There’s something about settling down with your family over Christmas to watch a festive movie that can warm the cockles of any Grinch’s heart. Here we’ve compiled a list of 25 movies to stream this Christmas, some old and new Christmas films that should be on your ‘to be watched’ list this year! As we know that you watch so much of your children’s movies over the Christmas period, this list caters to adults only!
1. The Holiday (2006)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
The Holiday is a feel-good Christmas film starring Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law (humminahummina) and Jack Black – the fantastic four of the Christmas movie world. The plot follows Kate & Cameron as they swap homes for the holiday, with Cameron hopping on a plane to a sleepy English cottage and Kate whisking herself away to a sleek, modern home in Cali. It has romance, friendship, laughter and warmth – what more could you want this holiday season?
2. Elf (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Elf is a hilarious comedy where Will Ferrel, aka Buddy The Elf, realises that he is in fact a human and so travels from his home at the North Pole to NYC in search for his father. This film is full of laughter and chaos, you’re bound to spend the evening giggling with your family if you choose to snuggle up with this!
3. Last Christmas (2019)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Emilia Clarke is the gorgeous Kate in this romantic comedy about a girl who is one bad decision away from becoming a pigeon’s permanent toilet until she falls head-over-heels for Tom.
4. Love Actually (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV (It will also be hitting Netflix very soon for the Christmas season, so keep your eyes peeled!)
What’s it about?
This absolute CLASSIC of a Christmas movie will have you sobbing into your hot chocolate as you follow 8 couples over the festive period. With a young Rick Grimes and the late Alan Rickman, you really can’t go wrong.
5. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime
What’s it about?
There’s nothing like a black-and-white movie in front of a roaring fire to really get you in the festive spirit. This film follows George Bailey, a man who wishes he’d never been born, and the angel Clarence who shows him just what life would have been like if he hadn’t
6. Holidate (2020)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
Emma Roberts dating Luke Bracey with “no strings attached” over the holidays – what’s not to love?! This movie is light-hearted, fun and the ultimate romcom to watch when the littles are in bed!
7. Love Hard (2021)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
If you’re a fan of Catfish and The Vampire Diaries, you’ll love this! After meeting ‘the one’ on a dating app, Elena *ahem, sorry, Natalie* flies 3000 miles to realised she’s been catfished. Happy Christmas!
8. Let It Snow (2019)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix
What’s it about?
A group of high school seniors are bought together by a snowstorm that hits on Christmas Eve. By Christmas morning, nothing will be the same (Dunn Dunn Dunn…. but in all seriousness, this movie is cool, light-hearted and fun!)
9. Office Christmas Party (2016)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
I have only two words to tell you about this movie. Jennifer. Aniston. Are you sold yet?
10. Nativity! (2010)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Ok, so the kids can watch this one! Martin Freeman (aka Paul) is a primary school teacher who is asked to produce the years nativity play, only to get himself into hilariously hot water once he tries to better his opponent by telling them a Hollywood producer will be turning it into a movie.
11. Die Hard (1988)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Is it a Christmas movie? You decide! Watch Bruce Willis crawl around in a little white vest rescuing a group of hostages at a Christmas party. This epic action movie is a must watch this season!
12. Krampus (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
If you’re looking for something with a different vibe, why not jump into this Christmas vs Halloween mashup and scare yourself silly with Krampus? Based on German folklore, Krampus is the anti-Santi who comes and pays awful visits to children who aren’t on the nice list.
13. Scrooged (1988)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
In this ‘A Christmas Carol’ adaptation, Bill Murray plays Frank Cross, a TV executive who is haunted by 3 spirits on Christmas Eve in a bid to make him see that he needs to change his ways.
14. The Santa Clause(1994)
Where can I stream it?
Disney +, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
On Christmas Eve, Scott and his son rescue Father Christmas from the roof. No big deal right? Wrong… Scott’s now inadvertently put himself forward as the next Santa! Watch as he tries to keep this from his ex-wife and family in this hilarious holiday classic!
15. Four Christmases (2008)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmscsQsUtCE
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Brad (Vaughn) and Katie’s (Witherspoon) Christmas plans are ruined when they’re made to stay at all four of their divorced parents families over the holidays. It’s a recipe for disaster!
16. Happiest Season (2020)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
What’s it about?
Bella has ditched Edward for the gorgeous Harper, whom she plans to propose to over the Christmas holidays. Cue drama, shock and comedy when she learns that Harper has not yet come out to her parents in this perfect Christmas romcom.
17. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play
What’s it about?
While Clark Grisworld plans to have the best Christmas ever, the universe has other plans. This movie is a hilarious must watch as Clark inadvertently causes every good Christmas related event into a terrible one!
18. Fred Claus (2007)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Vince Vaughn is featuring in our list again, this time as Fred Claus! Follow the story of Fred, Santa’s older brother, who lands in jail and is only bailed out on the condition that he joins the family business at the North Pole!
19. The Family Stone (2005)
Where can I stream it?
Disney +, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
If you love Sex In The City, you’ll love Sarah Jessica Parker in this Xmas romcom about an uptight business woman (SJP) visiting her outgoing, eccentric in-laws to be. Guaranteed to get a few good giggles and keep you entertained!
20. Love The Coopers (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV
What’s it about?
Snuggle up with a hot chocolate and enjoy this light-hearted Christmas comedy about the highs and lows of family life as Sam & Charlotte work to give their family the perfect Christmas.
21. Bad Santa (2003)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
Time to settle down and enjoy a bit of Santa Claus – with a twist. This hilarious dark comedy stars Billie Bob Thornton as Willie, aka the worst mall Santa of all.
22. Christmas With The Kranks (2004)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
The Kranks are known in their neighbourhood for having the best Christmasses ever. Glitzy Christmas Eve parties, amazing decorations, the whole shebang. And just for once, they are planning on flying off on a quiet Christmas holiday and are absolutely NOT celebrating Christmas. That is until their daughter tells them 12 hours before that she’s coming home – enjoy the mad rush as Jamie-Lee Curtis and Tim Allen try to make the last minute Christmas to remember.
23. The Night Before (2015)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
Join Seth Rogan, Joseph Gordan-Levitt and Anthony Mackie on their annual Christmas reunion. As they’ve grown into adulthood, it’s time to end that tradition with one last giant blow out.
24. Joyeux Noel (2005)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
This is definitely a little more emotionally heavy than the other films that we’ve suggested, but Joyeux Noel definitely deserves a place on the list. It tells the true story of the momentary ceasefire in the WW1 trenches on Christmas Day 1914. This one will definitely have you grabbing for the tissues, so make sure you have plenty.
25. Get Santa (2014)
Where can I stream it?
Amazon Prime, Google Play, Apple TV, YouTube
What’s it about?
After being arrested for trying to ‘steal some reindeer’, Santa enlists the help of a Father and Son to help him get back to the North Pole in time for Christmas. An absolute classic plot line for a Christmas movie at this time of year. It also stars Jim Broadbent, so it’s a win win!
Megan Charlie
Great list! Elf is my all time faveee
Rayo
Wow, amazing movie list. I’m watching Last Christmas 🎄. Thanks for sharing
Fadima Mooneira
These are cool Christmas movies to watch. I love watching Christmas movies. They give me cozy and warm feeling. Thank you for sharing.
Ramblings of a Nobody
Yay! Always on the lookout for great Christmas movies for this time of year, and there’s a few on here I haven’t watched yet 😀
Jamieadstories
Your top ten are similar to mine. So glad you included Let it Snow as I enjoyed the book too. Last Christmas makes me tearful. Happy crying.
Ruth| Ruthiee loves Glamour
These are amazing Christmas movies. I love Christmas movies a lot and I would absolutely love to watch love actually.
Simona
What a great list you have here ladies! Elf must be one of my absolute favourites!
Molly @ Transatlantic Notes
This is such a great list; I love the mix of iconic, classic and new! You’ve given me quite a few ideas for some seasonal viewing — thank you!
Heidi
I have seen about half of these so now I have some new movies to add to my holiday list. Christmas Vacation is my ultimate favorite!
Em
I’ve seen about half of these films but you’ve made me want to watch all of them!! Thank you for sharing!!
Em x – https://www.earthlyem.co.uk
Jenny
Some great suggestions! I’ve seen a few of these and enjoyed them. Id also add Last Christmas to the list, on Netflix 🙂
admin
Last Christmas is SO good!
Corinne
I lovvee watching Christmas movies! There’s so many here that I’ve not seen yet though, or watched so long ago I can’t remember them!
Corinne x
admin
Christmas films are a firm favourite here too x