50 Best Christmas Movies in 10 Categories: The Ultimate Holiday Viewing Guide
Nothing beats curling up on the couch during the holidays with some great Christmas movies streaming on TV. Ranging from Netflix Christmas movies that just came out to classic Christmas movies that everyone loves, this guide has something for everyone-be it kids' Christmas movies, Christmas movies for toddlers, or grown-up entertainment. So, let's check out 50 must-watch holiday films that'll make any movie night special.
Best Comedy Christmas Movies
1. Elf (2003)
Want to laugh? The image of Will Ferrell, running around New York in yellow tights, really never gets old. It's the honesty in Buddy the Elf he brings around that's too infectious for one not to beam wide. Catch this modern classic to stream on HBO Max and Netflix; it is that style of movie which will turn anyone into holiday cheer.
2. Bad Santa (2003)
Perhaps something a little less wholesome? Bad Santa, streaming on Starz and Amazon Prime, will do the trick. Billy Bob Thornton stars as one seriously messed-up mall Santa who plans a heist. Definitely not for the kids, but just what the doctor ordered for anyone who needs a break from typical holiday sweetness. And for even more twisted fun, there's even a Bad Santa 2.
3. Office Christmas Party (2016)
Oh, work party gone wrong! Paramount+ puts it out of the ballpark on this wild ride of office shenanigans. Led by Jason Bateman and Jennifer Aniston, the killer cast takes this crazed comedy on saving jobs with the most outrageous holiday party ever.
4. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis try to skip the whole Christmas thing in its entirety, but those neighbors are not going to let that happen. Available for streaming on Disney+, this comedic romp perfectly encapsulated the holiday pressure applied to neighborhood rivals with numerous laugh-out-loud moments.
5. Just Friends (2005)
Ryan Reynolds nails this underrated classic as an overweight teen turned thin and confident while coming home for the holidays to win his high school dream girl. Stream on Peacock for genuine laughs with a surprising amount of heart.
6. Scrooged (1988)
This is one hilariously cynical take on Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" featuring Bill Murray as a selfish TV executive haunted by three very unusual ghosts. It's the perfect balance of comedy and holiday redemption-stream it now on Amazon Prime.
7. Daddy's Home (2015)
Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell go head-to-head in this holiday-tinted comedy about stepdad versus real dad. Ridiculous competitions and family chaos ensue in a film perfect for anyone who loves watching Ferrell get knocked off a motorcycle by Wahlberg. Stream it on HBO Max, and don't forget to check out Daddy's Home 2 - which adds John Lithgow and Mel Gibson as the grandpas for extra holiday mayhem.
Best Romantic Christmas Movies
8. Love Actually (2003)
This is one of the most loved British ensemble pieces interweaving several love stories through the holiday season. Streaming on Netflix, just what it takes to mix romance with humor and Christmas spirit- courtesy Hugh Grant's dancing scene among other aspects.
9. The Holiday (2006)
Two women exchange homes at Christmas and find unexpected romance. This charming story, led by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, has grown to be a modern classic for the holiday season. Not to mention Jude Law and Jack Black as their very well-chosen love interests. Available on Netflix, it's great for one of those nights when one wants to feel cozy.
10. Serendipity (2001)
John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale in this New York Christmas fable tempting fate. Stream on Peacock to see if fate allows these star-crossed lovers to find their way to each other against all the odds.
11. The Family Man (2000)
In this touching "what-if" story, Nicolas Cage stars as a businessman who gets to see what could have been in the family department. Find it on HBO Max for the perfect mix of romance and holiday magic.
12. Dear Santa Movie (2011)
A wealthy woman finds her purpose in helping a family in need at Christmas time. This feel-good romance streams on Hallmark Movies Now and reminds us of what the season is truly about.
Best Heartwarming Christmas Movies
13. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
This classic drama, now available on Amazon Prime, still manages to be one of the most emotive Christmas stories ever told. James Stewart plays George Bailey, and his character reminds us all about what is really important in life.
14. The Family Stone (2005)
A poignantly alive story about family dynamics during the holidays, brought to life with a perfectly cast ensemble. Stream it on Hulu now for a realistic look into modern family relationships in both tears and laughs.
15. 8-Bit Christmas (2021)
The truly nostalgic gem follows a young boy's quest to get a Nintendo Entertainment System in the 1980s, capturing the magic of every child's Christmas wish with such perfect clarity on HBO Max.
16. The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)
Dan Stevens headlines this interesting look at how Charles Dickens came to write "A Christmas Carol." It's now available on streaming via Hulu, telling of some very real-life inspiration for his ultimately classic novella.
17. I'll Be Home for Christmas (1998)
Starring Jonathan Taylor Thomas, this is an adventure of a kid trying to make it home for the holidays. This fun road trip movie is full of heart and available on Disney+.
Best Classic Christmas Movies
18. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
This timeless tale about believing in Santa Claus streams into homes on Disney+. Still one of the best Christmas movies ever made, this beautiful film's themes are still appropriate today.
19. A Christmas Story (1983)
Already joining the ranks of annual holiday viewings, Ralphie's search for a Red Ryder BB gun is a classic to begin with. This captures the magic of those Christmas feels when a child really desires something on HBO Max. Also, don't forget to check out "A Christmas Story Christmas," its follow-up in 2022 starring Peter Billingsley, back as Ralphie when he is older!
20. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
The Griswold family's chaotic celebration streams on HBO Max. Chevy Chase leads this hilarious look at family holiday disasters that has become a tradition unto itself for many.
21. White Christmas (1954)
Featuring the cast of Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, it is a musical celebration for the season. It really is a must-watch on Netflix filled with classic songs and heartwarming moments.
Best "Is It A Christmas Movie?" Movies
22. Die Hard (1988)
The ultimate debate starter: does a movie set during a Christmas party count as a Christmas movie? Stream it on Disney+ and decide for yourself. Whichever way, Bruce Willis brought action-packed holiday entertainment.
23. Trading Places (1983)
This is a Christmas-season-set comedy retelling of "The Prince and the Pauper." The smart class-and-privilege commentary in this film is elevated by the comedy stylings of Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy.
24. Iron Man 3 (2013)
Tony Stark's Christmas-time adventure probably isn't the first thing most people think of when hearing the term "holiday movie," but its themes of redemption fit right in. Stream it on Disney+.
Best Kids Christmas Movies
25. Home Alone (1990)
Streaming Home Alone brings this classic performance of Macaulay Culkin to new generations on Disney+. A perfect balance of slapstick comedy and holiday heart, this still ranks as one of the best Christmas movies kids can enjoy. While several sequels would eventually follow, the first is arguably the best.
26. The Polar Express (2004)
This magical North Pole train ride catches the wonder of believing. Stream now on HBO Max for a visually stunning Christmas adventure.
27. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This charming, animated film finds Christmas being saved by the awkward son of Santa. Streaming on Netflix, this is one of the best Christmas movies for toddlers and big kids alike.
28. Rise of the Guardians (2012)
This fantastical twist on holiday icons such as Santa and Jack Frost is indeed a very different kind of holiday viewing. Stream it now on Peacock for a new take on some of your old Christmas favorites.
Best Family Christmas Movies
29. The Santa Clause (1994)
The magic of how Tim Allen became Santa Claus is old and pure magic on Disney+. It has been a modern classic that at one point in the year, families do head back to. Complete the series by watching Santa Clause 2 & 3. There's even a show with 2 seasons called "The Santa Clauses"-which still stars Tim Allen - filmed after the movies; it can also be streamed on Disney+
30. Klaus (2019)
A fresh, new, original origin story of animated Santa Claus streaming on Netflix. The heartwarming tale in the beautifully done animation makes this film ideal to be viewed by the entire family.
31. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
This Netflix original stars Kurt Russell in a very fresh take on Santa, which is, in many ways, already an instant new holiday classic. There is also a Christmas Chronicles 2 worth checking out, making it the perfect follow-up.
32. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger's quest to find the most popular Christmas toy of the year remains comically timely, streaming on Disney+, and a wildly funny examination of holiday shopping frenzy.
Best Scary Christmas Movies
33. Krampus (2015)
This horror comedy about the dark side of Christmas traditions streams on HBO Max. Ideal for those who like their holiday movies with a spooky twist.
34. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton's stop-motion masterful combination of Halloween and Christmas streams on Disney+. It has become a holiday classic of both seasons.
35. Gremlins (1984)
A Christmas-set creature feature, this promises very different holiday entertainment. Streaming now on HBO Max, it offers a different kind of holiday spirit.
Best New Christmas Movies 2024
36. Red One (2024)
The Rock Christmas movie so many have been waiting for finally comes this season, with Dwayne Johnson bringing his signature charm in this action-packed holiday adventure.
37. Nutcrackers (2024)
Ben Stiller's Christmas movie gives the classic ballet story a refreshing spin, and with new vitality breathed into this old tale.
38. A Sudden Case of Christmas (2024)
This new Danny DeVito Christmas movie provides all the laughs and heart he is capable of while adding great texture to the Holiday Movie Landscape.
Best Animated Christmas Movies
39. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
This beloved special streams on Apple TV+. Its low-key message about what ultimately makes Christmas important is truer than ever.
40. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
The original animated version of the Dr. Seuss classic streams on Peacock. Its narration by Boris Karloff is simply incomparable. And if you really love the Grinch, there is the live action "How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2022)" starring Jim Carrey that is worth watching!
41. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
This stop-motion classic is about embracing differences streams on Paramount+. It's perfect for Christmas movies for toddlers and the whole family.
42. Frosty the Snowman (1969)
This fantastic story of a snowman, brought to life by that special hat, streams into homes on CBS All Access. The humble charm still delights today's children.
43. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town (1970)
In this origin story about the big man in red himself, Fred Astaire gives a wonderful narration. Make it stream on classic holiday entertainment via Paramount+.
44. The Snowman (1982)
This wordless animated adventure captures the magic of Christmas through beautiful animation. Stream it on Paramount+ for a unique holiday experience.
45. Prep & Landing (2009)
Disney's take on Santa's elite preparation team streams on Disney+. Clever, funny, and an amazing piece of animation.
46. Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)
Disney's time-cherished take on the Dickens classic streams on Disney+. A great way for younger viewers to get used to the story.
47. The Little Drummer Boy (1968)
This animated special is a stop motion to bring the classic song to life. More traditional holiday entertainment through the Paramount+ stream.
48. Annabelle's Wish (1997)
This heart-warming Christmas tale of a calf desiring to fly with Santa's reindeer finds its maiden premier on Amazon Prime. Indeed, a very rare treasure that is very seldom come across.
49. The Small One (1978)
A touching Disney tale of a boy and his donkey running through Disney+ was refreshingly different as the First Christmas.
50. 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (1974)
This animated adaptation of the classic poem streams on HBO Max. This is a very nice storytelling addition to the classic verse.
10 Honorable Mentions
These Christmas movies didn't make our top 50, but are still worth considering for your holiday watchlist:
1. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
The Bad Moms crew takes on Christmas, and this time they're having to deal with their own mothers showing up for the holidays. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn's characters try to create the perfect Christmas, while their moms-Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines, and Susan Sarandon-drive them nuts. Stream this chaotic holiday fun now on Netflix-ideal for anyone looking to feel better about their own family drama.
2. The Ref (1994)
This dark comedy stars Denis Leary as a burglar who turns unlikely marriage counselor to a bickering couple on Christmas Eve. Streaming on Amazon Prime.
3. Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick charms in this Disney+ original about Santa's daughter taking the reins of the family business.
4. Jack Frost (1998)
Michael Keaton as a dad returned to his son as a snowman; a bit awkward, often quite sad, actually, but a sweet family film nonetheless.
5. Hugo (2011)
Not strictly a Christmas film, but Martin Scorsese conjures some magic in the winter of Paris. Streaming now on Netflix.
6. Happy Christmas (2014)
Anna Kendrick helms this indie take on holiday family dynamics.
7. Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah stars in this heartwarming story about living life to the fullest during the holiday season.
8. Deck the Halls (2006)
Danny DeVito vs. Matthew Broderick as neighboring families competing for the best Christmas decorations.
9. The Grinch (2018)
A visually stunning, family-friendly adaptation of this classic Dr. Seuss tale on Netflix. Just shy of better than the first, this one gets lots of heart and many LOLs for the little gals and guys.
10. A Christmas Carol (2009)
In this motion capture iteration by Robert Zemeckis, Jim Carrey takes on various characters in this really dark adaptation, in most part because of the amazingly great visuals. Superlative yet for perhaps an older child due to its uniquely immersive take on the transformative journey of Scrooge, it's streaming now on Disney+.
Whether one is searching out Netflix Christmas movies, kids' Christmas movies, or holiday movie classics, this guide will help narrow down the perfect holiday entertainment for just about any audience!
Pro Tip: Many of these films move around services this time of year. Take a look at your service of choice at any given moment for what is currently offered.
Merry Christmas, and happy watching!