Christmas movies bring joy and cheer to audiences worldwide. They also rake in big bucks at the box office. Some festive films have become box office juggernauts, delighting viewers and filling studio coffers.
The top-grossing Christmas movie of all time is “Home Alone,” which earned a whopping 914 million dollars worldwide across its franchise. This beloved holiday classic about a boy outsmarting bumbling burglars has entertained generations of movie-goers.
What other yuletide flicks have struck box office gold? From heartwarming family comedies to animated adventures, the list of highest-grossing Christmas films spans many genres.
These movies spread holiday spirit while also proving to be smart business decisions for Hollywood studios.
The Grinch (2018)
The 2018 animated film “The Grinch” stands tall as a festive favorite. This cheerful remake brings Dr. Seuss’ beloved story to life with dazzling animation and heartwarming charm.
Featuring the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the grumpy green Grinch, the movie delighted audiences worldwide. Its fresh take on the classic tale struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
The film’s success is reflected in its impressive box office performance. “The Grinch” earned over $500 million globally, making it a true holiday blockbuster.
This jolly achievement propelled “The Grinch” to the top of the Christmas movie charts. It now holds the title of highest-grossing Christmas film of all time, surpassing previous festive favorites.
The movie’s blend of humor, heart, and holiday spirit resonated with audiences. Its modern touches and stunning visuals brought new life to the timeless story of the Grinch’s journey from Christmas-hating curmudgeon to holiday enthusiast.
“The Grinch” proves that even after decades, the magic of Dr. Seuss’ creation continues to captivate viewers. Its box office triumph cements its place as a beloved addition to the pantheon of Christmas classics.
Home Alone (1990)
“Home Alone” is a beloved Christmas comedy that became a box office smash. Released in 1990, it tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation.
The movie stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, who must defend his home from burglars. His clever traps and pranks delight audiences of all ages. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern play the bumbling thieves who fall victim to Kevin’s antics.
“Home Alone” was a surprise hit, earning over $476 million worldwide. It held the title of highest-grossing Christmas movie for many years. The film’s success sparked a franchise with several sequels.
Key facts about “Home Alone”:
- Directed by Chris Columbus
- Written by John Hughes
- Released on November 16, 1990
- Budget of $18 million
The movie’s charm comes from its mix of slapstick humor and heartwarming family moments. It captures the magic of Christmas through Kevin’s adventures and ultimate reunion with his family.
“Home Alone” remains a holiday favorite, often replayed on TV during the festive season. Its enduring popularity has cemented its place as a classic Christmas film that brings joy year after year.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
The festive film “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” hit theaters in 2000, bringing Dr. Seuss’s beloved story to life.
Directed by Ron Howard, this live-action adaptation starred Jim Carrey as the grumpy green Grinch.
The movie was a huge hit at the box office. It earned $55,082,330 on its opening weekend in the United States. By the end of its run, it had raked in an impressive total.
Here’s a quick look at the film’s financial success:
- Worldwide Box Office: $345,823,032
- Domestic (US) Box Office: $260,044,825
- International Box Office: $85,778,207
Despite its high budget of $123 million, the movie was very profitable. It became one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time.
The Grinch’s success wasn’t limited to theaters. It continued to bring in money through DVD and Blu-ray sales. This added to its overall financial triumph.
Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch was a big draw for audiences. His comedic talent and the film’s whimsical take on the classic tale appealed to both kids and adults.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
Disney’s take on the classic Charles Dickens tale brought a fresh spin to the beloved story. This animated version of “A Christmas Carol” hit theaters in 2009, just in time for the holiday season.
The film starred Jim Carrey in multiple roles, including Ebenezer Scrooge and the three Christmas ghosts. Carrey’s performance added a unique energy to these iconic characters.
Director Robert Zemeckis used cutting-edge motion capture technology to create the film’s distinctive look. This technique helped bring Victorian London to life in stunning detail.
“A Christmas Carol” was a box office success. It earned $137.85 million domestically, making it one of the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time.
The movie’s budget was quite hefty at $200 million. While it didn’t recoup its entire cost domestically, international sales helped boost its overall performance.
Critics and audiences had mixed reactions to the film. Some praised its visual style and Carrey’s performances, while others felt it strayed too far from the heart of Dickens’ story.
Despite the mixed reviews, “A Christmas Carol” remains a festive favorite for many. Its blend of humor, spooky moments, and holiday cheer continues to captivate viewers year after year.
The Polar Express (2004)
The Polar Express is a magical Christmas movie that brings holiday cheer to viewers of all ages. This animated adventure film was directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Tom Hanks in multiple roles.
Based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the movie tells the story of a young boy’s journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The film uses groundbreaking motion capture technology to create its unique visual style.
The Polar Express was a big hit at the box office. It earned $307.5 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies ever.
Key facts about The Polar Express:
- Release year: 2004
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Star: Tom Hanks
- Based on: Book by Chris Van Allsburg
- Animation style: Motion capture
The movie’s success goes beyond its initial release. It has become a holiday classic, enjoyed by families year after year during the Christmas season.
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
The festive season brings us another hilarious adventure with Kevin McCallister in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. This Christmas comedy sequel hit theaters in 1992 and quickly became a holiday favorite.
Directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes, the film stars Macaulay Culkin as the mischievous Kevin. This time, he finds himself separated from his family in the Big Apple during Christmas.
The movie was a box office smash, earning an impressive $358,994,850 worldwide. This success places it among the top-grossing Christmas films of all time.
Fans of the original will be delighted to see familiar faces return:
- Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the bumbling burglars
- Catherine O’Hara as Kevin’s worried mother
- John Heard as Kevin’s father
New additions to the cast include Tim Curry and Brenda Fricker, adding more laughs to the holiday chaos.
The film’s plot follows Kevin as he accidentally boards a flight to New York City instead of joining his family in Miami. He then crosses paths with the same burglars from the first movie, who now plan to rob toy stores on Christmas Eve.
With its slapstick humor, heartwarming moments, and iconic New York City backdrop, Home Alone 2 continues to charm audiences year after year.
The Holiday (2006)
“The Holiday” is a festive romantic comedy that has become a beloved Christmas classic. The film stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women who swap homes for the holidays to escape their romantic troubles.
This heartwarming tale resonated with audiences worldwide. It grossed $205.8 million globally, making it one of the top-earning Christmas films ever.
The movie’s success can be attributed to several factors:
- Star-studded cast (including Jude Law and Jack Black)
- Charming storyline set in picturesque locations
- Perfect blend of romance and holiday spirit
“The Holiday” continues to be a popular choice for viewers during the Christmas season. Its mix of humor, love, and festive cheer keeps audiences coming back year after year.
The film’s impressive box office performance solidifies its place among the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. It proves that a well-crafted holiday romance can capture hearts and wallets alike.
The Santa Clause (1994)
“The Santa Clause” is a beloved Christmas comedy starring Tim Allen. It tells the story of Scott Calvin, who accidentally becomes Santa Claus after the real Santa falls off his roof.
The film was a huge hit when it came out in 1994. It grossed $190.5 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies ever.
Audiences loved Tim Allen’s funny and heartwarming performance as the reluctant new Santa. The movie’s mix of humor and holiday magic appealed to both kids and adults.
“The Santa Clause” was so popular that it spawned two sequels. But the original remains a fan favorite and a holiday classic.
Here are some fun facts about the film:
- It was directed by John Pasquin
- The budget was around $22 million
- It received mostly positive reviews from critics
- The movie launched a successful franchise
“The Santa Clause” continues to be a must-watch for many families during the Christmas season. Its box office success and lasting popularity have cemented its place in holiday movie history.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is a beloved holiday comedy that has become a Christmas classic. This festive film, released in 1989, stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a man determined to have the perfect family Christmas.
The movie was a box office success, earning over $71 million domestically. It continues to bring joy to audiences year after year with its humorous take on family gatherings and holiday mishaps.
Some fun facts about the film:
- Directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik
- Written by John Hughes
- Stars Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid
- Third installment in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series
The film’s enduring popularity has made it a top-grossing Christmas movie. Its mix of slapstick comedy and heartwarming moments captures the spirit of the season.
Memorable scenes include:
- Clark’s over-the-top house decorations
- The family’s chaotic Christmas dinner
- Cousin Eddie’s surprise arrival
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” remains a festive favorite, bringing laughter and holiday cheer to viewers for over three decades.
Love Actually (2003)
“Love Actually” is a beloved Christmas romantic comedy that has charmed audiences since its release. This festive film follows the intertwining love stories of various characters in London during the holiday season.
Directed by Richard Curtis, the movie boasts an all-star cast including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Alan Rickman. Its heartwarming tales and witty humor have made it a holiday favorite for many.
The film was a big hit at the box office, earning an impressive $246.9 million worldwide. While it performed modestly in the United States, it found greater success internationally.
“Love Actually” has become a Christmas classic, loved for its:
- Memorable scenes (like Hugh Grant’s dance number)
- Touching storylines
- Stellar ensemble cast
- Festive London backdrop
The movie’s popularity has endured over the years, making it a top-grossing Christmas film. It ranks among the highest-earning holiday movies of all time, proving that love and Christmas cheer are a winning combination at the box office.
Four Christmases (2008)
‘Tis the season for holiday hijinks! Four Christmases is a merry movie that brings laughter and cheer to audiences. This jolly film stars Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn as a couple visiting all their divorced parents on Christmas Day.
The movie sleighed at the box office, earning a festive worldwide total of $163.7 million. That’s enough to stuff everyone’s stockings!
Here are some fun facts about this holiday hit:
- Directed by Seth Gordon
- Released on November 26, 2008
- Features a star-studded cast including Robert Duvall and Jon Voight
Despite mixed reviews from critics, Four Christmases proved to be a gift that kept on giving at theaters. It ranks among the top 20 highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time.
The film’s success shows that audiences love a good holiday comedy. It mixes family drama with plenty of laughs, creating a recipe for box office magic.
So grab some hot cocoa and enjoy this Christmas classic! It’s sure to put a smile on your face and jingle in your pocket.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” is a beloved holiday classic that blends Halloween and Christmas themes. This stop-motion animated musical was directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton.
The film features Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who discovers Christmas Town and decides to bring the holiday cheer to his spooky home. With catchy songs and unique visuals, it captivated audiences of all ages.
Despite its initial modest success, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has grown into a cult favorite. It grossed over $95 million worldwide, showcasing its enduring popularity.
The movie’s box office performance includes:
- Domestic Opening: $191,232
- Total Domestic Gross: $87,607,116
- Worldwide Gross: $95,514,188
It ranks as the 33rd highest-grossing Christmas film of all time. This impressive feat is notable for a film that wasn’t initially marketed as a blockbuster.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” continues to charm viewers with its festive blend of the macabre and the merry. Its unique style and unforgettable characters have cemented its place in holiday movie history.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Arthur Christmas brought holiday cheer to theaters in 2011. This animated comedy tells the tale of Santa’s clumsy son Arthur on a mission to deliver a forgotten present.
The film features an all-star voice cast, including James McAvoy as Arthur and Hugh Laurie as his tech-savvy brother Steve. Bill Nighy and Jim Broadbent round out the stellar lineup as Grandsanta and Santa.
Despite its festive fun, Arthur Christmas didn’t quite reach blockbuster status at the box office. The movie earned $46,462,469 domestically, placing it 68th among 2011 releases in the US.
Worldwide, the film’s sleigh ride was a bit merrier. Arthur Christmas raked in $147 million globally, showing its appeal beyond American shores.
In the UK, Arthur’s adventure gained momentum over time. It topped the box office in its fourth week and again during the Christmas holiday, proving its staying power.
While not the highest-grossing Christmas film, Arthur Christmas charmed audiences with its heartwarming story and quirky humor. It remains a beloved holiday treat for many families.
Bad Santa (2003)
Bad Santa is a hilarious Christmas comedy that broke the mold for holiday films. It stars Billy Bob Thornton as Willie T. Stokes, a grumpy con man who poses as a mall Santa.
This naughty film brought some spice to the holiday season. It mixes crude humor with a heartwarming story about finding the Christmas spirit in unexpected places.
Bad Santa was a hit at the box office. It earned over $76 million in theaters, making it one of the top-grossing Christmas movies ever.
The film’s success led to a sequel in 2016. However, Bad Santa 2 didn’t match the magic of the original. It only made about $24 million at the box office.
Fun facts about Bad Santa:
- Directed by Terry Zwigoff
- Also stars Tony Cox and Brett Kelly
- Features the late John Ritter in one of his final roles
- Won critical praise for its dark humor
Bad Santa remains a favorite for those who like their Christmas movies with a bit of an edge. Its blend of naughty and nice continues to delight audiences year after year.
Fred Claus (2007)
“Fred Claus” brought a festive twist to the Christmas movie genre in 2007. This jolly comedy stars Vince Vaughn as Santa’s grumpy older brother, Fred.
The film tells the story of Fred’s journey to the North Pole. He goes there to help Santa prepare for Christmas in exchange for money. Along the way, Fred learns important lessons about family and the holiday spirit.
Despite mixed reviews from critics, “Fred Claus” still managed to earn $97.8 million at the box office worldwide. This puts it in the top 30 highest-grossing Christmas films of all time.
The movie had a big budget of $100 million, with $20 million going to Vince Vaughn for his starring role. While it didn’t make a huge profit, it still brought in a decent amount for a holiday film.
“Fred Claus” features a star-studded cast including Paul Giamatti as Santa Claus. It offers a unique take on the classic Santa story, focusing on family relationships and personal growth.
The film’s blend of humor and heart makes it a fun addition to the Christmas movie lineup. It continues to bring holiday cheer to viewers years after its release.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006)
The third installment in The Santa Clause franchise brings more holiday cheer to the big screen. Tim Allen returns as Scott Calvin, aka Santa Claus, in this festive comedy.
Scott faces new challenges as he tries to balance his Santa duties with family life. The movie introduces Martin Short as the mischievous Jack Frost, who schemes to take over Christmas.
The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause was directed by Michael Lembeck and hit theaters in 2006. It continues the magical story of how an ordinary man became Santa Claus.
The film’s box office performance was quite jolly:
- Worldwide gross: $110,768,122
- Domestic (US) gross: $84,500,122
- International gross: $26,268,000
These numbers place it among the highest-grossing Christmas films of all time. It ranks 28th on the list of top Christmas movie earners.
The movie’s plot revolves around the “Escape Clause,” a magical way for Santa to give up his role. Jack Frost tries to trick Scott into using it, leading to festive hijinks and heartwarming moments.
While not as critically acclaimed as its predecessors, The Santa Clause 3 still brings plenty of holiday spirit to viewers young and old.
Deck The Halls (2006)
“Deck the Halls” is a festive Christmas comedy that hit theaters on November 22, 2006. The movie stars Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick as neighbors competing to create the most spectacular holiday light display.
This jolly film aimed to spread Christmas cheer, but its box office performance was less than merry. It opened with a modest weekend gross of $12,001,256, which accounted for 34.2% of its total earnings.
By the end of its theatrical run, “Deck the Halls” had collected $34,753,961 at the domestic box office. While not a blockbuster, it still found its place among the holiday movies of 2006.
The film’s plot revolves around two dads trying to outdo each other with Christmas decorations. Their silly antics and over-the-top light displays bring both laughs and holiday spirit to the screen.
Despite mixed reviews, “Deck the Halls” has become a fun Christmas watch for some families. Its slapstick humor and festive visuals capture the excitement of holiday decorating, even if taken to comedic extremes.
Jingle All The Way (1996)
Get ready to jingle all the way to the box office with this festive hit! “Jingle All The Way” stars Arnold Schwarzenegger as a dad on a wild Christmas Eve quest for the perfect toy.
This hilarious holiday romp earned $129,832,389 worldwide, making it a merry success. Families flocked to theaters to watch Schwarzenegger’s frantic search for the elusive Turbo-Man action figure.
The film’s blend of slapstick comedy and heartwarming moments struck a chord with audiences. It captures the chaos of last-minute holiday shopping that many can relate to.
Directed by Brian Levant, “Jingle All The Way” also features Sinbad as a rival father. Their comical competition for the toy creates laughs and holiday cheer.
While critics weren’t entirely jolly about the movie, it has become a beloved Christmas classic for many. Its mix of action and family fun gives it lasting appeal.
The film’s success goes beyond the box office. It has found new life on TV and streaming services, entertaining new generations of holiday movie fans.
