Top 10 Cheesiest Holiday Movies


They're not trying to win Oscars – they're just trying to get you in the holiday spirit!

For every classic Christmas film out there, there’s a not-so-great flick that may require a little extra holiday cheer to get through. Here are my picks for the Top 10 cheesiest holiday movies!

10. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)


There are probably more versions of Charles Dickens’s classic, A Christmas Carol, than any other holiday film – and this one has to rank as one of the cheesiest. Starring Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Fozzie Bear as “Fozziewig” and Statler and Waldorf as the Marley brothers, the dark Dickensian feel of this haunting Christmas classic is lost amongst silly jokes and cheesy musical numbers.


9. I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)


Jonathan Taylor Thomas stars as a college kid trying to make it home in time for the holidays. His plans derail after he falls victim to his friend’s practical joke and wakes up in the middle of nowhere. After a long journey, he makes it home with a minute to spare and a better understanding of the true meaning of Christmas. Cue the cheesy holiday music.


8. A Christmas Story (1983)


Considered a holiday classic by many, A Christmas Story tells the tale of young Ralphie Parker, whose heart is set on getting the Red Rider BB Gun for Christmas. Unfortunately for Ralphie, his mother is convinced that he will shoot his eyes out if his wish is granted. Ralphie turns to his teacher and Santa Claus for backup but is unsuccessful. In the end, he ends up with “the best present he had ever received or would ever receive.”


7. Call Me Claus (2001)


Whoopi Goldberg plays Lucy Cullins, a grouchy TV producer who hates the holidays. Of all people, Santa decides at the end of two centuries of duty that Lucy Cullins should be the person to take over the North Pole. After several unsuccessful attempts at convincing Lucy to take over, Santa returns to the North Pole defeated and prepares for the worst. Lucy finally gets into the spirit of Christmas, has a change of heart and takes her place as Santa just in time to save Christmas.


6. Jack Frost (1998)


A year after the death of his father, Charlie Frost plays on a magic harmonica and brings his father back to life in the form of a snowman. Jack Frost, played by Michael Keaton, gets a second chance to make things right with his son during the winter months, but he knows he will not be able to survive long enough to see spring. All conflict is resolved in the end for that cliché happy ending we all secretly love in Christmas movies. The ’90s graphics also help add to the cheesiness of this movie. 


5. The Ultimate Christmas Present (2000)


The Ultimate Christmas Present tells the story of two friends, Allie and Sam, who want nothing more than a white Christmas in Los Angeles. They think their dreams have come true when they find a strange machine that can change the weather but it soon turns to trouble. Predictably, Santa steps in just in time to save the town from any major disasters. 


4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)


The Griswold family’s hopes for a good old-fashioned Christmas go terribly off course when their strange family members visit for the holidays. Disastrous events unfold one after another while Clark Griswold, played by Chevy Chase, tries to keep it together. In the end, Griswold realizes the family’s dysfunctional Christmas was perfect in its own quirky way. Although this film definitely qualifies as cheesy, it’s also a great guilty pleasure.


3. Jingle All The Way (1996)


Leaving his Christmas shopping until the very last minute, Howard Langston (Arnold Schwarzenegger) finds himself frantically searching for the season’s hottest toy, the Turbo Man action figure, along with his rival, Myron Larabee (Sinbad). Afraid of disappointing his son, Howard goes to extreme measures to find the season’s “it” toy. In the end, Howard’s son is given the opportunity to own the Turbo Man action figure, but gives it to Myron instead for a heartwarming, but cheesy ending.


2. Ernest Saves Christmas (1998)


Now here’s a cheesy blast from the past! After years of delivering toys around the world, Santa decides it’s time to retire. He travels to Orlando, Florida to meet his replacement and on the way meets Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney). Later, Santa finds himself in jail and Ernest is the only one who can bust him out in time to save Christmas. No need to worry though, Ernest manages to get Santa out on time and saves Christmas... Surprised?


1. Santa with Muscles (1996)


Hulk Hogan stars in the 1996 festive comedy Santa with Muscles. The former wrestler plays a devious millionaire who is led to believe he’s Santa Claus after suffering a serious head injury. His amnesia alters his self-centred tendencies long enough to try to save an orphanage from being demolished. The title of this movie alone takes it to the top of this list.