12 Best Christmas Movies to Watch this Year
Our Christmas Movies list in no particular order
1. Elf (2003)
Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes
How to watch: Now TV
This modern classic tells the story of Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised at the North Pole who sets out to find his real father in New York City. Along the way, he learns some harsh truths about the world and himself, but also discovers the true meaning of Christmas. “Elf” is a hilarious and heartwarming film that the whole family will enjoy.
2. The Polar Express (2004)
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
How to watch: Now TV
Based on the beloved children’s book, “The Polar Express” follows a young boy who takes a magical train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Along the way, he learns about friendship, bravery, and the true spirit of the holiday season. This gorgeous film is sure to become a holiday tradition in your household.
3. The Christmas Chronicles
Runtime: 1 hour 45 minutes
How to watch: Netflix
If you’re in the mood for a more heartwarming film, check out The Christmas Chronicles. This movie follows the story of two siblings who, after accidentally crashing Santa’s sleigh, must help him deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Along the way, they learn the true meaning of Christmas.
4. Home Alone (1990)
Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes
How to watch: Disney+
In this classic holiday movie, an eight-year-old boy named Kevin is accidentally left home alone when his family goes on vacation for Christmas. At first, Kevin is excited to have the house to himself, but he soon discovers that being home alone is not as fun as it sounds. When two burglars attempt to break into his house, Kevin must put his newfound independence to the test. “Home Alone” is a hilarious and suspenseful movie that the whole family will enjoy.
5. Die Hard
Runtime: 2 hour 12minutes
How to watch: Disney+
This classic action movie follows John McClane (Bruce Willis) as he tries to save his wife and other hostages from terrorists at a Los Angeles high-rise.
6. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes
How to watch: Disney+
A charming and hilarious retelling of the classic Dickens tale, The Muppet Christmas Carol features the beloved Muppets in all of the classic roles. Kermit the Frog stars as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy is the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Gonzo and Rizzo take on
7. Love Actually (2003)
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes
How to watch: Netflix
This romantic comedy follows the lives of several couples in the lead-up to Christmas. “Love Actually” is a feel-good movie that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the holiday season.
8. The Grinch
Runtime: 1 hour 26 minutes
How to watch: Rakuten
9. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes
How to watch: Rakuten
Considered by many to be the greatest Christmas film of all time, “It’s a Wonderful Life” follows George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) as he is faced with the prospect of ending his own life. However, an angel named Clarence (Henry Travers) intervenes and shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born. This powerful film is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who watches it.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
1 hour 44 minutes
How to watch: Rakuten
This timeless film tells the story of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), a department store Santa who may or may not be the real Santa Claus. When Kris is put on trial for his beliefs, it’s up to a little girl named Susan (Natalie Wood) to save him. “Miracle on 34th Street” is a heartwarming story that the whole family will love.
11. Spirited (2022)
Runtime: 2 hour 07 minutes
How to watch: Apple TV+
Spirited is a creative musical comedy based on Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story A Christmas Carol. This take on the redemption tale flips the script on Marley & Co. by coming at the story from the ghosts’ perspective. A a fun, heartwarming film that’s sure to become a holiday classic. It’s available now on Apple TV+.
12. The Nutcracker & the Four Realms
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
How to watch: Disney+
This movie, based on the beloved ballet, takes place in a fantastical world of toys and sweets. Clara (Mackenzie Foy) enters a realm of enchantment when she finds a key that unlocks a box containing a Nutcracker doll. She soon discovers that the realm is in danger and must find the Sugarplum Fairy (Keira Knightley) to help save it. The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is a visually stunning movie that’s perfect for a festive movie night.