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#15 - Die Hard (1988)

Image: Jodie Walton

Is it a Christmas movie? That’s a long-held debate surrounding the famous action thriller. But the truth remains: rewatches of Die Hard spike around the holiday season, making it the 15th most-watched movie annually.

After all, John McClane’s heroics to defend Nakatomi Plaza from Hans Gruber do take place during a holiday party . Even the sequel is set, once again, on Christmas Eve.

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# 14 - When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Image: JESHOOTS.COM

A beloved rom-com featuring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan: some argue it’s not strictly a holiday film, but hey, it does have a pivotal New Year’s Eve scene . That’s enough to make it a cozy, rewatchable option for the season.

When asked about his favorite quote from the movie, Crystal said, "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

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# 13 - Scrooged (1988)

Image: LILLIT

Of course, Bill Murray's modern-day take on A Christmas Carol made the list. This '80s satire brings laughs to the timeless story of redemption.

In this version, a TV executive transforms from selfish to sincere after encountering a particularly violent Ghost of Christmas Present. A memorable moment from the movie is Frank’s heartfelt broadcast, "It’s Christmas Eve. It’s the one night when we all act a little nicer ."

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# 12 - White Christmas (1954)

Image: David Beale

White Christmas is a musical that blends romance, humor, and, of course, iconic songs like the titular tune and "Sisters."

Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye star as two showbiz buddies who team up with singing sisters—played by Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen—to save a struggling Vermont inn. Audiences keep returning to this classic for its Technicolor charm and a touch of holiday nostalgia.

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# 11 - The Holiday (2006)

Image: Annie Spratt

The holidays, as told from a small English village and L.A. simultaneously. This 2006 movie, in which Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap homes across continents , quickly became a beloved classic.

With its cozy English countryside setting, dreamy L.A. vibes, and plenty of holiday cheer, The Holiday is a festive favorite for anyone who believes in personal growth and serendipitous love stories.

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# 10 - Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Image: Alicia Slough

In this 1947 film, Kris Kringle, played by Edmund Gwenn, must prove in court that he is the real Santa Claus . The movie also features a young Natalie Wood as Susan, a precocious girl whose belief in Santa—and magic—is eventually restored.

A feel-good story that questions the existence of Santa, this classic beautifully intertwines a court case with holiday charm and a message of faith.

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# 9 - Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Image: Earl Wilcox

One of the most recognizable Christmas characters, Frosty the Snowman—the hero of the titular song—was brought to life in animated form, complete with his pipe and iconic hat.

A gem released in the late ‘60s, this TV special tells the magical story of the jolly snowman brought to life by a hat , who, aided by children, embarks on a quest to avoid melting.

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# 8 - The Santa Clause (1994)

Image: Mitya Ivanov

In this well-known comedy, a divorced dad—played by Tim Allen—transforms into Santa Claus and must take on his role to preserve the Santa mythos .

Of course, this comedy holiday feature wouldn’t be complete without heartfelt father-and-son moments. Or hilarious sleigh ride scenes!

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# 7 - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Image: Alex Stone

Jim Carrey is a mean one in this portrayal of Dr. Seuss’s anti-holiday hero ! Although the actor has shared many stories about how grueling it was to film the entire movie wearing the heavy costume—especially during the hot months—no one can argue that this film has become one of the most memorable and rewatched Christmas comedies.

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# 6 - National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

Image: Inna Lesyk

Chevy Chase stars in this comedy about a disaster-prone dad trying to create a perfect family Christmas. From setting up over-the-top house lights to dealing with the chaotic Cousin Eddie, people love returning to this classic for its laugh-out-loud moments.

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# 5 - A Christmas Story (1983)

Image: Erica Marsland Huynh

Simple: Ralphie wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Is he going to get it? This movie, set in 1940s Indiana, is full of nostalgia , humor, and iconic scenes like the infamous leg lamp and triple-dog dares.

Fans adore A Christmas Story for its dry humor and the way it captures childhood anticipation during the holidays.

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# 4 - The Polar Express (2004)

Image: Matt Flores

All aboard! This animated film, featuring Tom Hanks in several adult roles, has become ingrained in the memories of millions of kids and their families.

Based on the beloved book, the movie follows a child who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole , where, hopefully, he will start believing in the magic of Santa Claus again.

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# 3 - It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

Image: Josh Harrison

This wasn’t an immediate hit, but it became a holiday icon through the magic of TV reruns. In this classic, James Stewart plays George, a man who discovers his worth after an angel shows him what life would be like if he had never been born .

Everybody loves the yearly reminder of the impact that one’s life can have—and of the power of kindness.

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# 2 - Elf (2003)

Image: Rajesh Kavasseri

Will Ferrell’s elfish character takes second place as the most-watched holiday movie every year. In it, a human raised by elves heads to New York to find his biological father.

Slapstick comedy meets wholesome Christmas charm in this holiday staple. Audiences love it for its whimsical humor and quotable lines.

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#1 - Home Alone (1990)

Image: Juliana Malta

Did you guess it? The first place on this list goes to the adventures of young Kevin McCallister. He is left behind when his family goes on holiday and has to set up endless booby traps to defend himself and his home from burglars .

This holiday classic eventually became a franchise, but it was the original Home Alone , starring Macaulay Culkin, that became a perennial favorite.

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Mississippi River

Image: Justin Wilkens

Beloved by blues musicians and immortalized by Mark Twain, the Mississippi has been central to exploration, trade, and American identity. The name comes from the Ojibwe/Anishinaabe word misi‑ziibi, meaning "Great River" or "Father of Waters."

Flowing some 2,320 miles, its watershed drains roughly 41% of the continental U.S., and its vast system remains critical for both commerce and agriculture.

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Missouri River

Image: Jayden Herr

The name of the Missouri River comes from the Algonquian term ouemessourita, meaning "people with dugout canoes."

A crucial highway for early explorers like Lewis and Clark, as well as later settlers, this 2,300-mile-long river was once home to Native tribes such as the Missouria. Today, it remains a vital part of regional agriculture and river transport.

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Hudson River

Image: Harry Gillen

Originally called Muh-he-kun-ne-tuk ("waters that are never still") by the Mohicans, the river was later renamed after Henry Hudson, who explored it in 1609 for the Dutch East India Company.

The Hudson Valley later grew into both an economic and cultural hub, inspiring the Hudson River School of painters and playing a strategic role during the American Revolution.

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Colorado River

Image: Mike Newbry

The name Colorado comes from Spanish, meaning "reddish," a reference to the red silt once carried by the river. Before 1921, its upper course was known as the Grand River, until Congress renamed it to reflect the state of Colorado.

Over millions of years, the Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon, one of the world’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Today, it supports irrigation across seven U.S. states and northern Mexico and generates hydroelectric power through major dams such as Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam.

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Rio Grande

Image: Sara Cottle

The name Rio Grande means "Big River" in Spanish. Serving as the border between the U.S. (Texas) and Mexico, it has defined geopolitical boundaries since the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848.

Historically, the Rio Grande supported Indigenous communities such as the Pueblo and Apache peoples, and later Spanish missions and settlements. Today, it serves as a lifeline for agriculture, cities, and wildlife habitats across the arid regions of Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico along its 1,896-mile course.

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Ohio River

Image: Joshua Canter

"Ohio" comes from the Seneca word ohi:yo’ , meaning "good river" or "large creek." Formed by the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers at Pittsburgh, it flows for about 981 miles through six states before joining the Mississippi River.

In early America, the Ohio was a key route for westward expansion and trade. Settlements along its banks grew into important commercial and industrial centers, including cities like Cincinnati, Louisville, and Pittsburgh, and its fertile floodplains supported agriculture that fueled the growing nation.

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Columbia River

Image: Stephen Walker

The Columbia River was named after the Columbia Rediviva , the ship captained by Robert Gray , which itself was named in honor of Christopher Columbus. For thousands of years, the river served as a vital trade network for numerous Native American tribes, and later became central to the North American fur trade.

Its fertile valleys supported settlements and agricultural development throughout the Pacific Northwest. Today, the Columbia is a major source of hydroelectric power, with major dams such as Grand Coulee and Bonneville supplying electricity to millions of people.

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Potomac River

Image: Sara Cottle

The name "Potomac" comes from a Native Algonquian word, likely Patawomeck (probably Piscataway), meaning "river of swans." The river flows past Washington, D.C., and George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate overlooks it.

During the colonial era and the Civil War, it was a crucial transport route, and its watershed continues to hold historical, cultural, and political significance today.

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Delaware River

Image: Clay Banks

Named after Lord De La Warr (Thomas West), an English nobleman and colonial governor, the Delaware River is best known for George Washington’s daring 1776 crossing, which surprised Hessian troops in Trenton and provided a crucial morale boost for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Over the years, the river has remained vital for trade and industry, shaping the mid-Atlantic economy and supporting major ports in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.

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Susquehanna River

Image: Jennifer Wick

The name "Susquehanna" likely comes from the Lenape word siskëwahane, meaning "Muddy River" (though other translations, such as "Oyster River," have been proposed). One of the oldest river systems in North America, the Susquehanna stretches about 444 miles from New York through Pennsylvania to the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

It supported Indigenous communities such as the Susquehannock, and early colonial settlements relied on it for transport, fishing, and trade. Its fertile valley later powered mills, contributed to the region’s coal and lumber industries, and played a key role in shaping the development of the Mid-Atlantic.

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Harry Calahan - "Dirty Harry"

Image: Nejc Soklič

We’ll begin with one of the hardest cops on this list (and that’s saying a lot). Clint Eastwood’s career is filled with awards and recognition for his remarkable acting and filmmaking skills. Still, we can all agree that he will always be remembered for his no-nonsense, tough-as-nails portrayal of Inspector "Dirty" Harry Callahan.

Although Eastwood has played Callahan in five different films, his first appearance in the 1971 film "Dirty Harry" is perhaps the most memorable. After all, we can all remember that calm yet intimidating demeanor and iconic catchphrase, "Do you feel lucky, punk?"

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John McClane - "Die Hard"

Image: Matt The Artist

We are not going to get into the timeless debate of whether "Die Hard" is a Christmas film, mostly because, whether this film gets you in the holiday spirit or not, no one can deny that Detective John McClane is a grade-A, certified tough cop.

Perhaps Bruce Willis’ most memorable performance, McClane has found himself in his fair share of dangerous situations throughout five films. However, perhaps the first "Die Hard" movie showcases this detective’s incredible antics : Trapped inside the unbreachable Nakatomi Tower, McClane makes it his job to deal with a small army of robbers by himself.

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Lennie Briscoe - "Law and Order"

Image: Tingey Injury Law Firm

With over a thousand episodes and more than ten different series, it’s fairly easy to forget a character or two from the iconic "Law and Order" franchise. However, no true fan of this fantastic series will ever be able to forget Detective Lennie Briscoe, wonderfully portrayed by Jerry Orbach.

Starting in season 3, Briscoe was a seasoned and relatable detective focused on solving crimes in New York City. While Orbach sadly passed away in 2004, his legacy will forever live on whenever Detective Lennie Briscoe solves a case.

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Frank Columbo - "Columbo"

Image: Volodymyr Hryshchenko

Actor Peter Falk’s devotion to Lieutenant Frank Columbo drove him to portray this legendary detective for over 40 years. Few TV characters are as instantly recognizable as Columbo, whether through his beige raincoat, cigar, and iconic catchphrase, "Just one more thing".

Frank Columbo truly cemented himself as one of the quintessential TV cops , allowing countless other characters to be born. Should you ever find yourself in the Hungarian city of Budapest, look for a bronze statue of Columbo, alongside his faithful basset hound simply named "Dog".

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Jim Malone - The Untouchables

Image: Jennie Clavel

Sean Connery’s portrayal of Irish-American veteran cop Jim Malone earned him a well-deserved Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor . And, to be perfectly honest, Brian De Palma’s 1987 film "The Untouchables" would not be the same without Malone’s dry humor and detective skills.

Set in 1930s Chicago, "The Untouchables" describes the crusade embarked on by Prohibition agent Elliot Ness against legendary mobster Al Capone. The first addition to Ness’ team of "Untouchables", Malone contributes his expertise and strong moral compass to take down this crime kingpin.

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Frank Bullit - "Bullitt"

Image: Jan-Philipp Thiele

There’s a reason why legendary actor Steve McQueen was known as "The King of Cool" : His charisma and unflinching determination truly earned him a place in film history. In that sense, his portrayal of San Francisco police detective Frank Bullitt helped build his legacy as one of Hollywood’s coolest actors.

In "Bullit", McQueen’s character pursues a group of mobsters guilty of killing a witness he was assigned to protect. And when we say "pursue", we say it in the most literal of meanings: This movie features one of the best chase scenes ever recorded, with Bullitt relentlessly driving his now-iconic green Ford Mustang.

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Martin Riggs and Murtaugh - Lethal Weapon

Image: Will Porada

We know we might be cheating by including two characters in one entry, but we simply couldn’t separate this iconic crime-fighting duo . Mel Gibson and Danny Glover played this odd couple of detectives in four different films (with a fifth one in development), forever cementing themselves as the essential "buddy cop" two-man army.

Perhaps what’s more appealing about these characters is how opposite they seem to be : Riggs (portrayed by Gibson) is a young, reckless loose cannon, while Murtaugh is an older, more experienced detective. However different their methods might be, detectives Murtaugh and Riggs are truly a force to be reckoned with.

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Sam Spade - "The Maltese Falcon"

Image: Michelle Ding

It’s no secret that Humphrey Boggart is considered royalty by the acting world. Among his many acting credits, private detective Sam Spade is credited with breathing new life into the detective genre. To this day, Boggart’s portrayal of Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" is considered the biggest influence on the archetypical private detective character.

Based on Dashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, "The Maltese Falcon" features Spade’s misadventures with three untrustworthy adventurers seeking a valuable falcon statue . This detective’s dry wit and moral ambiguity are part of what makes Boggart’s performance so unforgettable.

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Thomas Magnum - "Magnum, P.I."

Image: Philippe Bout

Up until now, we have focused on gritty detectives, characters with a slightly dark side and tormented by some aspects of their busy lives. So, why don’t we take a breather and focus on a lighter detective, a charming and witty investigator driving a red Ferrari around the sunny streets of Hawaii? Meet Thomas Magnum (full name Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV), Tom Selleck’s iconic character from "Magnum P.I."

Many consider "Magnum P.I." to be the ultimate 80s show and, while that title might go to the final entry of this article, there’s no denying that this adventurous detective has become an essential pop culture icon.

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Sonny Crocket & Rico Tubbs - "Miami Vice"

Image: Ussama Azam

Speaking of the 80s, how could we reference this wonderful decade without talking about the most stylish detective duo in history? "Miami Vice" introduced the world to the crime-fighting adventures of James "Sonny" Crockett and Ricardo "Rico" Tubbs, two undercover detectives hellbent on battling Miami’s seedy underbelly.

Legend has it that, during a brainstorming session, a producer simply wrote "MTV Cops" on a memo, without knowing that this piece of paper would be the jumping point of one of the most iconic shows in history. Don Johnson’s portrayal of Detective Crockett is particularly remembered for its impact on 80s culture.