Many people love the idea of Christmas. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy having family and friends gather together to share in faith, food, and fun.
Christmas is a time to enjoy uplifting Christian Christmas movies that will fill your heart now and have you reflecting back on it's lessons days later.
These top 7 Christian Christmas movies are contemporary classics, children's films, and faith-based films that encourage us to work in God's service throughout the year.
7 Of The Best Christian Christmas Movies To Watch
Below you will find a list of the top 7 best religious Christmas movies for 2021. But read all the way to the bottom because I added a bonus movie as part of this list!
Best Religious Christian Christmas Movie
#1 The Nativity Story (2006)
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The Nativity Story is a wonderful top Christian Christmas movie, released in 2006, that realistically depicts the biblical account of the birth of Jesus. It tells the story from Mary's perspective and is based on historical events, including Herod's slaughter of infant boys in his attempt to kill Jesus, a prophesied threat to his throne.*
It is a well-acted and biblically realistic religious Christmas movie showing the importance of faith and service. While Mary faithfully obeys her calling to accept her role in God's plan for our salvation, we are also given a dramatized perspective of the people around her who may have helped shape our Savior.
*Might not be a good idea for the littles since it depicts more mature themes: stoning, murder, poverty, circumcision, and intense childbirth.
Best Classic Animated Christian Christmas Movie
#2 A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
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A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of best christian christmas movies an animated special based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz. Adults, as well as children, enjoy this animated classic for being a great reminder of the true meaning of Christmas: Christ's birth and not commercialism is what matters.
This time-tested cartoon, broadcast every year since 1965, also reminds us of the importance of charity in life, to give and not just receive. When in God's service, it is in giving to those less fortunate than yourself that your true riches are revealed.
Good Christian Christmas Movie
#3 Christmas on Salvation Street (2014)
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Christmas on Salvation Street is a story revolving around a successful and influential pastor who lost his wife and is called to pastor and assist at a mission in the rough part of the inner city.* With the Christmas holidays approaching, the pastor and his two daughters leave their home and move to the mission where he’s called to reach the people, including gang members, and the struggles that follow.
This story is of relentless hope and faith, and the belief that nothing is bigger or more transformative than God. The pastor's unrelenting drive and the belief that God's Word can change lives are inspirational.
The film also addresses family discontent and struggles that when one follows God's calling, but we are reminded He always "...works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." NIV Romans 8:28
Best Animated Jesus Christian Christmas Movie
#4 The Star (2017) Animated
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The Star is one of the best Christain Christmas movies for children, in an upbeat and funny animated format that relates the story of the birth of Jesus. It is told from the viewpoint of a brave little donkey who escapes his menial existence because he thinks he’s destined for more. He teams up with some unlikely friends along the way and becomes part of the Christmas Story.
The film mostly follows the Biblical version, with enough reverence for the sanctity of the event. The Star is an example of leading others with love and kindness as well as an imaginative way to portray the miraculous historical moment of the birth of our savior.
Best “Based On A Real Story” Christian Christmas Movie
#5 The Heart of Christmas/The Dax Locke Story (2011)
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A well-rounded family film with a sobering storyline, based on a true story of a little boy, Dax, diagnosed with cancer who wants so badly to have Christmas. The family decides to do just that, have Christmas in October for Dax. Once the town sees what’s happening, they come together as a community to give him one last Christmas.
The story of young Dax’s ability to find joy and “cherish every moment” sets an invaluable example for his parents and those around him.
After all, Proverbs 27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring, NIV.
Best Contemporary Jesus Christian Christmas Movie
#6 The Perfect Gift (2009)
A Christian Christmas feel-good movie about a spoiled girl who bitterly resents her birthday being Christmas day, while her working mother strives to give her all that she wants instead of what she needs. Enter a kind, mysterious stranger who not only affects the lives of the mother and daughter but an overwhelmed and disillusioned young pastor and an avowed atheist/activist.
The third film in The Perfect Stranger series by Jefferson Moore kindly and passionately imparts deep theological messages in the film without being in your face. The friendship and interaction between Jes and the spoiled girl motivates and joyously inspires us to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and to reevaluate our holiday motives
Best Topical Christian Christmas Movie
#7 Christmas Child (2004) - A Max Lucado Story
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A timely and thought-provoking Christian Christmas story that touches on the love and dedication of adoptive parents and explores the various challenges marriages face in these modern times.
The film is about Jack, an inattentive husband and absorbed journalist who leaves his wife days before Christmas to pursue a story. A mysterious photograph that may have ties to his past continues to perplex him as the more he uncovers, the more the truth eludes him.
Jack’s coming home story is about realizing the steadfast love and acceptance that never left him; it is also a reminder of God’s unending love. We can rely on Him when searching for answers, and God’s presence in our lives is something that is there for us all year long and not just during the Christmas Holidays.
Top Christian Christmas Message Movie
#8 The Ultimate Gift
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Bonus: One of the best christian Christmas movies that epitomizes the spirit of the season and biblical values. Yes, the list was “7” of the Best Christian Movies, as seven is the number of God’s perfection and completion.
In the Bible, the “8” symbolizes the number of salvation, a new beginning, resurrection, and regeneration. So this movie rounds out our list perfectly as the story of redemption and a Christ-centered change.
A spoiled trust fund young man, Jason, is challenged by his deceased (and despised) grandfather, “Red,” with completing twelve tasks devised to not only test the metal of his grandson but to help shape him into the person he could become. These tasks are called “gifts” and seem to be anything but a gift.
As Red says, “You don't begin to live until you've lost everything."
When part of his crash course on real-life has Jason producing a “true” friend, his first real friend turns out to be a terminally ill little girl. She profoundly changes Jason and those around him. Yes, it’s a gut kicker, so unless you’re made of stone, be prepared.
“The Ultimate Gift” is engrossing and moving, never failing to cause you to reassess all that you’ve been given and all that can be accomplished in the Lord’s service. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians: 4:13 NKJV
Ultimately you will walk away feeling like you're the one who received a gift.
Have you seen any of our 7 of the Best Christian Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season 2021?
When it's time to settle in with a snuggle and some popcorn, there are some good Christian Christmas movies that best capture the reason for our season, celebrating Christ and family values.
These films combine faith, service, love, and charity to not only inspire people of faith, but also non-Christians alike.
Use this Holiday Season as an opportunity to Invite those family members or friends that do not yet know Christ and pray that God's loving message will reach them through one of these beloved Christian Christmas movies.
