“The true star of Christmas is love.” – Dave (The Star 2017)
Watching Christmas movies has been part of Christmas traditions for years, across all kinds of families. While most know It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, The Santa Clause, or even Chronicles of Narnia, these 15 movies focus on the story of Jesus and the idea of the true meaning of Christmas.
Here are the top 15 Best Jesus Christmas movies to watch this holiday season.
This post is all about the best Jesus Christmas movies. Everything you want to get in the Christmas spirit, and perfect movie watching for Christmas Eve.
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Top 15 Best Jesus Christmas Movies to Watch This Season
When it comes to the best Jesus Christmas movies, there’s something special about gathering the whole family around for a faith-filled movie night during the Christmas holiday.
These films often center around the birth of Jesus Christ, capturing the true essence of the season with heartwarming stories, musical numbers, and Christian themes that resonate deeply.
These beloved Christmas movies bring God’s love and the miracle of the first Christmas to life in a way that touches everyone’s hearts.
Top 15 Best Jesus Christmas Movies to Watch This Season
We know that Hallmark movies have really taken off lately, and they often highlight the magical element of Christmas with their made-for-TV charm. But there are plenty of great choices on Amazon Prime Video too!
It has some of the best Christmas movies with a strong Christian theme centered – we have links provided to Amazon Prime as well as a DVD for the following movies, where available.
![Nativity Story, The (BD)/ (DVD) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ACneI5OWL._SL500_.jpg)
It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod's torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman's faith is put to the test.
The Nativity Story (2006) – This film is a dramatic retelling of the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ, focusing on Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. It’s a heartfelt portrayal of the humble beginnings of the Christmas story.
![The Star [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51cxt9cmfFL._SL500_.jpg)
A small but brave donkey named Bo yearns for a life beyond his daily grind at the village mill. One day he finds the courage to break free and teams up with Ruth the loveable sheep and Dave the hilarious dove with lofty aspirations. Along with three wisecracking camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo and his new friends follow the Star on the adventure of their dreams, filled with lots of laughter - and become part of the greatest story ever told.
The Star (2017) – This Golden Globe nominated animated film tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the animals involved. It’s a charming and family-friendly way to experience the birth of Jesus.
This classic Christmas movie tells the heartwarming story of a young, poor drummer boy named Aaron, who has lost his family and now harbors anger and bitterness towards the world. He finds solace only in his animal friends and his drum. The plot follows Aaron as he is taken on a journey by a group of traveling performers, eventually leading him to the nativity scene where Jesus is born. With no gift to give, Aaron offers the only thing he has—his drumming. As he plays, something miraculous happens, symbolizing the power of love, humility, and selflessness. This animated film beautifully captures the spirit of Christmas, making it a beloved story for generations.
The Little Drummer Boy (1968) – This classic stop-motion animated film follows a young drummer boy who offers his humble gift to the newborn Jesus, delivering a timeless message about giving from the heart.
When his wealthy grandfather dies, trust fund baby Jason Stevens inherits his grandfather's crash course on life: 12 tasks-or-gifts-designed to challenge Jason in improbable ways. The "course" sends Jason on a journey of self-discovery that forces him to reevaluate his priorities and determine what he thinks the most important things in life really are.
The Ultimate Gift (2006) – While not exclusively a Christmas movie, it delivers a powerful message about the importance of family, giving, and the true riches in life through a journey of self-discovery.
This beloved animated holiday classic tfollows Charlie Brown as he grapples with the commercialism that has overtaken Christmas. Feeling disheartened by the lack of true Christmas spirit around him, Charlie Brown is appointed as the director of the school Christmas play. Despite his best efforts, things go awry, leaving him even more frustrated. In his search for meaning, he picks out a small, struggling Christmas tree that everyone else mocks. However, with the help of his friends and a heartfelt recitation of the Christmas story by Linus, Charlie Brown discovers the true meaning of Christmas. This simple yet profound story emphasizes themes of love, generosity, and the importance of staying true to the holiday's spiritual roots.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – This beloved classic isn’t just about holiday cheer but also delves into the true meaning of Christmas, with Linus reciting the biblical story of Christ’s birth.
Bing Crosby stars as Father O'Malley - a priest on a mission to help revitalize the financially-strapped parochial school St. Mary's. O'Malley's assignment, to determine if St. Mary's should be abandoned due to it's decline, soon has him butting heads with the school's headstrong manager, Sister Benedict. But their squabbles are rendered inconsequential with the arrival of Horace P. Bogardus, a skin-flint businessman set on seeing St. Mary's condemned to make way for a parking lot. With tremendous warmth, this tale of a devoted pair fighting against the odds has been delighting audiences for generations.
The Bells of St. Mary’s (1945) – Starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman, the Bells of St. Mary centers on a priest and a nun working together to save a school, offering a story of faith, dedication, and the spirit of giving.
A pastor who's suffered a personal loss accepts a position in a town that believes in a Christmas miracle candle, which he strives to abolish.
The Christmas Candle (2013) – Set in a small English village, this film blends Christmas magic with themes of faith and faith-filled messages, as the villagers believe in the miracle of a special candle each holiday season.
This powerful musical reimagines the traditional Nativity story through the lens of African American culture. Originally written by Langston Hughes in 1961, the musical version of this show combines gospel music, dramatic storytelling, and vibrant dance to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The plot centers around a young man named Langston who is sent to live with his estranged grandparents in Harlem during Christmas. Struggling with his identity and circumstances, Langston finds himself drawn into his grandfather's church, where a dramatic retelling of the Nativity story unfolds. The musical is known for its stirring gospel performances, including soulful renditions of Christmas carols and original songs that reflect the resilience and faith of the African American community. "Black Nativity" is more than just a retelling of the Christmas story—it's a celebration of heritage, spirituality, and the unifying power of music.
Black Nativity (2013) – A modern musical adaptation that follows a teenager’s journey during Christmas in New York City, offering a heartwarming story of faith, family, and redemption. This version features musical numbers that will entertain and delight the whole family.
A mysterious drifter named Jess arrives in a small town just before Christmas. Jess' presence begins to have a profound impact on the lives of the townspeople, particularly on a young boy struggling with the pressures of the holiday and a pastor facing a crisis of faith. Through his gentle wisdom and kindness, Jess helps the community rediscover the spiritual significance of Christmas, reminding them that it's not about the material gifts but about love, faith, and the gift of Jesus.
The Perfect Gift (2009) – A rich girl, a young boy, and a pastor discover the true meaning of Christmas when they encounter a mysterious visitor who changes their lives forever.
Based on a true story of hope and compassion, THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS will touch your heart and bring home the spirit of the holidays. Austin and Julie Locke are devastated when they learn that their young son, Dax, has been diagnosed with cancer. But with courage, determination and faith, they decide to give Dax a one last Christmas, even if it has to be in October. When the community sees the holiday decorations and learns the heartbreaking truth, what happens next is a miraculous outpouring of caring and support.
The Heart of Christmas (2011) – Based on a true story, and starting Candace Cameron Bure, this emotional film follows a family grappling with their son’s terminal illness, leading them to discover the true priorities in life during the holiday season.
Rose, a homeless single mother, and her young daughter Katy discover hope in a small-town diner. They are befriended by a feisty waitress, a big hearted short order cook and a store front Santa that gets served a valuable lesson in forgiveness. Rose's "chance" encounter with a wealthy art collector could change her path if she chooses. This magical Christmas, it's the smallest one that teaches the greatest lesson we could ever hope to learn - opening our hearts to the power of forgiveness . . . of others and ourselves.
The Least of These: A Christmas Story (2018) – A touching story about a single mother and a Salvation Army Santa Claus who find hope and forgiveness through their Christmas experiences.
![Christmas for a Dollar [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/515FMYn4r9L._SL500_.jpg)
As all of America is caught in the grip of the Great Depression, the Kamp family is struggling to get by, especially after Mrs. Kamp's untimely death. Now little Ruthie (Ruby Jones), with her mother gone and her father overwhelmed by doctor bills resulting from her brother's polio, expects another Christmas without presents or festivities. But when her father (Brian Krause) brings home one dollar in change and lets the children use it to buy special gifts for each other, the Kamps come to find that money isn't what fills Christmas with joy, love, and miracles.
Christmas for a Dollar (2013) – Set during the Great Depression, this film tells the story of a family who learns the true spirit of Christmas by giving meaningful gifts with very limited resources.
The powerful true story behind the most popular Christmas carol of all time.
Silent Night (2012) – This film tells the true story behind the creation of the beloved Christmas carol, “Silent Night,” exploring themes of peace and faith during a time of war.
A biblical drama that follows Elijah, a devout Rabbi, during a time of unrest when King Herod the Great s slaughter of innocents claims the lives of two boys Elijah had sworn to protect. Elijah makes it his life s mission to avenge their deaths, but when he meets a Joseph, Mary and their young son Jesus, the beliefs fueling his revenge are put into question. When the time comes to face his life-long enemy, Elijah finds himself warring within whether or not to kill or choose forgiveness.
Joseph & Mary (2016) – Focusing on the biblical story, this film portrays the early life of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Joseph, highlighting the trials and faith of his earthly parents.
The classic biblical tale of the three wise men comes to life in a glorious all-new movie. A bright star guides Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar toward a treasure meant for the unborn King of Kings. To make the three wise men's quest even more difficult, King Herod's evil counselor, Belial, is among them in disguise, trying to sabotage their mission! Will they succeed in their righteous pursuit? Their fate depends on whether they learn to work together for the common good.
The Three Wise Men (2020) – A beautifully animated film that narrates the journey of the three wise men as they follow the star to find the newborn King, filled with music and faith-based messages.
Top 15 Best Jesus Christmas Movies to Watch This Season
We hope this list of the Best Jesus Christmas movies has given you lots of great ideas for movies to watch as you spend time with family or friends this holiday season.
If you are looking for more Christmas season ideas, inspiration and vibes, we have a whole section of the blog dedicated to it! Go check it out for more ideas and inspiration!
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