Holiday movies become part of Black family traditions, creating a sense of togetherness and celebration.
These films reflect the unique experiences and cultural elements of the Black community.
Watching Black Christmas movies is a comforting ritual that provides a break from reality and fosters family bonding.
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Watching Black Christmas movies is more than just something to do; it’s a comforting ritual that brings everybody under one roof and on the same page for a couple of hours. You’ve got the kids piled on the floor with blankets, the older folks calling out jokes at the TV like they’re part of the cast, and the whole family catching the same laughs, the same “aww” moments, and the same “now why would he do that?” reactions. These movies give people a break from reality and create little pockets of togetherness that feel rare once life gets busy. They’re warm, familiar, and remind folks of the joy in simply slowing down together.
Christmas in Black households hits a little differently. It’s the smells, the sounds, the constant parade of cousins, and that one Auntie who insists on blasting “Silent Night” (The Temptations version) before the tree even goes up. Every year, Black families build their own traditions, whether it’s the late-night gift-wrapping session, frying chicken instead of another turkey, or someone starting the annual Spades tournament that will definitely get too competitive. Through all the beautiful chaos, there’s always one tradition that sticks, no matter where you are: settling in for a good holiday movie that feels like home.
It’s a bonding experience because holiday movies give families something to share – memories, inside jokes, even debates over which version of a film is the best. They become part of the tradition itself, especially the Black classics that reflect our families, humor, music, and love. When a scene feels like your own living room or sounds like your own relatives, the feeling can’t be explained. That’s why year after year, watching Black Christmas movies stays at the center of the season, giving us a reason to laugh, reminisce, and celebrate who we are with the people we love.
With all that being said, here are 22 Black Christmas movies you can watch every holiday season to keep the tradition going, the house warm, and the vibes just right.
1. This Christmas (2007)
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A big, chaotic Black family reunites for the holidays, complete with secrets, singing, and the kind of drama that feels way too familiar.
2. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington shine in this warm story about faith, love, and finding joy amid life’s complexities.
3. Almost Christmas (2016)
A widowed father tries to hold his family together for the holidays, leading to hilarious moments and heartfelt reunions.
4. A Madea Christmas (2013)
Madea gets thrown into a small-town holiday mess, bringing her usual chaos and unexpected wisdom.
5. A Diva’s Christmas Carol (2000)
Vanessa Williams stars as a glamorous, self-centered singer who gets her own modern Scrooge-style wake-up call.
6. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A colorful, musical fantasy about a legendary toymaker, his granddaughter, and believing in magic again.
7. The Best Man Holiday (2013)
Old friends reunite for Christmas, sparking emotions, old conflicts, and unforgettable moments.
8. Black Nativity (2013)
A teen from Baltimore spends Christmas in Harlem with relatives and learns powerful lessons about family and faith.
9. Holiday Rush (2019)
A radio DJ loses his job right before Christmas and has to rebuild his life with help from his kids and community.
10. Merry Liddle Christmas (2019)
Kelly Rowland plays a tech entrepreneur whose attempt at hosting the perfect holiday goes hilariously off the rails.
11. Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding (2020)
The follow-up brings even more family chaos as wedding plans mix with holiday festivities.
12. Merry Liddle Christmas Baby (2021)
The third installment follows the growing family as they navigate new parenthood during the holiday season.
13. The Kid Who Loved Christmas (1990)
A young boy in foster care wishes for a family for Christmas, bringing together themes of hope and community.
14. A Christmas Blessing (2013)
A struggling single mom finds unexpected love and support during the holiday season.
15. You Can’t Fight Christmas (2017)
A decorator obsessed with Christmas clashes with a hotel owner trying to tone down the holiday spirit.
16. Christmas Dilemma (2020)
A newlywed couple navigates family pressure and expectations during their first Christmas together.
17. The Sound of Christmas (2022)
A struggling music teacher forms an unexpected connection with a wealthy businessman during the holidays.
18. A Jenkins Family Christmas (2021)
Two sisters clash while trying to hold the family together after the loss of their father.
19. The Business of Christmas (2020)
A family struggles to keep their long-running toy store alive while rediscovering their holiday spirit.
20.The Christmas Lottery (2020)
Three sisters reunite to help their father after he wins the lottery—but old issues come with them.
21. An En Vogue Christmas (2014)
The iconic girl group reunites to save a club owner’s business during the holidays, blending music and nostalgia.
22. A Christmas Surprise (2021)
A woman’s holiday is turned upside down when her father introduces his much younger fiancée, creating drama, laughter and healing moments as the family adjusts.
