The 26 best Christmas movies streaming right now

Carol (2015)

Carol (Cate Blanchett) is a glamorous, soon-to-be divorcée shopping for Christmas gifts; Therese (Rooney Mara) is a shopgirl and aspiring photographer. Their eyes meet, Carol compliments Therese’s little Santa hat, and just like that, their hearts are off to the races. The film’s preoccupation with desire feels uniquely fitting for a season in which we all hope, often against reason, to get what we want. Beyond that, Christmas works wonders as a backdrop, imbuing Carol with a mixture of warmth, melancholy, nostalgia, and regret that only the holidays can conjure. —Janey Tracey

Where to watch Carol: HBO Max

EW grade: A–

Director: Todd Haynes

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

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Although it’s a children’s special, A Charlie Brown Christmas is one of the most existential movies on this list. The animated classic begins with an extremely relatable sentiment: It’s the holiday season and Charlie Brown is supposed to be happy, yet he’s unseasonably depressed. He becomes even more despondent as he considers the over-commercialization of the holiday. By the end, of course, the true meaning of Christmas has been shared.

With its surprisingly philosophical message, charming animation, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless jazz score, rewatching A Charlie Brown Christmas has become a beloved annual tradition. —J.T.

Where to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV

Director: Bill Melendez

Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford

A Christmas Carol (1984)

Among countless adaptations, the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol stands apart thanks to George C. Scott’s nuanced, vulnerable performance as Ebenezer Scrooge. Rather than just a simple miser, this movie portrays Scrooge as more of a ruthless businessman who believes he’s justified in his actions, making the character more relatable and redemptive. Otherwise, the film is remarkably faithful to Charles Dickens’ original novella, preserving the gothic elements and darker themes without too much sentimentality. —J.T.

Where to watch A Christmas Carol: Hulu

Director: Clive Donner

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

A Christmas Prince (2017)

One of Netflix’s most successful Hallmark-style Christmas movies, A Christmas Prince is a modern fairy tale about an American journalist who falls in love with the prince of a fictional country. While not explicitly based on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, the film has plenty of references to the royal couple, with a sequel about a royal wedding and a threequel about a royal baby. Possible real-world inspirations aside, this holiday movie is prime comfort viewing, delivering just as many warm fuzzies as you’d expect from something called A Christmas Prince. —J.T.

Where to watch A Christmas Prince: Netflix

Director: Alex Zamm

Cast: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige

Christmas Wedding Planner (2017)

Don’t be fooled by the generic name: Christmas Wedding Planner isn’t just a bad Christmas movie, it’s the best bad Christmas movie. The premise is pretty standard: An unlucky-in-love wedding planner is mapping out her cousin’s engagement but falls for her cousin’s ex, who’s a private investigator. After a few gonzo plot twists, a Joey Fatone cameo, and a truly wild ending, you’ll be left wondering what on Earth you just watched — and screaming “Justice for Emily!” —J.T.

Where to watch Christmas Wedding Planner: The Roku Channel

Director: Justin G. Dyck

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

Die Hard (1988)

The eternal question pops up once again: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? Let’s say yes! In this action classic, NYPD cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) faces off against a group of terrorists when they take over his estranged wife’s high-rise office holiday party. McClane is, in his words, the fly in the ointment, the one wild card that Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman in a towering big-screen debut) couldn’t anticipate. Though not a traditional holiday movie, the Christmas argument surrounding Die Hard only adds to its fun, marrying the Christmas Eve setting, quippy one-liners, and cat-and-mouse tension. —J.T.

Where to watch Die Hard: Hulu

Director: John McTiernan

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

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Set against the cozy backdrop of pastel-colored houses decorated for the holidays, Edward Scissorhands follows Edward (Johnny Depp), a gentle, misunderstood man with razor-sharp talons who shocks everyone when he arrives in a suburban town. While not a traditional holiday movie, it is one of Tim Burton’s coziest gothic fairy tales. Case in point, the film’s most memorable moment: Kim (Winona Ryder) dancing in the falling snowflakes created by Edward carving ice sculptures. —J.T.

Where to watch Edward Scissorhands: Disney+

EW grade: A–

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Johnny Depp, Winona Ryder, Dianne Wiest, Anthony Michael Hall, Alan Arkin

Four Christmases (2008)

A criminally underrated holiday rom-com, Four Christmases follows an unconventional, stubbornly unmarried couple (Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn) whose plans for a tropical Christmas are thwarted, forcing them to visit all four of their divorced parents in one day. It received pretty dismal reviews at the time but deserves a second look; Witherspoon and Vaughn have surprisingly great chemistry, the dialogue is snappy, and the supporting cast is insanely star-studded, including Kristin Chenoweth, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, and Christmas movie staple Mary Steenburgen. —J.T.

Where to watch Four Christmases: HBO Max

EW grade: B

Director: Seth Gordon

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

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

“Frosty the Snowman” is one of the most recognizable holiday songs, and this classic cartoon brings the beloved character to life. Rankin/Bass, known for their iconic television specials, created an animation style that looks like a Christmas card in every frame and got Jimmy Durante — one of the song’s original performers — to narrate the story. Frosty the Snowman remains a timeless favorite, delighting audiences of all ages — and yes, it has even gotten a flirty update in 2024. —J.T.

Where to watch Frosty the Snowman: Hulu

Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass

Cast: Jimmy Durante, Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe

Gremlins (1984)

Holiday comedy horror is an underrated subgenre, and the most classic entry is definitely Gremlins. Produced by Steven Spielberg and written by Chris Columbus, Gremlins took the aesthetic of our favorite friendly creatures of the ‘80s — E.T., Yoda — and turned it spectacularly on its head in this silly, chaotic gorefest. (Who would have thought the doe-eyed little Gizmo could sprout increasingly aggressive offspring that wreak havoc all over town?) The film commits as much to its Christmas setting — including a choir of Gremlin carolers — as to its wanton cartoon violence. —J.T.

Where to watch Gremlins: HBO Max

Director: Joe Dante

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

Happiest Season (2020)

A queer Christmas rom-com directed by Clea DuVall? Say no more. Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), who’s ready to propose to her girlfriend, Harper (Mackenzie Davis), over the holidays — until she finds out Harper is not out to her conservative family. Things get complicated fast, especially with the massive chemistry between Abby and Harper’s old girlfriend, Riley (Aubrey Plaza). While some might argue Abby ends up with the wrong person, the movie still delivers a charming, heartfelt, and wholly modern Christmas movie. —J.T.

Where to watch Happiest Season: Hulu

EW grade: B+

Director: Clea DuVall

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

The Holdovers (2023)

Set over a snowy Christmas break at a New England boarding school, The Holdovers follows a grumpy teacher (Paul Giamatti), a rebellious student (Dominic Sessa), and a grieving cafeteria worker (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) as they form an unexpected bond. That may sound corny, but the film successfully transcends holiday clichés to focus on the loneliness of the season. With its dry, misanthropic humor and rich performances, The Holdovers became an awards-season darling, earning multiple Oscar nominations — including Randolph’s win for Best Supporting Actress. —J.T.

Where to watch The Holdovers: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

EW grade: A–

Director: Alexander Payne

Cast: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Dominic Sessa

The Holiday (2006)

Christmas and Nancy Meyers are a match made in cinematic heaven. This dreamy romantic comedy centers on Amanda Woods (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), a pair of women struggling with their love lives — one an American movie-marketing business owner, the other a British society columnist — who agree to swap houses for a holiday to escape their problems. Amanda has a meet-cute with Iris’ book editor brother, Graham (a dashing Jude Law), while Iris hits it off with film composer Miles (Jack Black, cast refreshingly against type). While undoubtedly rooted in fairy tale rom-com tropes rather than grounded realism, we wouldn’t want The Holiday any other way. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch The Holiday: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

Director: Nancy Meyers

Cast: Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Jack Black, Eli Wallach

Home Alone (1990)

Forget Die Hard — Home Alone is the ultimate Christmas action movie. When his family accidentally leaves him behind for vacation, 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) defends his home from two bumbling burglars with a series of pranks that are far more gruesome than you probably remember. Yet, thanks to the hilarious slapstick performances from Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, the traps feel more goofy than grim. With its mix of physical comedy, holiday spirit, and questionable parenting, Home Alone remains a nostalgic Christmas classic. —J.T.

Where to watch Home Alone: Disney+

EW grade: B

Director: Chris Columbus

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

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

One of the rare sequels that does the original justice, Home Alone 2 raises the stakes with more pranks, more laughs, and a more classic Christmas setting. Kevin’s antics move from the Chicago suburbs to the bustling streets of New York City, with iconic holiday landmarks like Rockefeller Center and the Plaza Hotel adding to the festive charm. The traps are absolutely brutal this time — it’s a Christmas miracle that Harry and Marv didn’t end up dead. Everything is bigger and better, from the chaotic violence to the heartfelt moments, including Kevin’s touching friendship with the pigeon lady. —J.T.

Where to watch Home Alone 2: Lost in New York: Disney+

Director: Chris Columbus

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

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Skip the creepy live-action version — this animated classic is the definitive, faithful adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ beloved book, which needed no improvement. Well, except for the now-iconic, hilarious song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Adding to the fun, the film is narrated by Boris Karloff — best known for playing Frankenstein’s monster. With its timeless animation by Chuck Jones, and a much shorter runtime than you remember, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! remains the ultimate holiday treat. —J.T.

Where to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Peacock

Director: Chuck Jones

Cast: Boris Karloff

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

It’s a Wonderful Life is a true American classic and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time. It tells the story of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), a decent man who considers suicide on Christmas Eve, prompting an angel to show what the world would be like without him. Released shortly after World War II, the film’s sentimental, humanistic message of hope and the value of each life resonated deeply with audiences. Though a tearjerker, it’s definitely a hopeful holiday movie at heart, even if director Frank Capra didn’t think of it as a Christmas movie. —J.T.

Where to watch It’s a Wonderful Life: Amazon Prime Video

Director: Frank Capra

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

Little Women (2019)

Set across several Christmas seasons, Little Women feels like a cozy, warm blanket while Greta Gerwig’s feminist take gives it a modern edge. The 1994 version is also great, but in the 2019 adaptation, Gerwig and the brilliant Florence Pugh pull off the impossible: They make everyone like Amy. Her reimagining also adds a clever meta-ending, making this adaptation feel fresh while still capturing the heart of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel. —J.T.

Where to watch Little Women: Amazon Prime Video (to rent)

EW grade: A–

Director: Greta Gerwig

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

Love Actually (2003)

It’s not the holidays without Love Actually. This inescapable Christmas staple has everything: the iconic cue card scene, Emma Thompson quietly breaking hearts as she cries to Joni Mitchell, and the unforgettable performance of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Love it or love to hate it, Love Actually has become an annual must-watch, wrapping romance, humor, and a little holiday heartbreak into one very cozy package. —J.T.

Where to watch Love Actually: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: B+

Director: Richard Curtis

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

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

What happens when Santa Claus is put on trial? That’s the delightfully quirky premise of Miracle on 34th Street, where Kris Kringle (Oscar winner Edmund Gwenn), a sweet old man working as a department store Santa, must legally prove he’s sane — which is a bit tricky since he insists he’s the real deal. Of course, the existence of Santa Claus is more about the believer (or non-believer) than the big man himself; and Miracle is primarily about a Macy’s exec and her daughter learning that belief, no matter how improbable, can make magic real. —J.T.

Where to watch Miracle on 34th Street: Disney+

Director: George Seaton

Cast: Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwenn, Natalie Wood

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Unlikely as it may sound, The Muppet Christmas Carol might be the definitive Christmas Carol adaptation. Gonzo as Charles Dickens makes the narrative both clever and charming, and the songs are absolute bangers. Michael Caine’s performance as Scrooge is marvelously sincere; he treats every moment, and every Muppet, with utter seriousness. The film still has its share of wacky Muppet antics, but never at the expense of Dickens’ story, still managing to balance joy, redemption, and a few tears. —J.T.

Where to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol: Disney+

Director: Brian Henson

Cast: Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Is it a Halloween movie? A Christmas movie? Why not both? The Nightmare Before Christmas walks the line between spooky and festive with its signature aesthetic — gothic yet oddly cozy. Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon, with singing by Danny Elfman), the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, gets tired of scares and decides to bring Christmas cheer instead, leading to all kinds of delightful chaos. Meanwhile, the villainous Oogie Boogie cranks up the creep factor, making for an especially sinister Christmas movie. —J.T.

Where to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas: Disney+

Director: Henry Selick

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

The Princess Switch (2018)

In The Princess Switch, Vanessa Hudgens goes full Parent Trap (okay, The Prince and the Pauper): Two identical women, a Chicago baker and a European duchess, swap lives just days before Christmas — and, of course, romance ensues. But what’s better than two Vanessa Hudgenses? Three Vanessa Hudgenses! The sequels crank up the festive chaos by adding a mischievous third look-alike into the mix. It’s pure holiday fluff in the best way. —J.T.

Where to watch The Princess Switch: Netflix

Director: Mike Rohl

Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar

The Santa Clause (1994)

The Santa Clause is a childhood favorite that still holds up, mixing holiday magic with surprisingly melancholy undertones. Tim Allen plays Scott Calvin, a divorced dad struggling to connect with his son, who accidentally inherits the role of Santa Claus after the big man takes a tumble off his roof. Beneath the festive fun, the movie explores themes of estranged family and second chances. And, of course, it delivers one of the most memorable holiday movie lines: “Seeing isn’t believing. Believing is seeing.” —J.T.

Where to watch The Santa Clause: Disney+

Director: John Pasquin

Cast: Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, David Krumholtz

Violent Night (2022)

Violent Night is so much better than it has any right to be. The premise sounds ridiculous — Santa Claus gets caught in the middle of a hostage situation on Christmas Eve — but that’s exactly what makes it so fun. As Santa takes down the bad guys, the movie is packed with holiday-themed pranks that are just as brutal as they are hilarious, delivering over-the-top gore with a wink. Think Home Alone but with way more blood. David Harbour is an inspired choice as St. Nick, capturing the comic tone and action-star chops this cut-throat version of yuletide fun requires. —J.T.

Where to watch Violent Night: Peacock

EW grade: B

Director: Tommy Wirkola

Cast: David Harbour, John Leguizamo, Beverly D’Angelo

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

The plot of While You Were Sleeping is so ridiculous it feels like a Hallmark movie, only with an all-star cast to pull it off. Sandra Bullock plays a lonely transit worker who saves the life of a stranger (Peter Gallagher) on Christmas. While he’s in a coma, she accidentally makes his quirky loved ones think she’s his fiancée…and then falls in love with his brother (Bill Pullman). The authentic family dynamic perfectly grounds the absurd story, and Bullock and Pullman are at their offbeat best. It’s hard not to fall for her, and for him, and for the entire family. —J.T.

Where to watch While You Were Sleeping: Disney+

Director: Jon Turteltaub

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman, Peter Gallagher, Peter Boyle