The days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder. Winter isn’t for everyone, but the Holidays are a time for family, friendship, and watching movies since it’s too cold outside. If fans don’t have anything planned this holiday break, maybe they can enjoy some festive, family-friendly superhero movies that embody holiday themes.
The superhero genre is a modern staple of cinema that everyone can get behind and enjoy, making it a perfect watch on a cold day, either alone or accompanied by family. This list features ten of the greatest superhero movies to watch over the Christmas holidays, chosen for their ties to Christmas, holidays, and winter, as well as essential themes such as family, togetherness, humor, and comfort.
10
‘Black Panther’ (2018)
At first glance, Black Panther might be the last movie one would want to watch during the holidays, but fans should keep an open mind. After the death of his father, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) takes over as the leader of Wakanda. However, a challenger claims the throne through a trial by combat, aiming for the country to emerge from isolation and share its wealth with the world.
It’s not Christmassy, and it’s not set during the winter, but Black Panther is a film about the importance of family, legacy, and courage, and those strong themes make it an unexpected delight to watch with family over the winter holiday. Plus, Black Panther is simply a phenomenal film, right for any season, displaying exceptional characters and thought-provoking themes all set in a well-designed world.
9
‘Spider-Man’ (2002)
Fans can expect a couple of Spider-Man movies on this list, not only because they are usually amazing, but because some of them feature winter tidings. Everyone knows Spider-Man’s (Tobey Maguire) backstory, but what follows is still a fascinating story about purpose, responsibility, and tragedy, with plenty of epic moments and dramatic storytelling.
Spider-Man isn’t too wintery, but it does feature one Thanksgiving scene, and that is enough to make it eligible for this list. Thanksgiving might be over, but it is all about family, togetherness, and what we are grateful for. All of these values are essential holiday themes that this film somewhat embodies. Spider-Man has some comfy vibes and simple beginnings, making it a solid superhero movie to watch this winter.
8
‘Merry Little Batman’ (2023)
Out of all the superhero movies on this list, Merry Little Batman is arguably the most Christmassy, as it is a dedicated Christmas film, rather than just using the holiday as a backdrop. With Batman out protecting the world, Damian Wayne is home alone, but he must also protect his home from villain invaders set on ruining his Christmas.
Merry Little Batman is a fantastic Christmas movie that the whole family can enjoy. It is heavily inspired by Home Alone, swapping in Damian and Batman villains to make it more comic book-y, and it’s as incredible as it sounds. The art style is ugly, and this is a kids’ movie, so some fans may not enjoy how simple it is, but all it promises is family fun and Christmas cheer, and that is precisely what it delivers.
7
‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ (2025)
The MCU hasn’t been in the best place these last few years, but they seem to be turning things around, especially with their latest film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The titular hero group faces its biggest challenge when Galactus (Ralph Innes) marks them for death. However, Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby) and Reed Richards’ (Pedro Pascal) child wields immense power that Galactus wants.
Like Black Panther, The Fantastic Four: First Steps doesn’t feature any Christmas references, but it makes this list because of its family focus. All themes, plot points, and messages point to the importance of family, and with that at the center of the film, it is a magnificent watch on Christmas. The humor, endearing characters, and warmth are all much-welcome bonuses to an otherwise excellent superhero film.
6
‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (2021)
Spider-Man and the holidays seem to go together, which is why Spider-Man: No Way Home makes this list. When the world discovers that Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is Spider-Man, he gets Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to make everyone forget. Unfortunately, the spell goes wrong, and villains from alternate realities merge into his. He must now team up with other Spider-Men to rid his world of these enemies.
Spider-Man: No Way Home features a small end-credit scene set during Christmas, and that brief festive moment is full of holiday joy, making this movie a nice fit for this list. The entire film, as well, has themes of family, bond, redemption, and togetherness, which are all essential in Christmas movies. Spider-Man: No Way Home isn’t a Christmas movie, but it sure fits the holiday’s spirit.
5
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (2018)
After two Spider-Man classics on this list, one more needs a mention, and that is Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. This animated masterpiece follows Miles Morales, the new Spider-Man of his world, after Peter Parker dies. However, when the multiverse breaks, a handful of Spider-People are stranded in this universe, and Miles must learn what it takes to be a hero if he wants to help them.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is set in the fall and has some snow spread around. The cozy fall atmosphere and hint of snow can’t help but make some feel festive, but there is more than that that makes it perfect for the holiday. Like most Spider-Man films, it presents themes of family and coming of age. Not to mention, it has a brilliant sense of humor and stunning animation that always brightens a cold winter day, making it one of the greatest animated movies ever.
4
‘Iron Man 3’ (2013)
There are only a handful of superhero movies that are also Christmas films, and Iron Man 3 is one. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) relies on his suit and Iron Man persona more than ever, affecting his daily life. Now, when multiple new villains arise, including the dangerous Mandarin (Sir Ben Kingsley), Tony must depend on what makes him Tony Stark rather than Iron Man.
It may not be apparent, but Iron Man 3 is set during Christmas time, but its ties to the holiday go much deeper than that. It adopts a formula inspired by A Christmas Carol, with Tony fighting villains from his past, present, and struggling to deal with his future. With plenty of Christmas-themed narratives and motifs, Iron Man 3 is the best MCU Christmas movie, funny, witty, action-packed, and purely entertaining.
3
‘Batman Returns’ (1992)
Fans of the comics and animated series will know that Batman works well during the holiday season, whether it be Halloween or Christmas. Batman Returns has the titular hero face off against a trio of threats, including Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), Penguin (Danny DeVito), and Max Shreck (Christopher Walken), all against the backdrop of a particularly chaotic Christmas in Gotham.
Batman Returns is an essential Christmas and superhero movie, and its unique blend of gothic architecture, goofy situations, and festive spirit makes it perfect to watch every winter. Some fans debate whether this classic is a Christmas movie or not, but either way, it features plenty of themes, references, and scenery from the holidays. Batman Returns is dark, jolly, thrilling, unique, and distinctly festive, especially for a superhero film.
2
‘The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special’ (2022)
Iron Man 3 may be the only MCU movie set during Christmas, but it isn’t the only project set during the holidays. Hawkeye is Christmas-themed, but it isn’t a movie; The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is a unique case. Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) is down in the dumps, so the rest of the Guardians aim to bring Christmas to him in space through chaotic means, which of course means kidnapping Kevin Bacon and giving him to Quill as a present.
It is arguably the most Christmassy movie on this list, but it is technically a one-off special, and so it can’t earn the number one spot. Still, The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is an absolutely joyous time of Christmas themes and moments. This jolly festive special is an essential Christmas viewing for any superhero fans, especially those who can’t get enough of the galaxy’s biggest a-holes. It is short, sweet, and a fun ride with Christmas tidings.
1
‘Shazam!’ (2019)
There are plenty of superhero movies to watch on Christmas and the winter break, but the one that embodies the holiday the most is Shazam! When a young boy gains the ability to become a superhero, he does what any teenager would do: misuse his powers. However, when an evil wizard (a terrific Mark Strong) aims to steal Billy’s (Asher Angel) powers, he needs to learn what it takes to be a hero.
Shazam! may not be overtly Christmas-themed like Merry Little Batman or The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special, but it is set during the wintertime leading up to Christmas and features essential holiday themes, such as family, friendship, and responsibility. Shazam! is a fun and festive treat for superhero fans, and its perfect mix of comedy, emotion, and holiday joy makes it a fantastic Christmas movie that every superhero fan should watch this holiday season.
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