Now that the weather outside is truly beginning to feel frightful, it’s the perfect time to cozy up by the fire (a space heater will do) with a warm blanket, your favorite hot beverage, and a holiday movie. Luckily, for decades we’ve been gifted endless holiday miracles in the form of films. From heartwarming tales to stories that make us laugh until we cry, there’s something for everyone on Santa’s list.
As you prepare for upcoming holiday celebrations, get in the holiday spirit by having a good old-fashioned family movie night at home. Grab everyone’s favorite treats and let the decision-making begin. We know how tough it can be to decide what to watch in the moment, so we’ve rounded up all the best holiday movies that are currently available to stream. We’ve got the best of the best, from classics to new favorites and everything in between. We know you won’t be able to contain your holiday cheer after watching a few of these.
Read on for our favorite holiday movies to watch as a family this year.
Animated Favorites
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video or YouTube
Filled with the music of Burl Ives and based on the song of the same name by Johnny Marks, this classic stop motion movie brought Santa’s iconic reindeer Rudolph to life. It’s a sweet story that also introduced us to Hermey the Elf (whose passion is actually dentistry), explorer Yukon Cornelius, and the Island of Misfit Toys.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Apple TV+
Who hasn’t related to Charlie Brown and his little Christmas tree at some point when feeling low around the holidays? This classic cartoon follows Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, and their pals in search of the true meaning of Christmas.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Peacock
The first cinematic adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s book, many of us probably have memories of this cartoon version with Cindy Lou Who and lovable Max the dog, not to mention the iconic song. “You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch…”
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Rating: G
Where to stream: YouTube
Another favorite based on the classic song, this tale follows little girl Karen and her new pal Frosty—who comes to life with the help of a magic top hat—as they try to get Frosty back to the North Pole.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Rating: G
Where to stream: Disney+
While only a few characters in this pick are technically “animated,” the beloved Muppets star in this family favorite filled with music you can’t help but sing along to (“One More Sleep ‘Til Christmas,” anyone?). Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as Emily Cratchit, and Animal as Animal star alongside Sir Michael Caine as Scrooge.
The Polar Express (2004)
Rating: G
Where to stream: HBO Max
Based on the bestselling book, Tom Hanks stars as the train conductor of The Polar Express, which picks up children and takes them to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.
The Grinch (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Because one animated adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss tale wasn’t enough, in 2018 we were gifted with a new, very funny rendition of The Grinch. Children will love the classic tale, while adults will find themselves giggling at the witty humor throughout. This one is truly enjoyable for the whole family.
Holiday Comedies
A Christmas Story (1983)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
This is the perfect nostalgic movie to bring you back to the days of pleading with Santa to bring you the one special gift you wanted for Christmas. For Ralphie, it’s a Red Ryder Air Rifle. His quest for securing the perfect Christmas gift is challenged by a grumpy father, a malicious bully, and the difficulties of being a 9-year-old. This one might win the prize for the most problematic Christmas movie from our childhoods—from the leg lamp to bullying to the Chinese restaurant scene—but it does show how far we’ve come in 40 years and is ripe for starting some good conversations with our kids.
Home Alone (1990)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
Kevin is accidentally left home alone and must defend his house from two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. This movie’s magic is in its timelessness. As an adult, you can still relate to Kevin, but you may now also see yourself in Mr. and Mrs. McCallister. Disney+ has the whole Home Alone franchise from 1990’s Home Alone to 2021’s new Home Sweet Home Alone, if you want to go for a Home Alone movie marathon.
The Santa Clause (1994)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Disney+
When Scott Calvin (played by Tim Allen) accidentally knocks Santa off his roof, he reluctantly starts transforming into the big guy himself. Disney+ also has the sequels in this beloved series, and a new streaming series, The Santa Clauses, that just debuted this year.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
This year, Luther and Nora Krank have decided to forgo the usual holiday festivities and have opted instead for a tropical cruise. Their neighborhood isn’t going to let them off so easy, though, and the Kranks quickly become the (negative) talk of the town. When their daughter abruptly decides to return home for the holidays, they must alter their plans dramatically.
Elf (2003)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
This hilarious and heartwarming Christmas comedy follows Buddy the Elf (played by Will Ferrell) who was adopted by one of Santa’s elves as a baby. After discovering he’s not actually an elf, he goes on a quest to find his human father in New York City. This was an instant classic from the first viewing and one you’ll want to watch year after year, if you don’t already.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Jim Carrey embodying the Grinch so well. This version helps explain the Grinch’s backstory, and it’s also the movie that brought us Faith Hill’s “Where Are You Christmas?”
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: HBO Max
Laugh along as Clark Griswold’s (played by Chevy Chase) desire to have a “big old-fashioned family Christmas” hits snags at every turn. With some suggestive scenes and language, this one is probably best for the older kids.
Festive Rom-Coms
The Holiday (2006)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Heartbroken during the holidays, a wealthy woman from Los Angeles and a simple woman from England swap homes for the holidays. As they learn to navigate their new and vastly different environments, each begins a budding relationship with local men. As the time to return home approaches, they realize this could jeopardize their newfound loves.
Four Christmases (2008)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: HBO Max
Many of us know the struggle well—navigating the endless get-togethers of a split family. No longer able to take their tropical vacation, unmarried couple Brad and Kate spend their holiday attending the celebrations of their four divorced parents.
The Family Stone (2005)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
When a conventional businesswoman is asked to attend the Christmas celebration of her boyfriend’s eccentric family, she enlists the help of her sister. Unfortunately, her saving grace may end up being her biggest problem. (Editor’s Note: This film includes a storyline about someone battling cancer, so please skip watching if that’s best for you and your family).
Last Christmas (2019)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Even though she works as an elf at a Christmas store, Kate’s life is anything but festive—that is, until she meets the handsome and charming Tom and the two begin a joyous romance.
Love Hard (2021)
Rating: TV-14
Where to stream: Netflix
When a young writer thinks she’s finally met her perfect match on a dating app, she hatches a surprise—she’s going to show up at his door so they can spend the holidays together. She can’t get out fast enough after she learns she’s been catfished, but unfortunate circumstances leave her stranded with the one who deceived her.
New Holiday Movies
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
This is the perfect film to help all of us believe in the magic of the holidays again. When young Nikolas sets out to find his father in a magical land, he ends up finding much more. With the help of a few extraordinary friends, he discovers his destiny.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
Plagued by decades of hardship and betrayal, a toymaker’s hope is restored when he becomes united with his granddaughter. Together they craft something that has the power to alter life as they know it.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
In an effort to live every kid’s dream—seeing Santa with their own eyes—siblings Kate and Teddy craft a plan to capture the jolly man. When things don’t go as planned, it’s up to them to help Saint Nick save Christmas. A sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, also debuted on Netflix in 2020 if you’re up for a double feature!
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
Almost like a reimagined version of A Christmas Story, 8-Bit Christmas is full of 1980s nostalgia. In this story, 10-year-old Jake from Chicago is dreaming about getting the original Nintendo gaming system for Christmas.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
We could not be more excited about Lindsay Lohan’s return to the big (TV) screen with her newest wholesome holiday film, Falling for Christmas. A young heiress to her father’s successful hotel business sustains an injury while skiing just after getting engaged. Her fall wipes her memory so she no longer knows who she is. A charming inn owner and his daughter take it upon themselves to take care of the mystery woman.
A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: HBO Max
Getting a long-awaited follow-up to A Christmas Story is even better than a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle with a compass in the stock. This time, Ralphie is in the parental role and aims to give his kids a magical Christmas experience like he had as a child.
The Noel Diary (2022)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Netflix
After the passing of his estranged mother, author Jake Turner must return home to settle her estate. In doing so, he uncovers information about his past and the past of a young woman named Rachel. Together they must determine what the past means for their future.
Spirited (2022)
Rating: PG-13
Where to stream: Apple TV+
If you’ve been waiting since Elf to see Will Ferrell in another Christmas movie, then add Spirited to your watchlist immediately. Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present who sets out to redeem Clint Briggs, played by Ryan Reynolds, in this musical retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic story.
Classics
Holiday Inn (1942)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Starring the King of Christmas, Mr. Bing Crosby, Holiday Inn is a musical portrayal of a classic love triangle. At a picturesque inn during the holidays, a singer and a professional dancer battle for the affection of young performer.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Judy Garland stars in this classic musical following the story of four sisters who learn to navigate life and love in the lead-up to the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.
Miracle on 34th St (1947)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Disney+
When Kris Kringle fills in for an intoxicated Santa Claus in the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, he quickly wins the hearts and admiration of spectators. After making several other appearances in the role, he begins to fall into character a bit too literally by claiming to be the real Santa Claus, and his mental health and authenticity are called into question. The 1994 remake is also a treat and also available to stream on Disney+.
Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: HBO Max
Because you can never have too many black-and-white Christmas films, consider choosing Christmas in Connecticut for your next movie night. Determined not to be caught in her lie, a food writer must pretend to be the perfect housewife when her boss and a distinguished war hero invite themselves to her home for Christmas.
White Christmas (1954)
Rating: Not Rated
Where to stream: Netflix
Bing Crosby does it again in my personal favorite Christmas film. Two friends, Bob and Phil, who have found success as a performance duo following World War II, team up with a sister act to save a beloved Vermont inn.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Rating: PG
Where to stream: Amazon Prime Video
Frank Capra’s Golden Globe-winning film It’s a Wonderful Life gives main character George Bailey a glimpse into what life would be like if he’d never been born. As a kid, this one felt long, but it’s filled with lessons older kids might start to grasp. Now, it’s become a “wonderful” tradition to watch every year.
