Image via New Line Cinema
By
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
Published 29 minutes ago
Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck is a writer for Collider. He grew up creating lists, stories, and worlds, which led to his love of anime and video games. He attended Sheridan College where he earned an Honours Bachelor of Game Design. Lucas and his group won 1st place for technical innovation at LevelUp Toronto 2023, and he was also an intern for the Oakville Film Festival of Arts.
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It’s just around that time of year again, when, despite dropping temperatures and darker nights, the mood seems to improve. And that is because of Christmas, most people’s favorite time of year, when they engage in festive cheer, gift-giving, and jolly times. It also means that now is the time to start watching Christmas movies, and some fans prefer something a little more nostalgic.
Everyone claims their childhood was the best time to experience Christmas, and while that may be true for them, the 2000s is one of the greatest decades for the holiday, ripe with notable holiday films. This list ranks the ten best Christmas movies from the 2000s based on fan opinion, popularity, entertainment value, originality, and how well they embody the Christmas spirit.
10 'Christmas with the Kranks' (2004)
Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis hugging in the snow in Christmas with the KranksImage via Columbia Pictures
Christmas isn't for everyone; some just wish to escape the cold and enjoy their winter under the warm sun and sandy beaches. Christmas with the Kranks is about the titular family planning a vacation during Christmas, but this doesn't sit well with the neighbors, who aim to win the best-decorated street. Will the family stay true to their plans or give in to the Christmas spirit and stay home for the holidays?
Solely looking at the Rotten Tomatoes score, Christmas with the Kranks is one of the worst Christmas movies, but that isn't true at all. It may not be perfect, but this film is still a classic festive treat that many 2000s kids enjoyed. Being about the Christmas spirit and joy, it features essential Christmas themes, with plenty of funny jokes and wholesome moments.
9 'A Christmas Carol' (2009)
Jim Carrey in 'A Christmas Carol'Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
One of the most essential Christmas stories of all time is A Christmas Carol, and while nothing has touched The Muppets version, there seems to be a new one every decade, with Robert Eggers having an adaptation in production. However, the 2009 version is an animated film that adapts this classic work, and was many kids' first experience with this story. One old man learns the true meaning of Christmas thanks to three ghosts.
A Christmas Carol has been told thousands of times, and this movie isn't anything too different. Regardless, as a legendary story, it will be among the best Christmas movies of any decade. The 3D animation is surprisingly good for the decade and still holds up. It also feels right for this kind of story, bringing out the best of the era and Christmas atmosphere.
8 'A Christmas Tale' (2008)
Image via BAC Films
Most of the Christmas movies on this list are fairly popular, but not all of them are mainstream, such as A Christmas Tale, a French drama-comedy set during Christmas. A family with a strained relationship meets back up together for Christmas after learning their mother has leukemia. From past trauma coming back up to relationships being tested, it is about a family and their struggles, but also the good times among the hard moments in life.
It may not be too well-known, but it is one of the most well-made films on this list, being in the running for the Palme d'Or. A Christmas Tale is full of eccentric characters, detailing a patient and empathetic story enhanced by a Christmas backdrop where the family can reconnect with the help of the Christmas spirit. Contrary to how it may sound, A Christmas Tale isn't gloomy, but full of fun and enjoyable moments.
7 'It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie' (2002)
muppet-christmas-movie-kermit-ms-piggyImage via NBC
As mentioned, The Muppet Christmas Carol is one of the most iconic Christmas movies of all time, but it came out in the 1990s. The legendary puppets still had some fun in the 2000s, however, with It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. When a bank owner plans on turning the Muppet theater into a nightclub, the gang gets back together to make sure that doesn't happen.
It may not be as good as The Muppet Christmas Carol, but It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is still a beloved classic, especially by 2000s kids. The Muppets and Christmas simply work perfectly together, creating another flawless holiday experience with plenty of joyful moments and festive happenings.
6 'Bad Santa' (2003)
Billy Bob Thornton smoking a cigarette in a Santa costume in Bad Santa.Image via Miramax
Christmas is a time for family, and that is why viewers usually prefer family-friendly films that bring out the holiday spirit. However, there are plenty of R-rated Christmas films worth watching, especially Bad Santa. Every year, Willie (Billy Bob Thornton) and his partner team up for a Christmas con. This year is worse than usual, but he learns about his kinder side thanks to a kid, wondering if there is still hope for him.
For viewers wanting something a little more mature but still ripe with Christmas joy and themes, Bad Santa is the perfect movie for them. This dark comedy can be a bit depressing, but the laughs are still there, with plenty of 2000s humor to appease older fans. Bad Santa doesn't lack charm or Christmas spirit, utilizing its themes of hope to turn Willie's life around thanks to the holidays.
5 'The Polar Express' (2004)
Kids are discovered and taken out of Santa's toy sack by elves in 'The Polar Express'Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Out of all the Christmas movies on this list, The Polar Express is one of the most essential for 2000s kids, being a critical part of every holiday. When a young boy doubts the existence of Santa Claus, he and his friends board a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. This ride is more than an adventure; it is a lesson about Christmas, wonder, and what the holidays mean to everyone.
Some fans have stated that The Polar Express isn't as good as fans remember, with people only liking it because of nostalgia and its Christmas focus. But there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes, some dumb and nostalgic fun is just what fans need, especially when it comes to Christmas. This season is a time for joy, and this childlike adventure is one of the joyous and essential Christmas movies of the 2000s.
4 'Love Actually' (2003)
Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon as PM David and Natalie waving on stage in Love, Actually.Image via Universal Pictures
While family, kindness, and Christmas spirit are the main themes of the holidays, love is baked into all of those, and fans love a good Christmas romance. Love Actually is one of the greatest Christmas romances, following nine separate romantic relationships as they slowly intertwine over the course of the movie.
The only downside of Love Actually is that it tries to stuff too much content and plot into a single movie, but even then, there is plenty to enjoy. Each story is full of love and special moments, and the Christmas setting makes everything more romantic and festive. Some fans find it one of the best Christmas movies of the 2000s, and some think it is the worst, but that doesn't take away from how iconic it is, meaning it is a must-watch for the holidays.
3 'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)
A family of three scream in fear and jumps forward to catch a falling baby in Tokyo-GodfathersImage via Sony Pictures Entertainment Japan
Satoshi Kon is a legendary filmmaker, responsible for some of the greatest anime films of all time, including Perfect Blue. No one expected him to make a Christmas movie, but that is also why Tokyo Godfathers is one of the best of the decade. It follows three homeless people who find an abandoned baby, with the trio working together to find the child's parents while dealing with their own issues.
Anime isn't the first thing fans think of when imagining Christmas movies, but Tokyo Godfathers is an exception. It is one of the most charming, emotional, dramatic, and heartwarming Christmas movies of the 2000s, but it still remains hidden. Tokyo Godfathers is a feel-good Christmas movie that will make fans laugh and cry. Keeping its grounded tone, it doesn't shy away from realism and has plenty of miracles, which makes it an eccentric Christmas film.
2 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)
The 1966 version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, and the 2000s version was an excellent start to the decade and equally iconic. While everyone in Whoville prepares for Christmas, the Grinch (Jim Carrey) only has revenge in mind, planning on ruining Christmas for the rest of the jolly citizens.
The Grinch has become a staple of Christmas, and while reviews will say this movie isn't great, all that matters is how much fans enjoy it. The set design is festive and immersive, bringing fans into a Christmas world where cheer and joy are common. Carrey excels in his role, embodying the character with his signature style. The Grinch is funny, wild, goofy, and full of Christmas festivities, even with a meaningful message, which makes it one of the best holiday films ever.
1 'Elf' (2003)
Buddy with a Snowman in Elf (2003)Image via Warner Bros.
2003 might have been the best year for Christmas movies of all time, featuring classics such as Bad Santa, Love Actually, Tokyo Godfathers, and last but not least, Elf. Buddy (Will Ferrell) is a human living as an elf, and when he learns the truth, he sets out to find his real family. However, his Christmas viewpoint gets in the way of modern-day civilization.
Almost everyone can agree that Elf is one of the most defining Christmas movies of the 2000s. Ferrell delivers one of his best performances ever, turning this classic Christmas movie into a comedic masterclass. It is full of charm, wholesome Christmas moments, and a nice message. Elf is one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time, and is a landmark of the holiday and the decade.
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Elf
PG
Family
Comedy
Fantasy
Release Date
October 9, 2003
Runtime
97 minutes
Director
Jon Favreau
Writers
David Berenbaum
Cast
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Will Ferrell
Buddy
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James Caan
Walter
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Elf
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