62 best Christmas films you need to watch over the festive period
How do you spend your Christmas break? Ice skating? Carolling? Or curled up in a blanket watching Christmas films like a sentient toad?
If, like us, it’s the amphibious life for you and you plan on engaging in a festive film marathon, you’re in luck. We've re-watched and reviewed some Christmas classics, giving points for fuzzy feelings and festive features. With more platforms than ever before, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, we're spoilt for choice.
How about a feel-good classic, such as Emma Roberts' Holidate or Lindsay Lohan in Falling for Christmas? Or of course, there's sentimental festive favourites like The Holiday, Elf, Home Alone and Miracle On 34th Street – or the more rogue choices for the less festive (like A Nightmare Before Christmas or Die Hard). Last year's offferings included a Netflix film about a widow finding comfort in a snowman brought to life, named Hot Frosty, has dropped – obsessed.
Here are the xx best Christmas films that we believe are the greatest festive watches of all time.
LMPC/Getty ImagesMeet Me In St Louis
A festive classic starring Judy Garland, telling the story of a family who face a move from St Louis to New York. It consists of seasonal vignettes over a year, with Garland performing a gorgeous rendition of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
©E1 EntertainmentNativity!
A gorgeous British film series, starring national treasures such as Alan Carr, Martin Freeman and Celia Imrie. The first in the series is all about a teacher's lie about Hollywood seeing his class' nativity play.
Where to watch: Netflix
©Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett CollectionChristmas with the Kranks
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen, we see a married couple scandalise everyone they know but announcing they won't be celebrating Christmas and will be going on a Caribbean cruise instead. Then, at the last minute, their daughter Blair decides to come home from the festive season…
Where to watch: NOW TV
Courtesy Everett CollectionIt's A Wonderful Life
An absolute classic. George Bailey is unhappy with his life, a frustrated businessman who considers suicide at Christmas. He is then visited by an angel from Heaven called Clarence, who shows him what life would have been like had he never existed.
Where to watch: NOW TV, Amazon Prime Video
©Dimension Films/Courtesy Everett CollectionBad Santa
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Bad Santa tells the story of a swindler dressed up as Santa, with a plan to rob a department store. He fails, however, to con an eight-year-old boy him and his elf partner Marcus (Tony Cox) meet by chance.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett CollectionOur Little Secret
Lindsay Lohan doing what she does best right now – completely wild Netflix films. We had Irish Wish earlier this year, a crazy parallel universe imagining where her character ended up set to marry the man of her dreams after making a wish… But was it really what she wanted? Now, in Our Little Secret, Lindsay has taken on a festive romp where she plays an unlucky soul who ends up unwittingly under the same roof as her ex for Christmas. Let the drama commence.
Where to watch: Netflix
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett CollectionHot Frosty
Starring Mean Girls' Lacey Chabert (the original Gretchen Weiners) and 90210 and Schitt's Creek star Dustin Milligan, this Christmas romp sees a widow find friendship and solace in a man who turns out to be a snowman brought to life. A Christmas miracle indeed.
Where to watch: Netflix
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NetflixThe Merry Gentlemen
A Cinderella Story and One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray stars in what is definitely the most intriguing, exciting and, quite frankly, sexy Christmas Netflix film this year. He'll be playing a Magic Mike-esque “shirtless dancer” on a mission to save a small-town performance venue with a little show of his own… Also starring Britt Robertson as his fellow dancer/partner in crime.
Where to watch: Netflix
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Focus Features/Courtesy Everett CollectionThe Holdovers
Though it might not seem like your usual festive film, bear with us. Set over the Christmas period at an almost deserted school, we see three people – a teacher, a student and a grieving school cook – unexpectedly come together. Teacher Paul Hunham (Paul Giamatti) takes on the role of watching over troublesome student Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa), helped by Mary Lamb (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) who is grieving the loss of her son. Trust us, it'll give you the warm and fuzzies.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
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Universal/Courtesy Everett CollectionLast Christmas
Although it's only been on the Christmas film scene for 5 years, Last Christmas is nothing short of iconic. Starring Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding and Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke, it tells the story of aspiring singer Katarina who is lost in life. While working in a Christmas shop in Covent Garden dressed up as an elf, she meets Tom, who gives her a new lease on life. The best part though? The beyond festive and excellent George Michael soundtrack.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Photo Credit: Simon MeinThe Holiday
I was ready for the Holiday to deliver on feels. A snowy cottage? Kate Winslet swimming with a jovil old man? Festive. But the holiday also threw up a lot of questions for me - why do the women in this film have such low self esteem? Cameron Diaz thinks she’s bad in bed, Kate Winslet is pining for horrid Rufus Sewell AND ends up with a Jack Black so earnest he puts my teeth on edge. Those ladies are babes! What’s going on?! Luckily the day was saved by Cameron Diaz’s fantastic collection of cashmere and Jude Law being adorable with a napkin on his head. Watch for outfit inspo and adorable old men.
Where to watch: NOW TV
Warner BrothersElf
You’d think an adult man in an Elf costume would be terrifying, but somehow, Will Ferrell pulls it off. Buddy the adopted Elf’s mission to find his real father is sweet without being saccharine and genuinely laugh out loud. Something about an adult man in yellow tights just gets me. Elf is silly and it’s kind. Watching his step mum force her way through a plate of spaghetti and maple syrup warms the coccles. Plus Buddy is friends with a narwhal. What’s not to love?
Where to watch: Sky Cinema and NOW TV
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Illumination and Universal PictuThe Grinch
The Grinch may always ruin Christmas, but this movie is definitely a bit of festive fun! The titular character grows increasingly annoyed at the festive cheer that takes over the village of Whoville, so he and his dog do their best to ruin the festive spirit. Now, that's not nice!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
©NBC UniversalUncle Buck
A heart-warming late-eighties comedy starring the brilliant John Candy, Uncle Buck is a sweet family story about a supposedly-irresponsible uncle who ends up babysitting his nieces and nephew during the festive season. Hilarity ensues. It stars a pre-Home Alone Macauley Culkin, too.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Philippe Bosse/NetflixSingle All The Way
This film is an oh-so-relatable exploration of what it's like to be single at Christmas, again. In a bid to avoid his family's judgement about his perpetual singledom, Peter (Michael Urie) enlists the help of his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers), who pretends to be his partner over the holidays...
Where to watch: Netflix
Warner BrosFour Christmases
Brad and Kate (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) usually spend their Christmases avoiding each of their divorced, dysfunctional parents – but a change in plans mean they end up having to visit all four of them. Can they handle it? A fun, easy watch.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Twentieth Century FoxThe Family Stone
When an uptight girlfriend stays with her boyfriend’s offbeat family at Christmas, she tries her best to fit in – with disastrous results. This star-studded family comedy is sweet, silly and poignant – with appearances from the likes of Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rachel McAdams and Claire Danes.
Where to watch: Disney+
Sony Pictures Television Inc.Little Women
A recent addition to IMDB's Christmas canon is Greta Gerwig’s version of Little Women, which takes this legendary 150 year old story and makes it feel completely fresh. This film’s got generations of talent with Meryl Streep, Laura Dern and Florence Pugh all being members of the March family and a new story strand focussing on female fulfilment. Full of Christmas, romance, ice skating and snow and with family at the film’s heart, this is ultimate holiday viewing. Watch for Amy March’s redemption arc.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
FlixPix / Alamy Stock PhotoSpirited
As if we ever thought we needed an all-singing, all-dancing spin on A Christmas Carol… but maybe we did?! Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell star in this modern take on the Christmas classic.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
© 2023 Netflix, Inc.Best. Christmas. Ever!
The Christmas period can be tough for so many of us – and it's all too relatable when it feels like people are overcompensating about “what a good time they’re having”. After sending out a rather boastful newsletter about her festive plans Jackie (Brandy Norwood) gets a visit from her university friend Charlotte (The Hangover’s Heather Graham) who is intent on proving her life isn’t as perfect as she says. We smell trouble. Also stars American Pie’s Jason Biggs.
Where to watch: Netflix
Carol
Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara are mesmerising in the 2015 flick Carol, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt. In the movie, department store worker (Rooney) falls madly in love with a mysteriously glamorous older woman (Blanchett) in the run-up to Christmas. The film is so good that both lead actresses were nominated for an Oscar that year, so this is indeed not one to miss.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
DisneyThe Naughty Nine
It’s giving slight mischievous Home Alone vibes – Andy (Winslow Fegley) is on a mission after finding out he’s on the naughty list and heads to the North Pole to take it up with Santa Claus (Danny Glover).
The plot synopsis says: ”Realising he must have landed on the 'naughty list' and feeling unfairly maligned, Andy pulls together a team of eight other 'naughty listers' to help him execute an elaborate heist at the North Pole to get the presents they feel they deserve.
"Along the way, the group comes to realise that the very best way off the naughty list is to redirect their unique talents for good – instead of mischief."
Where to watch: Disney+
Claudette BariusCandy Cane Lane
Starring Eddie Murphy, this one could be an instant Christmas comic classic. It tells the wholesome story of a man trying to win his neighbourhood’s festive decoration competition. The problems begin when he makes a deal with an elf that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, and he is left to break the spell.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
DisneyDashing Through The Snow
Starring Ludacris, this festive romp sees a social worker who has lost his faith in Christmas go on a journey with his estranged daughter to rediscover the joy of the yuletide season. After taking his daughter to work, they encounter a mysterious red-suited man named Nick and the rest is a delight.
Where to watch: Disney+
PAULINA STEVENS/EXMAS FILM INCEXmas
Here’s one for the diehard OG Gossip Girl fans – Leighton Meester has got her own Christmas movie. Starring alongside The Witcher actor Robbie Amell, they play exes who get caught up in some pretty awkward hi-jinks when Leighton's character shows up for Christmas. They end up competing to see who Graham's parents want to spend time with more, their son or his ex.
Where to watch: Amazon Freevee
Colleen Hayes/NetflixFamily Switch
Jennifer Garner is giving us what we all need – another body swap comedy, this time set at Christmas! She plays Jess, a mother who feels distant from her kids. After a fateful astrological reading, the lead up to Christmas sees Jess and her husband having switched bodies with their teenage children. Will this help them settle their differences?
Where to watch: Netflix
Colin HuttonYour Christmas or Mine 2
We return to the festive tale told by Sex Education’s Asa Butterfield and Cora Kirk last year – this time their characters are, you guessed it, meeting the parents on the slopes. The official synopsis is as follows: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year … but will it be for James and Hayley? James’ father has invited the Taylors to spend Christmas in a luxury ski resort in the Austrian Alps, so they can meet his new American girlfriend.”
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Velveteen Rabbit
Based on the beautiful book by Margery Williams, which celebrates the magic of conditional love, this TV adaptation will feature the voice talents of stars such as Helena Bonham Carter and Nicola Coughlan. It’s 40 minutes long and a fun mix of live-action and animated fun.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Brain Power Studio RightsChristmas Wedding Planner
While Kelsey Wilson plans her cousin's upcoming wedding, a handsome Private Investigator, Connor McClean, comes along and disrupts everything by winning over her heart. All the feel-good festive vibes!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
ENTERTAINMENT FILM DISTRIBUTORSA Bad Moms Christmas
Having the whole family over for Christmas can be a bit of a headache. Just ask Amy, Kiki and Carla, who rebel against the massive burden of hosting Christmas for their respective families while also dealing with a visit from their own mothers. Starring Kathryn Hahn, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Susan Sarandon.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
©Warner Bros Intl TelevisionFred Claus
Santa Claus' older brother, Fred (played by Vince Vaughn), finds himself in jail for stealing. Oh, dear! But when Santa comes along to bail him out, it's only on one condition - that he comes to the North Pole with him to make toys for Christmas.
Where to watch: NOW TV
NetflixAngela's Christmas
One for the kids, this short movie is set in Ireland in the 1910s and follows the heartwarming story of young Angela, who wants everyone to feel safe, warm and loved at Christmas. So cute!
Where to watch: Netflix
Quantrell D. ColbertAlmost Christmas
This comedy-drama sees Walter invites his four dysfunctional children home for Christmas a year after their mother's death - but will his brood set their problems with each other aside for a wholesome festive season?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
© 2022 Netflix, Inc.Christmas With You
Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr. take the lead in this comedy movie where a pop star grants a young fan's wish to meet her during the Christmas season and finds love along the way.
Where to watch: Netflix
Mark Mainz/NetflixA Castle for Christmas
A bestselling author flees to a Scottish castle for the festive season as she faces a career scandal but soon gets more than she bargained for when she realises the castle is up for sale, and she might just want to buy it. With an unlikely romance also thrown into the mix, this movie is definitely one to unwind to over the festive season.
Where to watch: Netflix
NetflixChristmas With a View
An idyllic ski resort with good-looking singletons and romance... We're getting extreme cosy vibes for this flick starring Kaitlyn Leeb, Scott Cavalheiro and Mark Ghanime. Can you get more of a festive feel?!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
© 2022 Netflix, Inc.Falling for Christmas
Lindsay Lohan's grand return to movies, and it's a Christmas one! The icon stars as a spoiled hotel heiress who gets into a skiing accident, leaving her with total amnesia, meaning she has to be cared for by a handsome lodge owner in the lead-up to Christmas.
Where to watch: Netflix
Ilze KitshoffHoliday in the Wild
Sex and the City star Kristin Davis stars in this light-hearted holiday/festive watch. She plays Kate, who ventures out to Africa after her husband ends their marriage, where she meets a new man while nursing a baby elephant back to health. All the feels.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Holiday Calendar
The Holiday Calendar is a feel-good watch that stars Kat Graham, Quincy and Ethan Peck. The movie is centred on a photographer who realises that the advent calendar she inherited predicts her future - including an exciting new romance!
Where to watch: Netflix
Michael GibsonChristmas Chronicles
The Christmas Chronicles stars real-life lovebirds Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. In the movie, siblings Kate and Teddy concoct a plan on the eve of Christmas to capture Santa Claus. However, when things go drastically wrong, they must team up with Saint Nick and save the holiday in time.
Where to watch: Netflix
© Warner Brothers International TelevisionThe Polar Express
This nominated flick follows the journey of a young boy who embarks on an extraordinary and memorable train journey, full of special people, to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. Voiced by the likes of Tom Hanks and Daryl Sabara.
Where to watch: NOW TV
Bettina StraussLove Hard
Nina Dobrev plays unlucky-in-love LA writer Natalie Bauer who meets and falls for a guy on a dating app. However, she discovers she's been cat-fished after travelling all the way to the East Coast to surprise him for Christmas - but she's forced to spend a few more days with him...
Where to watch: Netflix
The Princess Switch
Starring Vanessa Hudgens, The Princess Switch sees a duchess switch places with an ordinary woman from Chicago, who just so happens to look exactly like her. They spend the festive period with each other's families and end up falling in love with each other's boyfriends.
Where to watch: Netflix
Steve Dietl/NETFLIXHolidate
Sloane and Jackson are fed up with being single on holidays, so they agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones for all of the festivities. You know where this is heading...
Where to watch: Netflix
The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause, released in 1994, will always leave us feeling cosy and warm-hearted during the cold of the festive season with its story of an overworked dad who attempts to rekindle his relationship with his family by taking the place of Santa Clause... who he accidentally kills. Yes, kills. Tim Allen stars.
Where to watch: Disney+
© DisneyThe Muppet Christmas Carol
Christmas-hater Scrooge is paid a visit by spirits who foretell his future and share secrets from his past and present, which helps change his view on life... and Christmas!
Where to watch: Disney+
Happiest Season
When you think of Christmas movies, you don't really think of Kristen Stewart, do you? But she is fabulous in the film Happiest Season which finally features a same-sex couple at the centre of all the romance. Kristen stars as Abby, who spends the festive season meeting the family of her closeted girlfriend. Will their romance stand the test of time under all the lies and secrets?
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Black Christmas
For all you Halloween fans not entirely done with the spooky season yet, the 1974 festive slasher Black Christmas is the one for you. This cult favourite set the tone for future classics such as Halloween and Friday the 13th with its storyline of a bunch of sorority sisters on a snowy college campus targeted by a crazed creep living in the attic. Who will survive?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
White Christmas
This 1954 box office smash hit injected a whole heap of fun into the festive period and is a must-watch for those wanting to get away from all the current-day distractions. In White Christmas, a successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and go on to team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. This is a toe-tapping watch, if anything!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Arthur Christmas
We all love a good ol' animated adventure comedy - especially when it's Christmas based! In this movie, Santa's clumsy son Arthur is sent on a mission with Grandsanta to give a misplaced present to a young girl in less than two hours. James McAvoy and Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie, Eva Longoria and Laura Linney provide voices for this feel-good 2011 flick.
Where to watch: NOW TV
The Snowman
1982's The Snowman is iconic, and you can't tell us any differently. This Oscar-nominated short film features the famous, haunting song Walking In The Air, and tells the story of a boy whose snowman becomes real. This is a classic, and if you haven't already watched it (seriously, where have you been), then rush to your screens to check it out.
Where to watch: Channel 4
Jingle Jangle, A Christmas Journey
Another one to watch with the children! Jingle Jangle, A Christmas Journey tells the story of an eccentric toymaker Jeronicus who is distraught after his assistant steals his magnificent book of ideas, which includes his unique matador doll. He loses his desire to create new toys for years until his adorable granddaughter comes to visit. Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad, Hugh Bonneville and Madalen Mills star in this magical tale.
Where to watch: Netflix
You've Got Mail
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan for Christmas? You cannot go wrong! Join these two romcoms favourites as their chemistry unwinds on-screen on New York's Upper West Side for an endearing Christmas story in You've Got Mail.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol is a made-for-television film that is an epic reimagining of Charles Dickens’ iconic novella and boasts epic performances by Patrick Stewart and Richard E Grant.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
If you're looking for something a touch different, why not check out the 2010 Scandinavian movie Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale? This horror sees a group of misfit kids unearthing giant ancient monsters in the Finnish wilderness. Cue some scary Santas!
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
©Disney/TouchstoneThe Nightmare Before Christmas
This is the Christmas movie that claims to be ‘not like other girls,’ I used to think my love for this film made me alternative and mysterious, but really it’s just fabulously weird. Sure it features kidnap, attempted murder and the creepiest monsters you’ve ever laid eyes on, but all Jack Skellington wants is to share the joy Christmas town with everyone. If you’re up for something different, I can’t recommend watching the King of Halloweentown kidnap Santa Claus enough.
Where to watch: Disney+
©2003 Universal Studios. All Rights ReservedLove Actually
People seem to fall into two camps on this one. It’s either the watch that definitively marks the beginning of Christmas, or problematic codswallop with creepy men and an annoying Keira Knightley. I feel that I should preface this review with ‘I’m a feminist but’ I enjoy the film Love Actually. While I agree that Andrew Lincoln turning up with unsolicited signs professing his unrequited love for his best friends girlfriend is at best tragic and at worst, maybe one for the police, I can’t help but be charmed by the idea of Hugh Grant as Prime Minister, lobsters in nativity scenes and a fantastic Maria Carey cover from a 10 year old girl. Do I wince when they fat shame Martine McCutcheon? Of course. But am I also a sucker for the scenes at the airport? I am indeed, I am.
Where to watch: Sky / NOW TV
© 1994 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.Miracle On 34th Street (1994)
Do you believe in Father Christmas? All you need is a little faith in this remake of a classic that aims to prove that the man in the red suit really is Santa Claus. Miracle on 34th street is an evergreen Christmas classic. Mara Wilson of Matilda fame is a girl who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus, but when a man called Kriss Kringle gets a job at her mother’s department store she’s forced to reconsider. Christmas is literally put on trial but faith will save the day! What could feel more festive than that. Watch to cleanse your Black Friday hangover and for Dylan Mcdermott in a polo neck.
Where to watch: Disney+
Home Alone
It’s quite some feat to make a film about a family that forget their child a comedy but the 90s were a different time, and the McCalisters are rich and white so nobody called social services. Kevin vs the wet bandits is golden age Christmas fare, and it’s hard to imagine a film with so much child on burglar violence being made today. Watch to take part in the Culkin-aissance. Macaulay, now in his 40s and a father (feel old) walked in the Gucci show this year and his brother Kieran who also stars is Emmy nominated for his role in Succession.
Where to watch: Disney+
©Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.All rights reserved.Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
Forgetting your child once could plausibly be considered bad luck but TWICE?! Get this child some therapy! This time Kevin is in the Plaza with his Dad’s credit card so he’s got a bit more agency. He also inflicts jack ass levels of pain on the burglars which can make for a tough watch. New York, however is a fab festive setting and I’ll always have a soft spot for the pigeon lady. As christmassy as they come but maybe slightly less charming than the original. Extra points were deducted for the cameo from none other than Donald Trump.
Where to watch: Disney+
© 1997 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.Home Alone 3
While it may not star Macaulay Culkin, Home Alone 3 still gives us all the festive feels with our favourite comfort storyline - a young boy who is, ahem, home alone, and attempts to defend his home from a dangerous group of international criminals working for a terrorist organisation. The movie also stars a little Scarlett Johansson!
Where to watch: Disney+
© Twentieth Century FoxDie Hard
If IMDB says it’s a Christmas film, it’s a Christmas film - OK? I’d totally forgotten that Die Hard is set at a Christmas party. The festive cheer ends here though, as we watch Bruce Willis crawl through elevator shafts in pursuit of a young Alan Rickman. I had to turn the television down to accommodate the sound of machine gun fire and found myself begging Bruce Willis out loud to ‘change your vest and have a shower.’ Low on festive features and fuzzy feelings - unless you’re counting Bruce’s wife’s perm.
Where to watch: Disney+
