The Ultimate List of Christmas Movies to Watch This Holiday Season—And Where to Watch Them
The holiday season has arrived. Nothing says Christmas quite like curling up on the couch, hot cocoa in hand, and watching some holiday classics. Here’s my ultimate list of Christmas movies I’m excited to rewatch (and a few to discover for the first time!). From heartwarming love stories to laugh-out-loud comedies, I’ve got all the holiday feels covered!
1. The Santa Clause Trilogy (The Santa Clause, The Santa Clause 2, The Santa Clause 3)
Tim Allen as Santa? Yes, please! Arguably the best Christmas movie ever. Like, ever. Please don’t argue with me because I am correct in this thinking. This trilogy is a must-watch, taking us from Scott Calvin’s transformation into Santa to all the quirky challenges that come with running the North Pole.
Watch on Disney+.
2. Christmas with the Kranks
Oh look, another Tim Allen Christmas movie. He sheds the white beard and red coat to put on a Scrooge outfit. When he and his wife, played by the lovely Jamie Lee Curtis with a bob, decides to skip Christmas, chaos—and hilarity—ensues. This comedy is one of my favorites for when I need a good laugh.
Watch on Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+.
3. Four Christmases
This is THE Christmas comedy film. It comes on every year, and every year, I eat it up. An unconventional family holiday story, Four Christmases brings the humor as a couple attempts to visit four separate family celebrations in one day. It’s a movie filled with holiday chaos.
Watch on Max, Hulu, Prime Video.
4. Elf
No Christmas is complete without Buddy the Elf! This Will Ferrell classic is the ultimate feel-good movie that never gets old, and it always brings out my holiday spirit.
Watch on Max, Hulu, Prime Video.
5. The Polar Express
An animated holiday wonderland! This movie is magical and filled with nostalgia, perfect for those chilly December nights when I want to feel like a kid again. I remember watching this and I never realized that Tom Hanks plays the protagonist, the father, the conductor, Scrooge, and Santa Claus.
Watch on Max, Hulu, Prime Video.
6. Falling for Christmas
One of the newer additions to the holiday movie lineup, Falling for Christmas stars Lindsay Lohan (The Parent Trap) as a young, newly engaged heiress who wakes up with amnesia after a skiing accident. She meets a handsome cabin owner, played by Chord Overstreet (of Glee fame), and the cabin owner’s daughter. This promises a cozy romance with plenty of holiday charm.
Watch on Netflix.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
A holiday classic that never fails to make me laugh, Christmas Vacation is a must for anyone who enjoys a bit of dysfunctional family fun during the holidays. Starring Chevy Chase who plays the infamous Clark Griswold.
Watch on Max, Hulu, Prime Video.
8. Something from Tiffany’s
I’m so intrigued by this movie! Ever since it first released on Prime Video in 2022. It brings in the romance and sparkle of the season—plus, the backdrop of New York City during the holidays puts the star on top. Starring Zoey Deutch, Shay Mitchell, and Kendrick Sampson.
Watch on Prime Video.
9. Little Women
Though not a traditional holiday movie, Little Women has become a Christmas staple for its cozy, nostalgic vibes and themes of family love and togetherness. If you want more Christmas vibes in Little Women, watch the 1994 version!
Watch on Hulu.
10. Love, Actually
A holiday classic with all the feels! Plus, a dance by Hugh Grant. This ensemble cast and intertwined love stories make Love, Actually perfect for a December movie marathon.
Watch on Prime Video. (It got taken off Netflix, unfortunately.)
11. Happiest Season
A fresh take on holiday romance, Happiest Season adds a bit of modern love to the traditional Christmas movie lineup, with plenty of heartwarming moments. Starring Kristen Stewart, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Brie, and Dan Levy. This will surely bring not only heartwarming moments, but a lot of laughs.
Watch on Hulu.
12. Single All the Way
A newer rom-com with lots of laughs and a sweet storyline. It’s become one of my favorite Christmas movies in recent years, since it released on Netflix in 2021. It’s the perfect holiday movie for cozying up on a snowy night. Starring Michael Urie (of Younger and Ugly Betty fame), Jennifer Robertson (Schitt’s Creek), and Jennifer Coolidge.
Watch on Netflix.
13. The Princess Switch
Who doesn’t love a good holiday switcheroo? Who doesn’t love Vanessa Hudgens playing identical twins? This one’s ideal for when I’m in the mood for something light and fun with a royal holiday twist.
Watch on Netflix.
14. Christmas Inheritance
A Hallmark-worthy classic about rediscovering the magic of Christmas. This one’s become a holiday movie staple for a feel-good, small-town vibe.
Watch on Netflix.
15. The Holiday
Two words: Holiday romance! This film is the epitome of a holiday romance movie. This film is all about love, serendipity, and the charm of finding someone special in the most unexpected way.
Watch on Prime Video.
16. Just Friends
A hilarious look at a classic holiday homecoming and the love that can come out of revisiting old memories. This movie always makes me laugh! Starring Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, Amy Smart, and Chris Klein.
Watch on Apple TV for $3.99.
17. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey Version)
Jim Carrey’s Grinch is iconic and a must-watch! This adaptation brings the story to life with both humor and heart. Starring Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon, and Jeffrey Tambor.
Watch on Apple TV for $3.99.
18. Deck the Halls
Who forgot this movie existed? For those moments when I want pure holiday fun and a little neighborly rivalry, this comedy has me covered! Starring Danny Devito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis (aka Charlotte), and Kristin Chenoweth.
Watch on Hulu.
19. Office Christmas Party
This movie is vastly underrated as a Christmas movie. If you’ve ever wondered what could go wrong at a Christmas party, this movie is a hilarious answer. Perfect for laughs during the holiday season. This movie has a fantastic cast: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, and Vanessa Bayer.
Watch on Hulu.
Which ones are you planning to watch this season? Whether you’re a fan of laugh-out-loud comedies, sweet holiday romances, or heartwarming family tales, there’s something for everyone on this list.