Funny Christmas Movies That Had Us Ho-Ho-Howling
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The holiday season is supposed to be full of good cheer, but between Black Friday shopping and parties we'd rather skip, plenty of us feel like muttering, "Son of a Nutcracker."
If that sounds like you, a good, holiday-themed laugh is in order. These funny Christmas movies range from sweet and silly to R-rated and raunchy. And at least one of them is sure to help you shake off the stubborn Scrooge vibes.
37. A Madea Christmas
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Note: Our age recommendations are based on Common Sense Media ratings. Use your own discretion before watching these with the fam.
Year released: 2013
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: Tyler Perry's humor isn't for everyone, but fans of "Madea" adore this festive, raunchy addition to his popular franchise.
In the movie, Madea agrees to spend Christmas with her friend's daughter in a small town in the middle of nowhere. Needless to say, Madea turns the town upside down with her huge personality.
Larry the Cable Guy can't catch a break.
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36. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas
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Year released: 2011
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: If you haven't heard of Harold and Kumar, consider yourself warned — their humor isn't politically correct in the slightest.
But this comedic Christmas flick is so stupid it's funny. As long as you can stomach the adult humor, offensive jokes and recreational marijuana usage.
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35. Krampus
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Year released: 2015
Family friendliness score: 14+
Why it’s worth watching: Michael Dougherty's "Krampus" is funny because it's based on actual history. The story of Krampus isn't a new one. It's as old as Christmas itself, stemming from European folklore about a threatening demon who punishes kids who misbehave.
The dialogue is witty and clever, and the theme of family dysfunction is (sadly) relatable to most of us.
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34. Deck the Halls
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Year released: 2006
Family friendliness score: 9+
Why it’s worth watching: Played by Danny DeVito, a clueless family man moves to a new town and lights his house up with so many lights Santa could find it from space. His neighbor, played by Matthew Broderick, is incensed.
Kristin Chenoweth and Kristin Davis play their wives, who aren't too pleased about the garish holiday display either.
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33. The Night Before
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Year released: 2015
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: When "The Night Before" came out in 2015, no one really noticed. But over the course of a few years, this bawdy holiday fantasy by Jonathan Levine has slowly turned into a Christmas favorite.
It follows a trio of friends played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anthony Mackie as they search for fun times in the Big Apple on Christmas Eve.
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32. In Bruges
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Year released: 2008
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: Whether or not "In Bruges" counts as a true Christmas film is up for debate, but the movie's plot does center around the holiday.
After two hitmen botch a job, they elect to lay low over the holidays. The setting, witty banter and deadpan delivery offer a surprising Christmas gift hidden under the rather off-putting paper.
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31. The Holiday
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Year released: 2006
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: "The Holiday" is as predictable as it gets, but there's a reason it grossed more than $200 million when it came out in 2006.
In the movie, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz's characters are both pretty fed up with men, so they decide to get a change of pace by swapping homes in England and Los Angeles.
Unsurprisingly, they both fall in love in the course of their spontaneous experiment.
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30. Bad Santa 2
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Year released: 2016
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: "Bad Santa 2" is mediocre at best, rescued only by the performances of Kathy Bates and Christina Hendricks. It was just as vulgar as the first film, but the jokes were much less witty than its predecessor.
Still, we felt compelled to include it for those who love the first movie and can't resist watching its continuation.
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29. Metropolitan
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Year released: 1990
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: Whit Stillman is known for producing films that lean heavily into witty banter and social commentary. "Metropolitan" became a Christmas cult classic in the 1990s, telling the story of a group of rich, young Manhattanites and their many social faux pas over the Christmas holidays.
It's not as easy to watch as some of the lighter holiday comedies, but if intellectual comedy is your thing, you'll love Metropolitan.
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28. Christmas With the Kranks
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Year released: 2004
Family friendliness score: 9+
Why it’s worth watching: Did you know "Christmas With the Kranks" was inspired by a John Grisham novel? We didn't, but we did know that Tim Allen's performance in this funny Christmas movie was downright delightful.
It's not particularly witty or clever, but the slapstick humor will have kids and teens rolling. Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen make such a good team that we wish they teamed up as costars more often.
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27. Christmas in Connecticut
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Year released: 1945
Family friendliness score: 14+
Why it’s worth watching: We're going to preface this one by saying that "Christmas in Connecticut" is very, very dated. The premise itself is cringe-worthy, following a woman masquerading as an ideal housewife even though she's anything but. What more can you expect from a film produced in the 1940s?
Set aside the whole "housewife" concept, however, and Peter Godfrey's film is comedy gold. There's romance, there's a pair of babies and there's the hilarious Barbara Stanwyck.
What more can you ask for?
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26. Happiest Season
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Year released: 2020
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: Kristen Stewart caught so much flak for her borderline expressionless portrayal of Bella Swan in the "Twilight" series. She's solidly put the past behind her in "Happiest Season," playing the role of a young woman who reluctantly agrees to pretend to be her girlfriend's straight roommate when they visit her conservative family over the Christmas holidays.
The cast may be the movie's initial draw, but this Hulu exclusive offers some genuinely good lines and a great message.
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25. Ernest Saves Christmas
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Year released: 1988
Family friendliness score: 8+
Why it’s worth watching: Another dated yet amusing Christmas classic, "Ernest Saves Christmas" delivers a satisfying blend of silliness, predictability and nostalgia.
The movie tracks the efforts of Ernest P. Worrell to help Santa find a replacement when it's time for him to retire. The plot is nothing remarkable, but you might be surprised how much Christmas cheer this sweet and lighthearted film inspires.
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24. The Santa Clause 2
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Year released: 2002
Family friendliness score: 7+
Why it’s worth watching: Like almost every sequel, the second movie in the "Santa Clause" franchise isn't nearly as good as the first. This one mixes in a dash of romance, if you can call Santa searching for love romantic.
While the first "Santa Clause" is still our favorite, "Santa Clause 2" is still plenty funny enough to generate one or two good belly laughs.
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23. Last Holiday
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Year released: 2006
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: We're not going to lie. Before watching "Last Holiday," we expected a train wreck. It seemed too cheesy to be good, but we're happily eating our words.
When Queen Latifah's character is diagnosed with terminal cancer, she quits her day job and hops on a plane to live out her dreams while she still can. Her performance elevates the rather predictable plot into a heartwarming and hilarious watch.
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22. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
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Year released: 1990
Family friendliness score: 10+
Why it’s worth watching: Macaulay Culkin is all grown up now and laughing at himself on Instagram, but the films he starred in as a kid are timeless. While there are several "Home Alone" movies, the first and second are the best.
Miraculously, no one called child services the first time the McCallisters pretty much abandoned their son, which gave them a chance to screw up a second time. This Christmas, poor Kevin ends up on the wrong flight, arriving alone in New York City instead of Miami.
He battles his nemeses the Wet Bandit cat burglars once more, and it's just as funny as it was the first time.
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21. Jingle All the Way
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Year released: 1996
Family friendliness score: 8+
Why it’s worth watching: Why haven't any good Christmas slapstick comedy films come out lately? We miss them, and Arnold Schwarzenegger's goofy, pleasantly cheesy performance in "Jingle All the Way" hits the spot.
It takes viewers on a rocky ride through snowy streets in search of the toy his kiddo just has to have — even when another loving dad is right on his heels.
It's pure silliness, but it's always a hit with kids.
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20. Godmothered
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Year released: 2020
Family friendliness score: 8+
Why it’s worth watching: Casting can make or break a movie, and "Godmothered" is a prime example of the former.
Starring Jillian Bell as a godmother-in-training and the lovely Isla Fisher as a mom who's busy life is in need of a Christmas makeover, "Godmothered" is somewhere between rom-com and family film.
If you have a Disney Plus subscription, give this campy classic a try.
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19. Why Him?
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Year released: 2016
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: We're not sure if introducing a new boyfriend to one's parents is more stressful for the blossoming couple or the parents, but most of us have been there. Sometimes it goes smoothly, other times not so much.
In this case, it's very much the latter, thanks to a filter-less billionaire of a boyfriend who has no qualms about freaking out his sweetheart's father.
It's an absurdly funny, easy watch.
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18. A Muppet Christmas Carol
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Year released: 1992
Family friendliness score: 5+
Why it’s worth watching: There are so many versions of Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol," but this one is our top pick for families.
The Muppet version of the story has a lighter feel than some of the scarier, live-action versions, and kids will love the familiar faces of Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and Kermit the Frog.
The singing street rats are the icing on the cake.
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17. The Santa Clause
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Year released: 1994
Family friendliness score: 9+
Why it’s worth watching: Tim Allen looks more like an average dad in the suburbs than Santa Claus, and that's the entire point of "The Santa Clause." He plays Scott Calvin, a toy salesman who travels to the North Pole to make a pitch to the man in the big red suit. But accidents happen, even to Santa.
After Jolly Old Saint Nick takes a spill off the roof on Christmas Eve, Scott has no choice but to take up the reins and save Christmas.
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16. A Charlie Brown Christmas
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Year released: 1965
Family friendliness score: 3+
Why it’s worth watching: Like it or not, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is here to stay.
It debuted on CBS in the mid-1960s when Peanuts hit its peak popularity. The network was worried it would tank thanks to its minuscule budget and lack of a laugh track, but it was a big hit.
Charlie Brown's character can be depressing at times, but Snoopy and Woodstock more than make up for that.
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15. A Bad Moms Christmas
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Year released: 2017
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: "Bad Moms" is decidedly for grownups only, but it was a much bigger hit than anyone anticipated. "Bad Moms" grossed $183.9 million, and we loved "A Bad Moms Christmas" just as much.
Starring Mila Kunis, Kristin Bell and Kathryn Hahn, it depicts three modern women throwing Christmas tradition to the curb and having the holiday they really want.
Can we join?
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14. Office Christmas Party
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Year released: 2016
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: Most office parties are pretty tame. Who wants to get a visit from HR right before the holidays? Apparently, the entire cast of "Office Christmas Party" couldn't care less, because their characters throw a full-on rager that spirals from ordinary Christmas party to debauchery and chaos.
It's made by the same directors as "Blades of Glory," so you can expect similar humor, only magnified.
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13. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
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Year it was released: 1989
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" follows the antics of the zany Griswold family. At first, everything's predictable: Clark Griswold is trying hard to plan a perfect Christmas for his family, complete with a beautiful tree and plenty of lights.
His rough-around-the-edges cousin shows up to shatter the illusion in a few seconds flat, taking up residence in an RV in the driveway. It's impossible not to let out a chuckle or two while watching it, and your family will seem so much more functional in comparison.
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12. Four Christmases
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Year released: 2008
Family friendliness score: 14+
Why it’s worth watching: If we had to see this many sets of in-laws, we'd just, well, not.
As one can surmise from the title, in "Four Christmases," sweethearts Kate and Brad have to visit all four of their parents for the holidays. Each one provides a different brand of dysfunction, inspiring belly laughs and hard cringing all at once.
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11. Edward Scissorhands
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Year released: 1990
Family friendliness score: 13+
Why it’s worth watching: Tim Burton's animated movies are somehow more eerie and dark than this one, which is nothing short of enchanting.
It's about a misunderstood, yet talented, young man with scissors for hands. He's been utterly shut out of society, when Winona Ryder steps in to show him the affection he's deserved all along.
The film gets bonus points for it's mesmerizing score.
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10. Bad Santa
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Year released: 2003
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: If you still believe in Santa or want Christmas to retain its innocent, magical vibes, stay back. We're warning you.
Every man in a Santa suit is, admittedly, an actor, but in "Bad Santa," he's a full-blown con artist. A criminal takes a job as a mall Santa in order to rob all the department stores. If you can stomach the filthy humor, it's pretty funny.
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9. Bridget Jones's Diary
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Year released: 2001
Family friendliness score: 16+
Why it’s worth watching: Bridget Jones is one of the most beloved and relatable characters in any Christmas movie. She's spending the holidays single, drinking red wine, singing along with Celine Dion and watching television reruns in unflattering pajamas, when she decides to start writing a diary.
The movie follows the contents of said diary, covering the ups and downs of her chaotic love life. If you don't laugh at least once, check your pulse, because you must be dead inside.
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8. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
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Year released: 2000
Family friendliness score: 8+
Why it’s worth watching: The animated version of the Grinch came out in 1966, but Jim Carrey's 2000 version is so much funnier.
Carrey's over-the-top performance fits the Grinch role to a slimy, green tee. Kids will get a kick out of this campy classic, and parents might find themselves relating to the mean one more and more with every strand of lights they have to untangle.
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7. Scrooged
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Year released: 1988
Family friendliness score: 12+
Why it’s worth watching: There have been so many remakes of "A Christmas Carol," but this 1980s version starring Bill Murray adds the absurdity and humor the original missed.
We dig it.
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6. A Christmas Story
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Year released: 1983
Family friendliness score: 8+
Why it’s worth watching: Anything made by Bob Clark is all but guaranteed to become a Christmas classic. Set in the 1940s, "A Christmas Story" is a family comedy about a little boy who tells literally anyone he meets that he's longing for a Red Ryder BB gun from Santa.
It's filled with laughs, and if you haven't watched it yet, catch up. It's like required reading for the holidays, only more fun.
Plus, it's tame enough for all but the youngest kids.
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5. Love Actually
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Year released: 2003
Family friendliness score: 16+
Why it’s worth watching: "Love Actually" is the best Christmas rom-com ever made, and we'll fight you on that. It documents the lives of eight couples as they try to find love and sort out their lives in time for Christmas.
It's hilarious, but it's also a sincere depiction of Christmas spirit and the pursuit of happiness.
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4. Trading Places
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Year released: 1983
Family friendliness score: 17+
Why it’s worth watching: Eddie Murphy's humor was at its peak in the 1980s. It's impossible not to laugh at his antics, including the ones of his character in "Trading Places."
He plays Billy Ray Valentine, a failed street hustler who switches places with a rich man. Needless to say, he's not accustomed to life in the upper class, and the social satire is plentiful.
And with the movie taking place at Christmas, it's a very non-traditional Christmas classic.
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3. Miracle on 34th Street
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Year released: 1947
Family friendliness score: 6+
Why it’s worth watching: If you're going to watch one Christmas movie, this should be it. It's not the funniest Christmas movie on the list, but it's one of the best — and it's miles better than the 1994 remake, although that turned out better than we hoped.
The original, starring Edmund Gwenn, won three Oscars and was nominated for best picture. When the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Santa is too inebriated to carry out the task, he needs a replacement, and the amusing tale commences.
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2. Home Alone
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Year released: 1992
Family friendliness score: 10+
Why it’s worth watching: If you can only watch one "Home Alone" movie, watch this one. Young Kevin outwits two burglars after they break in while he's home alone on Christmas.
Leaving an 8-year-old home alone is very much less than legal, but in Kevin's case, it's a recipe for two hours of nonstop laughter.
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1. Elf
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Year released: 2003
Family friendliness score: 7+
Why it’s worth watching: One wouldn't think that Will Ferrell would star in one of the most beloved, family-friendly Christmas comedies ever made, but he pulled it off seamlessly. He plays an innocent, bewildered man named Buddy, who was taken in by Santa by chance.
When Buddy finally catches on that he's not actually an elf, he travels to New York City to find his birth father. Much to his horror, his dad is on the naughty list.
Obviously, Buddy has to fix that, and his methods are funny to kids and parents alike.
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