Apple today got in the holiday spirit by announcing the top five best-selling holiday movies of all time on iTunes, ever since the movie rental section of the digital marketplace opened in 2008.

itunes-holiday-movies
The top five highest grossing iTunes holiday movies are:

  1. Elf [Direct Link] - $9.99 HD Purchase / $3.99 HD Rental
  2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation [Direct Link] - $9.99 HD Purchase / $3.99 HD Rental
  3. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas [Direct Link] - $9.99 HD Purchase / No Rental Available
  4. Home Alone [Direct Link] - $9.99 HD Purchase / $3.99 HD Rental
  5. The Polar Express [Direct Link] - $9.99 HD Purchase / $3.99 HD Rental

Apple didn't offer any specifics behind each film's download numbers, but gave snippets about plots, writers, directors, and actors for each holiday favorite.

The company prompted users to ask Siri on an iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV to search for the movies listed today, as well as other seasonal mainstays like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Night Before, A Christmas Story, The Santa Clause, It’s a Wonderful Life, Love Actually and Mickey’s Christmas Carol.

Tag: iTunes
Related Forum: Mac Apps

Top Rated Comments

DrewDaHilp1 Avatar
DrewDaHilp1
114 months ago
Where does Die Hard rate?
MacRumors content image
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
WiseAJ Avatar
WiseAJ
114 months ago
Die Hard is not on the list therefore the list in inaccurate and irrelevant.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scottsoapbox Avatar
Scottsoapbox
114 months ago
I'm surprised A Christmas Story didn't make the top five...
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Flash SWT Avatar
Flash SWT
114 months ago
I LOVE Die Hard but it's weird that I never think of it has a holiday film. Probably the case for others.
There are two types of people in this world: Those who think Die Hard is a Christmas movie; and those who are wrong.
[doublepost=1482429148][/doublepost]
I wonder if the fact that A Christmas Story plays non-stop on certain networks this time of year, reduces the need to buy it on iTunes.
I bet you're right. I only own it on Blu-Ray because it was on sale for like $2.99. Otherwise you're guaranteed to get your fix from cable TV every year.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jayducharme Avatar
jayducharme
114 months ago
Interesting. I guess it shows the demographics of most iTunes buyers more than anything else. What you've watched as a child during the holidays will be the videos you look back on fondly when you're older.

I don't like any of their top five. As for the other "mainstays" there are just two that I enjoy. I guess I could view it as, "I think different". Or maybe, "I'm old". :)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Scottsoapbox Avatar
Scottsoapbox
114 months ago
No kidding, Home Alone and even worse, Polar Express over A Christmas Story? Come on people ...

FWIW, we're on about our about our 7-8th watch of A Christmas Story, 10 or so for Christmas Vacation :D
I wonder if the fact that A Christmas Story plays non-stop on certain networks this time of year, reduces the need to buy it on iTunes.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Read Full Article • 58 comments
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Read Full Article • 78 comments
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
Read Full Article • 114 comments
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Read Full Article • 210 comments
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
Read Full Article • 47 comments