If you loved the quirky charm and holiday spirit of 'Ernest Saves Christmas' (1988), you're in for a treat! This article highlights 10 similar movies and shows that capture the same mix of humor, heart, and festive fun. Whether you're a fan of Ernest's antics or just looking for feel-good holiday entertainment, these picks will keep you laughing and cheering all season long.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Description: A nostalgic holiday classic capturing childhood wonder and family dynamics during Christmas, with humorous vignettes and timeless seasonal themes.
Fact: The iconic leg lamp was custom-made for the film. The movie was shot during a particularly hot summer in Cleveland.
Watch Now 
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
Description: A raucous holiday comedy depicting the chaotic yet loving dynamics of family gatherings during Christmas, filled with over-the-top humor and heart.
Fact: The film's house exterior was the same one used in the previous Vacation movies. The Christmas lights sequence took two weeks to film.
Watch Now 
Home Alone (1990)
Description: A family-oriented holiday adventure mixing slapstick comedy with touching moments about the importance of family during Christmas time.
Fact: Macaulay Culkin was only 10 years old during filming. The house used in the movie became a popular tourist attraction in Illinois.
Watch Now 
The Santa Clause (1994)
Description: A magical Christmas tale where an ordinary man unexpectedly becomes Santa Claus, exploring themes of belief, responsibility, and holiday wonder through a family-friendly lens.
Fact: The film spawned two sequels and became a holiday staple. The iconic Santa's sleigh was actually a modified ice cream truck.
Watch Now 
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Description: A heartwarming holiday comedy centered around a father's frantic quest to secure the season's hottest toy for his son, blending humor with themes of family and the true spirit of Christmas.
Fact: The film's iconic Turbo-Man action figure was inspired by real-life holiday toy crazes. It was one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's few purely comedic roles.
Watch Now 
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Description: A colorful, whimsical adaptation of the classic story about rediscovering the joy of Christmas, featuring elaborate sets and costumes that bring Dr. Seuss's world to life.
Fact: Jim Carrey endured hours of prosthetic makeup daily. The Whoville set was one of the largest ever built at Universal Studios.
Watch Now 
Elf (2003)
Description: A fish-out-of-water Christmas comedy featuring an oversized elf discovering the human world, filled with whimsical humor and heartfelt messages about family and holiday spirit.
Fact: Will Ferrell insisted on actually eating the maple syrup-covered spaghetti in the famous dinner scene. The film's snowball fight took three days to shoot.
Watch Now 
The Polar Express (2004)
Description: A visually stunning animated adventure that captures the magic of Christmas through a child's journey to the North Pole, emphasizing belief and wonder.
Fact: The film was the first all-digital capture feature, using performance capture technology. Tom Hanks played five different roles in the movie.
Watch Now 
Fred Claus (2007)
Description: A holiday comedy exploring Santa's dysfunctional family relationships, blending sibling rivalry themes with Christmas magic and redemption.
Fact: The film features the first on-screen appearance of Santa's brother. The North Pole set included over 50,000 Christmas lights.
Watch Now 
Arthur Christmas (2011)
Description: An animated holiday adventure that modernizes Santa's operation while maintaining classic Christmas themes of generosity and family bonds.
Fact: The film's development took nearly a decade. It features over 60 different languages in Santa's mission control center.
Watch Now 
