The 60 Best Christmas Movies to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
If you’re looking to stream a marathon of the best Christmas movies while you shop online, wrap gifts and bake cookies, then you’ve come to the right place.
We compiled a list of must-watch flicks that are bound to get you in the holiday spirit, from family-friendly classics like Miracle on 34th Street to charming romance flicks like The Princess Switch. Keep reading for 60 of the best Christmas movies you can stream on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and more.
RELATED: 30 Romantic Christmas Movies to Give You All the Holiday Feels
1. 'Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town' (1970)
Movie Rating: PG
Through the narration of a mailman, this movie introduces viewers to a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringles. As Kris grows up, he becomes determined to take over the family business, no matter the cost.
2. ‘JINGLE JANGLE: A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY’ (2020)
Movie Rating: G
Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad and Keegan-Michael Key all star in this charming musical, which follows a young girl's efforts to help her grandfather, a skilled toymaker, find his creative spark during the Christmas season. Those catchy musical numbers will have you up and dancing, right in your living room.
3. 'The Polar Express' (2004)
Movie Rating: G
Based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book, a young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole in an attempt to discover the magic of Christmas.
4. 'The Santa Clause' (1994)
Movie Rating: PG
When Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) accidentally kills a man in a Santa suit, he’s transported to the North Pole to assume the role before the next Christmas. If you’re looking for a sweet and funny family-friendly flick, this one should do the trick.
5. ‘A Christmas Detour’ (2015)
Movie Rating: NR
Paige Summerlind is thrilled to meet with her future in-laws for the holidays, but when her flight gets detoured, she finds herself stuck in Buffalo. While there, however, she meets and bonds with a cynical bartender, who causes her to question her engagement.
RELATED: The 45 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix You Can Stream All Holiday Season
6. 'Four Christmases' (2008)
Movie Rating: PG-13
Join Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) as they visit all four of their divorced parents for one hectic (and very funny) Christmas Day.
7. 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' (2000)
Movie Rating: PG
The Grinch (Jim Carrey) hates Christmas. (Can’t relate.) In an attempt to stop the festivities, he devises an evil plan to steal the town’s holiday gifts and décor. Dr. Seuss and Mr. Carrey at their best.
8. 'Home Alone' (1990)
Movie Rating: PG
When Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left home alone during a family vacation, he’s forced to protect the house from a pair of evil (and clumsy) burglars. This one’s a holiday classic that we’ll gladly watch every year on repeat.
9. 'The Best Man Holiday' (2013)
Movie Rating: R
A group of college friends (played by Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Nia Long and Terrence Howard) reunite for Christmas. Hilarity ensues.
10. 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947)
Movie Rating: (NOT RATED)
When Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) steps in to replace a drunken Santa Claus in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, he’s charged with fraud after going around town claiming to be the real deal. Can a young lawyer prove that Santa Claus does in fact exist? (Psst: We love the original 1947 flick just as much as the 1994 version starring Richard Attenborough as Kris Kringle.)
11. 'Frozen' (2013)
Movie Rating: PG
Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with unlikely helpers to save their town from the infinite winter caused by Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel), who just so happens to be her sister. Plus, there’s also a sequel you can watch right after.
12. 'Elf' (2003)
Movie Rating: PG
Meet Buddy (Will Ferrell), a man who was raised as an elf in Santa’s workshop. When he ventures out to New York City in search of his real father, he’s soon confronted with a harsh reality: His dad is on the naughty list.
13. 'Last Holiday' (2006)
Movie Rating: PG-13
After learning that she has a terminal illness, Georgia Byrd (Queen Latifah) decides to make the most out of the time she has left. In the process, she strikes up a romance with her co-worker and longtime crush, Sean Williams (LL Cool J). Heartwarming, funny and the perfect feel-good flick for the season.
14. 'A Christmas Story' (1983)
Movie Rating: PG
While Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) is convinced that a Red Ryder BB gun is the perfect Christmas gift, his parents, his teacher and Santa couldn’t disagree more. Will 9-year-old Ralphie find his dream gift under the tree this year?
15. 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' (1993)
Movie Rating: PG
Jack Skellington is the pumpkin king of Halloween Town. When he randomly stumbles into Christmas Town, he becomes so infatuated with the idea that he decides to create his own version. Unfortunately, things don’t quite go as planned…Can Jack and his spooky crew save Christmas before it’s too late?
16. 'Love Actually' (2003)
Movie Rating: R
This romantic comedy follows eight different couples as they navigate the holiday chaos before Christmas. You’ll laugh (Hugh Grant’s dance scene is epic), you’ll cry (Emma Thompson, why?) and you’ll get all the feels.
17. 'Santa Claws' (2014)
Movie Rating: PG
When Santa has an allergic reaction on Christmas night, a group of cats must figure out a way to deliver all of his presents on their own. Silly? Yes. Will the under-10 set love it? You bet.
18. 'Jack Frost' (1998)
Movie Rating: PG
When a father (Michael Keaton) dies in a car accident, he returns as a snowman the following year to spend one last holiday season with his family. *Grabs tissue*
19. 'A Christmas Prince' (2017)
Movie Rating: PG
Amber Moore (Rose McIver) is an aspiring young journalist who is sent to Aldovia to report on a charming Prince (Ben Lamb). Of course, she gets far more than the royal scoop. Grab the hot chocolate and set aside an entire afternoon for this one—there are two more follow-up films that are just as cheesy (and by cheesy, we mean amazing).
20. 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946)
Movie Rating: PG
George Bailey (James Stewart) wishes aloud that he had never been born, which prompts an angel to show him exactly how life would be without him. Is it even Christmas if you don’t watch this warm and fuzzy flick at least once?
21. 'The Holiday' (2006)
Movie Rating: PG-13
Before there was Airbnb, there was this film about two women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) who swap homes for the holidays. If you need us, we’ll be belting the lyrics to “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers.
22. 'Scrooged' (1988)
Movie Rating: PG-13
A TV exec (Bill Murray) feels no qualms firing a staffer right before the holidays—that is, until he’s visited by a series of ghosts. You had us at Bill Murray.
23. 'The Christmas Chronicles' (2018)
Movie Rating: PG
Sister-brother duo Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy (Judah Lewis) are determined to catch Santa Claus on Christmas Eve. Their mission soon turns into a wild adventure when they come face-to-face with Santa’s loyal Elves. (FYI, part two will be available to stream on Nov. 25!)
24. 'The Preacher's Wife' (1996)
Movie Rating: 13+
This holiday classic follows a neglected preacher’s wife (Whitney Houston) who gets a dose of spiritual guidance from a guardian angel (Denzel Washington). Talk about a dynamic duo.
25. 'Bad Santa' (2003)
Movie Rating: 18+
A Santa Claus imposter (Billy Bob Thornton) devises a plan to rip off stores on Christmas Eve. The dark comedy will make your family drama seem minor.
26. 'White Christmas' (1954)
Movie Rating: G
It takes place in Vermont during the holidays and stars Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney (aka George’s aunt). Need we say more?
27. 'While You Were Sleeping' (1995)
Movie Rating: PG
After rescuing her longtime crush from a tragic accident, Lucy (Sandra Bullock) pretends to be his girlfriend while he’s in a coma. Will her heroic plan backfire when he wakes up?
28. 'The Princess Switch' (2018)
Movie Rating: G
Vanessa Hudgens stars as the talented baker, Stacy DeNovo, and her royal doppelgänger, Margaret Delacourt. When the two discover that they look alike, they come up with a clever plan to trade places during the holidays. (Think The Parent Trap, but with a holiday twist.)
29. 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' (1965)
Movie Rating: G
If the Peanuts gang taking on the commercialization of Christmas doesn’t calm your holiday anxiety, nothing will. With a runtime of 30 minutes, this one’s suitable for kids of all ages.
30. 'This Christmas' (2007)
Movie Rating: PG-13
The Whitfields reunite to celebrate Christmas for the first time in over four years. Cue the epic one-liners and awkward family moments.
31. 'The Nutcracker and the Four Realms' (2018)
Movie Rating: PG
Clara (Mackenzie Foy) embarks on a magical journey after receiving a locked egg box as a gift on Christmas Eve. Will she be able to find its key?
32. 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer' (1964)
Movie Rating: G
Sam the Snowman narrates a tale of a young red-nosed reindeer who (after being cast out for being different) teams up with an elf to look for a place that will accept them. A beautiful coming-of-age story never gets old.
33. 'Get Santa' (2014)
Movie Rating: PG
After crashing his sleigh, Santa (Jim Broadbent) gets in trouble with the authorities. A father-son duo, Steve and Tom Anderson (Rafe Spall and Kit Connor), team up to save Christmas. Can they rescue him before it’s too late?
34. 'Christmas with the Kranks' (2004)
Movie Rating: PG
The Kranks (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) are spending their first Christmas without their daughter, so they opt out of the holiday altogether (to their neighbor’s dismay). When she decides to come home, chaos ensues as they try to figure out how to recreate family traditions at the last minute.
35. 'Trolls Holiday' (2017)
Movie Rating: TV-Y7
Team up with Poppy (aka the queen of the Trolls) as she enlists the Snack Pack to show her best friend how to celebrate the holidays. Cue the surprisingly catchy soundtrack.
36. 'Jingle All the Way' (1996)
Movie Rating: PG
A father (Arnold Schwarzenegger) promises to get his son a Turbo Man action figure for Christmas. The problem? Every store is sold out, forcing him to travel all over town to find one. Basically, it’s a friendly reminder to get your shopping done early.
37. 'A Very Murray Christmas' (2015)
Movie Rating: TV-14
Actor Bill Murray teams up with a slew of celebrities—like Miley Cyrus, George Clooney, Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and Chris Rock—in this star-studded holiday special. If you’re looking for some holiday spirit, this movie will surely do the trick.
38. 'Arthur Christmas' (2011)
Movie Rating: PG
If your kids want to know how Santa delivers presents to every single child in just one night, this film offers a magical glimpse at the high-tech operation in the North Pole. Can Arthur (Santa’s youngest son) save the day when the unthinkable happens?
39. 'Holiday Rush' (2019)
Movie Rating: PG
DJ Rush Williams (Romany Malco) suddenly loses his job after years of spoiling his kids with pricey holiday gifts. In order to keep pursuing his passion, he realizes that he’ll have to sacrifice his family’s luxurious lifestyle for something much simpler.
40. 'The Muppet Christmas Carol' (1992)
Movie Rating: G
In this adaptation of A Christmas Carol, the Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, along with a variety of original songs that are bound to get stuck in your (and your family’s) head.
41. 'The Snowman' (1982)
Movie Rating: G
No, Frosty isn’t the only snowman in town. Based on the book by Raymond Briggs, this sweet film follows a boy who builds a snowman—that comes to life—after the family pet passes away. With a short running time (just 26 minutes), it’s ideal for younger kiddies.
42. 'A Bad Moms Christmas' (2017)
Movie Rating: R
The infamous ladies of Bad Moms (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn) make their return in this holiday sequel—but this time, they deal with their own mothers who are visiting for the holidays. #Yikes
43. 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation' (1989)
Movie Rating: PG-13
Need a good laugh? This movie documents the Griswold family’s Christmas vacation, which quickly turns into a chaotic disaster. On the bright side, the movie offers major holiday decor inspiration.
44. 'A Prince for Christmas' (2011)
Movie Rating: PG
Jules Daly (Katie McGrath) is invited by a relative to spend Christmas at a castle in Europe. However, she never expected to meet and fall for the gorgeous Prince Ashton of Castlebury (Kirk Barker). (Not to be confused with A Christmas Prince.)
45. 'All Mine to Give' (1957)
Movie Rating: 18+
Set in the 1850s, this fact-based drama introduces viewers to the Eunson family as they migrate from Scotland to the American Midwest. Although they launch a successful business, everything changes when the children endure a series of heartbreaking events during one of the coldest winters. (Disclaimer: It’s a major tearjerker.)
46. 'The Christmas Project' (2016)
Movie Rating: PG
An adult writer narrates his most memorable Christmas as a child, which included delivering presents to bullies alongside his siblings. Bring on the nostalgia.
47. 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' (1998)
Movie Rating: PG
This delightfully cheesy film follows a teenager (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) who’s kidnapped by bullies while on his way home for Christmas. JTT + ’90s humor = our kind of holiday movie.
48. 'Let it Snow' (2019)
Movie Rating: PG-13
Based on the young adult novel of the same name, this rom-com tells the story of a group of high school students, who become closer than ever when a huge snowstorm hits on Christmas Eve. Will they find friendship in the most unlikely circumstances?
49. 'The Year Without a Santa Claus' (1974)
Movie Rating: ALL
Kris Kringle (Mickey Rooney) is convinced that kids have become too ungrateful, so he decides to take a year-long vacation from his official duties. Can Mrs. Claus (Shirley Booth) and the elves change his mind?
50. 'Abominable Christmas' (2012)
Movie Rating: TV-Y
Two Abominable Snowkids spend their very first Christmas with a human family. The problem? They’re on the run from a scientist, who’s determined to capture them.
51. 'Meet Me in St. Louis' (1944)
Movie Rating: NR
This musical takes place ahead of the 1904 World’s Fair and follows four sisters as they learn about life and love. BRB, listening to Judy Garland’s rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” on repeat.
52. 'El Camino Christmas' (2017)
Movie Rating: MA
While on his way to meet his father (Tim Allen) for the first time, Eric Roth (Luke Grimes) gets trapped in a liquor store with five others during an attempted robbery in El Camino, Nevada. Definitely not the best way to spend Christmas Eve.
53. 'Last Christmas' (2019)
Movie Rating: PG-13
Kate (Emilia Clarke) is less-than-thrilled about her job working as an elf year-round. However, when she meets a handsome man named Tom (Henry Golding), she soon learns the true meaning of Christmas. “Alexa, play ‘Last Christmas.’”
54. 'The Perfect Holiday' (2007)
Movie Rating: 13+
Emily Taylor (Khail Bryant) turns to Santa Claus after overhearing her mom (Gabrielle Union) wishing for a man to enter her life. Can she arrange the ultimate meet-cute?
55. 'Eloise at Christmastime' (2003)
Movie Rating: G
A spunky 6-year-old named Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) is on a mission to reunite young adults in love. The catch? She’s chasing them around the busy streets of NYC and wreaking havoc for her nanny (Julie Andrews).
56. 'The Search for Santa Paws' (2010)
Movie Rating: G
A group of magical dogs team up with an elf and two children in an attempt to rescue Santa, who has lost his memory. The cheesy storyline is bound to put a smile on your face.
57. 'Ernest Saves Christmas' (1988)
Movie Rating: PG
The problem? Santa Claus needs a successor. The questionable solution? Appointing the accident-prone Ernest (Jim Varney).
58. 'Black Nativity' (2013)
Movie Rating: 13+
Based on Langston Hughes’s play of the same name, this musical drama follows a young teenager (Jacob Latimore) who travels to New York City to spend the holidays with his estranged family.
59. ‘Friday After Next’ (2002)
Movie Rating: R
What's it about? In this underrated Friday sequel, Craig (Ice Cube) and his slacker cousin Day-Day (Mike Epps) are enjoying their newfound freedom in their own apartment. But when a criminal dressed as Santa Claus breaks in and steals all their valuables, they’re forced to take jobs as security guards to avoid getting evicted.
60. ‘Holidate’ (2020)
Movie Rating: MA
Desperate to avoid judgment from her family for being single, Sloane (Emma Roberts) teams up with a stranger to play his girlfriend. But things get complicated when they develop real feelings for each other.
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