How to watch

A Christmas Story Movie Watch Order in the correct order

How to watch the A Christmas Story movies in order

Last updated: November 6 2026

Written by: ChronoAlice

A Christmas Story is a holiday staple, but Ralphie Parker's world stretches across sequels, TV films, a live musical, and a nostalgic legacy sequel. Here is how to watch them all.

Based on Jean Shepherd's humorous stories, A Christmas Story (1983) follows young Ralphie's quest for a Red Ryder BB gun in 1940s Indiana. It gave the world the leg lamp, the triple-dog-dare, and 'You'll shoot your eye out!' Shepherd had already adapted his Parker family tales into PBS TV films, and the success of the 1983 movie led to more follow-ups with different casts.

๐Ÿ• Release Order

Release order includes the PBS TV movies, the theatrical films, and later sequels and remakes.

  1. The Phantom of the Open Hearth (1976)
  2. The Great American Fourth of July and Other Disasters (1982)
  3. A Christmas Story (1983)
  4. Ollie Hopnoodle's Haven of Bliss (1988)
  5. It Runs in the Family (1994)
  6. A Christmas Story 2 (2012)
  7. A Christmas Story Live! (2017)
  8. A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)

The early TV films use different actors and do not share continuity with the 1983 classic, and A Christmas Story Live! is a musical remake. The cleanest storyline focuses on the core films below.

๐Ÿ“– Story Chronology

For story chronology, start with Ralphie's childhood Christmas, then the summer-set It Runs in the Family, A Christmas Story 2 with a teenage Ralphie, and A Christmas Story Christmas, where Peter Billingsley returns as an adult Ralphie in the 1970s.

  1. A Christmas Story (1983)
  2. It Runs in the Family (1994)
  3. A Christmas Story 2 (2012)
  4. A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)

Which Order Should You Choose?

For most viewers, the perfect plan is simple: watch A Christmas Story, then jump to A Christmas Story Christmas. The 2022 film ignores the other sequels and reunites much of the original cast, making it a heartfelt companion piece. Completists can add It Runs in the Family and A Christmas Story 2 in chronological order, and Shepherd fans will enjoy tracking down the PBS films for a glimpse of his storytelling before Hollywood came calling.

๐Ÿ”— Related Guides

  • Home Alone Watch OrderGuide
  • The Santa Clause Watch OrderGuide
  • National Lampoon's Vacation Watch OrderGuide

Did we miss anything? Let us know and we'll keep this guide up to date!