

    • Awesome Advent Calendars for Teenagers
    • How to be Content this Christmas
    • Christ-Centered Christmas Books to Read as a Family

    Did you enjoy our list of holiday films? If so, please consider pinning, sharing, or bookmarking it. Merry Christmas!


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    About Jaime

    Hi, I'm Jaime. With my master's degree in leadership and church ministry, plus over 20 years of real life ministry experience (where I've served as the pastor's wife, ministry leader, adjunct professor, and more) I'm on a mission to come alongside you so we can grow together in our faith journey.

    I've been mentioned on Huffington Post, Business Insider, Yahoo, The Penny Hoarder, and more. Welcome!

    Comments

    1. Mary M Strong says

      November 24, 2021 at 9:29 am

      Is it possible to get these in a list of the titles without the synopsis so it can be shared, printed, or posted?

      Reply

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