Box office numbers aren't always indicative of greatness or whether something is actually good, but they are rewarding for the creatives when a worthwhile movie performs well in theaters. It's rewarding when they not only get to make back everything they put into creating the piece of fiction, but also when there's more to give back to everyone who made it possible.
Christmas movies have an advantage in that they are something that people can turn to during every season to revisit. In addition, with the time off that most people get, watching them in theaters can be fun for the whole family. The highest-grossing box office features might even shock some people, but from movies like Home Alone (1990) to Elf (2003), here are the top ten, as well as where to watch them on platforms like Disney+, Netflix, and more.
Elf (2003)
As someone who appreciates the humor of Elf and values it far more than movies like The Santa Claus (1994), it's entirely understandable that it'd gross $225,097,437 at the box office, but also go on to become one of the best Christmas movies of all time that people consistently rewatch.
Hilarious in a way that very few movies manage to be, everything about Elf is so easily quotable it gets to me every single time. It also helps that most of the humor isn't dated either. The writing is so sharp, so expertly paced, and Will Ferrell's performance is so incredible that it makes the character easy to appreciate. All of these reasons are why it's so revered years later. It could've easily been something forgettable, but instead, it's memorable on all fronts.
Die Hard 2 (1990)
It's riveting that Die Hard (1988) isn't in this top ten, but also, it's incredibly compelling when we take into account how some sequels operate. While I imagine that executives knew they had a solid action feature on their hands, I don't think people realized what a cult classic it'd become, only for its sequel, Die Hard 2, to then do significantly better at the theaters with a box office gross of $240,031,274.
And though the sequel isn't one that comes up in the same vein that Home Alone 2 does, it's still a relatively decent look back into the world of John McClane. Action-packed and well-paced, with another gripping performance from Bruce Willis, the plot and character arc are diligently balanced to deliver something worthy for those who want something thrilling around the holidays.
Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually garnering $245,203,167 at the box office is a big win for romantic comedies and love stories. While it might not be everyone's favorite—The Holiday (2006) is my personal go-to—its legacy and the fact that people revisit it every year for Christmas don't just showcase how deeply people adore the genre, but it's a fascinating reminder of how desperate we all are for relatable human connections in our fiction.
Perfect for viewers who love ensemble stories and messy dynamics, Love Actually is a must-watch this time of year. It's also ultimately proof that if we can get more romantic comedies and movies like it on the big screen, then they have the ability to do well because the genre is so revered on streaming services.
Batman Returns (1992)
Superhero movies often have the advantage of doing well in theaters, so the fact that Batman Returns did well isn't shocking. What is shocking, however, is that it didn't do more than $266,831,698. Still, while box office numbers in the '90s weren't bringing in the same numbers that superhero films do today, this is still a tremendous accomplishment for Tim Burton and a campy Batman adaptation.
Batman Returns might not be a conventional Christmas movie, but it's still one worth watching for a myriad of reasons, with the wildly popular kiss—er, lick—between Catwoman and the titular character of this entry. Campy and fun in a way that superhero films don't always allow themselves to be, this one's a rare gem for those who need something gritty around the holidays.
The Polar Express (2004)
Like A Christmas Carol, another holiday film with 3D animation delivering solid numbers, is something to welcome. And the fact that it's been over 20 years and it's still one of the best book-to-screen adaptations is also saying something. Because $315,249,768 is a great gross amount, and it's especially compelling because, as one of the older films, it shows how far animation has come, too.
I'll be honest about something—The Polar Express is one of my favorite books from childhood, but I didn't watch the movie in theaters because I was nervous it wouldn't be the same. Yet, years later, when I finally did, it turned out to be one of the most gorgeous holiday movies, with so much depth and care put into its entire production. It's a must-watch for anyone who adored the book as a kid.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
It's not The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), but as an animated feature grossing $325,286,646, it equates to a big win, and despite how long it's been, I hope it continues to be proof of the value of human-made content. This 3D computer-animated gem is a solid adaptation, and truthfully, one we might not get for a long, long time because we can't trust that people these days won't be using AI.
And with the popularity of Dickens' story, it's definitely something that's going to be reworked and touched on for years to come, so having this one is a lovely inclusion in a long list of must-watch holiday lineups. Perfect for anyone who loves Klaus (2019), Robert Zemeckis' A Christmas Carol delivers a gorgeous feast for the eyes.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
When we look at the fact that the live-action version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas is this year's top Christmas movie in America, it's shocking to think that its box office numbers were less than the animated version (I mean, really good for animation!) But perhaps this was a case of wondering if the story would translate well into live-action. Still, $345,823,032 is a solid number for a movie that's now 25 years old.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas ultimately became a cult-classic as the years went on, and people started realizing how hilarious it is. Looking back, it's also a glorious adaptation where makeup and practical effects are concerned. The production design for Whoville alone is something I'll never get over. It’s perfect for anyone who loves the story, but really, even for those who are indifferent, there's something ridiculously fun in the adaptation that can be suited for those who are especially Grinchy this year.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Coming in at number three with its $358,994,850 box office gross, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York doesn't exactly have the same numbers as its predecessor, but it's still a solid and worthy number to exhibit how excited people were about reuniting with the McAllisters. Frankly, if you ask me, the sequel is even better, so it's easier to wonder if people were perhaps nervous that it wouldn't hold up, so they didn't take the risk of seeing it in theaters.
Regardless, Home Alone 2 isn't just a good sequel, but it's perfect for anyone who loves movies set in New York. How it paints a captivating picture of life in the city while also delivering a wholesome message about taking care of those around us is why it holds up year after year. The pigeon lady's story still gets me weepy every single time, and the reunion with Kevin and his mom at the Rockefeller Christmas tree is a top-tier moment in any holiday film.
Home Alone (1990)
When a movie is as beloved as Home Alone, it isn't shocking that it's also one of the highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time. With $476,684,675 under its belt, Kevin McCallister's first adventure is a worthy movie to have this much praise and credit. The film's budget was also 18 million, which means this massive theatrical success, atop the glowing popularity, is what guaranteed we'd get the sequel.
It isn't every movie that's perfect for every type of person, but Home Alone is a hilarious, brilliantly written, and genuinely well-made Christmas movie that the entire family could enjoy. It's something even the biggest critics and anti-Christmas fans can appreciate, showcasing its greatness in more ways than one.
The Grinch (2018)
The animated adaptation of The Grinch grossed a total of $538,920,602 at the box office, landing itself as the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time. This is fitting, because it's a near-perfect animation with stunning work and craftsmanship to showcase an adaptation that feels both refreshing and honors the book in dazzling fashion.
Well-made and genuinely hilarious with incredible voice acting from Benedict Cumberbatch, The Grinch is a must-watch for anyone who loves the original story. It can be particularly perfect for kids as the live-action has some moments that might be inappropriate for children. More than that, if you love the animated work in The Lorax (2012) and Horton Hears a Who! (2008), this is another perfect Dr. Seuss adaptation.
