19 Movies that were released on Christmas 

It is that time of the year again, as the holiday season is here! While movie marathons at home on Christmas have a charm of their own, watching movies together in a theatre is a different experience and makes for a joyous time together. Movies that are released on Christmas also end up performing well at the box office, thus making it a lucrative time to release movies for the producers.

On that note, here is a list of 19 movies that were released on Christmas in the United States.

Disclaimer: Some movies covered in this list were handed a limited release on Christmas in some locations even though their worldwide release dates were different. Reader discretion is advised.

19) Ferrari (2023)

Released on Christmas in 2023, Ferrari is a biographical film based on Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the luxurious world famous car brand. This movie gives an insight into the personal life of Enzo and Laura Ferrari, who faced a ton of challenges in order to build their empire. From personal losses in the form of the death of their son to threats of bankruptcy, this movie managed to capture the essence of this iconic car company's legacy quite well.

18) Notes on a Scandal (2006)

Notes on a Scandal is a film about a History teacher, Barbara, who finds out that her colleague, an art teacher, is having an affair with a 15-year-old student. Barbara uses this information to her advantage and resorts to controlling and manipulating her colleague. This movie, released on December 25, 2006, explores the dark facets of human nature, particularly obsession, loneliness, and morality.

17) The Jungle Book (1994)

The Jungle Book has been released with multiple versions and is a staple among storytellers. But, on Christmas in1994, director Stephen Sommers released a live-action adapted version of the movie. It was set in the British colonized India and followed the life of Mowgli, an orphan raised by wolves. Unlike the previous animated versions, this movie gave a real-life tone to the movie and was appreciated for its uniqueness.

16) Bedtime Stories (2008)

Featuring Adam Sandler, Bedtime Stories, released on Christmas in 2008, is a perfect holiday movie. It is a family flick about a man who finds that the bedtime stories he narrates to his niece and nephew are coming true. A truly heartwarming movie, its humor and fantastical elements make up for a great lighthearted watch with your family for the Holiday Season.

15) The Godfather Part III (1990)

It is no doubt that the Godfather Trilogy holds a legacy in Hollywood. The third part of this iconic franchise was released on December 25, 1990. With Al Pacino and Diane Keaton reprising their roles, the movie follows the life of the mob leader, Michael Corleone, who is in his 60s. Although the last part wasn’t as big a success as the first two parts, it was still a hit with its themes of redemption and the price of leadership.

14) Marley and Me (2008)

Starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston, Marley and Me is as sad as it gets when it comes to a movie. It's a heartbreaking tale about the bond between a dog and its owner. The connection between Marley, the dog, and John, its owner, is highly emotional and deep. In fact, when Marley passes away, we witness just how cruel the loss of loved ones can be. The movie was released on December 25, 2008 in the United States.

13) Into the Woods (2014)

Into the Woods is another movie that, in true Christmas fashion, happens to be a musical drama. Released in the United States on Christmas of 2014, it is a combination of popular fairytales like - Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel. The movie has Meryl Streep, James Corden, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, and Johnny Depp in main roles. Consequently, this modern take on the fairytales turned out to be a huge hit.

12) Little Women (2019)

Based on a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, written in 1868, Little Women has had many versions of it adapted as movies. One such adaptation was done by director Greta Gerwig. With a star ensemble consisting of Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet, and Meryl Streep, this classic tale about family, sisterhood, love, and sacrifice managed to win the hearts of the audience. This movie released on Christmas of 2019.

11) Valkyrie (2008)

Valkyrie is a movie based on World War 2. Tom Cruise plays the role of Colonel Stauffenberg, who tries to oppose Hitler. He partners up with some officers to overthrow the Nazi regime. This movie brings out the true nature of war. It focuses on the power of resistance and the courage needed to sacrifice oneself for the greater good. Released on Christmas in 2008, the film is known for its production locations as it was shot in many historical places.

10) Lone Survivor (2013)

Lone Survivor is another war movie based on true events. It is about a group of NAVY SEALS on their way to capture a Taliban leader. But, their mission is compromised as they find themselves in a deadly situation. Consequently, only one officer manages to survive the ordeal. This movie is a token of gratitude for the hardworking soldiers of the United States. It was handed a limited release on December 25, 2013, before opening across North America on January 10, 2014.

9) American Sniper (2014)

Bradley Cooper stars as Chris Kyle in the movie American Sniper. It's an autobiography about America’s most famous military sniper. The movie focuses on PTSD and other mental health problems caused by war. While heroism and sacrifice are important aspects of war, people often forget the constant ethical dilemma it poses. It managed to do wonders commercially and is a highly appreciated war movie. American Sniper was shown in a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 25, 2014 before a worldwide release on January 16, 2015.

8) Les Misérables (2012)

Les Miserables is a musical drama adaption of Victor Hugo’s famous book. It showcases the life of people struggling with poverty and injustice in post-revolutionary France. The movie throws light on how political changes majorly affect the lower classes. It is popular for producing some of the most popular songs, including ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’ Moreover, these songs are live recordings instead of lip syncs. This movie was released on December 25, 2012 in the United States.

7) Phantom Thread (2017)

Released on Christmas of 2017, Phantom Thread is movie revolving around the world of fashion. It is the love story of a renowned fashion designer and a waitress. It deals with topics of power struggle, compromise, obsession and at the end of it all - human vulnurability. It has a feminist tone to it and features none other than the iconic - Daniel Day Lewis.

6) Catch Me If You Can (2002)

Catch Me if you Can is a thriller about a con artist. The FBI is actively trying to catch Frank Jr., who has managed to deceive authorities as a pilot, doctor and lawyer. Frank is smart and cunning and is always one step ahead. But, the movie is deeper than this. It shows how a complex relationship between a father and a son can make a man choose a life of crime. This movie was released on Christmas in 2002.

5) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)

Starring Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is quite a unique story. It is about a man who ages in reverse. He was born as an old man and as years pass, he turns younger. Through the story of his life, the movie manages to highlight the fleeting nature of time. It is an interplay on the importance of accepting ones fate and making the most out of what they have. The movie was released on Christmas in 2008.

4) The Aviator (2004)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, The Aviator is a biography of Howard Hughes. Howard is rich and successful, but struggles with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. His obsession with perfection in life drives him to the edge of insanity. The movie is a wonderful portrayal of isolation caused by fame and the toll it takes on relationships. This 2004 film saw an initial limited release on December 17, before a full-fledged release on December 25, 2004 across 1,796 cinema halls across the United States. The film went on to win five Academy Awards

3) The Hateful Eight (2015)

Released on Christmas in 2015, The Hateful Eight is a story about a group of eight strangers who find themselves trapped in a cabin. All of them are hiding their own secrets and what happens to be a chance encounter, turns out to be something more sinister and pre-planned. Known for its well planned cinematography, it is a violent and tense film, but nevertheless a great watch.

2) The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

The Wolf of the Wall Street is a movie about corrupt practices in the financial stock market. It's is about Jordan Belfort’s unethical rise to success followed by how his crimes chase him throughout his life. This movie highlights the pitfalls of insatiety and greed and how consequences of our actions eventually catch up to us. Released in the United States on December 25, 2013, this movie turned out to be a huge commercial success.

1) Django Unchained (2012)

Directed by Quentin Tarantino, Django Unchained is another movie released on Christmas which managed to perform quite well. It is about a newly freed slave and his plan to save his wife from the clutches of a wealthy plantation owner. The movie sheds light on the dehumanising slavery practices in America before the Civil War as well as the negative motivation caused by revenge. This movie was theatrically released across the United States on December 25, 2012.