Our Favorite Christmas Movies to Get Into the Holiday Spirit and Where to Stream Them

Brooke Amidei
1 day ago
6 min read

The holidays are here, and that means it’s officially movie season. Whether you’re into tear-jerking classics, swoon-worthy romances, laugh-out-loud comedies, or magical kids’ specials, we’ve got the ultimate guide to get you through the next few weeks (or weekends… no judgment). Grab your coziest blanket, pour the cocoa, and let Babble help you pick the perfect holiday flick — because honestly, nothing says “Christmas spirit” quite like a little screen time with your favorite festive films.

Timeless Treasures (Classics)

Heartwarming stories that never get old — perfect for cozy nights by the fire.

It’s a Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime, Tubi): An angel shows a man just how much his life matters. Tear ducts required. This one will make you hug your family like it’s the last Christmas ever.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) (Disney+): A department store Santa claims he’s the real Kris Kringle. Watch and try not to believe in magic… I dare you.
A Christmas Carol (Hulu, Disney+): Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three ghosts in this Dickens classic. Ghosts, lessons, and moral epiphanies — basically the original holiday reality check (and who doesn't love squeezing in some teachable moments with the kids).
White Christmas (Netflix, Amazon Prime): Music, romance, and a Vermont inn that proves love wins every time. You’ll be singing along and wishing your holidays were this glamorous.
Scrooged (Netflix, Amazon Prime): Bill Murray brings laughs and holiday lessons in this modern twist. Sarcasm, chaos, and holiday redemption — the perfect combo.
8-Bit Christmas (HBO Max): A super-nostalgic trip to the ’80s where a young boy (and Neil Patrick Harris) chases the ultimate Christmas gift — a legendary video game console.
Jack in Time for Christmas (Prime Video): A time-travel comedy special starring Jack Whitehall (and cameos from Rebel Wilson, Jimmy Fallon, and Michael Bublé) — because sometimes you need to actually go back to fix holiday drama.

Yuletide Romance (Romantic Picks)

Warm, fuzzy, and perfect for snuggling up… with or without someone.

Love Actually (Netflix, Amazon Prime): Multiple love stories collide in London. Warning: You’ll cry, swoon, and then watch it again immediately.
The Family Man (Amazon Prime): A glimpse at the “what if?” of life, love, and family. Makes you question all your life choices — in a good way.
The Family Stone (Amazon Prime): Awkward family dinners + holiday drama = total heart-melter. Dysfunction never looked this cozy or adorable.
Holiday (Netflix): Pretend dates turn into real romance. Fake it till you make it… and maybe fall in love.
The Holiday (Netflix, Amazon Prime): Home swaps lead to unexpected romance in England and LA. Sweet, scenic, and so romantic you’ll want to swap houses yourself.
The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix): A Broadway dancer puts on an all-male, Christmas-themed revue to save her family’s theater — full of holiday charm, humor, and grown-up feels.
Our Little Secret (Netflix): A woman spends her first Christmas with her boyfriend’s family — until her ex shows up, and things get awkwardly festive.

Ho-Ho-Hilarious (Funny & Lighthearted)

Chaotic, over-the-top, and guaranteed to make you laugh (and maybe cringe a little).

Christmas Vacation (Hulu, Peacock) The Griswolds’ holiday plans spiral hilariously out of control. If it even Christmas if you haven't watched this?
Elf (Hulu, Peacock): Buddy the Elf is pure sugar, spice, and everything hilarious. Will make you want to hug every stranger and eat spaghetti for breakfast.
Red One (Prime Video): Action + Christmas adventure — Dwayne Johnson (as North Pole security) and Chris Evans team up to rescue Santa after he's kidnapped.
Die Hard (Hulu, Amazon Prime): John McClane fights terrorists in a skyscraper on Christmas Eve. Perfect for the “action movie Christmas” crowd. Yes, it counts as holiday spirit.
Jingle All the Way (Disney+, Amazon Prime) A last-minute toy hunt becomes total holiday madness. Parenting stress and hilarity in one 90-minute gift-wrapping nightmare.
Deck the Halls (Hulu, Amazon Prime): Neighbor rivalry goes fully festive and ridiculous. Warning: You might get inspired to overdecorate your own house.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation 2: Cousin Eddie’s Island Adventure (Peacock, Amazon Prime) More Griswold chaos for diehard fans. Cousin Eddie strikes again — may your holiday spirit survive.

Kid-Approved Classics (Children’s Favorites)

Magical, animated, and endlessly fun — the kind of movies that make you feel eight again.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (Apple TV+, Prime Video): A shiny-nosed hero proves differences can save the day. You’ll sing the songs for days… and love every second.
Frosty the Snowman (Apple TV+, Prime Video): Snowy magic and songs you’ll be humming for weeks. Melt your heart, not your snowman.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town (Apple TV+, Prime Video): Learn how Santa became Santa. Perfect for believing in holiday magic… even if you’re “too old.”
A Year Without a Santa Claus (Apple TV+, Prime Video): Santa contemplates skipping Christmas until two elves change his mind. Proof that teamwork makes the Christmas dream work.
Muppets Christmas Carol (Disney+): The Muppets bring their signature charm to Dickens’ classic story. Gonzo + Kermit + Christmas = pure magic.
The Polar Express (HBO Max, Amazon Prime) All aboard for a magical train ride straight to Christmas wonder. Hop on board… and don’t forget your cocoa.
Arthur Christmas (Netflix, Amazon Prime): Santa’s clumsy son proves even the smallest gestures can save Christmas. Heartwarming, hilarious, and adorable — a triple gift.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966 & 2000) (Hulu, Peacock, Amazon Prime): From animated classic to Jim Carrey live-action, the Grinch steals hearts. You’ll root for the Grinch every time — and maybe steal a cookie.

Fresh Off the Sleigh (New for 2025)

The latest holiday releases to keep your watchlist merry and bright.

A Merry Little Ex-Mas (Netflix, Nov 12, 2025): A divorcing couple plans one last family Christmas for their kids, but the husband’s new girlfriend shows up and chaos ensues. Perfect for anyone who thinks family holidays are never simple — and that’s exactly why it’s hilarious.
My Secret Santa (Netflix, Dec 3, 2025): A single mom disguises herself as a man to land a seasonal Santa gig, leading to unexpected romance. Think mistaken identity, holiday cheer, and enough cute moments to melt any Grinch heart.
Jingle Bell Heist (Netflix, Nov 26, 2025): Two thieves plan to rob the same department store at Christmas, resulting in a comedic showdown. A heist movie with tinsel- who knew crime could be this festive?
Play Dirty (Prime Video, Oct 1, 2025): A stylish, Christmas-set heist thriller where a betrayed thief gets pulled into a deeper conspiracy. High-stakes drama meets holiday lights — for when you want suspense with your cocoa.
Unexpected Christmas (Streaming TBA, Nov 7, 2025): Surprise guests threaten to derail a family reunion, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments. Family chaos, laughter, and holiday hugs — the ultimate watch-and-relate movie.

Just For Us Ladies

A Bad Moms Christmas (Streaming on fuboTV; buy/rent via Amazon, Apple): Tired of hosting and holiday pressure? Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell & Kathryn Hahn show you how to rebel (and laugh) through the chaos when the moms’ moms show up.
Oh. What. Fun. (Streaming on Prime Video Dec 3, 2025): The perfect “mom in her 40s” holiday story: super-mom feels under-appreciated, vanishes, and rediscovers herself while the family panics. Starring Michelle Pfeiffer.
Holiday in the Vineyards (Netflix): Romantic comedy with mature themes, set in a vineyard at Christmas: adults, wine, more depth.
While You Were Sleeping: Sandra Bullock, romance, holiday Chicago and heartfelt fun. Classic choice for romantic nostalgia.
Happiest Season: Modern, inclusive, with Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis. For when you want romance + relevance.
Hot Frosty (Netflix): Wild premise (snowman comes to life), but with a playful romantic twist and a grown-up lead, Lacey Chabert. Don't judge me but I watched this last year wrapping gifts and kindof loved it.

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