Seacia Pavao/Focus Features; Peter Sorel/Fox; The Cat in the Hat Productions
Nearly every major holiday has its share of films centered around it, but none offer the breadth and versatility that Christmas does. From sentimental classics likeIt's a Wonderful Life(1946), to frightening favorites likeBlack Christmas(1974), to modern family comedies likeElf(2003), there's something for everyone, depending on your mood.
It can also be tough to narrow down which Christmas movies to prioritize during December, with dozens and dozens ofnew holiday movies released every year. That's whyEntertainment Weeklyis here to gift you a curated list of recommendations. Ahead are 26 festive favorite Christmas (and Christmas-adjacent) movies to stream now.
Carol(2015)
Wilson Webb/TWC
Carol (Cate Blanchett) is a glamorous, soon-to-be divorcée shopping for Christmas gifts; Therese (Rooney Mara) is a shopgirl and aspiring photographer. Their eyes meet, Carol compliments Therese's little Santa hat, and just like that, their hearts are off to the races. The film's preoccupation with desire feels uniquely fitting for a season in which we all hope, often against reason, to get what we want. Beyond that, Christmas works wonders as a backdrop, imbuingCarolwith a mixture of warmth, melancholy, nostalgia, and regret that only the holidays can conjure.—Janey Tracey
Where to watchCarol: HBO Max
EW grade:A–
Director:Todd Haynes
Cast:Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler
A Charlie Brown Christmas(1965)
Everett Collection
Although it's a children's special,A Charlie Brown Christmasis one of the most existential movies on this list. The animated classic begins with an extremely relatable sentiment: It's the holiday season and Charlie Brown is supposed to be happy, yet he's unseasonably depressed. He becomes even more despondent as he considers the over-commercialization of the holiday. By the end, of course, the true meaning of Christmas has been shared.
With its surprisingly philosophical message, charming animation, and Vince Guaraldi's timeless jazz score, rewatchingA Charlie Brown Christmashas become a beloved annual tradition.—J.T.
Where to watchA Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV
Director:Bill Melendez
Cast:Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford
A Christmas Carol(1984)
Among countless adaptations, the 1984 version ofA Christmas Carolstands apart thanks to George C. Scott's nuanced, vulnerable performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. Rather than just a simple miser, this movie portrays Scrooge as more of a ruthless businessman who believes he's justified in his actions, making the character more relatable and redemptive. Otherwise, the film is remarkably faithful to Charles Dickens' original novella, preserving the gothic elements and darker themes without too much sentimentality.—J.T.
Where to watchA Christmas Carol: Hulu
Director:Clive Donner
Cast:George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, David Warner
A Christmas Prince(2017)
One of Netflix's most successfulHallmark-style Christmas movies,A Christmas Princeis a modern fairy tale about an American journalist who falls in love with the prince of a fictional country. While not explicitly based on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the film has plenty of references to the royal couple, with a sequel about a royal wedding and a threequel about a royal baby. Possible real-world inspirations aside, this holiday movie is prime comfort viewing, delivering just as many warm fuzzies as you'd expect from something calledA Christmas Prince.—J.T.
Where to watchA Christmas Prince: Netflix
Director:Alex Zamm
Cast:Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige
Christmas Wedding Planner(2017)
Brain Power Studio
Don't be fooled by the generic name:Christmas Wedding Plannerisn't just a bad Christmas movie, it's thebestbad Christmas movie. The premise is pretty standard: An unlucky-in-love wedding planner is mapping out her cousin's engagement but falls for her cousin's ex, who's a private investigator. After a few gonzo plot twists, aJoey Fatonecameo, and a truly wild ending, you'll be left wondering what on Earth you just watched — and screaming "Justice for Emily!"—J.T.
Where to watchChristmas Wedding Planner: The Roku Channel
Director:Justin G. Dyck
Cast:Jocelyn Hudon, Stephen Huszar, Kelly Rutherford, Joey Fatone
Die Hard(1988)
Peter Sorel/Fox
The eternal question pops up once again: IsDie Harda Christmas movie? Let's say yes! In this action classic, NYPD cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) faces off against a group of terrorists when they take over his estranged wife's high-rise office holiday party. McClane is, in his words, the fly in the ointment, the one wild card that Hans Gruber (Alan Rickmanin a towering big-screen debut) couldn't anticipate. Though not a traditional holiday movie, the Christmas argument surroundingDie Hardonly adds to its fun, marrying the Christmas Eve setting, quippy one-liners, and cat-and-mouse tension.—J.T.
Where to watchDie Hard: Hulu
Director:John McTiernan
Cast:Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald VelJohnson, Bonnie Bedelia
Edward Scissorhands(1990)
Set against the cozy backdrop of pastel-colored houses decorated for the holidays,Edward Scissorhandsfollows Edward (Johnny Depp), a gentle, misunderstood man with razor-sharp talons who shocks everyone when he arrives in a suburban town. While not a traditional holiday movie, it is one ofTim Burton's coziest gothic fairy tales. Case in point, the film's most memorable moment: Kim (Winona Ryder) dancing in the falling snowflakes created by Edward carving ice sculptures.—J.T.
Where to watchEdward Scissorhands: Disney+
EW grade:A–
Director:Tim Burton
Cast:Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Alan Arkin
Four Christmases(2008)
John P. Johnson/Warner Brothers
A criminally underrated holiday rom-com,Four Christmasesfollows an unconventional, stubbornly unmarried couple (Reese Witherspoonand Vince Vaughn) whose plans for a tropical Christmas are thwarted, forcing them to visit all four of their divorced parents in one day. It received pretty dismal reviews at the time butdeserves a second look; Witherspoon and Vaughn have surprisingly great chemistry, the dialogue is snappy, and the supporting cast is insanely star-studded, including Kristin Chenoweth, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, and Christmas movie staple Mary Steenburgen.—J.T.
Where to watchFour Christmases: HBO Max
Director:Seth Gordon
Cast:Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Kristin Chenoweth
Frosty the Snowman(1969)
Classic Media, Inc.
"Frosty the Snowman" is one of the most recognizable holiday songs, and this classic cartoon brings the beloved character to life. Rankin/Bass, known for theiriconic television specials, created an animation style that looks like a Christmas card in every frame and got Jimmy Durante — one of the song's original performers — to narrate the story.Frosty the Snowmanremains a timeless favorite, delighting audiences of all ages — and yes, it has even gotten aflirty updatein 2024.—J.T.
Where to watchFrosty the Snowman: Hulu
Directors:Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass
Cast:Jimmy Durante, Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe
Gremlins(1984)
Warner Bros./Courtesy Everett
Holiday comedy horror is an underrated subgenre, and the most classic entry is definitelyGremlins. Produced bySteven Spielbergand written by Chris Columbus,Gremlinstook the aesthetic of our favorite friendly creatures of the '80s — E.T., Yoda — and turned it spectacularly on its head in this silly, chaotic gorefest. (Who would have thought the doe-eyed little Gizmo could sprout increasingly aggressive offspring that wreak havoc all over town?) The film commits as much to its Christmas setting — including a choir of Gremlin carolers — as to its wanton cartoon violence.—J.T.
Where to watchGremlins: HBO Max
Director:Joe Dante
Cast:Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Dick Miller, Howie Mandel
Happiest Season(2020)
A queer Christmas rom-com directed by Clea DuVall? Say no more.Happiest Seasonfollows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who's ready to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), over the holidays — until she finds out Harper is not out to her conservative family. Things get complicated fast, especially with themassivechemistry between Abby and Harper's old girlfriend, Riley (Aubrey Plaza). While some might argue Abby ends up with the wrong person, the movie still delivers a charming, heartfelt, and wholly modern Christmas movie.—J.T.
Where to watchHappiest Season: Hulu
EW grade:B+
Director:Clea DuVall
Cast:Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy
The Holdovers(2023)
Seacia Pavao/Focus Features
Set over a snowy Christmas break at a New England boarding school,The Holdoversfollows a grumpy teacher (Paul Giamatti), a rebellious student (Dominic Sessa), and a grieving cafeteria worker (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) as they form an unexpected bond. That may sound corny, but the film successfully transcends holiday clichés to focus on the loneliness of the season. With its dry, misanthropic humor and rich performances,The Holdoversbecame an awards-season darling, earning multiple Oscar nominations — including Randolph's win for Best Supporting Actress.—J.T.
Where to watchThe Holdovers: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)
EW grade:A–
Director:Alexander Payne
Cast:Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa
The Holiday(2006)
Simon Mein/Columbia
Christmas andNancy Meyersare a match made in cinematic heaven. This dreamy romantic comedy centers on Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), a pair of women struggling with their love lives — one an American movie-marketing business owner, the other a British society columnist — who agree to swap houses for a holiday to escape their problems. Amanda has a meet-cute with Iris' book editor brother, Graham (a dashing Jude Law), while Iris hits it off with film composer Miles (Jack Black, cast refreshingly against type). While undoubtedly rooted in fairy tale rom-com tropes rather than grounded realism, we wouldn't wantThe Holidayany other way. —Kevin Jacobsen
Where to watchThe Holiday: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)
Director:Nancy Meyers
Cast:Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach
Home Alone(1990)
20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection
ForgetDie Hard—Home Aloneis the ultimate Christmas action movie. When his family accidentally leaves him behind for vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his home from two bumbling burglars with a series of pranks that are far more gruesome than you probably remember. Yet, thanks to the hilarious slapstick performances fromJoe Pesciand Daniel Stern, the traps feel more goofy than grim. With its mix of physical comedy, holiday spirit, and questionable parenting,Home Aloneremains a nostalgic Christmas classic.—J.T.
Where to watchHome Alone: Disney+
Director:Chris Columbus
Cast:Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone 2: Lost in New York(1992)
One of the rare sequels that does the original justice,Home Alone 2raises the stakes with more pranks, more laughs, and a more classic Christmas setting. Kevin's antics move from the Chicago suburbs to the bustling streets of New York City, with iconic holiday landmarks like Rockefeller Center and the Plaza Hotel adding to the festive charm. The traps are absolutely brutal this time — it's a Christmas miracle that Harry and Marvdidn't end up dead. Everything is bigger and better, from the chaotic violence to the heartfelt moments, including Kevin's touching friendship with the pigeon lady.—J.T.
Where to watchHome Alone 2: Lost in New York: Disney+
Director:Chris Columbus
Cast:Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Tim Curry
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!(1966)
The Cat in the Hat Productions
Skip the creepylive-action version— this animated classic is the definitive, faithful adaptation of Dr. Seuss' beloved book, which needed no improvement. Well, except for the now-iconic, hilarious song, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch." Adding to the fun, the film is narrated by Boris Karloff — best known for playing Frankenstein's monster. With its timeless animation by Chuck Jones, and a much shorter runtime than you remember,How the Grinch Stole Christmas!remains the ultimate holiday treat.—J.T.
Where to watchHow the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Peacock
Director:Chuck Jones
Cast:Boris Karloff
It's a Wonderful Life(1946)
Courtesy Everett
It's a Wonderful Lifeis a true American classic and is widely consideredone of the greatest films of all time. It tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a decent man who considers suicide on Christmas Eve, prompting an angel to show what the world would be like without him. Released shortly after World War II, the film's sentimental, humanistic message of hope and the value of each life resonated deeply with audiences. Though a tearjerker, it's definitely a hopeful holiday movie at heart, even if director Frank Capradidn't think of it as a Christmas movie.—J.T.
Where to watchIt's a Wonderful Life: Amazon Prime Video
Director:Frank Capra
Cast:Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers
Little Women(2019)
Set across several Christmas seasons,Little Womenfeels like a cozy, warm blanketwhileGreta Gerwig's feminist take gives it a modern edge. The 1994 version is also great, but in the 2019 adaptation, Gerwig and the brilliant Florence Pugh pull off the impossible: They make everyonelikeAmy. Her reimagining also adds a clever meta-ending, making this adaptation feel fresh while still capturing the heart of Louisa May Alcott's classic novel.—J.T.
Where to watchLittle Women: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)
EW grade:A–
Director:Greta Gerwig
Cast:Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet
Love Actually(2003)
It's not the holidays withoutLove Actually. This inescapable Christmas staple has everything: the iconic cue card scene,Emma Thompsonquietly breaking hearts as she cries to Joni Mitchell, and the unforgettable performance of "All I Want for Christmas Is You." Love it or love to hate it,Love Actuallyhas become an annual must-watch, wrapping romance, humor, and a little holiday heartbreak into one very cozy package.—J.T.
Where to watchLove Actually: Amazon Prime Video
EW grade:B+
Director:Richard Curtis
Cast:Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightley
Miracle on 34th Street(1947)
What happens when Santa Claus is put on trial? That's the delightfully quirky premise ofMiracle on 34th Street, where Kris Kringle (Oscar winner Edmund Gwenn), a sweet old man working as a department store Santa, must legally prove he's sane — which is a bit tricky since he insists he's the real deal. Of course, the existence of Santa Claus is more about the believer (or non-believer) than the big man himself; andMiracleis primarily about a Macy's exec and her daughter learning that belief, no matter how improbable, can make magic real.—J.T.
Where to watchMiracle on 34th Street: Disney+
Director:George Seaton
Cast:Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood
The Muppet Christmas Carol(1992)
Unlikely as it may sound,The Muppet Christmas Carolmight be thedefinitiveChristmas Caroladaptation. Gonzo as Charles Dickens makes the narrative both clever and charming, and the songs are absolute bangers. Michael Caine's performance as Scrooge is marvelously sincere; he treats every moment, and every Muppet, with utter seriousness. The film still has its share of wacky Muppet antics, but never at the expense of Dickens' story, still managing to balance joy, redemption, and a few tears.—J.T.
Where to watchThe Muppet Christmas Carol: Disney+
Director:Brian Henson
Cast:Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz
The Nightmare Before Christmas(1993)
Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Why not both?The Nightmare Before Christmaswalks the line between spooky and festive with its signature aesthetic — gothic yet oddly cozy. Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon, with singing by Danny Elfman), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, gets tired of scares and decides to bring Christmas cheer instead, leading to all kinds of delightful chaos. Meanwhile, the villainous Oogie Boogie cranks up the creep factor, making for an especially sinister Christmas movie.—J.T.
Where to watchThe Nightmare Before Christmas: Disney+
Director:Henry Selick
Cast:Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, Danny Elfman
The Princess Switch(2018)
InThe Princess Switch,Vanessa Hudgensgoes fullParent Trap(okay,ThePrince and the Pauper): Two identical women, a Chicago baker and a European duchess, swap lives just days before Christmas — and, of course, romance ensues. But what's better than two Vanessa Hudgenses?Three Vanessa Hudgenses! The sequels crank up the festive chaos by adding a mischievous third look-alike into the mix. It's pure holiday fluff in the best way.—J.T.
Where to watchThe Princess Switch: Netflix
Director:Mike Rohl
Cast:Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar
The Santa Clause(1994)
The Santa Clauseis a childhood favorite that still holds up, mixing holiday magic with surprisingly melancholy undertones.Tim Allenplays Scott Calvin, a divorced dad struggling to connect with his son, who accidentally inherits the role of Santa Claus after the big man takes a tumble off his roof. Beneath the festive fun, the movie explores themes of estranged family and second chances. And, of course, it delivers one of the most memorable holiday movie lines: "Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing."—J.T.
Where to watchThe Santa Clause: Disney+
Director:John Pasquin
Cast:Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz
Violent Night(2022)
Violent Nightis so much better than it has any right to be. The premise sounds ridiculous — Santa Claus gets caught in the middle of a hostage situation on Christmas Eve — but that's exactly what makes it so fun. As Santa takes down the bad guys, the movie is packed with holiday-themed pranks that are just as brutal as they are hilarious, delivering over-the-top gore with a wink. ThinkHome Alonebut with way more blood. David Harbour is an inspired choice as St. Nick, capturing the comic tone and action-star chops this cut-throat version of yuletide fun requires.—J.T.
Where to watchViolent Night: Peacock
Director:Tommy Wirkola
Cast:David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Beverly D'Angelo
While You Were Sleeping(1995)
Mary Evans/Ronald Grant/Courtesy Everett
The plot ofWhile You Were Sleepingis so ridiculous it feels like a Hallmark movie, only with an all-star cast to pull it off.Sandra Bullockplays a lonely transit worker who saves the life of a stranger (Peter Gallagher) on Christmas. While he's in a coma, she accidentally makes his quirky loved ones think she's his fiancée...andthenfalls in love with his brother (Bill Pullman). The authentic family dynamic perfectly grounds the absurd story, and Bullock and Pullman are at their offbeat best. It's hard not to fall for her, and for him, and for the entire family.—J.T.
Where to watchWhile You Were Sleeping: Disney+
Director:Jon Turteltaub
Cast:Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle
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