We recently showcased TV shows to binge over break, and today, we are turning to cozy Christmas movies — there are some seriously fantastic holiday movies available to stream right now!
Whether you want a musical flick on in the background as you finish up your gift wrapping, or the whole family is cozying up to watch a fan favorite, this list has ’em all. From the classics to the oft-overlooked, here are 30+ holiday movies and where to stream them.
BELOVED HOLIDAY ROM-COMS
The Holiday (2006)
Two women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) swap houses and emotional baggage across the globe, only to stumble into unexpected romances and cottagecore perfection. This film is visually beautiful (ahem, Jude Law and, uh, the English countryside) with a stellar soundtrack and Jack Black proving he’s the rom-com hero we didn’t know we needed. It’s streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Love Actually (2003)
This classic is a messy yet heartwarming web of interwoven love stories that’ll make you laugh and cry on your way to the perfect holiday mood. With a powerhouse ensemble cast, the movie explores the complexities of love through ten separate stories set during the Christmas season in London. Plus, Hugh Grant’s prime ministerial dance is reason enough to rewatch. Stream it on Amazon Prime Video.
Just Friends (2005)
An unsung hero of the holiday rom-com lineup, this movie is a buffet of festive fun. Ryan Reynolds in a fat suit, a chaotic trip home for the holidays, and a “glow-up revenge” for the ages. It’s cheerful, laugh-out-loud funny, and proof that no matter how cool you get, going home for Christmas will humble you quickly. Head over to Hulu to watch.
The Family Man (2000)
Underappreciated for some and a holiday classic for others, The Family Man is It’s a Wonderful Life, only Nicolas Cage’s character swaps Wall Street riches for minivans and suburban dad life. When he wakes up in a “what if” version of his world, he’s forced to figure out what really matters. Spoiler: it’s not his Italian-made suits. This movie is equal parts touching and hilarious, and fans tout it as one of Nic Cage’s best performances. Stream this on Netflix until December 31!
Four Christmases (2008)
Unmarried and unruly couple Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn are forced to endure four back-to-back holiday gatherings with their divorced, eccentric parents, and let’s say… lots of family drama. This flick is awkward, hilarious, and full of cringeworthy moments that’ll make you thankful your family isn’t this bad. Stream this on Hulu and Max.
A few more: Holidate (Netflix), The Family Stone (Hulu, Amazon Prime Video), Let it Snow (Netflix), and Love Hard (Netflix)
CHRISTMAS COMEDIES
Elf (2003)
The early 2000s were peak holiday movie-making times. Human-sized elf Will Ferrell spreading chaotic holiday cheer in New York while searching for his biological father? Instant classic. It’s sweet, silly, and a reminder that maple syrup really does go on everything if you believe hard enough. Elf is streaming on Hulu and Max.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
In the ultimate holiday disaster movie, holiday-obsessed Clark Griswold just wants a “perfect Christmas,” but the universe — and his quirky extended family — have other plans. From rogue squirrels to catastrophic light displays, it’s chaos wrapped in tinsel. It’ll make your own holiday meltdowns feel downright peaceful. Stream this on Hulu.
The Santa Clause (1994) and The Santa Clause 2 (2004)
After accidentally causing Santa’s death, Tim Allen’s character is magically recruited to take the big man’s place before Christmas. This movie is the perfect mix of ‘90s dad humor, holiday magic, and mild identity theft. In the second one, North Pole CEO, Santa is back, but now he needs to court a Mrs. Claus to keep the magic alive. This one has some rom, some com, a coterie of elves and reindeer, and even an imposter Toy Santa. You can stream the whole franchise on Disney+.
Scrooged (1998)
If you like your Christmas movies with a side of cynicism, a dollop of sarcasm, and a dash of redemption, this is the perfect holiday binge. Bill Murray plays a cranky, heartless TV exec haunted by ghosts on Christmas Eve. It’s a modern-day, darkly comedic A Christmas Carol, and you can stream it on Prime.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved Dr. Seuss tale, the reclusive green Grinch tries to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Jim Carrey’s antics, witty writing, and over-the-top Whoville aesthetics make this a feast for the senses that we return to each year. It’s rentable on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+.
CHRISTMAS CLASSICS THAT NEVER GET OLD
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This is the ultimate holiday tearjerker that right-sizes what truly matters, even when life feels like a total dumpster fire. Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey gets a crash course in gratitude courtesy of an angel named Clarence, proving that no man has failed who has friends. It’s timeless, heartwarming, and the reason we ugly-cry into our cocoa year after year. Watch this masterpiece on Amazon Prime Video.
White Christmas (1954)
We’re smitten with this festive feast of singing, dancing, and SO. Much. Snow. Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye team up to save a struggling Vermont inn with charm, tap shoes, and matching Santa suits. It’s pure old-school holiday magic with music that’ll stick in your head long after the credits roll. Stream this on Amazon Prime Video.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) and Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Six-year-old Susan has some questions about Santa when she encounters the “real” one at Macy’s. This charming, black-and-white classic makes you believe in the power of holiday spirit — all while serving up some wholesome courtroom drama. You can stream this on Disney+ and Peacock. Even the most skeptical of movie remakes will love the shinier, colorized reboot with Richard Attenborough as Santa, also streaming on Disney+.
Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2 (1992)
In this festive, hilarious classic, an eight-year-old left at home on Christmas tries to outsmart two bumbling burglars. In the second, and arguably better, Home Alone installment, Lost in New York, Kevin upgrades his solo adventure to NYC. The traps are bigger, the pranks are wilder, and the Christmas merriment is overflowing. Stream the whole franchise on Disney+.
FAMILY & ANIMATED CHRISTMAS FAVES
Klaus (2019)
This beautifully animated (and top-rated) Christmas gem recounts Santa’s origin story with a fresh and heartfelt twist. A pompous postman is banished to a bickering island and teams up with a reclusive toymaker. What follows is a charming, comical tearjerker that will catch you by surprise. Stream this cozy movie on Netflix.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
When Santa’s high-tech operation accidentally misses one child, it’s up to Santa’s clumsy son, Arthur, to save Christmas. This clever and heartwarming story with dazzling animation is often overlooked in the Christmas movie lineup, but it’s currently streamable for free (no account needed!) on Tubi. If this one’s new to you, check out the trailer.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
This whimsical, music-filled holiday movie feels like a Broadway show exploded onto your screen (in the best way). It stands out from the usual holiday consumables, with winning visuals, a brilliant cast, catchy songs, and a little steampunk flair. Stream it on Netflix.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
It’s always nice for Charlie Brown to remind us that Christmas isn’t about perfect trees and commercial mayhem. This classic is short, sweet, and filled with the jazzy Vince Guaraldi soundtrack that’s become synonymous with Christmas. It’s streaming on Apple TV+.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
In Tim Burton’s perfectly spooky and quirky stop-motion holiday mashup, Jack Skellington tries to hijack Christmas. This one is equal parts dark, whimsical, and oddly heartwarming. It’s the perfect pick when you can’t decide if you’re feeling pumpkin spice or peppermint bark. Stream it on Disney+.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The illustrious Michael Caine gives a surprisingly serious Scrooge while surrounded by Kermit, Gonzo, and the whole Muppet gang. The story stays classic, but the Muppets sprinkle in songs, sass, and just enough ridiculousness to keep it fun. Stream this on Disney+.
NEWER & NOTEWORTHY HOLIDAY MOVIES
Spirited (2022)
Imagine A Christmas Carol reimagined as a big-budget modern musical comedy starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer. This festive romp is filled with catchy tunes, witty banter, and a fresh twist on an overdone plot. It’s on Apple TV+.
Nutcrackers (2024)
This new flick combines holiday chaos with heartfelt comedy. Straight-laced Ben Stiller’s life is suddenly upended when he gains custody of his four rambunctious, orphaned nephews. Grumpy adult meets plucky kids with a sprinkle of “maybe Christmas is about family” charm. Nutcrackers is available to stream on Hulu.
Hot Frosty (2024)
A jaded widow brings a snowman to life — what could go wrong? In this whimsical new rom-com, Frosty’s innocence warms the hearts of both the protagonist and the viewers. Stream it on Netflix.
CHRISTMAS-ADJACENT MOVIES
Carry On (2024)
This one has created quite a stir since its recent release. In this edge-of-your-seat holiday thriller, a TSA agent is caught in a deadly game of blackmail on Christmas Day. With high-stakes airport action and lots of twists and tension, this is the perfect binge if you like your Christmas movies with fewer jingles and more adrenaline. Stream it on Netflix.
Serendipity (2001)
This is the ultimate “meant-to-be” rom-com where John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale spend years chasing fate (and each other) through New York City. The plot is filled with dreamy holiday magic: love notes on dollar bills, lost gloves, skating rinks, and coincidences that will make you scream, “Just find each other already!” Watch it on Max, and watch the trailer:
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s take on the March sisters is a visually stunning, emotionally charged masterpiece that begs you to curl up by the fire with loved ones. It’s filled with wit, warmth, and an incredible cast. Stream this new take on the classic movie on Hulu.
Die Hard (1988)
Is this a true Christmas movie or just a Christmas-adjacent movie? Everyone has an opinion! You can’t look away as Bruce Willis takes on terrorists at an office holiday party. This one is action-packed, endlessly quotable, and the perfect antidote to all that syrupy holiday cheer. Yippee-ki-yay! Stream it on Hulu.
Pop the popcorn, light the fire (or candles), and press play!
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