40 Best Christmas Movies To Watch This Year

We asked our peers and friends around to know what's the one Christmas movie they love, and obviously, it was Home Alone. Let's accept it: almost all of us grew up watching this amusing movie series and adoring the 8-year-old Kevin (played by Macaulay Culkin) as he spends his Christmas fighting burglars after he's accidentally forgotten at home by his family. After five amazing movie series, we still find ourselves going back to this movie and watching it like for the zillionth time, especially during the holiday season.

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

Another cute, feel-good, and popular Christmas movie to watch to brighten your festive season. Growing up with the elves at the North Pole, the main character, Buddy, heads back to New York in search of his family. Set in New York, this movie beautifully captures the city during the holiday season (when it looks and feels its best), amuses us with well-written lines, and makes us laugh with Buddy's jolly character.

IMDb Rating: 7/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

If you're the kind of person who loves watching rom-coms, this movie is for you. And if you've already seen it, we'd say watch it again! Plan a cute date with your bae or grab your girlfriends for a fun movie night. Aside from the wonderful cast this classic comedy brings together, we love how relatable, entertaining, and timeless it is.

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

An American musical fantasy, Jingle Jangle is a heartwarming story that revolves around the grandfather-granddaughter duo and beautifully captures their relationship. The grandfather, a genius toymaker, was once betrayed by his apprentice, which led to him losing everything. His thriving toy shop turns into a pawn shop. Years pass, and things finally seem to change when his granddaughter visits him and brings back his enthusiasm, hope, and passion. All in all, Jingle Jangle is a charming movie you can enjoy with your family.

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Where to watch: Netflix

A charming romance between an aspiring journalist and a royal prince, A Christmas Prince is the perfect movie to kick off your holiday movie binge. It's one of our personal favourites and is sure to set the perfect Christmas vibe.

IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

Where to watch: Netflix

What’s better than hearing wedding bells during Christmas? Romance is truly in the air, and that’s one reason we love this movie. It’s a charming love story between a wedding planner and a private investigator, set against the backdrop of a lavish wedding. The film is filled with drama, suspense, and just the right amount of romance.

IMDb Rating: 4.4/10

Where to watch: Apple TV

The Polar Express is one movie with a deeper, more shivery undertone, unlike the usual jolly films you watch during Christmas. What we truly love about the movie is that the characters don’t look entirely real, yet don’t appear completely unreal either—they’re visually magnetic. Many of the voice performances are by none other than Tom Hanks. It’s time to sidestep those Christmas clichés and experience a magical holiday that will stay with you for a while.

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

If you're already deep into the Christmas spirit, we're sure you haven’t wasted a second and have already bookmarked last year's favourite movie, Klaus, to watch over and over. For those who might still be on the fence, we say: go ahead, give it a try. It’s Santa’s origin story—let’s lay this to rest. You’ll discover how the quintessential Santa got his sleigh, his reindeer, and how sliding down the chimney became the tradition it is today.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Set in a small town, Christmas Inheritance is a classic love story about a spoiled rich girl and the small-town boy she falls in love with, all while discovering herself. Perfect for a warm, cosy evening, this one is sure to give you all the romantic feels.

IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Released in 2021, this movie is a delight to watch. Set against a gorgeous backdrop, it tells the story of two vulnerable 50-somethings who finally find the right person in their lives. The film exudes joy, hope, love, and kindness—all of which make it a must-watch this Christmas.

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Starring Lindsay Lohan, Falling for Christmas is yet another story of self-discovery, filled with love and laughter. At just under two hours long, it's a heartwarming tale that you can sit back and enjoy with some popcorn in hand.

IMDb Rating: 5.3/10

Where to watch: Netflix

While Christmas rom-coms can feel predictable, there's a certain comfort and familiarity that makes you keep watching these cheesy movies. Christmas Under Wraps is one of those films with an expected ending, but you'll still enjoy the humour and drama, nonetheless.

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

Christmas on Mistletoe Farm follows a widowed father struggling to adjust to life on a new farm, while his kids plan to make it their permanent home. Will the father stay? And if so, what or who will make him stay? Watch now to find out!

IMDb Rating: 4.6/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Single during the holiday season? Pretend-date your way out! At least, that’s what they did in Holidate. It may be a cliché, but it makes for a fun watch thanks to the incredible chemistry, romantic setup, and a predictable yet fresh storyline.

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Where to watch: Netflix

What is Christmas without fantasy and the promise of hope? Based on the book of the same name, A Boy Called Christmas is set in a magical land of elves and pixies. With a lovely cast, gorgeous scenery, and a blend of humor and tragedy, this is a beautifully made, feel-good family classic.

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles is an American comedy that follows two children, Kate and Teddy, and Santa on a mission to deliver presents before Christmas morning. The movie beautifully explores themes of sibling love, coping with loss, and finding hope in difficult situations, making it one of the most heartfelt Christmas movies to watch.

IMDb Rating: 7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

What’s more fun than some twin drama? The Princess Switch follows two women who look identical and switch places, allowing them to live each other’s lives. But the best part? Spoiler alert: The film ends with a Christmas wedding! We’re adding this one to our list right away.

IMDb Rating: 6/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Torn between two people. Complicated feelings. Families involved. Dramatic, much? Peter asks Nick to pose as his date while they visit his hometown, but Peter’s family already has plans to set him up with James. Who will Peter choose? Watch and find out!

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Yep, we know this is a movie list, but we’re slipping in one cute Christmas show. If you're a sucker for old-school romance, you’ve got to watch this series. It’s just a few episodes, 30 minutes each, so it’ll be a breeze. The show beautifully captures a teenage love story where the two have never really met but connect solely through the words and letters they write to each other in a red notebook. And it’s all perfect. But will it be the same once they meet in person? Well, find out!

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Based on the book by Barbara Robinson, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the lives of six siblings, the Herdmans, who are infamous for their bad behavior. When they join the annual Christmas pageant, the locals are initially opposed to the idea. However, the Herdmans' mischief ends up helping the community understand the true meaning of Christmas. The movie also features a stellar cast, including big names like Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, and Lauren Graham. Add this one to your Christmas watch list for a heart-warming and wholesome holiday spent with family and friends. 

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to watch: Apple TV

The very first Christmas movie on Netflix this year is the rom-com Meet Me Next Christmas, starring Christina Milian and Devale Ellis in the leading roles. The film follows Layla, a young woman hoping for a Christmas miracle — meeting the man of her dreams. To make this happen, Layla must race across New York City to score tickets to the prestigious Pentatonix Christmas concert. But will she find love along the way? Watch and find out. This is the perfect movie to kick off your Christmas binge-watching.

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Another Netflix film you should definitely watch is Hot Frosty. This romantic fantasy follows Cathy, a woman struggling with the loss of her husband, who gets a second chance at love when she magically transforms a snowman into a handsome real man. As the snowman-turned-man brings joy and vibrancy to her life, Cathy’s heart is reignited. However, their relationship is tested once the snow begins to melt. How long will their love last? The best part of the movie is that it features familiar faces, including Mean Girls star Lacey Chabert and 90210 actor Dustin Milligan as the protagonists. You’ll absolutely love this film, which has equal parts comedy, romance, and a solid dose of Christmas cheer!

IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Another festive movie coming to Netflix this season with a star-studded cast is The Merry Gentlemen. The story centres on a former Broadway dancer who is determined to rescue her family’s struggling small-town club. Her plan? To recruit a group of charming men for a holiday-themed revue. As expected in any classic rom-com, she finds herself falling for one of the performers. Featuring stars like Chad Michael Murray and Britt Robertson, this movie is ideal for fans of Christmas love stories, with just the right amount of romance and sizzling chemistry!

Where to watch: Netflix

IMDb Rating: 5.1/10

While this movie is yet to be premiered in theatres, we are already excited for it as it includes the stellar cast of Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans, JK Simmons, and Lucy Liu. This star-studded movie follows the life of Callum Drift, an E.L.F (Extremely Large and Formidable) operative who must join hands with a conman when Santa Claus goes missing. While many interesting takes on Christmas movies have been released over the years, this one is the first film to add an action-packed edge to the repertoire.

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Where to watch: Apple TV

Now streaming on Disney+, An Almost Christmas Story is an animated film inspired by the true story of an owl named Moon who finds himself stuck in a Christmas tree on his way to Rockefeller Center. Amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, he forms an unexpected friendship with a lost girl named Luna. Though it's a short film, it delivers a powerful emotional punch, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a heartwarming story about loneliness and friendship. Get ready for a tear-jerking, joyful experience this Christmas!

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to watch: Disney+

What's binge-watching Christmas movies without some popcorn and hot chocolate. Stock up now! 

Charlotte's, a small town mayor, curious son Benny learns about their town's old tradition of Christmas train parade through his teacher Zackary. This historic train parade used to unite four neighbouring towns and was a holiday highlight for them. After rediscovering the tradition, Charlotte aims to restart it and faces the task of convincing other mayors, while a governor tries to overshadow her plan. What follows is a heart-touching journey of how Christmas magic unites towns, and oh, of course, our protagonist also finds love in Zackary, who helps her at every step.

IMDb Rating: 5.1/10

Where to watch: YouTube

Imagine working as an elf at a year-round Christmas store and still not believing in Christmas! Well, that's what life was for Kate — a Londoner struggling with poor life choices, strained relationships, and lingering health issues after a serious illness. Then she meets Tom, a charming, mysterious man who encourages her to see herself and her life differently, which she does (of course). However, things take an emotional turn when she realises Tom is not who he seems, and no, this is not a predictable turn of events. 

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Jack Skellington, aka The Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, is tired of the same old screams and scares of people. While the town prides itself on its ability to scare people. Jack knows there's more to life than just Halloween, and in his search for something new, he stumbles on Christmas Town. This Christmas Town is snow-covered yet far more colourful and joyful than his town. What follows is his quest to bring Christmas to his town by kidnapping Santa Claus. But even the most well-laid plans fail when it comes to Christmas.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Where to watch: JioHotstar

Christmas Eve in Miller's Point is an indie movie that captures an extended Italian-American family gathering for Christmas Eve. This Christmas evening is most likely their last one in their ancestral Long Island home. As every generation of the family sits together, eats, argues and reminisces, one rebellious teenager sneaks out. What happens next is worth watching the movie for!

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Where to watch: Prime Video

If you believe in fate, you'll love this. Not a Christmas movie in a traditional sense, it still qualifies as it is set around the holidays, starting and ending around Christmas, with festive New York City settings. Jonathan and Sara meet each other at Bloomingsdale while Christmas shopping for their partners. After spending the entire evening together, they part ways with Sara believing that if the two are meant to be together, they will find each other again. The movie explores themes of fate and magic that resonate with the holiday spirit and captures the cosy, hopeful feeling of finding love during a magical season. 

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Where to watch: Prime Video 

If you are ready to skip the holiday classics this year, Oh.What.Fun might just become your new favourite! This Christmas comedy follows Claire Clauster, an overwhelmed mom who feels underappreciated by her family. Her frustration leads to ditching her family plans for a solo road trip to rediscover herself, while the chaos sparks up back home. The film basically talks about the often-unseen effort that moms put into making the holiday magical. By the end, you might find yourself giving your mom a long-overdue hug or a much-needed “I love you” call. 

IMDb Rating: 5.3/10

Where to watch: Prime

A festive romantic comedy that will get your heart all tickled, Love Actually is all about love in all its messy, beautiful forms, set in London during the hectic weeks before Christmas. New crushes, breakups, betrayals – ten different stories that show how love sneaks into our lives in the most unexpected ways. All through it, the backdrop of Christmas makes the movies even more magical!

IMDb Rating: 7.5/10

Where to watch: Prime

Most of us jokingly call those friends who aren’t having fun at parties “the Grinch,” but where did it all come from? Dr Seuss' The Grinch tells the story of a grumpy green hermit, The Grinch, who lives atop Mount Crumpit, looking down on the cheerful town of Whoville. Hating everything about Christmas, he hatches a plan to ruin the holiday by disguising himself as Santa and stealing all the presents, decor, and food. But… in the process, he discovers that Christmas is about far more than gifts, and his heart grows three sizes bigger in the process! 

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Where to watch: Prime, Apple TV, Zee5

Love Hard is a modern, holiday rom-com about Natalie, a dating columnist who’s had her fair share of bad luck in love. She matches with a charming guy named “Josh” on a dating app and decides to surprise him for the holidays in Lake Placid, New York, only to find out that Josh has been catfishing her using photos of his more attractive friend, Tag. Upset but not defeated, Natalie agrees to pose as Josh’s girlfriend at his family’s Christmas celebrations to save his reputation, while Josh promises to help her win over the real Tag, who just happens to live in town.

IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Family Switch isn’t your usual Christmas movie; it’s a hilarious body-swap comedy where the entire Walker family, parents and two teens, magically switch bodies after a planetary alignment. Suddenly, the kids are juggling adult responsibilities, while the parents struggle with teen drama and social media, all while racing to fix the switch before big events like a promotion, college interview, or soccer tryout. Despite all this chaos, it is a heartwarming holiday film, where the Christmas magic actually helps the family to reconnect!

IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Another Li Lo Christmas movie we dug last year was Our Little Secret. It’s not that lovey-dovey or Christmas-y, but it's a great one-time watch if you want to jump on Lindsay’s rom-com bandwagon. The story is a simple, plain Jane concept with two exes coming face to face after years, when they are introduced by their current partners (who are siblings) at a Christmas escape to their family’s home. 

IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Happiest Season stars Kristen Stewart, Abby, who has an awfully oops moment in the holiday season when she realises her girlfriend, Harper (played by Mackenzie Davis), hasn't come out about her sexuality to her parents. Apart from dealing with conservative parents on Christmas (a cliche we have seen too many times), Abby also has to struggle with the information that Harper's parents are clueless as to who Abby really is in their daughter's life, all while Abby has proposal plans on her mind.

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Where to watch: YouTube

Catering Christmas flows quite smoothly, no in-depth emotional turmoil and a cute couple coming together in the end after having a somewhat sour first encounter. It's a small town Christmas rom-com that carries well, has all the visuals of a nice Christmas movie and is lovely to add to your binge list with your special one on the night of Christmas Eve while you hog on plum cake together.

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Where to watch: Netflix

Produced by Reese Witherspoon, Something From Tiffany’s is sweet but not in a diabetic way. It has the Christmas feels, a background of New York, a Tiffany ring as the puzzle piece that brings strangers together, two couples navigating relationships with one landing up as endgame (surprise surprise) and the magic that brings lovers together during the holiday season. That's it!

IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

Where to watch: Netflix

This isn't a Christmas movie but a musical that the girls will enjoy. Sabrina Carpenter takes you through some holiday moments with a Taste of her funny and chirpy stage personality through this comedic skit. There are special song duos with Shania Twain, Kali Uchis, Chappell Roan, and Tyla and guest appearances by actors and comedians like Quinta Brunson, Cara Delevingne, Megan Stalter, Kyle Mooney, Jillian Bell, Nico Hiraga, Owen Thiele, and Sean Astin. 

IMDb Rating: 6.4/10

Where to watch: Netflix