Practically each main vacation has its share of movies centered round it, however none supply the breadth and flexibility that Christmas does. From sentimental classics like It's a Wonderful Life (1946), to horrifying favorites like Black Christmas (1974), to fashionable household comedies like Elf (2003), there's one thing for everybody, relying in your temper.

It may also be powerful to slender down which Christmas films to prioritize throughout December, with dozens and dozens of latest vacation films launched yearly. That's why Leisure Weekly is right here to present you a curated listing of suggestions. Forward are 26 festive favourite Christmas (and Christmas-adjacent) films to stream now.

Carol (2015)

Carol (Cate Blanchett) is a glamorous, soon-to-be divorcée looking for Christmas items; Therese (Rooney Mara) is a shopgirl and aspiring photographer. Their eyes meet, Carol compliments Therese's little Santa hat, and similar to that, their hearts are off to the races. The movie’s preoccupation with want feels uniquely becoming for a season during which all of us hope, typically towards cause, to get what we would like. Past that, Christmas works wonders as a backdrop, imbuing Carol with a mix of heat, melancholy, nostalgia, and remorse that solely the vacations can conjure. —Janey Tracey

The place to look at Carol: HBO Max

EW grade: A–

Director: Todd Haynes

Solid: Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, Kyle Chandler

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Though it’s a kids’s particular, A Charlie Brown Christmas is without doubt one of the most existential films on this listing. The animated basic begins with an especially relatable sentiment: It’s the vacation season and Charlie Brown is meant to be comfortable, but he’s unseasonably depressed. He turns into much more despondent as he considers the over-commercialization of the vacation. By the top, in fact, the true that means of Christmas has been shared.

With its surprisingly philosophical message, charming animation, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless jazz rating, rewatching A Charlie Brown Christmas has grow to be a beloved annual custom. —J.T.

The place to look at A Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV

Director: Invoice Melendez

Solid: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford

A Christmas Carol (1984)

Amongst numerous variations, the 1984 model of A Christmas Carol stands aside because of George C. Scott’s nuanced, weak efficiency as Ebenezer Scrooge. Reasonably than only a easy miser, this film portrays Scrooge as extra of a ruthless businessman who believes he’s justified in his actions, making the character extra relatable and redemptive. In any other case, the movie is remarkably devoted to Charles Dickens' unique novella, preserving the gothic parts and darker themes with out an excessive amount of sentimentality. —J.T.

The place to look at A Christmas Carol: Hulu

Director: Clive Donner

Solid: George C. Scott, Frank Finlay, David Warner

A Christmas Prince (2017)

One in every of Netflix’s most profitable Hallmark-style Christmas films, A Christmas Prince is a contemporary fairy story about an American journalist who falls in love with the prince of a fictional nation. Whereas not explicitly primarily based on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the movie has loads of references to the royal couple, with a sequel a few royal marriage ceremony and a threequel a few royal child. Doable real-world inspirations apart, this vacation film is prime consolation viewing, delivering simply as many heat fuzzies as you'd anticipate from one thing known as A Christmas Prince. —J.T.

The place to look at A Christmas Prince: Netflix

Director: Alex Zamm

Solid: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige

Christmas Marriage ceremony Planner (2017)

Don’t be fooled by the generic identify: Christmas Marriage ceremony Planner isn’t only a dangerous Christmas film, it’s the greatest dangerous Christmas film. The premise is fairly normal: An unlucky-in-love marriage ceremony planner is mapping out her cousin’s engagement however falls for her cousin’s ex, who’s a personal investigator. After just a few gonzo plot twists, a Joey Fatone cameo, and a really wild ending, you'll be left questioning what on Earth you simply watched — and screaming “Justice for Emily!” —J.T.

The place to look at Christmas Marriage ceremony Planner: The Roku Channel

Director: Justin G. Dyck

Solid: Jocelyn Hudon, Stephen Huszar, Kelly Rutherford, Joey Fatone

Die Exhausting (1988)

The everlasting query pops up as soon as once more: Is Die Exhausting a Christmas film? Let’s say sure! On this motion basic, NYPD cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) faces off towards a gaggle of terrorists after they take over his estranged spouse’s high-rise workplace vacation celebration. McClane is, in his phrases, the fly within the ointment, the one wild card that Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in a towering big-screen debut) couldn’t anticipate. Although not a standard vacation film, the Christmas argument surrounding Die Exhausting solely provides to its enjoyable, marrying the Christmas Eve setting, quippy one-liners, and cat-and-mouse rigidity. —J.T.

The place to look at Die Exhausting: Hulu

Director: John McTiernan

Solid: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Reginald VelJohnson, Bonnie Bedelia

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Set towards the comfortable backdrop of pastel-colored homes embellished for the vacations, Edward Scissorhands follows Edward (Johnny Depp), a mild, misunderstood man with razor-sharp talons who shocks everybody when he arrives in a suburban city. Whereas not a standard vacation film, it’s certainly one of Tim Burton’s coziest gothic fairy tales. Working example, the movie’s most memorable second: Kim (Winona Ryder) dancing within the falling snowflakes created by Edward carving ice sculptures. —J.T.

The place to look at Edward Scissorhands: Disney+

EW grade: A–

Director: Tim Burton

Solid: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Corridor, Alan Arkin

4 Christmases (2008)

A criminally underrated vacation rom-com, 4 Christmases follows an unconventional, stubbornly single couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) whose plans for a tropical Christmas are thwarted, forcing them to go to all 4 of their divorced dad and mom in at some point. It obtained fairly dismal evaluations on the time however deserves a re-examination; Witherspoon and Vaughn have surprisingly nice chemistry, the dialogue is snappy, and the supporting solid is insanely star-studded, together with Kristin Chenoweth, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, and Christmas film staple Mary Steenburgen. —J.T.

The place to look at 4 Christmases: HBO Max

EW grade: B

Director: Seth Gordon

Solid: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Kristin Chenoweth

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

"Frosty the Snowman" is without doubt one of the most recognizable vacation songs, and this basic cartoon brings the beloved character to life. Rankin/Bass, recognized for his or her iconic tv specials, created an animation fashion that appears like a Christmas card in each body and acquired Jimmy Durante — one of many tune’s unique performers — to relate the story. Frosty the Snowman stays a timeless favourite, delighting audiences of all ages — and sure, it has even gotten a flirty replace in 2024. —J.T.

The place to look at Frosty the Snowman: Hulu

Administrators: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass

Solid: Jimmy Durante, Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe

Gremlins (1984)

Vacation comedy horror is an underrated subgenre, and essentially the most basic entry is certainly Gremlins. Produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Chris Columbus, Gremlins took the aesthetic of our favourite pleasant creatures of the ‘80s — E.T., Yoda — and turned it spectacularly on its head on this foolish, chaotic gorefest. (Who would have thought the doe-eyed little Gizmo may sprout more and more aggressive offspring that wreak havoc throughout city?) The movie commits as a lot to its Christmas setting — together with a choir of Gremlin carolers — as to its wanton cartoon violence. —J.T.

The place to look at Gremlins: HBO Max

Director: Joe Dante

Solid: Zach Galligan, Phoebe Cates, Hoyt Axton, Dick Miller, Howie Mandel

Happiest Season (2020)

A queer Christmas rom-com directed by Clea DuVall? Say no extra. Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who’s able to suggest to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), over the vacations — till she finds out Harper just isn’t out to her conservative household. Issues get difficult quick, particularly with the huge chemistry between Abby and Harper’s previous girlfriend, Riley (Aubrey Plaza). Whereas some may argue Abby finally ends up with the incorrect individual, the film nonetheless delivers an enthralling, heartfelt, and wholly fashionable Christmas film. —J.T.

The place to look at Happiest Season: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Clea DuVall

Solid: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy

The Holdovers (2023)

Set over a snowy Christmas break at a New England boarding faculty, The Holdovers follows a grumpy instructor (Paul Giamatti), a rebellious scholar (Dominic Sessa), and a grieving cafeteria employee (Da'Vine Pleasure Randolph) as they kind an sudden bond. That will sound corny, however the movie efficiently transcends vacation clichés to concentrate on the loneliness of the season. With its dry, misanthropic humor and wealthy performances, The Holdovers turned an awards-season darling, incomes a number of Oscar nominations — together with Randolph’s win for Greatest Supporting Actress. —J.T.

The place to look at The Holdovers: Amazon Prime Video (to lease)

EW grade: A–

Director: Alexander Payne

Solid: Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Pleasure Randolph, Dominic Sessa

The Vacation (2006)

Christmas and Nancy Meyers are a match made in cinematic heaven. This dreamy romantic comedy facilities on Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), a pair of ladies battling their love lives — one an American movie-marketing enterprise proprietor, the opposite a British society columnist — who comply with swap homes for a vacation to flee their issues. Amanda has a meet-cute with Iris' ebook editor brother, Graham (a dashing Jude Legislation), whereas Iris hits it off with movie composer Miles (Jack Black, solid refreshingly towards kind). Whereas undoubtedly rooted in fairy story rom-com tropes moderately than grounded realism, we wouldn't need The Holiday some other approach. —Kevin Jacobsen

The place to look at The Vacation: Amazon Prime Video (to lease)

Director: Nancy Meyers

Solid: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Legislation, Jack Black, Eli Wallach

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Dwelling Alone (1990)

Overlook Die Exhausting — Dwelling Alone is the last word Christmas motion film. When his household by accident leaves him behind for trip, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his residence from two bumbling burglars with a collection of pranks which are way more grotesque than you most likely bear in mind. But, because of the hilarious slapstick performances from Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, the traps really feel extra goofy than grim. With its mixture of bodily comedy, vacation spirit, and questionable parenting, Dwelling Alone stays a nostalgic Christmas basic. —J.T.

The place to look at Dwelling Alone: Disney+

EW grade: B

Director: Chris Columbus

Solid: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara

Dwelling Alone 2: Misplaced in New York (1992)

One of many uncommon sequels that does the unique justice, Home Alone 2 raises the stakes with extra pranks, extra laughs, and a extra basic Christmas setting. Kevin’s antics transfer from the Chicago suburbs to the bustling streets of New York Metropolis, with iconic vacation landmarks like Rockefeller Heart and the Plaza Resort including to the festive attraction. The traps are completely brutal this time — it’s a Christmas miracle that Harry and Marv didn't find yourself useless. All the pieces is greater and higher, from the chaotic violence to the heartfelt moments, together with Kevin’s touching friendship with the pigeon woman. —J.T.

The place to look at Dwelling Alone 2: Misplaced in New York: Disney+

Director: Chris Columbus

Solid: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Tim Curry

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Skip the creepy live-action model — this animated basic is the definitive, devoted adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved ebook, which wanted no enchancment. Properly, aside from the now-iconic, hilarious tune, “You’re a Imply One, Mr. Grinch.” Including to the enjoyable, the movie is narrated by Boris Karloff — greatest recognized for enjoying Frankenstein’s monster. With its timeless animation by Chuck Jones, and a a lot shorter runtime than you bear in mind, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! stays the last word vacation deal with. —J.T.

The place to look at How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Peacock

Director: Chuck Jones

Solid: Boris Karloff

It's a Great Life (1946)

It’s a Great Life is a real American basic and is extensively thought of one of many biggest movies of all time. It tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), an honest man who considers suicide on Christmas Eve, prompting an angel to point out what the world can be like with out him. Launched shortly after World Battle II, the movie’s sentimental, humanistic message of hope and the worth of every life resonated deeply with audiences. Although a tearjerker, it’s positively a hopeful vacation film at coronary heart, even when director Frank Capra didn’t consider it as a Christmas film. —J.T.

The place to look at It’s a Great Life: Amazon Prime Video

Director: Frank Capra

Solid: Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers

Little Ladies (2019)

Set throughout a number of Christmas seasons, Little Ladies appears like a comfortable, heat blanket whereas Greta Gerwig’s feminist take offers it a contemporary edge. The 1994 model can also be nice, however within the 2019 adaptation, Gerwig and the good Florence Pugh pull off the not possible: They make everybody like Amy. Her reimagining additionally provides a intelligent meta-ending, making this adaptation really feel contemporary whereas nonetheless capturing the guts of Louisa Could Alcott’s basic novel. —J.T.

The place to look at Little Ladies: Amazon Prime Video (to lease)

EW grade: A–

Director: Greta Gerwig

Solid: Saoirse Ronan, Florence Pugh, Emma Watson, Laura Dern, Timothée Chalamet

Love Really (2003)

It’s not the vacations with out Love Actually. This inescapable Christmas staple has all the things: the long-lasting cue card scene, Emma Thompson quietly breaking hearts as she cries to Joni Mitchell, and the unforgettable efficiency of “All I Need for Christmas Is You.” Like it or like to hate it, Love Really has grow to be an annual must-watch, wrapping romance, humor, and a little bit vacation heartbreak into one very cozy bundle. —J.T.

The place to look at Love Really: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B+

Director: Richard Curtis

Solid: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Andrew Lincoln, Keira Knightley

Miracle on thirty fourth Avenue (1947)

What occurs when Santa Claus is placed on trial? That’s the delightfully quirky premise of Miracle on thirty fourth Avenue, the place Kris Kringle (Oscar winner Edmund Gwenn), a candy previous man working as a division retailer Santa, should legally show he’s sane — which is a bit tough since he insists he’s the true deal. In fact, the existence of Santa Claus is extra in regards to the believer (or non-believer) than the large man himself; and Miracle is primarily a few Macy’s exec and her daughter studying that perception, irrespective of how unbelievable, could make magic actual. —J.T.

The place to look at Miracle on thirty fourth Avenue: Disney+

Director: George Seaton

Solid: Maureen O'Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wooden

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Unlikely as it could sound, The Muppet Christmas Carol may be the definitive Christmas Carol adaptation. Gonzo as Charles Dickens makes the narrative each intelligent and charming, and the songs are absolute bangers. Michael Caine’s efficiency as Scrooge is marvelously honest; he treats each second, and each Muppet, with utter seriousness. The movie nonetheless has its share of wacky Muppet antics, however by no means on the expense of Dickens’ story, nonetheless managing to steadiness pleasure, redemption, and some tears. —J.T.

The place to look at The Muppet Christmas Carol: Disney+

Director: Brian Henson

Solid: Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz

The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween film? A Christmas film? Why not each? The Nightmare Before Christmas walks the road between spooky and festive with its signature aesthetic — gothic but oddly cozy. Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon, with singing by Danny Elfman), the Pumpkin King of Halloween City, will get uninterested in scares and decides to convey Christmas cheer as an alternative, resulting in all types of pleasant chaos. In the meantime, the villainous Oogie Boogie cranks up the creep issue, making for an particularly sinister Christmas film. —J.T.

The place to look at The Nightmare Earlier than Christmas: Disney+

Director: Henry Selick

Solid: Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Danny Elfman

The Princess Swap (2018)

In The Princess Swap, Vanessa Hudgens goes full Parent Trap (okay, The Prince and the Pauper): Two an identical ladies, a Chicago baker and a European duchess, swap lives simply days earlier than Christmas — and, in fact, romance ensues. However what’s higher than two Vanessa Hudgenses? Three Vanessa Hudgenses! The sequels crank up the festive chaos by including a mischievous third look-alike into the combo. It’s pure vacation fluff in one of the simplest ways. —J.T.

The place to look at The Princess Swap: Netflix

Director: Mike Rohl

Solid: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar

The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause is a childhood favourite that also holds up, mixing vacation magic with surprisingly melancholy undertones. Tim Allen performs Scott Calvin, a divorced dad struggling to attach together with his son, who by accident inherits the position of Santa Claus after the large man takes a tumble off his roof. Beneath the festive enjoyable, the film explores themes of estranged household and second probabilities. And, in fact, it delivers one of the memorable vacation film traces: “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” —J.T.

The place to look at The Santa Clause: Disney+

Director: John Pasquin

Solid: Tim Allen, Decide Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz

Violent Evening (2022)

Violent Evening is so a lot better than it has any proper to be. The premise sounds ridiculous — Santa Claus will get caught in the midst of a hostage state of affairs on Christmas Eve — however that’s precisely what makes it so enjoyable. As Santa takes down the dangerous guys, the film is filled with holiday-themed pranks which are simply as brutal as they’re hilarious, delivering over-the-top gore with a wink. Assume Home Alone but with way more blood. David Harbour is an impressed alternative as St. Nick, capturing the comedian tone and action-star chops this cut-throat model of yuletide enjoyable requires. —J.T.

The place to look at Violent Evening: Peacock

EW grade: B

Director: Tommy Wirkola

Solid: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Beverly D'Angelo

Whereas You Have been Sleeping (1995)

The plot of While You Were Sleeping is so ridiculous it appears like a Hallmark film, solely with an all-star solid to drag it off. Sandra Bullock performs a lonely transit employee who saves the lifetime of a stranger (Peter Gallagher) on Christmas. Whereas he’s in a coma, she by accident makes his quirky family members assume she's his fiancée…and then falls in love together with his brother (Invoice Pullman). The genuine household dynamic completely grounds the absurd story, and Bullock and Pullman are at their offbeat greatest. It’s laborious to not fall for her, and for him, and for the whole household. —J.T.

The place to look at Whereas You Have been Sleeping: Disney+

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Solid: Sandra Bullock, Invoice Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle

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