Watching Christmas movies is an unspoken ritual that most, if not everyone, follows. As our favorite time of year rolls around, here are the most iconic Hallmark, Netflix Christmas movies, and more to watch this season. All you need to do is slip on your comfiest socks, cuddle up, and grab some snacks.
‘Tis The Season: 25 Best Christmas Movies To Watch This Year
Overview
- 1. Home Alone
- 2. Elf
- 3. The Holiday
- 4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
- 5. A Christmas Prince
- 6. Christmas Wedding Planner
- 7. The Polar Express
- 8. Klaus
- 9. Christmas Inheritance
- 10. A Castle For Christmas
- 11. Falling For Christmas
- 12. Christmas Under Wraps
- 13. Christmas On Mistletoe Farm
- 14. Holidate
- 15. A Boy Called Christmas
- 16. The Christmas Chronicles
- 17. The Princess Switch
- 18. Single All The Way
- 19. Dash And Lily
- 20. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
- 21. Meet Me Next Christmas
- 22. Hot Frosty
- 23. The Merry Gentlemen
- 24. Red One
- 25. An Almost Christmas Story
Home Alone
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
Elf
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
The Holiday
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
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
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 Christmas Prince
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
Christmas Wedding Planner
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
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
Klaus
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
Christmas Inheritance
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
A Castle For Christmas
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
Falling For Christmas
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
Christmas Under Wraps
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
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
Holidate
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
A Boy Called Christmas
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
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
The Princess Switch
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
Single All The Way
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
Dash And Lily
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
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
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
Meet Me Next Christmas
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
Hot Frosty
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
The Merry Gentlemen
Another festive movie coming to Netflix this season with a star-studded cast is The Merry Gentlemen. The story centers 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
Red One
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
An Almost Christmas Story
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+
Pro-Tip
What's binge-watching Christmas movies without some popcorn and hot chocolate. Stock up now!