King of Christmas: Ranking Christopher Columbus’ holiday films
King of Christmas: Ranking Christopher Columbus’ holiday films
From ‘Home Alone’ to ‘Harry Potter,’ Chris Columbus has shaped how we celebrate the season through film.
If there’s one name synonymous with the King of Christmas movies, it’s Christopher Columbus. And while this year he’s dropping something much darker for us on Christmas day with the reimagined Dracula film, “Nosferatu” which he produces (Robert Eggers directs), there’s no denying Columbus’ track record for delivering hit holiday movies. So, here’s a list of the top 7 Chris Columbus Christmas movies you can watch on streaming right now.
Top 7 Chris Columbus Christmas movies to stream right now
No. 7: ‘Christmas with the Kranks’ (2004) | Hulu
Coming in at No. 7 on the list is a quirky and divisive holiday comedy: “Christmas with the Kranks,” which Chris Columbus wrote the script for and produced. Made during the mid-2000s, when Columbus had already cemented his status as a holiday movie heavyweight, this film takes a different route from his usual heartwarming hits. Starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis, it tells the story of a suburban couple who decide to skip Christmas entirely when their daughter heads off to the Peace Corps - only to panic when she announces she’s coming home at the last minute. Cue the hilariously chaotic scramble to pull together a last-minute, perfect Christmas. While it doesn’t have the same timeless holiday charm as many of his other movies on this list, it’s packed with slapstick humor, over-the-top holiday antics, and a little bit of heart to remind you why Christmas chaos is sometimes the best part of the season.
Christmas with the Kranks
When their only daughter Blair leaves the family nest, Luther and Nora Krank decide to book an island cruise to beat the yuletide blues and just skip the holidays. But their decision to boycott tradition has the whole neighborhood in an uproar, and when Blair calls on Christmas Eve to announce a surprise visit with her new fiancée, the Kranks have just twelve hours to perform a miracle and pull themselves and their neighbors together to throw the best celebration ever!
No. 6: ‘The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two, ’ (2020) | Netflix
At No. 6 is “The Christmas Chronicles 2,” a solid follow-up to the hit Netflix original. This time, Columbus co-wrote the screenplay with Matt Lieberman, serving as both director and producer in the hopes of bringing his signature holiday magic to the sequel. And it basically works. The story follows siblings Kate and Teddy as they reunite with Santa, played by Kurt Russell, to save Christmas from a mischievous troublemaker named Belsnickel. Packed with dazzling special effects, an imaginative North Pole, and even a musical number featuring Russell and Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, the movie leans heavily into Columbus’s knack for blending heartwarming moments with big, family-friendly adventures. While it doesn’t quite hit the high of the original, the sequel is still better than most Christmas movies in the fantasy genre and worth checking out.
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two
Kate Pierce is reluctantly spending Christmas with her mom’s new boyfriend and his son Jack. But when the North Pole and Christmas are threatened to be destroyed, Kate and Jack are unexpectedly pulled into a new adventure with Santa Claus.
No. 5: ‘Jingle All the Way’ (1996) | Disney+
This isn’t just one of my favorite Columbus-produced Christmas movies, it’s one of my favorite holiday movies of all time. “Jingle All the Way” is a wild holiday comedy starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a desperate dad on a chaotic mission to snag the season’s hottest toy — Turbo Man — for his son on Christmas Eve. Naturally, everything that can go wrong does, with hilarious results, including a rivalry with another equally determined dad, played by Sinbad. While the film is more about slapstick and satire than heart, it delivers a sharp take on the commercial madness of Christmas shopping, all with Columbus’s knack for holiday spectacle shining behind the scenes. If you’ve ever been in a last-minute holiday rush, this one hits home in the funniest way possible.
Jingle All the Way
Howard Langston, a salesman for a mattress company, is constantly kept busy at his job, disappointing his son. After he misses his son’s karate exposition, Howard vows to make it up to him by buying an action figure of his son’s favorite television hero for Christmas. Unfortunately for Howard, it is Christmas Eve, and every store is sold out of Turbo Man. Now, Howard must travel all over town and compete with everybody else to find a Turbo Man action figure.
No. 4: ‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (2018) | Netflix
Coming in at No. 4 is “The Christmas Chronicles,” a Netflix original that Chris Columbus produced, helping to kick off a new holiday franchise. The family film stars Kurt Russell as a cool, no-nonsense Santa Claus who teams up with two siblings after they accidentally crash his sleigh on Christmas Eve. With time running out, they must work together to save Christmas before it’s too late. Packed with heartwarming moments, awesome CGI, and Russell’s charismatic take on Father Christmas, the film was a massive hit for Netflix, with the streaming giant reporting 20 million views within its first week - making it one of their most successful holiday releases ever.
The Christmas Chronicles
Siblings Kate and Teddy try to prove Santa Claus is real, but when they accidentally cause his sleigh to crash, they have to save Christmas.
No. 3: ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992) | Disney+
It’s very difficult for a sequel to a hit movie to capture the same magic that appeared in the first go around. And yet, Columbus makes it look easy with “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” Directed by Columbus, this 1992 follow-up to his iconic “Home Alone” sees Kevin McCallister accidentally boarding the wrong flight and ending up alone in New York City during Christmas. With his family nowhere nearby, Kevin uses his wit and charm to navigate the Big Apple while once again squaring off against the Wet Bandits, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The movie was a box office smash, grossing over $358 million worldwide. Even more impressive is that the film is as much fun (maybe more?) than the first movie, making it a must-watch this Christmas.
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Instead of flying to Florida with his folks, Kevin ends up alone in New York, where he gets a hotel room with his dad’s credit card—despite problems from a clerk and meddling bellboy. But when Kevin runs into his old nemeses, the Wet Bandits, he’s determined to foil their plans to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve.
No. 2: ‘Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ (2002) | Max
Ducks for cover. Okay, this isn’t a conventional Christmas movie, but go watch it and tell me if it doesn’t carry the spirit of the holiday through the film. See? Directed and executive produced by Columbus, “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” continues Harry’s journey at Hogwarts, this time dealing with the… ghost (IYKYK) of Tom Riddle. The film has a ton of Christmas-oriented images, including a fantastic holiday scene at the Great Hall, where the towering Christmas trees, complete with glittering decorations, make me feel all warm and fuzzy. Whether you’re in it for the magic or just looking for a taste of holiday vibes, this one delivers in holiday style while being an excellent adaptation to boot.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Cars fly, trees fight back, and a mysterious house-elf named Dobby comes to warn Harry Potter at the start of his second year at Hogwarts. Adventure and danger await when bloody writing on a wall announces: The Chamber Of Secrets Has Been Opened. To save Hogwarts will require all of Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s magical abilities and courage.
Director Chris Columbus reunites with his stellar cast. They’re joined by Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockhart and Jason Isaacs as Draco’s villainous father, Lucius Malfoy.
No. 1: ‘Home Alone’ (1990) | Disney+
There are three Christmas movies on my GOAT list, “Elf,” “The Santa Clause” and the ultimate holiday classic: “Home Alone.” Directed by Columbus, “Home Alone” has become synonymous with Christmas magic. The story follows Kevin McCallister, an 8-year-old accidentally left behind when his family jets off to Paris for the holidays. With the house all to himself, Kevin transforms his loneliness into independence, hilariously defending his home against two bumbling burglars. Packed with festive spirit, a heartwarming message about family, and John Williams’s iconic score, this film captures everything we love about the holiday season. What is there to say? The movie picked up over $476 million worldwide, cementing Columbus’ status as a Christmas movie genius – a reputation he still carries today.
Home Alone
Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister makes the most of the situation after his family unwittingly leaves him behind when they go on Christmas vacation. But when a pair of bungling burglars set their sights on Kevin’s house, the plucky kid stands ready to defend his territory. By planting booby traps galore, adorably mischievous Kevin stands his ground as his frantic mother attempts to race home before Christmas Day.