Best Christmas Movies 2023: Where to watch the greatest holiday films
Get festive with this guide to best holiday movies.
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Hulu / New Line Cinema / Disney
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There’s a chill in the air, the days are getting shorter, and all of a sudden nothing sounds better than curling up on the couch with a hot drink and a bowl of popcorn. Ready to start planning your holiday movie marathon? Whether you’re looking for a Christmas romcom, a festive horror flick, or a seasonal comedy, we’ve got you covered. Here are the best Christmas movies streaming now—and where to watch them.
Best Romantic Christmas Movies
'The Holiday' (2006)
The Holiday (2006): Two women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.
- Genre: Romantic Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black
- Recommended for: Romcom enthusiasts looking for a comfort watch.
- Where to watch "The Holiday": Hulu, AMC+, rent or buy on Prime Video, rent or buy on Apple TV
This festive fish-out-of-water story follows two heartbroken women (one American and one English) who swap houses and find unlikely romance on opposite sides of the Atlantic. It’s a completely classic romcom, complete with bad exes, dramatic confessions, and a post-breakup drunken dance scene to "Mr. Brightside." What it lacks in surprise it makes up for in charm, and the four leads offer that in spades.
'Love Actually' (2003)
Love Actually (2003): The intertwined stories of eight British couples dealing with love in very different ways, set during a frantic month before Christmas.
- Genre: Romantic Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley
- Recommended for: Romantics with a nostalgic streak.
- Where to watch "Love Actually": Netflix, rent or buy on Prime Video, rent or buy on YouTube
Calling "Love Actually" a romcom feels a little misleading. Sure, some of the interwoven narratives are romantic and comedic. But the impressive ensemble cast also covers loss and domestic tragedy. Some elements of this modern classic have aged better than others (we wouldn’t mind cutting a few fatphobic jokes), but to this day, fans don’t consider the season complete without an annual viewing—and that’s with good reason.
'Carol' (2015)
Carol (2015): In 1950s New York, a young photographer falls for an older woman navigating a difficult divorce during the holidays.
- Genre: Romantic Christmas movies, Period Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett
- Recommended for: Classic film fans and patient romantics.
- Where to watch "Carol": Netflix, Apple TV, rent or buy on YouTube, rent or buy on Prime Video
Looking for a holiday romance without the hijinks of a romcom? In "Carol", a young department store worker in the 1950s finds herself bewitched by a beautiful customer. Carol is a little older, a lot more sophisticated, and comes with a complicated family life. The odds are against the pair, but their chance encounter kicks off a simmering love story that goes from feeling hopeless to doomed and back again. Carol is a gorgeous edition to any Christmas movie rotation, but especially for viewers craving a grounded queer romance.
'Happiest Season' (2020)
Happiest Season (2020): A woman plans to propose to her girlfriend at Christmas, only to discover her partner hasn't come out to her conservative parents.
- Genre: Romantic Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy
- Recommended for: Romcom fans looking for a fresh approach.
- Where to watch "Happiest Season": Hulu
When we say the phrase “Christmas romcom,” your first thought might be something like "The Holiday"—a quirky tale of unhappy singles finding each other and starting a budding relationship. "Happiest Season" takes a different approach. When the film opens, our protagonists Abby and Harper are already in an established relationship. Trouble brews, though, when a holiday visit to Harper’s childhood home reveals she never actually came out to her family. Abby must decide whether she can cope with being forced back in the closet and what this revelation means for her plans to propose. The touching story has earned the movie plenty of fans (and plenty of debate—should Abby have wound up with Riley instead?).
'An Unexpected Christmas' (2021)
An Unexpected Christmas (2021): A writer convinces his ex-girlfriend to pose as a couple for Christmas to please his family, stirring up old feelings.
- Genre: Romantic Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Bethany Joy Lenz, Tyler Hynes
- Recommended for: Hallmark lovers looking for a cut-above romance.
- Where to watch "An Unexpected Christmas": rent or buy on YouTube, rent or buy on Prime Video, rent or buy on Vudu, Apple TV
If you’re in the mood for a Hallmark Christmas, you’re in luck. This year alone the Hallmark is releasing more than 40 new movies, and there’s no shortage of sweet and silly gems in the back catalog. But if you’re only planning to watch one Hallmark movie this year, go with "An Unexpected Christmas." When the movie opens, our central couple, Emily and Jamie, have already parted ways. But after a chance encounter in Jamie’s hometown, Emily agrees to spend a week pretending to still be together. Cue Christmas traditions, chaotic family relationships, and plenty of banter. "An Unexpected Christmas" has all the Christmas traditions, chaotic family dynamics, and banter you could ask for, plus some real standout chemistry between the leads.
Best Family Christmas Movies
'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964): A misfit reindeer and his friends look for a place that will accept them in this animated holiday classic.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Fantasy Christmas movies, Musical Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Burl Ives, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles, Larry Mann
- Recommended for: Fans of stop-motions puppetry who are ready to get in the holiday spirit stat.
- Where to watch "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer": buy on Prime Video
It’s perhaps the most iconic Rankin/Bass movie of all time, and quite possibly the single best family Christmas movie ever made. This original stop-motion "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" introduced to world to an iconic cast of characters, including Hermey, the elf who dreams of being a dentist, silver and gold-crazed prospector Yukon Cornelius, and Bumble, the fearsome abominable snowman. With Burl Ives’s warm voice moving the story along, it’s hard to think of a more holly jolly way to spend an hour.
'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993): Jack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home cause confusion.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Animated Christmas movies, Fantasy Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Paul Reubens, Ken Page
- Recommended for: Families compromising between the kid-friendly choice and the nomination from the horror buff.
- Where to watch "The Nightmare Before Christmas": Disney+, Apple TV, rent or buy on Prime Video
Why settle for a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie when you can get both holidays in one perfect 76-minute package? This family classic bridges the gap between the seasons and is a perfect viewing to get you in the Christmas spirit if you’re not fully ready to let go of spooky season. But it takes more than charm to attain the kind of cult status "The Nightmare Before Christmas" has kept up. To understand why this film stays so popular, you have to take in the incredible stop-motion effects, iconic music, and a surprisingly sympathetic story about searching for meaning and identity. If you haven’t seen this one or haven’t watched it in years, this is the season to fix that. It’s a truly gorgeous film that seriously holds up.
'8-Bit Christmas' (2021)
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Fantasy Christmas movies, heartwarming Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, June Diane Raphael, Steve Zahn, David Cross
- Recommended for: Families, gamers, anyone who has a soft spot for the 1980s
- Where to watch "8-Bit Christmas": Max
It’s hard not to watch this movie and not immediately think of “A Christmas Story.” It’s got a lot of the same beats and story elements as the ballad of Ralphie Parker, with a real-life video game console in place of an air rifle. The NES is just one piece of a movie with the ’80s nostalgia reaching critical mass, but it’s a cute, charming, and occasionally funny little flick, especially if you’re the kind of person with feelings on the polarizing Power Glove.
'Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey' (2020)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020): A magical holiday musical about a toymaker and his granddaughter who construct a wondrous invention.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Fantasy Christmas movies, Musical Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville
- Recommended for: Musical lovers, the whole family.
- Where to watch "Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey": Netflix
In "Jingle Jangle," a grieving and disillusioned toymaker gets another chance at happiness when he connects with his inventive granddaughter. The film covers some truly classic themes for a Christmas movie, from regret and financial hardship to family and second chances. But "Jingle Jangle" rises above the pack with its celebratory musical numbers, sci-fi-leaning fantasy aesthetics, and high-energy performances from a superb cast.
'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)
Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Michael Caine, Frank Oz, Steve Whitmire
- Recommended for: Muppet fans young and old.
- Where to watch "The Muppet Christmas Carol": Disney+, Hulu, rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Let’s be honest—no adaptation of "A Christmas Carol" can touch the Muppets version. The story retains its message of generosity, second chances, and the importance of human connection. But it also gains some fun music, quirky setpieces, and, of course, three muppet spirits who run the gamut from charming to downright spooky. It’s an all-time great Christmas movie with some of the funniest moments of any Muppet movie.
'Home Alone' (1990)
Home Alone (1990): An 8-year-old troublemaker must protect his home from burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Catherine O'Hara
- Recommended for: Families and kids looking for pure entertainment.
- Where to watch "Home Alone": Disney+, rent or buy on YouTube, Hulu, rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
In "Home Alone," eight-year-old Kevin McCallister finds himself accidentally left behind when his large family embarks on a Christmas trip. Trouble brews when a couple of thieves decide to rob the supposedly empty house—but Kevin is more than prepared to take them on. Kevin’s booby traps might make him look like the next Jigsaw Killer, but they’ve also made him a hero of smart, independent kids for years.
'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992)
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Classic Christmas Movies
- Notable Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara
- Recommended for: Families who appreciate emotionally resonant and visually captivating stories.
- Where to watch "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York": Disney+
This is one of those sequels that may be better than the first. It takes the comic violence and the special bond between a mother and son of the "Home Alone" with a big apple backdrop. There’s no John Candy cameo in this one, but the scene where Macaulay Culkin tosses bricks at Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci is perhaps one of the funniest moments committed to film.
'The Snowman' (1982)
The Snowman (1982): A young boy's snowman comes to life and takes him on a magical journey to the North Pole.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Classic Christmas Movies
- Notable Cast: No spoken dialogue
- Recommended for: Families who appreciate emotionally resonant and visually captivating animated stories.
- Where to watch "The Snowman": Pluto TV
This lovely animated short has been adored for decades. In this dialogue-free film, a young boy builds a snowman—and finds that on Christmas Eve, it unexpectedly comes to life. The snowman and the boy embark on a series of adventures, playing, dancing, flying through the air, and visiting a magical gathering of other snowpeople. The beautiful animation and iconic soundtrack make for timeless and sweet (but never treacly) holiday fare.
'Klaus' (2019)
Klaus (2019): A selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker form an unlikely friendship, bringing joy to a cold, dark town that desperately needs it.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
- Recommended for: Animation enthusiasts and anyone looking for a new twist on old holiday themes.
- Where to watch "Klaus": Netflix
"Klaus" follows Jesper, a spoiled postman from a wealthy family, who gets stationed on a remote island. The island’s residents are deeply divided, which doesn’t give Jesper much opportunity to deliver mail. In an effort to drum up a little business, Jesper connects with Klaus—a reticent craftsman who agrees to donate toys to local children. The story is sweet, covering all the themes you’d expect from a film about connection and giving, but the real star is the animation. It’s a beautiful film that takes full advantage of its animation style to create a truly spellbinding world.
A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004)
- Genre: Family Christmas movies, Christmas musical
- Notable Cast: Kelsey Grammer, Jane Krakowski, Jason Alexander, Geraldine Chaplin
- Recommended for: Fans of toe-tapping musical romps
- Where to watch "A Christmas Carol: The Musical": YouTube
Sometimes, a movie is more fun to watch when every decision made in its production is the wrong one. This adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic has music composed by the legendary Alan Menken and offers quite a few bops in the mix. Come for the emotionally charged soundtrack, and stay for the scenery-chewing performances by Kelsey Grammar, Jason Alexander, and Jane Krakowski.
Best Horror Christmas Movies
'Black Christmas' (1974)
Black Christmas (1974): Sorority sisters are stalked by a mysterious killer during their Christmas break, leading to chilling consequences.
- Genre: Horror Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, Margot Kidder, Andrea Martin, Lynne Griffin, John Saxon
- Recommended for: Slasher fans who want Christmas with a bite.
- Where to watch "Black Christmas": Tubi, YouTube TV, Pluto TV, Prime Video
Before Michael Myers brought havoc to Halloween, "Black Christmas’" mysterious antagonist Billy was bloodying up the holidays. In this early and highly influential slasher, focusing on a group of sorority sisters whose festive celebrations are interrupted by a violent intruder. Two remakes and almost fifty years later, the "Black Christmas" social commentary and depiction of misogyny still packs a punch.
'Gremlins' (1984)
Gremlins (1984): A boy inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet, unleashing mischievous monsters on a small town.
- Genre: Horror Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Corey Feldman
- Recommended for: Parents who have been counting down the days until they can introduce the kids to horror.
- Where to watch "Gremlins": rent or buy on YouTube, rent or buy on Prime Video, rent or buy on Vudu, Apple TV
One of the original alternative Christmas classics, "Gremlins" follows our hero Billy after his father makes the unwise choice to give him a mysterious pet. The odd little guy comes with a very specific set of care instructions—and when they’re not followed, havoc ensues. "Gremlins" is a cult classic for viewers who’d rather their Christmas movies came with an extra dose of creature feature, and holds a special place in many viewers' hearts for being an early introduction to horror.
'Krampus' (2015)
Krampus (2015): A boy who has a bad Christmas ends up accidentally summoning a festive demon to his family home.
- Genre: Horror Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner
- Recommended for: Fans of fantasy horror, dark comedy, and creature features.
- Where to watch "Krampus": Peacock, rent or buy on YouTube, rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
"Krampus" quickly earned a place as a holiday classic for horror fans, perfectly blending terrifying mythology with dark humor. Krampus, a demonic entity who punishes the naughty, overtakes an already tense family holiday. The monstrous Krampus has a backup crew of twisted toys, elves, and gingerbread men, attacking the central family at every turn. It’s great fun for fans of wacky horror comedy, with a specially killer twist ending.
'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale' (2010)
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010): In the depths of the Korvatunturi mountains, the truth about Santa Claus is uncovered in this darkly comic Christmas tale.
- Genre: Horror Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Onni Tommila, Jorma Tommila, Tommi Korpela
- Recommended for: Fantasy-horror enthusiasts looking for a festive alternative to The Thing.
- Where to watch "Rare Exports": Pluto, Tubi, Redbox, Peacock, Apple TV, rent or buy on Prime Video
In this Finnish fantasy-horror film, two young friends suspect that they’ve found an ancient burial mound hiding the real Santa Claus. But the Santa they uncover is much more menacing than anyone expected. While "Rare Exports" is certainly satirical, it also takes itself seriously. The result is a perfectly tense, creative, and captivating piece of folk horror fit for the Christmas season.
Best Drama Christmas Movies
'Little Women' (1994)
Little Women (1949): The March sisters navigate their way from childhood to womanhood during the American Civil War era.
- Genre: Drama Christmas movies, Family Christmas movies, Classic Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Winona Ryder, Trini Alvarado, Kirsten Dunst, Samantha Mathis, Claire Danes, Christina Bale, Susan Sarandon
- Recommended for: Fans of the 2019 adaptation and anyone who needs a warm hug.
- Where to watch "Little Women": rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Let’s start by acknowledging that picking one "Little Women" adaptation over another is always going to be controversial territory. We absolutely love Greta Gerwig’s 2019 take on the story, but for a Christmasy comfort watch, nothing beats Gillian Armstrong’s 1994 adaptation. What is it that makes "Little Women" not just a classic, but a Christmas classic? The iconic scenes of snow and caroling, of course, but it’s more than that. The story revolves around themes that just feel like the holidays—family, love, devotion, and remembrance.
'Tokyo Godfathers' (2003)
Tokyo Godfathers (2003): On Christmas Eve, three homeless people living on the streets of Tokyo find a newborn baby among the trash and set out to find its parents.
- Genre: Drama Christmas movies, Funny Christmas movies, Anime Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Japanese: Tooru Emori, Yoshiaki Umegaki, Aya Okamoto
- English Dub: Jon Avner, Shakina Nayfack, Victoria Grace
- Recommended for: Anime fans looking for a grown-up and grounded story.
- Where to watch 'Tokyo Godfathers': YouTube, Tubi, the Roku Channel, rent or buy on Prime Video
On Christmas Eve, three unlikely friends living on the streets of Tokyo discover an abandoned baby and decide to find her family. The movie kicks off into adventure and danger, with yakuza, hitmen, and tragic revelations. But what makes "Tokyo Godfathers" truly great is its dynamic cast of characters and the questions it poses about love, family, and the longing to belong. It’s a tough-to-categorize Christmas story with plenty of beauty—both in its captivating animation and its emotional depth.
'Joyeux Noël' (2005)
Joyeux Noel (2005): During WWI, a spontaneous ceasefire allows soldiers from opposing sides to gain insight into each other's way of life on Christmas Eve.
- Genre: Drama Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Diane Kruger, Benno Fürmann, Guillaume Canet
- Recommended for: Historical drama fans who don’t mind reflecting on real conflict.
- Where to watch "Joyeux Noël": YouTube, Tubi, rent or buy on Amazon, Apple TV
"Joyeux Noël" follows the true story of World War I’s Christmas Truce—a brief moment in 1914 when a small contingent of British and German troops observed an unofficial ceasefire to celebrate Christmas. During this respite, soldiers buried the dead, exchanged gifts, and sang carols. The film (and the real events that inspired it) is a devastating and evergreen reminder of humanity’s need for connections, even in the middle of brutality.
Best Funny Christmas Movies
'Bad Santa' (2003)
Bad Santa (2003): A foul-mouthed con man poses as Santa to rob stores on Christmas Eve, but a troubled kid might change his plans.
- Genre: Funny Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Brett Kelly, Lauren Graham, Bernie Mac, John Ritter
- Recommended for: Scrooges looking for a laugh.
- Where to watch "Bad Santa": Pluto TV, rent or buy on YouTube, Paramount+
"Bad Santa" is one of the most beloved Christmas comedies of all time—and certainly one of the most adult. Two thieves plan their annual holiday con, swindling shopping malls by posing as Santa and an elf. But Willie, our bad Santa, is a nihilistic alcoholic who winds up making trouble for the pair and attracting attention that threatens the whole operation. Your mileage will vary with this one. For some audiences, the humor might come across as juvenile and tiresome. But for viewers who are open to a crass and wild ride, "Bad Santa" is the undisputed best comedy Christmas movie out there.
'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989): The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster.
- Genre: Funny Christmas movies, Family Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Johnny Galecki, Juliette Lewis, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Recommended for: Anyone who needs a reminder that their own family gathering could always be more chaotic.
- Where to watch "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation": Max, rent or buy on YouTube, Apple TV
"National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" is a rightful classic—and not just a classic of the season, but also of nutty family antics. The iconic Griswold family goes through a series of outlandish (and yet weirdly relatable) mishaps in the pursuit of a perfect Christmas. Come for the slapstick comedy, but stick around for the perfect balance of scroogery and heart-warming moments.
'This Christmas' (2007)
This Christmas (2007): A Christmastime drama centered around the Whitfield family's first holiday together in four years.
- Genre: Funny Christmas movies, Romantic Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Delroy Lindo, Idris Elba, Regina King
- Recommended for: Fans of classic family dramas looking for some extra comedy and holiday cheer.
- Where to watch This Christmas: Sling TV, fuboTV, rent or buy on YouTube, rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV
Over the holiday season, the Whitfield family reunites, untangling domestic dramas, secrets, and hidden dreams. The formula is familiar enough, but like any great home-for-the-holidays feature, This Christmas is elevated by a fantastic cast and authentic-feeling family dynamics. While the overall message is one of unity and love, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of pitstops of wild comedy along the way.
'Elf' (2003)
Elf (2003): A man raised as an elf at the North Pole searches for his identity in New York City.
- Genre: Funny Christmas Movies, Family Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel
- Recommended for: Families and looking for a lighthearted comedy with a festive touch.
- Where to watch "Elf": Max, Apple TV, YouTube
This modern Christmas classic follows Buddy, a human raised by North Pole elves, as he journeys to New York in search of his father. "Elf" has a warm heart, centering on themes of love, chosen family, and finding yourself. But it’s the goofy sense of humor that has really cemented it as an all-ages crowd pleaser—and, for many families, a non-negotiable part of the season.
'The Family Stone' (2005)
Family Stone (2005): A man brings his girlfriend home for Christmas to meet his bohemian family, with unexpected results.
- Genre: Funny Christmas movies, Romantic Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams
- Recommended for: Comfort watchers, and anyone who believes Christmas movies should be heartwarming above all else.
- Where to watch "The Family Stone": Hulu, rent or buy on YouTube, Apple TV, rent or buy on Prime Video
"The Family Stone" centers on a high-strung businesswoman meeting her boyfriend's quirky and tight-knit family over the holidays. There are plenty of Christmas movies out there that tread similar territory—but here, the fantastic ensemble cast brings an extra shine to each of the colliding personalities. And what screams Christmas more than an imperfect, complicated family?
Best Crime and Action Christmas Movies
'Die Hard' (1988)
Die Hard (1988): An NYPD officer tries to save his wife and several others taken hostage by German terrorists during a Christmas party.
- Genre: Action Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia
- Recommended for: Genre lovers who prefer Christmas as a backdrop, not the main event
- Where to watch "Die Hard": YouTube TV, Tubi, Hulu
You knew it was coming. 'Die Hard' has earned a place as a cult favorite Christmas film, centering around a corporate holiday party that goes terribly wrong when a group of terrorists infiltrate and start taking guests hostage. That kicks off over two hours of Detective John McClane eluding capture and trying to take out the terrorists while protecting the hostages—including his estranged wife. It’s a tense film that flies by despite the relatively long runtime, pushed along with consistent action and elevated even further by Alan Rickman’s compellingly villainous performance. If you’ve seen the original but not the sequels, good news—'Die Hard 2' also takes place on Christmas Eve.
'Sherlock Holmes' (2009)
- Genre: Action Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Robert Downey Jr. Jude Law, Mark Strong, Rachel McAdams
- Recommended for: Christmasy vibes, with next-to-zero actual Christmas content (in other words, a crowd pleaser).
- Where to watch "Sherlock Holmes": Prime Video
Nothing gets you in the Christmas Spirit quite like murder in Victorian England. The Guy Richie-directed Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are rife with snow, horse-drawn carriages, and elaborate action scenes that make these otherwise goofy movies incredibly watchable.
'In Bruges' (2008)
In Bruges (2008): Two hitmen hide out in Bruges during Christmas after a difficult job, but can't escape their past.
- Genre: Funny Christmas movies, Crime Christmas Movies
- Notable Cast: Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Ralph Fiennes
- Recommended for: Dark comedy fans looking for a touch of holiday ambiance.
- Where to watch "In Bruges": Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV
"In Bruges" is not your typical Christmas film, but if your annual "Die Hard" screening left you hungry for a different kind of crime thriller, this one might scratch the itch. After a job goes tragically wrong, two hitmen attempt to lay low in picturesque Belgium during the holiday season. It’s a truly dark comedy, with moments of humor belying a seriously sad core story with surprising emotional depth.
'Murder on the Orient Express' (2017)
- Genre: Christmas action, murder mystery
- Notable Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Penelope Cruz, Johnny Depp, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench
- Recommended for: Fans of detective fiction
- Where to watch "Murder on the Orient Express": Prime Video
There’s still debate over which Poirot mystery is Agatha Christie’s best, but "Murder on the Orient Express" is by far the one with the strongest Christmasy vibes. A luxurious wintertime in Eastern Europe sees a murder plot slowly unveiled, with one of the best denouements in detective fiction history. Also, there’s a part where Johnny Depp’s character is tucking into a Mont Blanc that will have you wishing you could scoop the French dessert right out of the screen.
Best Classic Christmas Movies
'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965): Charlie Brown seeks the true meaning of Christmas in this heartwarming animated classic.
- Genre: Family Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford
- Recommended for: Families, children, anyone looking for a sweet and nostalgic start to the season.
- Where to watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas": Apple TV
This short and sweet holiday classic follows a familiar cast of characters as they put together a holiday pageant—and search for a meaningful Christmas. Although "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is perhaps best remembered for Vince Guaraldi's iconic music, it also conveys a simple anti-consumerism message that remains relevant today.
'The Shop Around the Corner' (1940)
The Shop Around the Corner (1940): Two employees at a gift shop can barely stand each other, without realizing that they are falling in love as anonymous correspondents through their letters.
- Genre: Classic Christmas movies, Romantic Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: James Stewart, Margaret Sullavan
- Recommended for: Old-fashioned romantics.
- Where to watch "The Shop Around the Corner": Max, rent or buy on Prime Video
These days, "The Shop Around the Corner" is most often mentioned as the inspiration behind Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks’s modern romcom classic "You’ve Got Mail." But the original film deserves its own spot in the limelight. Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullavan deliver truly delightful performances as workplace rivals who fall for each other through anonymous letters. This leads to a smart, biting romantic comedy with an all-time great enemies-to-lovers dynamic.
'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street (1947): When a nice old man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
- Genre: Classic Christmas movies, Family Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood
- Recommended for: Families looking for a gentle and sentimental tale about the true meaning of Christmas.
- Where to watch "Miracle on 34th Street": Hulu, Disney+, Prime Video, rent or buy on YouTube, Apple TV
While the 1994 remake of "Miracle on 34th Street" is certainly charming, we’d argue that the 1947 original is even better. In both versions, a beloved mall Santa stirs up an outsized controversy when he claims that he’s the real thing. The movie had remained a classic for generations thanks to its warmth, magic, and juxtaposition of everyday life with holiday wonder.
'It’s a Wonderful Life' (1946)
It's a Wonderful Life (1946): An angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.
- Genre: Classic Christmas movies
- Notable Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed
- Recommended for: Viewers looking for the best of the best—or anyone in need of a good cry.
- Where to watch "It’s a Wonderful Life": The Roku Channel, Plex, fuboTV, Prime Video, rent or buy on YouTube, Apple TV
Let’s just say it: "It’s a Wonderful Life" is the best classic Christmas movie out there, and quite possibly the greatest holiday movie of all time. On Christmas Eve, lifelong dreamer George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart in a career-best performance) faces financial ruin and contemplates suicide. George’s guardian angel must come to his rescue, showing him how much his community would lose without him. The story could easily turn trite, but "It’s a Wonderful Life" is deeply grounded in the realities of class, compromise, and disappointed dreams. It’s a subtly devastating and ultimately heart-warming tale with surprising emotional restraint.
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