Top 25 Christmas Movies for Streaming this Holiday Season

Elf (2003)

Everett Collection

In Elf, Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his real father. The contrast between Buddy’s childlike innocence and the jaded New Yorkers around him is what makes this movie a heartwarming Christmas classic. With Ferrell’s signature goofy humor and some truly magical moments, Elf is a must-watch for the holiday season.

Where to watch Elf: AMC+

Director: Jon Favreau

Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Bob Newhart, Edward Asner

Related content: How well do you know Elf?

09
of 25

Gremlins (1984)

Warner Bros.

While it’s not a traditional Christmas movie, Gremlins is set during the holiday season and features, well, some gremlins causing chaos in a small town. What starts off as a cute and quirky creature feature quickly turns into a dark and comedic horror film that is surprisingly entertaining. If you’re looking for something a little different this holiday season, Gremlins is the perfect unexpected choice.

Where to watch Gremlins: HBO Max

Director: Joe Dante

Cast: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton

Related content: The 32 scariest movies of all time. Seriously.

10
of 25

Home Alone (1990)

Everett Collection

Home Alone follows Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin), an eight-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. Kevin must defend his home from two bumbling burglars in this slapstick comedy that is full of laughs and heartwarming moments. With Culkin’s iconic performance and memorable booby traps, Home Alone is a Christmas classic that will never get old.

Where to watch Home Alone: Disney+

Director: Chris Columbus

Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, John Heard

Related content: How well do you know Home Alone?

11
of 25

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Everett Collection

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas stars Jim Carrey as the green, holiday-hating Grinch who decides to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. With its colorful and whimsical set design, Carrey’s over-the-top performance, and the heartwarming message of the story, this live-action adaptation captures the spirit of the classic Dr. Seuss tale in a unique and entertaining way.

Where to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas: Netflix

Director: Ron Howard

Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski

Related content: Crazy Rich Asians screenwriter adapting Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go!

12
of 25

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Everett Collection

It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a man who is shown by an angel what life would have been like if he had never been born. This heartwarming classic captures the spirit of the holiday season with its message of hope, selflessness, and the importance of human connections. Frank Capra’s direction and James Stewart’s performance make It’s a Wonderful Life a timeless Christmas movie that is a must-watch for the holidays.

Where to watch It’s a Wonderful Life: Amazon Prime

Director: Frank Capra

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell

Related content: How well do you know It’s a Wonderful Life?

13
of 25

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Gareth Gatrell/Netflix

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is a new holiday musical that follows a toymaker, Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), as he rediscovers the magic of his creations with the help of his granddaughter. With its vibrant set design, catchy musical numbers, and a heartwarming story about family and belief in oneself, Jingle Jangle is a delightful addition to the Christmas movie lineup.

Where to watch Jingle Jangle: Netflix

Director: David E. Talbert

Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, Phylicia Rashad

Related content: How they made Forest Whitaker a puppet in Netflix’s musical film Jingle Jangle

14
of 25

Klaus (2019)

Netflix

Klaus is an animated take on the origin of Santa Claus, following a young, selfish postman named