Radical ’80s Christmas Movies for the Whole Family

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25 Christmas Movies That Are Totally ’80s-Tastic

The Hair! The Fashion! The Holiday Cheer!

By Hedy Phillips

Updated: May 14, 2022

Originally Published: November 22, 2021

There’s a unique charm about the 1980s. From the vibrant fashion to the quirky language, the outrageous hairstyles to the iconic toys, everything was just so exuberant and fun. It’s no wonder that nostalgia for this decade continues to flourish. Among the movies and television shows from this era, ’80s Christmas films stand out as some of the most delightful holiday entertainment ever produced.

Take A Christmas Story, for example. No list of the greatest Christmas films would be complete without this gem, which has become a beloved classic over the years. Fans who grew up watching it every holiday season, often dressed in pink bunny pajamas, understand just how quotable and captivating this film really is. Its universal appeal spans across generations, a sentiment that rings true for many of the best holiday films from the ’80s.

If you’re eager to share some of your childhood favorites with your kids (though you might want to save Die Hard for the adults), read on for a collection of fantastic holiday films from this totally tubular decade.

Top ’80s Christmas Movies

  1. A Christmas Story (1983)
    This quintessential holiday movie follows 9-year-old Ralphie, who dreams of receiving a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle for Christmas. Unfortunately, everyone keeps warning him, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Narrated by an adult Ralphie, this film features unforgettable moments, including the infamous leg lamp and the classic scene where a boy gets his tongue stuck to a frozen flagpole.
  2. Die Hard (1988)
    Yes, Die Hard is undeniably a Christmas movie. NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) attends his estranged wife’s company Christmas party, only to find himself battling German terrorist Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman). As McClane fights to save the day, holiday cheer plays in the background.
  3. Mickey’s Christmas Carol (1983)
    This delightful animated short features Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge and Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit, reimagining the classic tale of redemption with beloved Disney characters teaching Scrooge about the true spirit of Christmas.
  4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
    Join the Griswold family as Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) strives for a perfect holiday, only to be met with chaos when cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) arrives with his own family. This John Hughes classic is filled with hilarious mishaps.
  5. The Brady Bunch: A Very Brady Christmas (1988)
    In this made-for-TV movie, the Brady family comes together for a Christmas celebration, facing their own dramas and challenges. It takes a Christmas miracle to get everyone united again.
  6. Gremlins (1984)
    It all starts when a man buys a peculiar creature called a mogwai as a Christmas gift for his son. After breaking the crucial rules of care, chaos erupts as the mogwai transforms into mischievous gremlins.
  7. Scrooged (1988)
    Starring Bill Murray, this modern rendition of A Christmas Carol features a self-centered TV executive who faces the consequences of his actions when visited by a series of ghosts on Christmas Eve.
  8. Prancer (1989)
    Jessica Riggs (Rebecca Harrell) discovers an injured reindeer on Christmas Eve and takes it upon herself to care for it until Santa can return. This heartwarming story is sure to fill you with holiday spirit.
  9. Babes in Toyland (1986)
    Featuring Drew Barrymore and Keanu Reeves, this magical film transports young Lisa Piper to Toyland, where she must help save a wedding from an evil landlord.
  10. A Muppet Family Christmas (1987)
    The Muppets take a trip to Fozzie Bear’s mom’s farm for a festive surprise, leading to joyful antics and heartwarming moments.

More Awesome ’80s Christmas Movies

  • Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
  • Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
  • One Magic Christmas (1985)
  • Better Off Dead (1985)
  • The Christmas Star (1986)
  • Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
  • A Smoky Mountain Christmas (1986)
  • A Garfield Christmas Special (1987)
  • A Christmas Carol (1984)
  • The Night They Saved Christmas (1984)
  • It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (1984)
  • The Snowman (1982)
  • The Christmas Toy (1986)
  • He-Man and She-Ra: A Christmas Special (1985)
  • The Little Troll Prince (1987)

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Summary

Revisit the joy of the ’80s with these fantastic Christmas films that the whole family can enjoy together. From classic stories to zany antics featuring unforgettable characters, these movies capture the spirit of the season. Whether you’re introducing your kids to these nostalgic gems or reliving your own childhood favorites, there’s something for everyone in this collection of ’80s holiday classics.