The 56 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, 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 Elf to The Polar Express, keep reading for 56 of the best Christmas movies you can stream right now.

RELATED: 30 Romantic Christmas Movies to Give You All the Holiday Feels

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

The problem? Santa Claus needs a successor. The questionable solution? Appointing the accident-prone Ernest (Jim Varney).

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

A group of college friends (played by Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Nia Long and Terrence Howard) reunite for Christmas. Hilarity ensues.

Stream now

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.)

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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*

Stream now

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).

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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!)

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

It takes place in Vermont during the holidays and stars Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney (aka George’s aunt). Need we say more?

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.)

Stream now

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.

Stream now

The Whitfields reunite to celebrate Christmas for the first time in over four years. Cue the epic one-liners and awkward family moments.

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.)

Stream now

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.)

Stream now

An adult writer narrates his most memorable Christmas as a child, which included delivering presents to bullies alongside his siblings. Bring on the nostalgia.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.

Stream now

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.’”

Stream now

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?

Stream now

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).

Stream now

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.

Stream now

RELATED: The 45 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix You Can Stream All Holiday Season

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow’s editorial and sales departments.

Source Article

Next Post

Americans travel home for Thanksgiving despite coronavirus surge

Thu Nov 26 , 2020
Millions of Americans took to the skies and the roads ahead of Thanksgiving at the risk of pouring petrol on the coronavirus fire, disregarding increasingly dire warnings that they stay home and limit their holiday gatherings to members of their own household. © John Minchillo Travellrs arrive at Terminal C […]

You May Like