From Heartwarming Classics to Hilarious Comedies, These Films Capture the Spirit of the Season
The holiday season is upon us, and for many Americans, that means it’s time to cozy up with loved ones and watch their favorite Christmas movies. Whether it’s a heartwarming classic or a laugh-out-loud comedy, these films have become an integral part of our holiday traditions. But which Christmas movies are America’s absolute favorites? A recent study by CSGOLuck used Google Keyword Planner to analyze search data and determine the top 10 Christmas movies that capture the hearts of the nation. Let’s take a closer look at these beloved films.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
- Average Monthly Searches: 221,818
Topping the list as America’s all-time favorite Christmas movie is the 1946 classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, this heartwarming film tells the story of George Bailey, a man who contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve but is shown the positive impact he’s had on his community and loved ones by a guardian angel.
2. The Holiday (2006)
- Average Monthly Searches: 156,644
In the second spot is “The Holiday” from 2006. This romantic comedy features a star-studded cast, including Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Cameron Diaz. The movie follows two women who swap houses for the holidays to escape their troubled love lives, leading to unexpected romantic adventures.
3. Elf (2003)
- Average Monthly Searches: 118,774
“Elf,” released in 2003, takes the third position on America’s favorite Christmas movie list. Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father and bring holiday cheer to the world.
4. Bad Santa (2003)
- Average Monthly Searches: 112,517
“Bad Santa” claims the fourth spot, with an average of 112,517 monthly searches. This dark comedy stars Billy Bob Thornton as a conman who poses as a mall Santa to rob shopping malls on Christmas Eve but finds himself struggling with his own vices.
5. Little Women (2019)
- Average Monthly Searches: 100,898
The 2019 adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel “Little Women” takes the fifth place on the list. Set in the 1860s, this coming-of-age period drama follows the lives of the four March sisters as they navigate love and family, with Christmas playing a significant role in their story.
6. Scrooged (1988)
- Average Monthly Searches: 86,694
“Scrooged,” a modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” sits at number six. Bill Murray stars as Frank Cross, a selfish TV executive who undergoes a transformation after being visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future.
7. The Night Before (2015)
- Average Monthly Searches: 69,351
Coming in at seventh place is “The Night Before,” a 2015 stoner comedy featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen, and Anthony Mackie. The film follows three friends as they embark on a quest to find the ultimate Christmas party in New York City.
8. Fred Claus (2007)
- Average Monthly Searches: 50,290
“Fred Claus” ranks as America’s eighth favorite Christmas movie, with Vince Vaughn playing Santa’s estranged older brother, Fred. The film explores themes of sibling rivalry and the magic of Christmas.
9. Arthur Christmas (2011)
- Average Monthly Searches: 48,532
America’s ninth favorite Christmas movie is “Arthur Christmas” (2011), an animated comedy that follows the clumsy but well-meaning son of Santa Claus, Arthur, as he attempts to ensure a girl receives her Christmas present.
10. Last Holiday (2006)
- Average Monthly Searches: 48,529
Closing out the top ten is “Last Holiday” from 2006, starring Queen Latifah as a department store worker who, upon learning she has a limited time to live, embarks on a dream vacation in Europe to make the most of her remaining days.
While these ten movies have secured their places as America’s favorite Christmas films, the holiday season offers a vast array of cinematic treasures to explore and enjoy. Whether you’re drawn to timeless classics or modern holiday comedies, there’s something magical about gathering with loved ones and watching these beloved movies that bring warmth and joy to our hearts year after year.
| Rank | Movie | Average monthly searches |
| 1. | It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) | 221,818 |
| 2. | The Holiday (2006) | 156,644 |
| 3. | Elf (2003) | 118,774 |
| 4. | Bad Santa (2003) | 112,517 |
| 5. | Little Women (2019) | 100,898 |
| 6. | Scrooged (1988) | 86,694 |
| 7. | The Night Before (2015) | 69,351 |
| 8. | Fred Claus (2007) | 50,290 |
| 9. | Arthur Christmas (2011) | 48,532 |
| 10. | Last Holiday (2006) | 48,529 |
| 11. | How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) | 43,965 |
| 12. | Jack Frost (1998) | 39,257 |
| 13. | The Family Man (2000) | 37,514 |
| 14. | Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005) | 34,536 |
| 15. | Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) | 33,218 |
| 16. | Holiday Inn (1942) | 26,896 |
| 17. | Disney’s A Christmas Carol (2009) | 26,287 |
| 18. | Little Women (1994) | 26,284 |
| 19. | Serendipity (2001) | 25,647 |
| 20. | Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (1970) | 22,015 |
