Best Classic Christmas Movies
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
The hard-won uplift and triumph of director Frank Capra’s fantasy drama hasn’t lost a bit of its power over the decades. James Stewart gives his most iconic performance as George Bailey, a banker who discovers the value of his life thanks to a visit from his guardian angel. According to the American Film Institute, It’s a Wonderful Life is the most inspiring movie of all time. Courtesy Everett Collection
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Winner of three Academy Awards (it was also nominated for Best Picture), George Seaton’s dramedy stars Edmund Gwenn as a department store Santa who claims to be the real thing. The fresh, well-acted 1994 remake starring Richard Attenborough is a Christmas classic in its own right. 20th Century Fox/Everett Collection Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
A Christmas Carol/Scrooge (1951)
Out of the countless film adaptations of Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, this 1951 British production directed by Brian Desmond Hurst is the best, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that Alastair Sim is hands-down the greatest Ebenezer Scrooge you’ll ever see. So many good actors have portrayed Scrooge as a mere curmudgeon–and that’s it. Sim’s Scrooge is pathetic, heartless and cruel–seemingly beyond redemption. He’s also an instantly recognizable, fully-realized human being, and that’s why we gradually gain deep sympathy for him. Renown Pictures Where to watch it: Stream on PLEX.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan star as co-workers who can’t stand each other—only to realize they’re falling in love through anonymous letters. Sound familiar? The Shop Around the Corner was remade decades later as You’ve Got Mail starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Getty Images Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Produced by Arthur Freed (whom many credit as the brains behind The Wizard of Oz), this turn-of-the-20th-century slice-of-life musical showcases Judy Garland debuting “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The number will give you chills to this day. MGM Studios/Courtesy of Getty Images
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
One of the most respected film stars in history, Barbara Stanwyck radiated toughness, authenticity and intelligence. By the mid-1940s, she was the highest-paid woman in the United States. She charms in this rom-com about a magazine writer who falls in love with a fan. (Christmas in Connecticut was remade in 1992 as a TV movie directed—believe it or not—by Arnold Schwarzenegger.) Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
A Christmas Story (1983)
Based on the writings of Canada’s Jean Shepherd, the family comedy—centered on a boy who pines for a Red Ryder air rifle—has aired in 24-hour blocks on TNT and/or TBS since Christmas 1997. (Director Bob Clark also helmed a different kind of holiday classic, the 1974 cult slasher flick Black Christmas.) Courtesy Everett Collection Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
White Christmas (1954)
Legendary director Michael Curtiz helmed several of the most noteworthy films of Hollywood’s Golden Age, including The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Casablanca (1942), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), Mildred Pierce (1945) and this essential Christmas musical, the highest-grossing film of 1954. Filmed in vivid Technicolor, White Christmaswas the first movie ever released in VistaVision, a widescreen process using twice the surface area of standard 35mm film. Entertainment Pictures/Entertainment Pictures/ZUMAPRESS.com Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Bishop’s Wife (1947)
Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven star in this Samuel Goldwyn–produced rom-com about a bishop mentored by a charming angel. The Bishop’s Wife was remade successfully in 1996 as The Preacher’s Wife with Denzel Washington, Whitney Houston and Courtney B. Vance. John Springer Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images
Holiday Inn (1942)
Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire star in this holiday musical that is best known for its music by Irving Berlin, who wrote 12 songs for the film, including “White Christmas,” which took home an Oscar in 1943 for Best Original Song.
Best Funny Christmas Movies
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
All Clark Griswold wants is “a fun, old-fashioned family Christmas.” He’ll take his family into the woods to cut down a Christmas tree; decorate the outside of the house with lights and enjoy the pleasant company of relatives. He’ll also use the nice, fat bonus he expects from his boss to cover the cost of a new swimming pool. That would all be lovely, wouldn’t it? There’s just one problem: this is a Vacation movie, which means that even getting to the woods will be a death-defying ordeal. Chevy Chase and the Griswold clan make the most of a holiday where everything goes disastrously, hilariously wrong in this slapstick-heavy perennial favorite written by John Hughes. Hughes Entertainment Where to watch it: Stream it on fuboTV, HBO Max and Philo.
Spirited
Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell are a modern-day musical rendition of Scrooge (this time named Clint) and Ghost of Christmas Present—the latter of whom has a crush on Octavia Spencer, who is delightful as Clint’s long-suffering colleague. Claire Folger/Apple TV+ Where to watch it: Stream it on Apple TV+.
Christmas With the Kranks (2004)
Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis play parents who hatch a scheme to skip Christmas—until they have to throw together a last-minute holiday for their daughter’s surprise visit. Columbia Pictures
A Very Murray Christmas (2014)
Believe it or not, this Netflix special was directed by Academy Award-winner Sofia Coppola, helmer of Lost in Translation and The Beguiled. With Bill Murray in top form and hilarious, show-stopping appearances from George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler, Jenny Lewis and Chris Rock, A Very Murray Christmas is a hugely entertaining and unique holiday experience. The special was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Bad Santa (2003)
A foul-mouthed-yet-undeniably-hilarious treat for grown-ups only, from the director of Ghost World. This is one of Billy Bob Thornton’s best roles, and the gloriously go-for-broke rude humor struck a chord with audiences, making Bad Santa a box office success. Not everyone was tickled though: A 2003 editorial in The Washington Times likened Bad Santa to an “evil twin” of A Miracle on 34th Street. Where to watch it: Stream it on Paramount+.
Deck the Halls (2006)
When two suburban next-door-neighbor dads (Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito) each try to outdo the other in an ever-escalating house-decorating contest, the hilarious high-wattage results can be seen from outer space. Regency Pictures Where to watch it: Stream it on Starz.
Get Santa (2014)
This British family comedy stars Academy Award-winner Jim Broadbent as a Santa Claus, who seeks help from a 9-year-old boy (Kit Connor) and his father (Rafe Spall) after crashing his sleigh into their garden shed. Director Christopher Smith is best-known for British horror films like Severance and Black Death and brings a fair amount of grit to an otherwise lightweight kid-friendly adventure with sugar plum-sweet sentiment and flatulent reindeer. Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream on Tubi.
Scrooged (1988)
The 1988 Christmas comedy reimagines Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and stars Bill Murray as a megalomaniacal TV exec. Paramount Pictures Where to watch it: Stream on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
The Night Before (2015)
Seth Rogen plays a husband and father-to-be (very soon!) in this raunchy—but riotously funny—new comedy, in which three now-grown childhood buddies reunite for one more Christmas Eve fling before finally closing the book on their younger, wilder days. He’s not George Bailey, but Ethan arrives at a similar conclusion: It’s a pretty wonderful life! Columbia Pictures Where to watch it: Stream on fuboTV and Philo.
Trading Places (1983)
This loose adaptation of Mark Twain‘s 19th-century novel The Prince and the Pauper, in which Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy play financially disparate men who switch lives, was rightfully compared to the classic comedies of Preston Sturges and Frank Capra upon its release. Like those influential films, Trading Places is a comedy as grand and ambitious as it is big-hearted. Aykroyd and Murphy are perfect foils with the kind of chemistry you can’t put a price tag on, and they’ve simply never been better.
Almost Christmas (2016)
This star-studded ensemble (featuring Gabrielle Union, Danny Glover, Mo’Nique and more) centers around a family who lost their matriarch, but not their sense of humor. Where to watch it: Stream on FXNow (with cable subscription login) or Hulu+ Live TV.
Best Christmas Movies for Kids
The Polar Express (2009)
Based on the classic kids’ book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express brings the magical Christmas train ride to life. Where to watch it: Stream on HBO Max and Philo.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Divorced dad Scott (Tim Allen) has custody of his son (Eric Lloyd) on Christmas Eve. After a man in a Santa suit falls from his roof and dies, they are magically transported to the North Pole, where an elf named Bernard explains that Scott must take Santa’s place before the next Christmas arrives. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Babes in Toyland (1986)
Based Victor Herbert’s 1903 operetta of the same name, Babes in Toyland stars Drew Barrymore, Richard Mulligan, Eileen Brennan and Keanu Reeves. The 1986 version, which features a new score, was the third widely distributed remake. Others were released in 1934 and 1961. Where to watch it: Stream it on Disney+ and YouTube.
The Star (2017)
In The Star, a small-but-brave donkey named Bo finds the courage to break free from his mundane mill life and embark on the adventure of his dreams. Along with three camels and some eccentric stable animals, Bo (voiced by Oscar nominee Steven Yeun) and his new friends (voiced by the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Keegan-Michael Key, Tyler Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Christmas queen Mariah Carey, Christopher Plummer, Tracy Morgan and more) follow the Star and become accidental heroes in the greatest story ever told. Columbia Pictures Where to watch it: Stream on Hulu+ Live TV.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)
Featuring the vocal talents of Benedict Cumberbatch, Kenan Thompson, Pharrell Williams, Rashida Jones and international treasure Angela Lansbury, Illumination’s 3D-animated feature is the third adaption of a beloved book. Though some critics said The Grinch didn’t bring anything new to the source material, the picture received an overall positive reception from reviewers and audiences, and grossed a massive $511 million worldwide, making it the highest-earning holiday film of all time. Illumination Where to watch it: Stream on FXNOW (with valid cable subscription login) and Hulu+ Live TV.
Klaus (2019)
Sergio Pablos’ critically acclaimed 2D-animated family comedy centers on a postman who dashes through the snow with the world’s most famous toymaker. Winner of the BAFTA and Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the first Netflix original nominated in this category (it lost to Toy Story 4). Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Though Ron Howard’s big-budget adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ classic story received mixed reviews upon release, it was an unqualified box office smash, spending four weeks atop the North American box office and ultimately becoming the second highest-grossing holiday film ever behind Home Alone, with over $345 million. One thing everyone could agree to admire was Jim Carrey’s screen-commanding, supremely dedicated and undeniably impressive performance. Imagine Entertainment Where to watch it: Stream on HBO Max.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Timeless proof that you don’t need a big budget to enchant millions, this jazzy, restrained half-hour animated special premiered on TV as Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts became an international sensation in the mid-’60s. It has been a yuletide staple ever since. courtesy Everett Collection Where to watch it: Stream on Apple TV+. Non-subscribers can watch for free Dec. 22-25 on Apple TV.
Santa’s Apprentice (2010)
This featherweight yet altogether delightful and sweet animated feature is suitable for all ages. A French-Australian-Irish co-production dubbed in American English for Netflix, Santa’s Apprentice will easily entertain very young children, and parents should be pleased with the film’s positive messages about self-belief and kindness. Alphanim (Gaumont Group)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Like fellow holiday classic Gremlins, this red-blooded Halloween-Christmas mashup is one of the scariest movies ever aimed at children. The Tim Burton-produced stop-motion musical has grown so iconic and popular that it’s become its own brand, but it’s important to remember just how special the film is on its own merits. The Danny Elfman songs haunt, and the German Expressionism-inspired visuals are breathtaking. Film critic Roger Ebert even compared the picture to Star Wars. Touchstone Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images Where to watch it: Stream it on Disney+.
Elf (2003)
Before he directed Iron Man, The Jungle Book and the live-action remake of The Lion King, Jon Favreau directed Will Ferrell in this good-natured and irresistible family comedy that became an instant smash, earning $220.4 million worldwide on a $33 million budget and quickly joining the ranks of mainstream audiences’ all-time favorite holiday films. Elf inspired the 2010 Broadway musical Elf: The Musical and NBC’s 2014 stop-motion animated television special Elf: Buddy’s Musical Christmas starring Jim Parsons and Mark Hamill. New Line Cinema Where to watch it: Stream on HBO Max.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
One of many Christmas movies to tackle Charles Dickens’ 1843 novella, A Christmas Carol, this animated Muppets version was the first film to be produced following the death of creator Jim Henson. Disney Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+. Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2 (1992) 20th Century Studios In this John Hughes classic, troublemaking 8-year-old Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) must defend his house from a pair of burglars (the W-E-T bandits) when he is accidentally left home alone by his family when they rush to the airport for a vacation in Paris. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
This delightful computer-animated Christmas comedy, about multiple generations of men in the house of Claus—Santa the CEO, his bumbling teenage son, Arthur, and his elderly father, Grandsanta—working together to deliver a misplaced, last-minute present to one little girl, seasoned the evergreen idea of Father Christmas with a fresh sprinkling of uniquely madcap British wit. Sony Pictures
Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)
Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) returns for his fourth feature film, a Christmas comedy that chronicles Ernest’s attempt to help find a replacement for an aging Santa Claus. Where to watch it: Stream it on Disney+ and Paramount+.
Best Christmas Movies on Hallmark
Christmas in Vienna (2020)
Jess (Sarah Drew) is a concert violinist who is in Vienna to perform at a prestigious Christmas Eve concert. While there she meets Mark (Brennan Elliott), a diplomat stationed in Vienna with his three children. With the beauty of the City of Dreams as the backdrop and the holidays around her, Jess rediscovers her passion for music as she spends time with Mark and his children. Hallmark Where to watch Christmas in Vienna
The Christmas Doctor (2020)
The film follows Dr. Zoey Garner (Holly Robinson Peete), a traveling doctor who prefers short assignments so she avoid staying put and making attachments. After her current assignment ends, she is assigned to cover for the sole physician in the small town of Willow Brook while he undergoes surgery. Hallmark Zoey is charmed by Luke (Adrian Holmes) and the town and as the holidays draw near she is surprised she doesn’t want her assignment to end. Where to watch A Christmas Doctor
A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love (2020)
The movie follows the story of Margie (Brooke D’Orsay) and Pat (Sam Page), high school sweethearts who went on different paths in life after graduating. A now-divorced Pat returns to his hometown with his two young sons for a fresh start. Hallmark Where to watch A Godwink Christmas: Second Chance, First Love
A Nashville Christmas Carol (2020)
Vivienne Wake (Jessy Schram) is a workaholic television producer in charge of a country music-themed Christmas special showcasing headliner Belinda (Sara Evans) and newcomer Alexis (RaeLynn). Her childhood sweetheart, Gavin Chase (Wes Brown) is Belinda’s manager and he’s reluctant to see Vivienne again, at first. On the verge of accepting a job in LA, Vivienne gets a visit from the ghost of her recently deceased mentor, Marilyn Jinway (Wynonna Judd). Warning Vivienne that the current path she’s on will lead to a dark future, Marilyn sends her with the Spirit of Christmas Past (Kix Brooks) and the Spirit of Christmas Present (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) to help her get back on track. Will her little side trip help Vivienne decide to choose her career or to choose love? Hallmark Where to watch A Nashville Christmas Carol
Christmas Waltz (2020)
When Avery’s (Lacey Chabert) storybook Christmas wedding is canceled unexpectedly, handsome dance instructor Roman (Will Kemp) persuades her to continue with the 10 dance lessons she’d booked for her and her fiancé. As Avery takes lessons with Roman, she begins to open up and soon the pair seem to move together flawlessly—both on the dance floor and off. Roman helps Avery to take a holiday from perfection and to live in the moment, and in return, she helps guide him on a special business venture. Hallmark Where to watch Christmas Waltz
Christmas Tree Lane (2020)
Meg Reilly (Witt) is a talented pianist, singer and songwriter who no longer performs but teaches music in the loft above her father’s (Drake Hogestyn) music store on Christmas Tree Lane. Hallmark The businesses along Christmas Tree Lane have struggled over the years and the area is slated to be razed by a developer. Meg leads the effort with other business owners to save it from the wrecking ball by planning festive, holiday activities to draw in crowds, culminating with a holiday concert on Christmas Eve. As plans take shape, romance blossoms between Meg and Nate (Andrew Walker), a businessman who recently relocated to the area and has a surprising tie to the developer that could end up being the Christmas miracle they need. Where to watch Christmas Tree Lane
A Timeless Christmas (2020)
A Timeless Christmas follows the story of Charles Whitley (Ryan Paevey), a turn of the century inventor who purchases a Christmas clock at auction for a gift. As he tinkers with it, the clocks sets him on a time travel journey to the year 2020 where he meets Megan Turner (Erin Cahill), a docent at a historic mansion in Cutter Springs. Hallmark Where to watch A Timeless Christmas
One Royal Holiday (2020)
When a blizzard hits Kentsbury, Connecticut, Anna (Osnes) offers Gabriella and James, a stranded mother (Clark) and son (Tveit), a place to stay at her father’s (Tom McGowan) B&B. Unbeknownst to her, the two are actually royalty. Their one-night stay gets extended as the weather worsens and during that time, Anna and James begin to fall in love. While the prince is used to pomp and circumstance during the holidays, Anna shows him how her charming little town celebrates Christmas. Hallmark Where to watch One Royal Holiday
The Angel Tree (2020)
Rebecca (Jill Wagner) is a magazine writer who spent part of her childhood growing up in a mountain town called Pine River. During the holiday season, a Christmas tree appears overnight in the town square. People write down their wishes and hang them on the tree where an anonymous benefactor only known as “Angel” helps to make the wishes come true. When Rebecca pitches the story to her editor about the town and their “Angel Tree,” she is sent there to investigate and uncover the true identity of Angel. While researching her story, she reconnects with Matthew (Lucas Bryant), a childhood friend whose wish was granted years ago while hers was not. Hallmark Where to watch The Angel Tree
Holly & Ivy (2020)
Melody (Janel Parrish) moves to a new town and buys a fixer-upper. She soon makes friends with her neighbor, Nina (Marisol Nichols) and her two kids, Holly (Sadie Coleman) and Ivy (Piper Rubio). When she learns of Nina’s terminal illness, Melody offers to take on the responsibility of being a foster parent to Holly and Ivy, but unless she can fix up her fixer-upper the state will be forced to place the kids in other foster homes. As she tries to do all the renovations herself, she happens upon a charming contractor (Jeremy Jordan) who offers to help. We can guess how this turns out! Hallmark Where to watch Holly & Ivy
Best Christmas Horror Movies
Gremlins (1984)
Quick: Is Joe Dante‘s handcrafted masterpiece of mayhem a horror movie for Halloween, or is it a Christmas movie? Gremlins is so deliciously inventive, so funny, and yes–so frightening, who could blame you for watching it at least twice a year? The PG-rated Gremlins was aimed at a wide audience and raked in a hefty $153 million against an $11 million budget. The unexpectedly high gore quotient (that microwave scene, anyone?) angered some parents, as did the bloodletting in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom that same summer. By the release of Red Dawn in August, the MPAA instated the PG-13 rating we still have today. Amblin Entertainment/Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
The budget of Gremlins 2 was nearly five times that of Joe Dante‘s acclaimed original, and if there’s one major criticism of Gremlins 2 that holds some water, it’s that it might be too much of a good thing. It’s clear the filmmakers were given carte blanche and let their imaginations run wild; this doesn’t seem like a film set where anyone said “no” very much. But what glorious and delightful anarchy this is. Thanks to significant advances in technology, the handcrafted special effects are even more awe-inspiring this time around, and filled with real character and personality. Amblin Entertainment/Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
Krampus (2015)
Thanks to a deft balance of humor and scares, an overqualified cast (including Adam Scott, Toni Collette and David Koechner), and some excellent creature and sound design, director Michael Dougherty’s Krampus hits all the right notes. It’s set in modern suburbia, and tells of the titular ancient European folk beast’s takeover of a dysfunctional family’s holiday. PG-13-rated Krampus is a successful balancing act; it’s just scary enough to satisfy horror fans, but never graphic, fairly family-friendly. It’s spooky, and there’s tangible joy in the filmmaking. Dougherty helmed 2019’s underrated Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Universal Pictures Where to watch it: Stream it on Peacock.
Black Christmas (1974)
Bob Clark’s decidedly darker Christmas movie (he also made perennial family-friendly favorite A Christmas Story) is a genuinely unsettling and nasty little thriller about a group of sorority sisters who are stalked and preyed upon by a psycho-killer who remains anonymous and is never caught (not common in this subgenre). The film was a box-office success, thanks in part to its indelible tagline: “If this movie doesn’t make your skin crawl, it’s on too tight!” In order to get approved for its first-run release, British censors edited the picture a bit, though not for violence; the obscene phone calls the girls receive were deemed too vulgar for theaters. The ick factor is really high in this one, even by today’s standards. Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream on Crackle, fuboTV, Peacock, PLEX, Pluto TV, Redbox, Roku and Tubi.
Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)
Post-Halloween (1978), there was a gold rush of trashy holiday-turned-slasher movies that couldn’t hold a candle to John Carpenter‘s inspired scary classic. TriStar-released Silent Night, Deadly Night, directed by Charles E. Sellier Jr., is perhaps the most infamous. Public response to the R-rated gore fest’s advertising campaign—prominently featuring a killer Santa–was overwhelmingly negative. The film received a critical lashing, and was pulled from theaters after only one (admittedly, lucrative) week. It quickly developed a considerable cult following. To be clear: Silent Night, Deadly Night is garbage. But it’s a sleazy good time for the target audience. There’s a pulpy charm to it.
Jack Frost (1997)
The first film of Shannon Elizabeth (she’s at the center of the film’s most infamous scene), this low A sequel, Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman, followed in 2000. Popular YouTube reviewer James A. Janisse says pretty much everything that needs to be said about the original, critically reviled cult film in a review from his “Dead Meat” kill count series.
Anna and the Apocalypse
Anna and the Apocalypse is a Scottish Christmas zombie musical coming-of-age teen comedy/drama. On paper, this looks like it shouldn’t work, but it mostly does—and thanks to the eclectic mashup of genres, this seems destined to become a seasonal cult classic. The quirky picture actually has a tragic real-life backstory: it’s based on the 2010 BAFTA-winning short film Zombie Musical by Ryan McHenry, who died of cancer in 2015 at age 27. McHenry has a co-writing credit on the feature, directed by John McPhail. Where to watch it: Stream it on Pluto TV, Roku and Tubi.
Santa’s Slay (2015)
Co-produced by Rush Hour‘s Brett Ratner, this Canadian-American supernatural slasher stars Bill Goldberg as Santa, who takes a break from centuries of goodwill to spread Christmas fear. The film is written and directed by David Steiman, Ratner’s former assistant.
Better Watch Out (2016)
One of the more psychologically complex titles on this list, Chris Peckover‘s edgy, bleakly comedic thriller centers on a home invasion, a resourceful babysitter (Olivia DeJonge) and the young boy (Levi Miller) who has the hots for her. Better Watch Out may be a little mean-spirited for general audiences unfamiliar with twisted slashers, but it’s made with considerable wit and craft. The plot twists are genuinely shocking and effective. It’s The Bad Seed meets Home Alone, and it’s satisfying if that sounds like your cup of eggnog.
Best Christmas Rom-com Movies
Love Actually (2003)
Richard Curtis’ character-rich, sexy and romantic R-rated ensemble rom-com divided critics when it first arrived in theaters. But it was a huge hit with audiences from the outset, grossing about five times its budget on its way to becoming a modern classic. Universal Where to watch it: Stream it on Peacock.
Happiest Season (2020)
Kristen Stewart does her best, well, Kristen Stewart in Happiest Season—and it works as Abby, girlfriend to the closeted Harper, a daughter of a local maoral candidate in Pittsburgh. With supporting stars Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Alison Brie, Mary Steenburgen and more, this is a heartwarming romcom with a killer soundtrack. Hulu Where to watch it: Stream it on Hulu.
A Christmas Prince (2017)
In the vein of Hallmark and Lifetime originals, though perhaps a bit more self-aware than average, Netflix romantic comedy A Christmas Prince was a big hit upon release in November 2017, and the sequels were well-received, too. In the first movie, young American magazine journalist Amber Moore (Rose McIver) won the affections of Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) of Aldovia. Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Princess Switch (2018)
Vanessa Hudgens stars in this well-received romantic comedy, playing both a duchess and a Chicagoan who switch places and fall for each other’s beaus. The Princess Switch is loosely inspired by Mark Twain’s 1881 novel The Prince and the Pauper. Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
After a magical sorceress transports medieval knight Sir Cole (Josh Whitehouse) to present-day Ohio during the holiday season, he befriends Brooke (Vanessa Hudgens), a clever and kind science teacher who’s been disillusioned by love. Brooke helps Sir Cole navigate the modern world and helps him discover how to fulfill his mysterious one true quest—the only act that will return him home. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Holiday in the Wild (2019)
Here’s a Netflix Christmas film that’s refreshingly unusual, and serves as something of a travelogue. Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe star in the holiday rom-com about a divorcée who moves to Africa—and falls for her surroundings. Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Merry Happy Whatever
It’s an Undateable reunion on Merry Happy Whatever! Bridgit Mendler and Brent Morin co-star alongside Dennis Quaid in this hilarious and heartwarming comedy that proves while family may not come wrapped up in a neat little bow, it sometimes can still be the greatest gift. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream it on Netflix.
Best Non-Traditional Christmas Movies
Die Hard (1988)
Though John McTiernan’s action masterpiece has a slightly higher body count and a few more explosions than It’s a Wonderful Life, it’s still a Christmas movie! And a darn good one at that. Bruce Willis‘ Christmas Eve battle royale against Alan Rickman and a team of heavily armed terrorists atop Nakatomi Plaza stands tall as one of the finest action pictures ever made, along with the likes of James Cameron‘s Aliens and George Miller‘s Mad Max: Fury Road. An unexpected box office smash, Die Hard was nominated for four Academy Awards and launched Willis’ career into the stratosphere. 20th Century Fox Where to watch it: Stream on Starz.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
About as chilly as a Christmas movie can be, Stanley Kubrick‘s final film is an intense drama about the one-night sexually-charged odyssey of a New York doctor (Tom Cruise) whose wife (Nicole Kidman) has confessed to fantasizing about another man. Kubrick died six days after showing his final cut to Warner Bros., and in order to avoid an NC-17 rating, the film received extensive edits (the original cut is now widely available on DVD and streaming). Though Kubrick was long-known as the master of torturously long takes and shoots, he outdid himself with Eyes Wide Shut, and at 400 days of principal photography the film holds the Guinness World Record for longest film shoot ever. Where to watch it: Stream it on Netflix.
Carol (2015)
Based on the 1952 novel, The Price of Salt, by Patricia Highsmith, the most assured film of Todd Haynes‘ illustrious career to date tells the story of forbidden love between a young photographer (Rooney Mara) and an older woman (Cate Blanchett) going through a rough divorce. This is an utterly riveting, even exhausting watch, as the lovers must overcome disheartening, dehumanizing adversity. The hopeful ending is hard-won and deeply gratifying.
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
Shane Black apparently loves to set witty, violent crime comedies at Christmas time. This spiritual successor to Lethal Weapon (for another, see 2016’s The Nice Guys) pairs Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr. (a few years before Iron Man re-jettisoned his career) in a twisted Los Angeles murder mystery. Silver Pictures Where to watch it: Stream it on Paramount+ and Showtime.
Tangerine (2015)
Sean Baker is one of our most innovative filmmakers. He makes humane, uncomfortably intimate yet fully cinematic films about characters who rarely so much as get the big screen treatment. His breakthrough was Tangerine, an extraordinary and gut-bustingly funny comedy about a feisty, lovable, motormouth escort who storms the streets of Hollywood on Christmas Eve to track down the pimp who broke her heart. Filmed entirely on an iPhone 5S, Tangerine is laugh-until-you-cry funny throughout, and then an unexpectedly poignant ending hits you right in the gut, touching the heart in an honest and disarming way. It is a great film. Baker’s follow-up The Florida Project is even better—it’s downright exquisite. Where to watch it: Stream on fuboTV, Paramount+ and Showtime.
The Ref (1994)
In this darkly comedic modern retelling of 1910 short story The Ransom of Red Chief, a wealthy couple drive a would-be cat burglar (Denis Leary) absolutely crazy on Christmas Eve with their insufferable bickering. The Ref was a breakthrough for Leary, proving the standup comic had formidable acting chops. He later went on to star in FX’s Rescue Me for seven seasons, as well as Marc Webb‘s The Amazing Spider-Man.
In Bruges (2008)
Nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, Martin McDonagh‘s black comedy crime film is one of the best pictures of its ilk of the past couple decades. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson star as hitmen hiding out in Belgium in an irreverent, hilarious and gory thriller. Farrell won a Golden Globe for Best Actor—Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Iron Man 3 (2013)
The Marvel movies, largely, follow a formula. Shane Black’s sequel to Iron Man 2 caught some flack from fans for going too far into left field. Critics mostly liked the wit and a major plot twist. Terrific action set pieces also help to compensate for scenes set in “Tennessee” that are wildly inaccurate to actual Tennessee. Marvel Studios/Disney Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
American Psycho (2000)
More incisive and freaky than spooky or chilling, this darkly satiric adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis‘ 1991 novel was in development hell for nearly a decade. Christian Bale had his heart set on the role of narcissistic Wall Street homicidal maniac Patrick Bateman, but Lionsgate wanted Leonardo DiCaprio. Where to watch it: Stream it on HBO Max.
Batman Returns (1992)
One of the best films in the Batman series and likely the most underrated, Batman Returns is a vivid and wondrous marvel of production design and world-building. Tim Burton and his technical team took everything that made 1989’s Batman stand out to the next level, and this is the most ravishing, distinct vision of Gotham City ever. Warner Bros. Where to watch it: Stream on HBO Max.
Lethal Weapon (1987)
Writer Shane Black‘s iconic, Oscar-nominated action comedy stars Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as mismatched LAPD officers investigating a mysterious death. Lethal Weapon was No. 1 at the U.S. box office for three weeks, ultimately grossing $120 million against a $15 million budget—and launching a franchise.
Brazil (1985)
One of the defining works of Terry Gilliam, sci-fi satire classic Brazil centers on a daydreaming bureaucrat in futuristic dystopia. With stunning visuals and a prescient bite, waking nightmare Brazil is now considered one of the best British motion pictures ever. AMPAS
L.A. Confidential (1997)
One of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s (this picture has one lonely, frankly nonsensical negative review on Rotten Tomatoes), Curtis Hanson‘s stunningly crafted throwback noir—set in the 1950s—is a tale of scandal, murder and conspiracy. L.A. Confidential was nominated for nine Oscars (losing most to Titanic), with wins for its screenplay, and a Best Supporting Actress trophy for Kim Basinger. Disney+ Where to watch it: Stream it on Disney+ and Roku.
Best Lifetime Original Christmas Movies
Christmas Unwrapped (2020)
Charity (Amber Stevens West), an ambitious reporter, learns the true meaning of Christmas when she investigates Erik Gallagher (Marco Grazzini), a beloved member of the town who insists all the gifts he provides are from none-other than Santa himself. Cheryl Ladd also stars. Plus, Tiffany Haddish serves as one of the film’s executive producers. Lifetime Where to watch it: Stream on Lifetime (with cable login).
The Christmas Yule Blog (2020)
Caroline (Sara Canning), a well-known travel writer and social media influencer, is given the assignment to cover a hundred-year-old Christmas parade in the small town of Carte De Amor, New Mexico. Not at all thrilled about the assignment, Caroline goes anyway and meets Oscar (Zak Santiago), a high school music teacher, who introduces her to a side of Christmas that she has never seen, with different traditions and meanings. Caroline falls in love with Christmas all over again and finds true love for herself. Lifetime Where to watch it: Stream on Lifetime (with cable login).
Dear Christmas (2020)
Natalie (Melissa Joan Hart) is the host of Holiday Love, a podcast which shares true stories of holiday romance. While her listeners see Natalie is an expert on romance, she’s never truly experienced a romance of her own. As Natalie prepares to embark on a promotional tour for her new book, she stops back home to spend Christmas with her family. There, her own holiday romance ignites with local firefighter, Jack (Jason Priestley). Lifetime Where to watch it: Stream on Lifetime (with cable login).
Feliz Navidad (2020)
David Morales (Mario Lopez), a high school principal and single dad, has lost the holiday spirit after also losing his wife a few years ago during the Christmas season. To avoid Christmas, David moonlights as a delivery driver during the holidays. But this year his teen daughter, Noel (Paulina Chavez), and his sister, Marissa (Marycarmen Lopez), are determined to bring the yuletide spirit back to the family and, with a little luck, also help David find love again. Something magical happens when Sophie (AnnaLynne McCord), a witty musician and customer on David’s delivery route enters the picture. Lifetime Where to watch it: Stream on Lifetime (with cable login).
Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding (2020)
In this sequel to last year’s Merry Liddle Christmas, Merry Liddle Christmas Wedding once again follows Jacquie Liddle (Kelly Rowland), as she and Tyler try to plan their perfect destination Christmas wedding. Jacquie’s plans go awry when her boisterous family intervenes in her planning and her snooty wedding planner quits in protest. While nothing goes as initially planned, Jacquie and Tyler get a Christmas wedding more memorable than they could have ever dreamed. This is Lifetime’s first holiday sequel! Lifetime Where to watch it: Stream on Lifetime (with cable login). Ready for More? Here’s Our List of All 30 New Original Lifetime Christmas Movies
Best Christmas Movies on Netflix
Holidate (2020)
We love a Netflix holiday rom-com. In the first Netflix Christmas film of the season—more risqué and star-studded than other films of its ilk, Emma Roberts and Hacksaw Ridge hottie Luke Bracey star as lonely singles who agree to be platonic plus-ones for a year…only to catch feelings along the way. Sappy? Sure. It’s fun, too, Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square (2020)
Dolly Parton is here to fulfill your feel-good Christmas musical dreams. The country music legend stars alongside Christine Baranski, Jenifer Lewis and Treat Williams in this toe-tapping family dramedy about a wealthy businesswoman who discovers the true meaning of Christmas, in small-town America. Christmas on the Square was directed and choreographed by the iconic Debbie Allen. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018) & The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)
In this Netflix original, Kurt Russell is an uncommonly cool, handsome and wise-talking Santa Claus, who helps a brother and sister (Judah Lewis and Darby Camp) rediscover the magic of Christmas after the loss of their father. In the sequel to the 2018 hit, Santa is reunited with the Pierce kids as they take on an adversary who threatens to ruin Christmas for the whole world. The biggest draw here? Russell’s real-life love interest Goldie Hawn comes out of semi-retirement to join the cast as Mrs. Claus. Count us in! Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Operation Christmas Drop (2020)
Operation Christmas Drop is precisely what it sounds like: The Air Force parachutes gifts down to residents as part of a long-standing tradition. Erica Miller is a congressional aide who has been hoping for a promotion and happily skips Christmas with her family on assignment to instead work to defund the Air Force base. After all, if their most important operation is this one, do they have too much time (and resources) on their hands? Erica doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Captain Andrew Jantz at first, but you can bet they might be a little more empathetic to each other’s plights by the end of the movie! Ricardo Hubbs/Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Music, adventure and Award-winning actors with star power! What more could you want? Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a family holiday event set in Cobbleton, where legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (played by Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker) resides and makes his creations. Betrayed by his greedy former apprentice (Emmy winner Keegan-Michael Key), who steals his favorite, most sensational invention—Buddy—Jangle’s granddaughter (Madalen Mills) must now retrieve Buddy and restore the holiday magic in her family. The movie features original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan; Usher and Kiana Ledé sing the lead track, “This Day.” It’s a Christmas adventure the entire family will love. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
The princesses—they’re switched again! In the highly anticipated sequel, The Princess Switch: Switched Again, Hudgens reprises her dual roles. Duchess Margaret inherits the throne to Montenaro around the same time she senses trouble ahead with her boyfriend, Kevin. Margaret calls in her double, Princess Stacy from Belgravia, to get her relationship back on the right track. A love triangle ensues and for good measure, Margaret’s cousin Fiona comes to town. With insanely similar looks to both Margaret and Stacy, you can expect Christmas-triple-trouble in the way of three members of royalty. Mark Mainz/Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker (2020)
Go behind the scenes with the award-winning Debbie Allen, an entertainer and dance coach, as she leads her group of young dancers to success in the form of this year’s production of Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. From Shondaland, this documentary is a light-hearted celebration of dance that the whole family will enjoy. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
Tudo Bem No Natal Que Vem / Just Another Christmas (2020)
Jorge falls and goes unconscious on Christmas Eve, then wakes up one year later unable to remember the Christmas before. A moody Scrooge himself, Jorge soon realizes that every day, he’ll keep waking up the following Christmas Eve—Groundhog Day-style—unless he can reconcile with his grinchy ways. Netflix Where to watch it: Stream on Netflix.
The Best Original Christmas Movies on UPtv
A Very Country Christmas Homecoming (2020)
The third film in the popular A Very Country series on UPtv, A Very Country Christmas Homecoming stars Bea Santos, Greyston Holt, country singer Deana Carter, Mike Shara, and Charlotte Hegele as Zane and Jeannette return from the honeymoon of their dreams to plan their first-ever Christmas as a family. However, Jeannette’s former father-in-law really disturbs the peace (and their plan for a restful Christmas!) when he shows up to stir the pot. UPtv Where to watch it: Stream on UPtv.
A Ring for Christmas (2020)
Premiering the following Sunday is A Ring for Christmas, starring Liliana Tandon, Dean Geyer, Charles Hittinger and Lorraine Bracco. If you love Christmastime romance, then this is definitely the made-for-TV movie for you. Angie Moore is your typical spoiled rich girl—sans boyfriend, fiancé or husband. She may be motivated to find love eventually, but she becomes even more motivated when she realizes she’ll inherit a whole lot of money in a trust fund specifically set aside for when she gets married. Suddenly, Angie’s in a rush to be a wife. But can she find a man to tie the knot with by Christmas day? UPtv Where to watch it: Stream on UPtv.
Mistletoe Magic (2020)
In Mistletoe Magic, Harper (Jessica Sipos) is a self-proclaimed Christmas Grinch who accidentally donates a memorable family heirloom to charity: the family’s beloved mistletoe, which they believe to be magical. With the help of Luke (Stephen Huszar)—a long-time acquaintance and local thrift store owner—Harper goes on a mission to find and reclaim her family’s mistletoe. UPtv Where to watch it: Stream on UPtv.
Dashing Home for Christmas (2020)
In Dashing Home for Christmas, we meet Emily, a thriving business consultant who—of course—has been so busy with work that she has missed every family gathering so far this year. That’s why it’s important that she do what the movie title suggests and dash home to make it on time for the holidays. However, a series of annoying events delays her. UPtv Where to watch it: Stream on UPtv.
Christmas on the Range (2020)
There’s no Christmas like one on the range, which is exactly why Kendall Riley is trying so hard to protect it. Her family’s ranch is in danger and the small-town Scrooge, Brick McCree, is to blame. But unlikely solidarity—and perhaps even a full-blown romance—starts to form when McCree’s son, Clint, returns to town and offers to help Kendall. But are his intentions good or is he simply destroying her family’s farm from the inside-out in an effort to help his father? UPtv Where to watch it: Stream it on UPtv.
Best Christmas Movies on Fox
Christmas in the Rockies (2020)
Christmas in the Rockies follows Katie Jolly, whose dreams of a life in New York City are squelched when her father’s sudden injury leaves her in charge of the family business, Jolly Lumber. She has to solve family and business issues all the while trying to win an annual Lumberjack Competition. Fox Nation Where to watch it: Stream on Fox Nation.
Best Christmas Movies on Disney+
Noelle (2019)
This was Disney’s first big, original holiday movie for Disney+. It centers on Santa’s children: His son, Nick (Bill Hader) goes missing when he’s supposed to take over as Santa Claus and his daughter, Noelle (Anna Kendrick), has to put things right to save Christmas. Joey L./Disney Where to watch it: Stream Noelle on Disney+.
Mickey’s Christmas Carol
An animated version of the timeless Christmas classic features Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters, including Scrooge McDuck as Ebenezer Scrooge. Disney Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
‘Twas the Night
This Disney Channel Original Movie sees Bryan Cranston play irresponsible uncle Nick, who decides to deliver Santa’s presents with his nephew Danny after accidentally knocking him out. What his nephew doesn’t know is that Nick is stealing from houses along the way. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish
After being blamed for a sleigh crash, Richie Rich (7th Heaven’s David Gallagher) wishes he hadn’t been born … a wish that ends up being granted by a wishing machine. Where to watch it: Stream Richie Rich’s Christmas Wish on Disney+.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
College student Jake (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) is in a rush to get home for Christmas in this 1998 comedy starring Jessica Biel.
Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas
Some of our favorite Disney characters, including Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald, come together to share three stories of Christmas past. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
The enchanting story of Beauty and the Beast continues as Belle tries to help Beast get into the Christmas spirit, but someone wants to keep them apart forever. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
12 Dates of Christmas
It’s Groundhog Day meets Christmas! Amy Smart’s character Kate Stanton find herself reliving the same Christmas Eve blind date over and over again, until she gets things right. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+, ABC (with cable login), Freeform (with cable login), fuboTV, Hulu, Peacock and Philo.
Olaf’s Frozen Adventure
With Elsa and Anna not having any holiday traditions of their own, Olaf sets out to bring some home to his friends. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+ and fuboTV.
The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
In Disney’s take on the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, a young girl named Clara journeys to four secret realms after being given a gift left by her late mother. Disney Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)
Santa joins Mickey Mouse and his friends in this sequel to Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Where to watch it: Stream on Disney+.
Best Christmas Movies About Dogs
Snoopy in A Charlie Brown Christmas
Whether he’s dancing on a piano or decorating his doghouse, Charlie Brown’s loyal sidekick knows how to celebrate this special time of year.
Max in How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Even though he was a pawn in the nefarious Grinch’s scheme, Max was a lovable and loyal companion—and he makes a pretty good reindeer, too! CBS
Lady, Tramp and the gang in Lady and the Tramp (2019)
The live-action remake of Lady and the Tramp is as festive as it is adorable. Stream it on Disney+. Disney
Snot in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Cousin Eddie’s dog Snot is cute—but you don’t want to be around him if you’re wearing shorts.
Barney in Gremlins
The main character’s companion, Barney, was surprisingly OK with all of the Mogwais’ shenanigans. Hey, they were better than Mrs. Daigle!
Bumpus Hounds in A Christmas Story
Sure, they ruined the Christmas turkey—but the Bumpus dogs were a great foe to the main character’s old man. Next, check out our best New Year’s movies.
