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Christmas movies have long been a cherished holiday tradition for many individuals and families, and over the years, some of these films have even achieved incredible commercial success at the box office. In fact, there are a number of Christmas movies that have gone on to become some of the highest-grossing films of all time within the genre. In this list, we will be showcasing the top 10 highest-grossing Christmas movies of all time, based on their box office performance. These films have all managed to capture the magic and joy of the holiday season, and have resonated with audiences around the world. Whether you are a fan of classic holiday films or more modern offerings, this list is sure to have something for everyone.
The Santa Clause - 1994 ($190 Million)
Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin in this 1994 holiday comedy film about a man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus. As Scott struggles to adjust to his new role and the impact it has on his personal and professional life, the film follows his journey. The Santa Clause was a financial success, grossing $190 million at the box office and becoming a holiday classic. It spawned two sequels, The Santa Clause 2, and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause.
The Holiday - 2006 ($205 Million)
A romantic comedy movie released in 2006, The Holiday follows two women who swap homes for the holidays and meet two men while staying in each other's homes. The film was released in December 2006 and was a moderate box office success, earning over $205 million worldwide. It received generally positive reviews and is praised for its charming cast and sweet, romantic story.
Elf - 2003 ($225 Million)
In this holiday comedy, Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father. Along the way, Buddy learns about the true meaning of Christmas and spreads holiday cheer wherever he goes. Elf was a financial success, grossing $225 million at the box office and becoming a holiday classic. The film received generally positive reviews for its humorous and heartwarming depiction of the holiday season.
Love Actually - 2003 ($246 Million)
Love Actually is a romantic comedy film released in 2003, set during the holiday season. The film features an ensemble cast, including well-known actors such as Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Emma Thompson. The film follows multiple intertwining storylines that revolve around the theme of love. It was a commercial success, grossing over $246 million at the box office and becoming a holiday classic.
The Polar Express - 2004 ($315 Million)
Based on the children's book of the same name, The Polar Express is a 2004 animated Christmas classic that tells the story of a young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The film features the voice of Tom Hanks in multiple roles and was a financial success, grossing $315 million at the box office. It received generally positive reviews for its beautiful animation and heartwarming holiday themes. The film has become a holiday classic and is beloved by audiences of all ages.
A Christmas Carol - 2009 ($325 Million)
A Christmas Carol is a 2009 3D animated film based on the Charles Dickens novel of the same name. The film features the voice of Jim Carrey as Ebenezer Scrooge and was a financial success, grossing $325 million at the box office. The film tells the story of the miserly Scrooge and his transformation into a kind and generous person through the help of four ghostly visitors on Christmas Eve.
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas - 2000 ($345 Million)
"How the Grinch Stole Christmas," a live-action adaptation of the classic children's book by Dr. Seuss, was released in 2000 and starred Jim Carrey as the titular character. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $345 million at the box office. It tells the story of the Grinch, a mischievous creature who hates Christmas and plots to ruin the holiday for the residents of Whoville. However, as he carries out his plan, the Grinch begins to learn the true meaning of Christmas and ultimately has a change of heart.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - 1992 ($358 Million)
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is a holiday movie that was released in 1992 and is the sequel to Home Alone. It follows Kevin McCallister, a young boy who gets separated from his family in New York City and must fend off two burglars while navigating the city on his own. The movie was a major box office success, earning over $359 million worldwide, and received positive reviews for its humor and Macaulay Culkin's performance as Kevin.
Home Alone - 1990 ($476 Million)
Home Alone is a classic holiday film that was released in 1990. The movie tells the story of Kevin McCallister, a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. While his parents frantically try to make their way back home, Kevin must defend the family's house from a pair of bumbling burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The film was a huge success, grossing over $476 million at the box office and becoming the highest-grossing Christmas movie of all time.
The Grinch - 2018 ($534 Million)
The Grinch is a computer-animated Christmas movie released in 2018, based on the classic story by Dr. Seuss. It follows the Grinch, a grumpy and misanthropic creature who lives alone on a mountain above the town of Whoville, as he tries to steal all the presents from the Whos on Christmas Eve. The movie was released in November 2018 and was a major box-office success, earning over $534 million worldwide.
Sources: Screenrant, WIO News, and RadioX.