There are almost too many Christmas movies to count. More than any other holiday by far, Christmas has captured Hollywood's imagination, resulting in more Christmas movies than you can shake a candy cane at. As a result of this, there are all sorts of different kinds of Christmas movies. Scary Christmas movies, heartwarming ones, Christmas comedies, animated films, Christmas romances — you get the idea. And across all genres, you'll find plenty of big stars. Which caused me to wonder about the most star-studded Christmas movies ever.
While a number of the most-beloved Christmas classics, like Home Alone, Miracle on 34th Street, and A Christmas Story, aren't exactly swimming with big name celebrities, there are plenty of other less-celebrated Christmas movies that are — with a few classics thrown in for good measure as well. Because sometimes you just want to watch a bunch of familiar faces hanging out together during the holidays, and it doesn't matter if the movie is timeless. A big part of Christmas is nostalgia and enjoying things that you know and are comfortable with, and star-studded Christmas movies play into that. So take a look at these 13 Christmas movies that feature loads of big name actors.
1. Love Actually
Basically the be all end all of star-studded Christmas movies, there's basically no one in this cast you don't know.
2. Elf
The cast is small, but they're all heavy hitters, as Will Ferrell is joined by Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, James Caan, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart.
3. White Christmas
There was arguably no bigger star in the world (or one more associated with Christmas) than Bing Crosby in 1954; and Rosemary Clooney and Danny Kaye weren't exactly slouches, either.
4. The Holiday
This movie's big four — Jack Black, Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, and Jude Law — are big indeed.
5. Almost Christmas
Currently in theaters, this film quite literally has more stars than it knows what to do with.
6. The Family Stone
Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Rachel McAdams star; to name just a few.
7. The Polar Express
Tom Hanks is one of the biggest actors in the world, and since he plays nearly every character in this animated film, he earns it a spot on the list.
8. Four Christmases
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon celebrate — wait for it — four Christmases! And each house they visit is full of familiar faces.
9. Trading Places
Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy at the height of their powers, joined by Jamie Lee Curtis and old-timers Dom Ameche and Ralph Bellamy.
10. Mixed Nuts
This movie is definitely not your typical Christmas flick, but it sure does boast an impressive cast.
11. A Very Murray Christmas
Is this technically a movie? Maybe, maybe not, but with names like George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Bill Murray, and Amy Poehler, who cares?
12. The Muppet Christmas Carol
You may be wondering what big stars are in this besides Michael Caine. Uh, let me see: Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, Gonzo... should I go on?
13. New Year’s Eve
Eh, close enough.
So this year, if you're looking for stars on Christmas other than the one on your tree, look no further than these well-cast flicks.
Images: Universal Pictures
