Here presents the Top 10 Highest-Earning Christmas Films in Cinematic History
Christmas time! Families either unite or steer clear, but we all share a mutual understanding: movies hold a special place during this period. Some dive into the cinematic holiday spirit post-Halloween, others at Thanksgiving, and the rest once December rolls around. Without fail, we congregate before a screen, basking in its comforting glow and foolishly grinning as we chomp on festive treats while watching Christmas movies in bulk.
The movie industry keeps churning out holiday-themed films, but not all make the coveted list of box office successes or are exclusive to streaming platforms, thus preventing their attendance at the communal celebration. Sadly, fan favorites like Netflix's Klaus, Krampus, Bad Santa, Violent Night, Jingle All the Way, and Scrooged fail to make the top ten. Even timeless classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and The Muppet Christmas Carol cannot secure a spot among the elite.
Nonetheless, here's the list of the highest-grossing Christmas movies across all time. I'm afraid you'll be disappointed if you're hoping to find Die Hard on this list as much as I am – while I consider it a Christmas classic, it's not universally recognized as such.
The Top 10 Highest-Grossing Christmas Movies
At position ten, we have $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$The Santa Clause$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Released in cinemas in 1994, it raked in $190.5 million worldwide and $145.5 million domestically. Tim Allen's comedy project saw a successful franchise and television series spawn from its success and reunited Allen with his Home Improvement co-star director John Pasquin. Who would have thought Bill Murray or Chevy Chase would turn down the lead role?
Moving on to 1906's The Holiday, the comedy lands at number nine, but this wasn't a domestic hit, earning only $63.2 million domestic. However, it pulled in $205.8 million worldwide against an $85 million budget. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black starred in this romantic home-swapping film, directed by Nancy Meyers, who also helmed The Parent Trap, Father of the Bride, and The Intern. And yes, another collaborative movie featuring Dustin Hoffman! He made an uncredited cameo in the video rental store scene, which paid homage to The Graduate.
Elf Makes Its Appearance on the List
Eighth place goes to what is now considered a modern classic, 2003's $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$Elf$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$. Will Ferrell starred as the eccentric Buddy Hobbs, raised by Santa's Christmas elves and determined to meet his biological father, played by James Caan. The ensemble cast includes Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, Bob Newhart, Faizon Love, and Peter Dinklage. Writers initially considered others for the role, but Ferrell ultimately clinched it, and the now famous "Santa!" scream was an improvisation!
Released the same year as Elf, Love Actually secured the seventh spot on the list with a worldwide gross of $248 million. Only $59.6 million of that was earned at domestic movie theaters. Please note that this romantic dramedy features an impressive ensemble cast with Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Martine McCutcheon, Bill Nighy, and Rowan Atkinson – just to name a few!
The Polar Express Makes a Jolly Appearance
Director Robert Zemekis' animated Christmas fantasy adventure The Polar Express arrives in sixth place. The 2004 film, which made use of actors for multiple human characters through live-action and motion capture effects, grossed $316.8 million worldwide. Animated on Christmas Eve, it tells the story of a young boy who sees a mystical train before the North Pole and is invited aboard by its Conductor, played by Tom Hanks, who also lent his voice to multiple characters in the film. Despite its dated appearance now, the box office doesn't lie!
Another film from the director of Death Becomes Her, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Contact, Forrest Gump, and Back to the Future's motion capture movies makes an appearance at number five. The movie, titled A Christmas Carol, amassed a total of $325.2 million worldwide, with $137.8 million coming from domestic audiences. Critics didn't give it a warm welcome, but audiences flocked to the theaters nonetheless. Released in 3D in 2009, this was Disney's third adaptation of the classic story, following 1983's Mickey's Christmas Carol and 1992's The Muppet Christmas Carol. Jim Carrey, like he did in The Polar Express, provided voices for various characters, including Ebenezer Scrooge.
'The Grinch' Claims Third Position on the Highest-Grossing Christmas Movies Chart
Jim Carrey once again graces the top ten list due to How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. Directed by Ron Howard and based on the Dr. Seuss character and 1957 story, this 25-year-old film celebrates its anniversary in 2025. Despite receiving negative criticism, the film was released just before Thanksgiving and held the top spot on the domestic box office for four consecutive weeks. It went on to gross a grand total of $345.8 million worldwide, $260.7 million of which came from domestic audiences. The film has endured and continues to be celebrated each year as the Grinchmas event at Universal Studios theme parks in Hollywood and Orlando.
Initially panned by critics, 1992's Home Alone 2: Lost in New York now holds the third spot on the list. At the time of its release, it didn't garner as much praise or audience attention as the original. However, in recent years, its popularity has grown. Factors like a Donald Trump cameo and the annual meme incorrectly attributing Piers Morgan's role to the Central Park Pigeon Lady have contributed to its rising fame. The film sees Macaulay Culkin reprise his role as Kevin McCallister, this time battling Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern's Wet/Sticky Bandits in the Big Apple. Notable additions to the cast include Tim Curry as Plaza Hotel concierge, Mr. Hector. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York raked in a total of $358.9 million worldwide.
With a worldwide gross of $476.6 million, $285.7 million of which was collected from domestic theaters, 1990's Home Alone holds the second spot on the list. It retained the top position until 2018, but more about that later. The film's success was so significant that it remained in theaters beyond the Christmas season and held the number one spot at the box office for twelve consecutive weeks. Macaulay Culkin's role catapulted him to international stardom.
This Animated Blockbuster Takes the Crown as the Highest-Grossing Christmas Movie Ever
The film that ousted Home Alone and now ranks at the top of the list is Dr. Seuss' The Grinch. The animated comedy brought in a staggering $526.7 million globally, with $271.3 million coming from domestic theaters. Starring Benedict Cumberbatch as the iconic Grinch, the film is not only the highest-grossing Christmas movie ever made, but also the most successful Dr. Seuss adaptation. Initially, the plan was for Cumberbatch to deliver his natural British accent, but this was nixed in favor of an American-sounding performance. The change proved to be a winning formula, as audiences wholeheartedly embraced the film.
It seems that the text you provided is already a list of the top 10 highest-grossing Christmas movies, so I will write 5 additional sentences using your given words:
- In 2024, fans can expect a new wave of Christmas movies to hit theaters and streaming platforms, joining the classic and highest-rated titles.
- To decide what Christmas movie to watch, some people consult the top 10 box office list, while others rely on recommendations from friends and family or online reviews.
- Christmas movie lovers frequently debate about which film is the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time, often listing titles like The Grinch, Home Alone, and Die Hard.
- The top 10 Christmas movies of all time feature a mix of family-friendly, romantic, and action-packed titles, ensuring there's something for everyone.
- As we approach the holiday season, people start planning their movie marathons, gathering lists of classic and highest-rated Christmas movies to watch with their loved ones.
