The 25 best Christmas movies ready to stream this holiday season

Carol (2015)

Carol (Cate Blanchett) is a glamorous soon-to-be divorcee shopping for Christmas gifts; Therese (Rooney Mara) is a shopgirl and aspiring photographer. Their eyes meet, Carol compliments her 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.

Where to watch Carol: Netflix

EW grade: A- (read the review)

Director: Todd Haynes

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

Related content: Rooney Mara shines in quiet, coiled performance in Carol

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 re-centered.

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.

Where to watch A Charlie Brown Christmas: Apple TV+

Director: Bill Melendez

Cast: Peter Robbins, Christopher Shea, Tracy Stratford

Related content: How well do you know A Charlie Brown Christmas?

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 insane ending, you will be left wondering what on Earth you just watched — and screaming “Justice for Emily!” 

Where to watch Christmas Wedding Planner: The Roku Channel

Director: Justin G. Dyck

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

Related content: How to watch all 109 new Christmas movies this year

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 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.

Where to watch Die Hard: Hulu

Director: John McTiernan

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

Related content: Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? The ultimate EW investigation

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.

Where to watch Four Christmases: Max

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Seth Gordon

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen, Kristin Chenoweth, Sissy Spacek, Robert Duvall, Tim McGraw

Related content: In defense of Four Christmases

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.

Where to watch Frosty the Snowman: Hulu

Directors: Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass

Cast: Jimmy Durante, Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe

Related content: Jules Bass, producer behind Frosty the Snowman and more TV holiday staples, dies at 87

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 hasn’t come out to her conservative family. Things get complicated fast, especially with the insane 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. 

Where to watch Happiest Season: Hulu

EW grade: B+ (read the review)

Director: Clea DuVall

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, Victor Garber, Mary Steenburgen

Related content: Clea DuVall has ‘a couple of ideas’ for a Happiest Season sequel

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.

Where to watch The Holdovers: Amazon Prime Video

EW grade: A- (read the review)

Director: Alexander Payne

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

Related content: The Holdovers star Da’Vine Joy Randolph unpacks her character’s emotional breakdown

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.

Where to watch Home Alone: Disney+

EW grade: B (read the review)

Director: Chris Columbus

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

Related content: Home Alone turns 25: A deep dive with director Chris Columbus

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 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. 

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

Director: Chris Columbus

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

Related content: Joe Pesci says he sustained ‘serious burns’ from that iconic Home Alone 2 scene

How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

Skip the creepy live-action versions — this animated classic is the definitive, faithful adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s 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.

Where to watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Peacock

Director: Chuck Jones

Cast: Boris Karloff

Related content: Actors who have played the Grinch

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. 

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

Related content: A hater’s guide to It’s a Wonderful Life

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.

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, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Colin Firth

Related content: A definitive ranking of all the love stories in Love Actually

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, 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. 

Where to watch Miracle on 34th Street: Disney+

Director: George Seaton

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

Related content: Miracle on 34th Street comes to life in EW’s Top 10 Holiday Movie Moments

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.

Where to watch The Muppet Christmas Carol: Disney+

Director: Brian Henson

Cast: Michael Caine, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz

Related content: Songwriter Paul Williams on the inspirations for his tunes in The Muppet Christmas Carol

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.” 

Where to watch The Santa Clause: Disney+

Director: John Pasquin

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

Related content: David Krumholtz previews his return as Bernard the elf on The Santa Clauses