Regardless of the apparent decade, movies from the Christmas genre annually provide endless joy and holiday cheer. However, when it comes to the star-studded 2000s, there was an abundance of memorable Christmastime favorites, including a few that would go on to become seasonal staples. Chocked with rom-coms and more traditional seasonal comedies, the era offers plenty of joy and laughs for viewers of all ages.
While many of these films may be considered mediocre or below average by some, due to lackluster box-office success or poor critical reception, many of them remain beloved; everyone has their own movies they love to throw into rotation every year. Even though new Christmas movies continue to be released every year, it is always a treat to head back to the 2000s, especially for that festive sprinkling of feel-good nostalgia.
Here are 20 of the best Christmas movies the 2000s had to offer.
20
‘Fred Claus’ (2007)
Fred Claus (Vince Vaughn) harbors a disdain for the holiday, having grown up in the shadow of his more popular and universally loved brother, Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti). After a string of bad luck that sees him broke, Fred reluctantly heads back home to help his brother and earn some money in the process. Bringing resentment with him, instead of helping Fred causes issues with the elves and becomes more of a liability. That is until the holiday itself is threatened, and Fred realizes he has to swallow his pride in order to save Christmas.
Fred Claus largely rests on the brotherly dynamic explored between Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, offering a lesser explored family element in Christmas films. Of course, the movie also has that infectious underdog turned savior of Christmas trope which never really grows tired when it results in celebrating how the holiday brings people together. A fun mix of goofy comedy and heartfelt observations on family, Fred Claus is an underrated entry in the Christmas genre.
19
‘Friday After Next’ (2002)
Cousins Craig Jones (Ice Cube) and Day-Day (Mike Epps) get up to antics once again in the third film in the “Friday” franchise. Here, the duo are moving into a new apartment and take up jobs as security guards in a strip mall. Shortly after being hired, a man dressed as Santa Claus ends up robbing the mall, putting the two on a path to try to track him down while dealing with a myriad of eccentric locals.
There is a certain crowd drawn to the stoner comedy (don’t worry, we are not judging) but few look to also make for a holiday film and combine the two genres. Here, fans got the same loved Ice Cube and Mike Epps’ chemistry with some festive cheer thrown in. Over-the-top characters, with Terry Crews’ performance as Damon being particularly memorable, and a mix of laid-back vibes with moments of slapstick, make Friday After Next a great festive choice for those looking to share some laughs.
18
‘Tokyo Godfathers’ (2003)
A homeless trio–middle-aged alcoholic Gin, runaway teen Miyuki, and an animated woman Hana–end up discovering a young child discarded in the garbage on Christmas Eve. Determined to find the parents, the three set out on a journey full of misadventure and heartwarming reflections on the holiday. As they venture forward, each ends up having to confront their past and the reason why they withdrew from society.
Offering a unique perspective on Christmas, with those who ‘have not’ going out of their way to do what is right, the Satoshi Kon animated film is a one-of-a-kind holiday film. You don’t have to love anime to watch Tokyo Godfathers, as the lush visual direction and heartfelt storytelling transcend the genre tropes that dissuade those outside of the fandom. An awe-inspiring and emotional journey that remains one of the best films to inject magical realism into Christmas. The anime movie deserves classic status and needs to be seen by more; it is one of the best animated Christmas movies ever made.
17
‘The Family Stone’ (2005)
Meredith Morton is all business and proper etiquette. Growing up in a conservative family, she finds herself having a difficult time fitting in as she nervously joins her boyfriend and his chaotic family for their annual Christmas celebration. From her mannerisms to her career-oriented perspective, everything contrasts with the family’s bohemian, unfiltered ways.
With a pitch-perfect ensemble led by Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker, this Christmas movie is nothing if not delightful. The Family Stone directs its entire focus on what makes the season so warm and comfortable – a loving family. The humor and tense moments in the film are balanced out to feel believable and fun, and the ending is definitely something you won’t see coming.
16
‘Unaccompanied Minors’ (2006)
Unaccompanied Minors has a pretty self-explanatory premise. When a blizzard threatens to derail their Christmas plans and cancel their flights just before the holidays, a group of teenagers is stranded at Hoover International Airport, where they create havoc, pull cheap tricks, and squabble with one another. The question is, will they find a way home in time for Christmas Day?
Firstly, the film is directed by Paul Feig, known for Bridesmaids and The Heat. Much like his other works, he captures the essence of being with like-minded individuals and persevering through adversity with heart and humor. Dyllan Christopher plays the cheerful and mischievous character of Spencer, and Lewis Black and Wilmer Valderrama are the strict airport official and his assistant, trying to catch the minors.
15
‘Just Friends’ (2005)
What better way to commemorate Christmas than a guilty pleasure viewing of your favorite Christmas rom-com? The plot of Just Friends goes something like this: In high school, Chris was overweight and cruelly rejected by his crush, Jamie. Now years later, he returns home for the holidays as a physically transformed, successful music producer with Samatha, a famous pop star, in tow. When he reunites with Jamie, he “friendzones” her, but later realizes that he still has feelings for her.
Despite having an outdated storyline and a predictable ending, Just Friends serves as a sweet and sincere romantic comedy about an unlikely hero emerging from his awkward past, ultimately allowing him to rewrite his love story. Having Ryan Reynolds as the lead really works for the film, and Anna Faris and Amy Smart light up the screen. Just Friends wraps up lessons about acceptance and second chances in a feel-good movie that goes down smoothly.
14
‘The Ultimate Christmas Present’ (2000)
The Ultimate Christmas Present is a Disney Channel Original Movie directed by Greg Beeman. It follows two teenage girls who decide to embark on a mischievous adventure, stealing a weather machine from Santa Claus right before Christmas Day arrives. But their mishandling leads to the machine breaking down. Some time after, an endless snowstorm blankets their town, sending all the townsfolk into a series of silly troubles.
Like other Disney Channel Christmas movies, this one also packs multiple moments that can be treasured. From watching the girls’ dad being stuck at the airport because of the snow, to Santa Claus’ endless attempts to find the girls and his machine, there is a wholesomeness about the movie that will delight fans of all generations. Though light on spectacle, it delivers a unique and sincere story, making the holiday feel warm and hopeful.
13
‘Deck The Halls’ (2006)
Directed by John Whitesell, Deck the Halls transports you to the fictional town of Cloverdale, Massachusetts. There, Steve Finch, an optometrist who considers himself an expert on Christmas, simply wants his family to have a great holiday. That is, until the beginning of December, when a new set of neighbors move across the street: Buddy Hall, an automotive sales representative, and his significant other, Tia. Before they know it, a rivalry is born between the two, and they indulge in an aggressive competition.
Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito are absolutely hilarious in this fun family comedy. They keep the humor fast and silly and make sure the viewers are just as involved in the festive and competitive spirit as them. Whitesell keeps the gags coming but ensures that the humor of Buddy and Steve’s fight never overshadows the friendship shared by their children, making the film feel good and nostalgic.
12
‘Last Holiday’ (2006)
In 2006’s Last Holiday, Queen Latifah plays Georgia Byrd, an innocent yet tense department store employee with an enthusiasm for cooking. After she receives an upsetting medical diagnosis, Georgia exchanges her mundane lifestyle as an aspiring chef for a life of luxury in her final days, all while simultaneously traveling to a resort in Europe. A remake of the 1950 film of the same name, it also stars LL Cool J, Alicia Witt, and Giancarlo Esposito.
With lots of laughs, plenty of charm, and an emotional punch, Last Holiday is an underrated gem of a Christmas movie. Latifah excellently portrays Georgia’s desire to enjoy life to the fullest, which helps to give the film a powerful message about never giving up on yourself. While it may suffer from a few jarring tonal shifts, overall, it’s a sweet and life-affirming watch that has all the warmth and fuzziness a holiday movie requires.
11
‘Surviving Christmas’ (2004)
Ben Affleck stars in Surviving Christmas as Drew Latham, a rich but family-deprived advertising executive who, after his girlfriend breaks up with him, desperately tries not to spend Christmas on his own. After traveling to his Chicago childhood home on the advice of his therapist, Drew meets Tom Valco (James Gandolfini) and asks if he could spend Christmas with Tom’s family. However, Tom is unsurprisingly reluctant until Drew offers to pay him $250,000, to which Tom finally agrees.
Featuring a star-studded cast that also includes acting legends Christina Applegate and Catherine O’Hara, Surviving Christmas is a hilariously charming and surprisingly well-executed holiday film. Though it might not be the most intellectually stimulating watch, its mix of slapstick hijinks, deadpan humor, and real heart make it ideal for that post-turkey wind-down.