Christmas is not just the season of sharing and giving and celebrating life and your loved ones, but also a season for jolly box office numbers. While the spirit of Christmas is often measured in twinkling lights, presents, and family time, for movie studios, true success is marked by how much profit a holiday film can rake in. And let’s be honest, wrapping up a massive box office gross is the ultimate present a filmmaker or a production could hope for.
Christmas movies hold a special place in our hearts and streaming queues. They take us to gorgeous winter wonderlands, restore our faith in humanity, and remind us of everything that makes the holiday so magical. But the cozy aesthetics have fierce competition on the big screen. From Buddy the Elf’s wide-eyed wonder to the Grinch’s mischievous antics, certain characters have urged millions of audiences to the theaters and achieved tremendous box office success. In this list, we unwrap the highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time.
10
‘Elf’ (2003)
$228.9 Million
- Release Date
-
October 9, 2003
- Cast
-
Will Ferrell
, James Caan
, Bob Newhart
, Ed Asner
, Mary Steenburgen
, Zooey Deschanel
, Daniel Tay
, Faizon Love
, Peter Dinklage
, Amy Sedaris
, Michael Lerner
, Andy Richter
, Kyle Gass
, Artie Lange
, Leon Redbone
, Ray Harryhausen
, Claire Lautier
, Ted Friend
, Patrick Ferrell
, Patrick McCartney
, Jon Favreau
, Lydia Lawson-Baird
, Brenda McDonald
, Annie Brebner - Runtime
-
97 minutes
What happens when a human raised by elves decides to venture into the real world and find his birth father? Pure holiday magic, that’s what. In Elf, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a peculiar, towering oddity who realizes that he’s not really an elf and sets out into New York City in search of his true identity, only to find himself in a series of misadventures, striving to save Christmas.
The Ultimate Christmas Comedy
Elf was directed by Jon Favreau and the movie was his sophomore directorial effort. The movie’s enduring popularity is proof of the fact that sometimes, the greatest gifts come from the most unexpected places. Ferrell leads the movie with his signature comedic talents and the story captures the wonder, the warmth, the sentimentality, and the abundance of the holiday season. Elf went on to make a worldwide total of $228.9 million against a production budget of $33 million.
9
‘Love Actually’ (2003)
$244.9 Million
- Release Date
-
November 14, 2003
- Runtime
-
135 minutes
Written and directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually is not only one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time, but it’s also one of the most obsessively rewatched holiday romance movies. Set in the days leading up to Christmas, the movie follows the lives of eight interconnected couples in London. From an aging rock star pursuing love to a heartbroken writer finding an unexpected romance, the movie has something for all of us.
A Beloved Holiday Rom-Com
Equal parts hilarious and heartwarming, Love Actually features an all-star ensemble cast that includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, and more. It captures the universal joy and frustration of falling in love and being forced out of it, all while spreading the magic of the Christmas season. Curtis’ script, the witty humor, subtle emotion, and a soundtrack full of iconic tunes, all lead to Love Actually hauling $244.9 million at the worldwide box office.
8
‘Batman Returns’ (1992)
$266.8 Million
- Release Date
-
June 19, 1992
- Runtime
-
126minutes
Batman Returns prepares Gotham City for a very dark Christmas as the Caped Crusader faces off against a trio of villains. The movie begins with the mysterious Penguin emerging from nowhere to wreak havoc on the city after forming an alliance with the ruthless Catwoman and using wealthy industrialist Max Shreck for his benefit. This leads to a clash of costumed characters in a stunning but twisted way.
A Delightful and Gothic Addition to the Batman Lore
Even though the plot and theme of Batman Returns has got nothing to do with Christmas, it is so specifically set on the traditional holiday that it’s impossible not to consider the movie as a one-of-a-kind Christmas treat. Under Tim Burton’s direction, the film combines the Gothic grandeur, the brooding atmosphere, the stylish visuals, and a unique plot. It also features an outstanding ensemble, with the unhinged turn by Danny DeVito as the Penguin and a career-best performance by Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman being a standout. With its $266.8 million global box office earthing, the movie is a triumph.
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7
‘The Polar Express’ (2004)
$318.2 Million
- Release Date
-
November 10, 2004
- Runtime
-
100 Minutes
The Polar Express was a surprise hit. Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s children’s book, this experimental motion-capture film takes place on Christmas Eve and follows a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole. Accompanied by several children, he embarks on a wondrous journey to meet Santa Claus, who is devotedly preparing for Christmas, and to discover the true meaning of the holiday.
Christmas Movie That’s Both Haunting and Magical
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, this movie is an adventure of sorts. It not only tells a tale of self-discovery but is also a technical marvel because of how it juxtaposes live action with innovative motion-capture technology. The story, however fantastical, is filled with encounters and colorful characters that leave behind important lessons about faith and belief. The Polar Express earned a staggering $318.2 million at the worldwide box office.
6
‘A Christmas Carol’ (2009)
$325 Million
A Christmas Carol
- Release Date
-
November 4, 2009
- Runtime
-
94 Minutes
Also directed by Robert Zemeckis, A Christmas Carol improves on everything that The Polar Express managed to achieve and makes a run with it. It tells the timeless tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s holiday-time redemption, with Jim Carrey voicing the miserly old moneylender. He is visited by a trio of ghostly guides on Christmas Eve, who lead him on a journey that transforms his bitter heart into a softer one.
Dazzling Take on a Holiday Classic
The visual style and the dazzling, state-of-the-art makeover of Charles Dickens’ fantastical story is the perfect example of just how fast the entertainment industry and technical wizardry were advancing back in the day. A Christmas Carol, while making new accomplishments, never loses sight of the story and its emotional core. With Carrey’s phenomenal performance at the center, it envelops Scrooge’s story into new layers and manages to gross an impressive $325 million worldwide, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics.
5
‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ (2000)
$346 Million
- Release Date
-
November 17, 2000
- Runtime
-
104 Minutes
When your heart grows two sizes small, the only way to cure it is with a generous dose of holiday cheer. At least, that’s the lesson this live-action adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss classic teaches its titular character, the grumpy, green-furred Grinch. Having always despised the festival, he hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville, only to have his heart melted by Cindy, who shows him what the hype is all about.
Heartwarming and Enthusiastic Reimagination
A visual treat packed into a less-than-two-hour runtime, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Is a true gift that keeps on giving. It brings the character’s manic energy and wicked humor to life with color and enthusiasm. Jim Carrey nails the role to mischievous perfection and the production design brings the fantastical spirit to life flawlessly as well. The movie made $346 million worldwide and earned three Academy Award nominations, of which it won Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
4
‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)
$359 Million
- Release Date
-
November 20, 1992
- Runtime
-
120 Minutes
The second film in the Home Alone franchise, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York sees Kevin McCallister getting accidentally separated from his family at the airport and arriving in New York City while his family vacations in Florida. Instead of panicking, Kevin relishes the newfound freedom once again and explores the city. He also encounters the two bumbling enemies from the first film after they escape from prison.
A Bigger and Bolder Holiday Sequel
Just as hilarious and over-the-top as its predecessor, Home Alone 2 trades the suburbs of Chicago for the towering skyscrapers of New York City. It uses the same slapstick formula, chaotic energy, and genuine holiday spirit to keep the franchise intact. Returning cast members include Macaulay Culkin as the resourceful Kevin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the Sticky Bandits duo, and more. With its $359 million global box office haul, the movie is a standout.
3
‘Alvin And The Chipmunks’ (2007)
$365 Million
- Release Date
-
December 13, 2007
- Runtime
-
92 minutes
In Alvin And The Chipmunks, we follow Dave Seville, a struggling songwriter waiting desperately for his big break in the industry. When a trio of singing, wise-cracking chipmunks, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, lose their home and move in with Dave, he’s initially dismissive, but soon realizes that he could let them take over his life and his music career to climb to the top of the charts. But Ian Hawk, a greedy record producer, tries to exploit the siblings.
Fuzzy and Funny
Alvin And The Chipmunks is nowhere close to the first title that comes to mind when you think of classic Christmas movies, and yet, it makes it to the top three in the list of highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time. At its core is a heartwarming story about found family and the transformative power of music. The soundtrack, the direction, and the iconic characters, all work together to make this family-friendly musical a box office hit at $361.3 million global earnings.
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2
‘Home Alone’ (1990)
$476.7 Million
- Release Date
-
November 16, 1990
- Runtime
-
103 minutes
The movie that held its position as the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time for almost three decades, Home Alone centers around 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on a Christmas vacation. Taking full advantage of the situation, Kevin pretends to be the man of his house and lives out his wildest fantasies until a pair of bumbling burglars ruin his fun and cause mayhem.
A Hilarious and High-Stakes Holiday Movie
Under expert direction from Chris Columbus, Home Alone blends slapstick comedy, heartwarming family dynamics, and a substantial offering of holiday cheer. The movie featured Macaulay Culkin is a star-making turn as the clever, brave, booby-trap-setting Kevin, alongside Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern as the hapless thieves. Hailed by critics as an endearing and entertaining classic, it has continued to delight audiences of all ages for decades now and its $476.7 million worldwide gross is testament to its success.
1
‘Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch’ (2018)
$539 Million
The Grinch
- Release Date
-
November 9, 2018
- Runtime
-
90 Minutes
A collaboration between Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, this version of the iconic Christmas antagonist’s story is the most recent one. Similar to Dr. Seuss’ original tale, the curmudgeonly Grinch, has never been one for holiday cheer. So he formulates a plan with his pet dog Max to steal all the Christmas decorations from Whoville and mess the holiday up for the all-too-happy residents of the town. But one girl’s kindness steals his bitter disposition.
Full of Warmth and Wit and Variety
Director Yarrow Cheney and co-director Scott Mosier craft a visually stunning, family-friendly adventure that pays homage to the original story and also offers a fresh and funny spin on the beloved tale. Its understanding of the timeless appeal is crucial to creating a balance between the tender moments and the hilarious ones. Benedict Cumberbatch’s take on the gruff and grumbling character is a highlight, with Rashida Jones and Angela Lansbury providing incredible support. Grossing over $540 million globally, Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch is the highest-grossing Christmas film of all time.