Everyone loves busting out the popcorn and snuggling up with their loved ones for a great Christmas movie. Whether you’re into romantic comedies, action, or family films, there are some heartwarming classics that you can catch this holiday season.
Our top 10 Christmas classics are and where you can watch them:
- Love Actually: Netflix or Amazon Prime
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Netflix or Amazon Prime
- Home Alone: Disney+
- Harry Potter: Amazon Prime or Peacock TV
- Polar Express: Netflix
- Elf: Netflix
- The Nightmare Before Christmas: Disney+
- A Christmas Story: Amazon Prime
- The Holiday: Netflix or Amazon Prime
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: AMC+ from Amazon
Are you abroad and unable to access your normal streaming apps? Or have you already seen everything and would you like to get access to movies from around the globe? You can do that with a VPN.
In the article below, we’ll tell you about the movies and where you can stream them tonight.
It’s never too early for Christmas! What could be better than watching a magical Christmas classic while a Christmas tree lights up the room? Christmas films delight us with heartwarming stories, fill our homes with mirth and music, and invoke bittersweet nostalgia. No other genre fits the bill.
Are you counting down the days to Christmas with one movie each night? Or maybe you’re bingeing an all-Christmas-move marathon with your family on the 25th? This list of the best Christmas movies will be sure to help you celebrate a happy holiday.
So, nestle into your favorite chair, light up the fireplace, and put on your favorite Christmas sweater! Let’s look at the all-time greatest Christmas stories to prepare you for Christmas 2023.
The Best Christmas Movies of 2022 (New Releases)
It was the season of giving! Streaming services came out with Christmas movie offerings left and right. From the tried-and-true holiday romance genre to children’s movies, 2022 was certifiably a year of good holiday movies. Here’s what you might have missed this past holiday season.
- Lindsay Lohan (Mean Girls, The Parent Trap) and Chord Overstreet (Glee) star in the new Netflix movie Falling for Christmas. Cheesy romance films are at their best during Christmas season, and this story of a spoiled heiress falling in love with a down-to-earth lodge owner is right up that alley.
- Keeping up with the theme is Hotel for the Holidays, a charming romance between a posh hotel manager (Madelaine Petsch of Riverdale) and two suitors: the hotel chef (Mena Massoud of Aladdin) and an actual, bonafide prince (Max Lloyd Jones of Love, Classified). This movie is available on Freevee, which is a free streaming service for those who have a US IP address.
- On a nostalgia kick? A Christmas Story Christmas on HBO Max is a sequel to the beloved film A Christmas Story. It’s been received with mixed reviews, so don’t expect an Oscar-worthy film. Still, it’s fun to revisit the now-grown Ralphie Parker, played by his original actor, Peter Billingsley.
- If you’re looking for a laugh, the Apple TV+ film Spirited stars Will Ferrell (Elf, Anchorman) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and is a musical remake of the classic A Christmas Carol.
- The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special is our top pick for a family-friendly Christmas movie. Drax (Dave Bautista) and Mantis (Pom Klementieff) try to find the perfect holiday present for Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) after he misses Christmas. If you or your kids love Marvel, then this film is for you. Catch it on Disney+, and check out the trailer below.
The 27 Best New Christmas Movies You Can Stream Right Now
Wanting to rewatch your favorite holiday films? Below are 27 can’t-miss Christmas classics and where to stream them this holiday season.
1. Love Actually (2003)
For the romantics looking for a great Christmas movie to snuggle up with, Love Actually is a great option. This movie follows the lives of eight extremely different couples in London, England as they deal with their relationships during the month before Christmas. A wonderful film to swoon over for the tenth time, especially since the roles are filled by some of the best actors, from Liam Neeson to Emma Thompson.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Martin Freeman, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant |
| Recommended Audience | Romantics at heart |
| Where to Watch | Netflix or Amazon Prime |
2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a fantasy-comedy film from 2000 for the whole family. The film is based on a Dr. Seuss children’s book but with a heartwarming, yet hysterical twist. With Jim Carrey adding his over-the-top comedic performance to the role of the Grinch, it’s sure to be a family favorite. Are you ready to fall in love with the green creature who hates Christmas?
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Bill Irwin, Molly Shannon |
| Recommended Audience | Families and kids of all ages |
| Where to Watch | Netflix or Amazon Prime |
3. Home Alone (1990)
This comedy from 1990 is pure nostalgia for most adults and still just as much fun for the new generations. In this film, Kevin, played by Macaulay Culkin, is forgotten at home by his family in the hysterics of rushing off to Paris for the holidays. While leaving an 8-year-old home alone is scary enough, the story takes a turn when Kevin has to take on two not-so-bright burglars as he protects his home. Don’t worry though, this slapstick comedy is more laughable than heart-pounding.
Want more family-friendly antics? Then Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Home Alone 3, and Home Alone 4: Taking Back the House are all available on Disney+.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O’Hara |
| Recommended Audience | Comedy lovers of all ages. Expect some cartoon violence and profanity. |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ |
4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Okay, this one isn’t directly about Christmas, but it’s a season favorite because of the nostalgia and the festive Christmas scenes.
This wonderful marathon of movies is an adaptation of the book series by J.K. Rowling. The films follow the story of Harry Potter and his friends as they attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Watch all the movies from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001) to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) this winter on Amazon Prime or Peacock TV.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy |
| Notable Cast | Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson |
| Recommended Audience | Anyone who loves magic |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime or Peacock TV |
5. Polar Express (2004)
Polar Express is an enchanting animated film from 2003 and is one of the best Christmas movies for kids. The tale follows a boy who hears the sound of a train from his bed on Christmas Eve. When he goes to look outside, he finds the Polar Express, a magical train destined for the North Pole. This is an exciting adventure that teaches us all about friendship, bravery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Animation |
| Notable Cast | Tom Hanks, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye, Jimmy Bennett, Eddie Deezen |
| Recommended Audience | The child in all of us |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
6. Elf (2003)
Elf has become a real Christmas classic. This comedy follows a man named Buddy, played by Will Ferrel, who is taken to the North Pole as a baby and raised as an elf. When Buddy finds out that he’s actually a human being, a comedic adventure in New York ensues.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Will Ferrell, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen |
| Recommended Audience | Humans and elves alike |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
The Nightmare Before Christmas is a stop-motion animation by the famous director Tim Burton. The film follows the story of Jack Skellington from Halloween Town, which is populated by other magical monsters. However, Jack Skellington is tired of Halloween and wants to experience holiday cheer by moving to Christmas Town. This movie is full of songs that are fun for the whole family and is a wonderfully animated classic.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Stop-motion fantasy animation |
| Notable Cast | Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix |
| Recommended Audience | Families, but parental guidance is recommended due to some scarier scenes in the movie |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ |
8. A Christmas Story (1983)
This 1983 Christmas comedy follows a young boy named Ralphie in the 1940s as he attempts to convince his parents and Santa Claus that he’s ready for a Red Ryder BB gun. It’s a heartwarming classic that perfectly encapsulates the joys of this wonderful holiday.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin |
| Recommended Audience | For all ages, but with some profanity |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime |
9. The Holiday (2006)
In this romantic comedy, two women swap homes and live for two weeks at Christmas time in each others’ houses. Cameron Diaz plays an American woman who wants to escape her busy life, and Kate Winslet plays a British woman who is hopelessly in love with the wrong man. But when they get to their home away from home, the ladies find that love isn’t always easy to get away from.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Romantic Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black |
| Recommended Audience | Romantics at heart and those that love them |
| Where to Watch | Netflix or Amazon Prime |
10. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
This 1989 film follows the Griswold family and their plans for a big family Christmas — except their ideal Christmas quickly turns into a perfect disaster. This Christmas film has something for everyone: slapstick comedy, heartwarming moments, and lots of family arguments.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, Juliette Lewis |
| Recommended Audience | Anyone who loves a good laugh |
| Where to Watch | AMC+ from Amazon |
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This 1992 Christmas film is the Muppets’ adaptation of the classic by Charles Dickens. This musical puts a unique twist on the story of Scrooge as he is visited by three ghosts, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of the Present, and the Ghost of the Future. The spirits, along with the kind Bob Cratchit (played by Kermit the Frog) and his family, try to redeem this old bitter man on Christmas Eve. Is it too late for Scrooge, or will they open his heart to the true meaning of Christmas?
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Musical Family Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Michael Caine, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire |
| Recommended Audience | Families with children and adults who are still kids at heart |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ and Amazon Prime |
12. Miracle On 34th Street (1947)
The Christmas classic from 1947 follows the story of a divorced New York mother and the nice old man she hires to play Santa Claus at Macy’s. But when she and her daughter find out he might be the real thing, things get messy. Many question his sanity, and the old man has to prove he’s Santa Claus in a court of law.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne |
| Recommended Audience | Anyone who loves a good Christmas movie |
| Seasons Available | Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max |
13. Die Hard
Although not everyone will agree on whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie, we couldn’t keep it off this list. Police officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) is at a Christmas party when German terrorists take the building hostage. What follows is a classic action movie full of explosions, fight scenes, and bad accents. Perfect for anyone who needs some action after all the sweet Christmas stories! The four sequels that were made can also be found on Disney+.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Action |
| Notable Cast | Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia |
| Recommended Audience | 16+ due to violence and profanity |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ |
14. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown? The classic Christmas animated film was released in 1965 and tells the story of one particularly profound Christmas when Charlie Brown becomes depressed by the commercialism he sees around him. Follow Charlie and his friends as they try to find a deeper meaning to Christmas.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Animated Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Ann Altieri, Chris Doran, Sally Dryer |
| Recommended Audience | The entire family |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime, Apple TV |
15. Scrooged (1988)
Scrooged, released in 1988, is another twist on the classic Charles Dickens story. This edgy Christmas film follows a selfish, cynical television executive played by Bill Murray as he is visited by the three spirits of Christmas in an attempt to save Scrooge from a terrible life and, even worse, death. Will the ghosts’ lessons on Christmas Eve stick?
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Bill Murray, Karen Allen, John Forsythe |
| Recommended Audience | 17+ due to adult themes and profanity |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime |
16. The Santa Clause (1994)
What if you accidentally took out Santa Claus? Who’d be left to deliver presents, drink milk, and take a small bite from cookies left in living rooms all across the world? That’s the premise of The Santa Clause, and it created an instant Christmas classic.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Notable Cast | Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson |
| Recommended Audience | PG due to some crude scenes |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ |
17. Gremlins (1984)
Gremlins is a black comedy horror Christmas movie that twists the genre on its head. It features tons of references to classic Christmas movies, a less-than-jolly holiday spirit, and mischievous monsters running amok in a small American town.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Black Comedy, Horror |
| Notable Cast | Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton |
| Recommended Audience | 10+, although PG recommended due to depictions of violence |
| Where to Watch | HBO Max |
18. Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Not everyone will agree that Edward Scissorhands is a Christmas movie, but it does take place on Christmas. This classic drama by Tim Burton stars Johnny Depp in a fascinating story about a synthetic man with scissors hands who tries to find love.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Romance |
| Notable Cast | Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest |
| Recommended Audience | PG-13 |
| Where to Watch | Disney+, Amazon Prime |
19. Krampus (2015)
Fancy a scare on Christmas Eve? Then Krampus is the perfect movie for you. It’s the story of a Christmas gone so wrong that mythical monsters spawn to punish the naughty. Not a lighthearted movie by any chance, despite the odd joke here and there. But this film offers a great scare if that’s what you’re looking for on Christmas.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Horror, Drama, Comedy |
| Notable Cast | Adam Scott, Toni Collette, David Koechner |
| Recommended Audience | PG-13 fans of the horror genre |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime, Peacock TV |
20. The Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah brings Georgia to life in this bittersweet Christmas movie. After learning of a terminal illness, shy Georgia Byrd sells everything she owns and decides to live it up in a Central European hotel. The Last Holiday is filled with great comedy and amazing acting, which makes it a great watch despite the uneasy feeling imparted by the setting.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Romance |
| Notable Cast | Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton |
| Recommended Audience | PG-13 |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime, Pluto TV |
21. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey takes you to a fantasy land filled with magical inventions, toys that come to life, and all the adventures you’d want to see this holiday season. When the toymaker’s most important creation goes missing, it’s up to his granddaughter to get it back and heal old wounds in the process.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Fantasy, Family, Musical |
| Notable Cast | Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Boneville |
| Recommended Audience | Families that want to see a fantastical story unfold |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
22. Carol (2015)
Carol is set during the holiday season of 1950s Manhattan. The film stars Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara in a tasteful adaptation of the novel The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith. This lesbian romance takes us through an emotional rollercoaster set against a backdrop of snowy New York.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Romance |
| Notable Cast | Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson |
| Recommended Audience | Anyone looking for a Christmas LGBTIQ story that’s fine with an R rating |
| Where to Watch | Pluto TV |
23. The Holiday Calendar (2018)
The Holiday Calendar tells the story of struggling photographer Abby Sutton as she inherits a magical advent calendar. This unexpected gift seemingly predicts the future and helps Abby discover trust and love and inspires her to live the holiday spirit.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Drama, Fantasy, Romance |
| Notable Cast | Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck |
| Recommended Audience | The entire family |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
24. Godmothered
Godmothered begins like any other Christmas romance story: fairies, a fantasy world, and plenty of wishes to be fulfilled. But this movie takes your expectations about Christmas stories and subverts them in amazing ways. Jillian Bell and Isla Fisher star in this film, which you can catch on Disney+.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Drama |
| Notable Cast | June Squibb, Jillian Bell, Sonia Manzano |
| Recommended Audience | Any fans of Disney movies will love Godmothered |
| Where to Watch | Disney+ |
25. Let It Snow (2019)
Let It Snow is an inclusive story about a group of teenagers struggling with identity and belonging. Despite the teen angst, it’s a very insightful and even heartwarming story fit for the holidays. You’ll find plenty of familiar faces in this cast of upcoming teen stars: Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Jacob Batalon (Spider-Man: Homecoming), and Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold).
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Romance |
| Notable Cast | Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush |
| Recommended Audience | The edgy teenager inside all of us |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
26. Holiday Rush (2019)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2U6diYTnxA
Holiday Rush tells the story of DJ Rashon Williams as he loses his job right before the holidays. With four kids and a lengthy Christmas wishlist, the situation looks dire. But Holiday Rush is not a sob story. It helps us refocus during the holidays and shows us what Christmas is all about.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Drama, Family |
| Notable Cast | Romany Malco, Sonequa Martin-Green, Darlene Love |
| Recommended Audience | Anyone that wants to watch a classic, heartwarming Christmas movie |
| Where to Watch | Netflix |
27. Deck The Halls (2006)
The cozy holidays turn into a cutthroat competition when two neighbors start vying for the unofficial title of “Christmas guy.” Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick turn this seemingly petty competition into an enthralling Christmas story. Deck The Halls is not quite heartwarming, but it is a thrilling watch.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Comedy, Family |
| Notable Cast | Matthew Broderick, Danny DeVito, Kristin Chenoweth |
| Recommended Audience | It’s technically a family movie, although |
| Where to Watch | Amazon Prime |
Stream Your Favorite Christmas Movies with a VPN
Whether you’re on vacation, out of the country, or just want to watch more movies and series at home on the couch, a VPN can help you easily access your favorite streaming services. With the following steps, you’ll be ready for a whole Christmas weekend full of nostalgia and Christmas magic.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN because their fast, reliable servers make it easy to stream movies. Try NordVPN for free by taking advantage of their money-back guarantee.
-
NordVPNOur choiceDeal Save big with 68% off a two-year subscription plus 3 months free!From$ 3.199.3- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
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- Download the VPN and open the app.
- Select a server in a country of your choice. For example, connect to a server in the US to enjoy the US Netflix library.
- Open the streaming service.
- Enjoy the best Christmas classics!
Conclusion: The Best Christmas Movies and Where to Watch Them
There’s no such thing as one best Christmas flick. We picked some Christmas classics so there’s something for everyone, as well as amazing new takes on the genre to feature something for anyone.
Need a little extra help watching any of these movies? We compiled a list of the best VPN Christmas deals today. You can also check out the articles below for more information about how to watch the best Christmas movies on Netflix and the other streaming services mentioned above:
- How to Watch Netflix From Anywhere
- How to Watch Amazon Prime Video From Anywhere
- How to Watch Disney Plus (and Star!)
- How to Watch Hulu From Anywhere in the World
- Watch HBO Max From Anywhere
- How to Watch Peacock Anywhere in the World
- How to Watch Pluto TV
Do you know of a great Christmas movie that you think should be added to our list? Leave a comment below!
Any more questions about our favorite Christmas movies? Here are a few of the most popular questions we get about streaming Christmas movies.
There are plenty of great Christmas movies on Netflix. Below are just a few:
- Love Actually
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Polar Express
- Elf
- The Holiday
For more, check out our list of the best Christmas movies.
Disney Plus has some amazing Christmas films available right now. Below are just a few.
- Home Alone
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- Die Hard
For more to stream this year, read our article on the best Christmas movies.
Yes! You can watch your favorite movies and shows on Netflix with a quality VPN. We recommend NordVPN since it has fast, reliable servers in the US.
