What makes a Christmas movie? It appears simple to describe, but the argument over whether or not a particular film should be included in this category demonstrates that it could be more complex.
It’s simple to become happy when it comes to all the cheery mood and fluffy feelings that flood our screens as soon as the outside temperature drops a little bit. But no matter how miserable you are, deep down, you know there’s at least one movie you just have to watch to remind yourself that the best time of the year has come. The most delightful time of the year is during the Christmas season. It’s important to spend as much time as possible with our families.
Here are ten Christmas movies that are available to stream:
- Love Actually
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- A Christmas Carol (2009 version with Jim Carrey)
- Elf
- The Grinch (2018 version with Benedict Cumberbatch)
- The Santa Clause
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- The Polar Express
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version with Mara Wilson)
Keep in mind that the availability of movies can vary by region, so some of these may be available outside of your area.
1. Love Actually
This romantic comedy follows various related couples negotiating love and relationships over the holiday season. Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, and Emma Thompson are among the all-star cast members of the endearing and amusing holiday classic Love Actually.
Love Actually is set in London during the Christmas season and follows the lives of several individuals as they navigate relationships with family, friends, and potential romantic partners. The film was a commercial and critical success and has become a holiday classic.
2. It’s a Wonderful Life
James Stewart portrays George Bailey in this timeless holiday story. In it, George is shown by an angel what life might have been like if he had never been born. He receives a visit from a guardian angel who depicts what life in his community would have been like without him.
A warm-hearted reminder of the strength of love, friendship, and family may be found in It’s a Wonderful Life. The American Film Institute has also recognized the movie as one of the 100 greatest American films of all time.
3. A Christmas Carol (2009 version with Jim Carrey)
In this retelling of the classic Charles Dickens tale, Jim Carrey stars as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve and shown the error of his ways. This animated adaptation is a fun and faithful retelling of the classic story. The spirits show Scrooge his past, present, and future and help him to see the error of his ways and embrace the true nature of Christmas.
4. Elf
Elf is a 2003 American Christmas comedy film directed by Jon Favreau and written by David Berenbaum. Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who makes his way to New York City in search of his father, is portrayed by Will Ferrell. A delightful and cheerful holiday comedy like Elf will put you in the mood for Christmas.
5. The Grinch (2018 version with Benedict Cumberbatch)
Benedict Cumberbatch voices the titular character in this animated adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale. This grumpy green creature tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. With stunning animation and a heartwarming message, The Grinch is a must-watch for the holiday season.
6. The Santa Clause
The Santa Clause is a 1994 American Christmas fantasy comedy film directed by John Pasquin and starring Tim Allen. Scott Calvin mistakenly kills Santa Claus on Christmas Eve and is forced to step in and serve as the new Santa. The family will enjoy the hilarious and endearing holiday comedy.
7. The Nightmare Before Christmas
This animated musical tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, who becomes bored with his job and tries to be Santa Claus. The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Christmas movie unlike any other because of its distinctive blending of Halloween and Christmas elements.
8. A Charlie Brown Christmas
This classic animated holiday special follows the misadventures of Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang as they try to find the true meaning of Christmas. The classic A Charlie Brown Christmas is a must-see due to its short animation and uplifting message.
9. The Polar Express
In this animated adventure, a young boy boards a magical train that takes him to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. The animated holiday movie The Polar Express is destined to become a family favorite because of its beautiful animation and uplifting message.
The Polar Express is a 2004 American animated adventure film produced by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is based on the 1985 children’s book of the same name by Chris Van Allsburg and was directed by Robert Zemeckis.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version with Mara Wilson)
Miracle on 34th Street is a 1994 American Christmas fantasy film directed by Les Mayfield and written by John Hughes, based on the 1947 film of the same name. It stars Mara Wilson, Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, and Dylan McDermott. It is about a young girl who discovers that the man hired to play Santa Claus at the Macy’s department store in New York City is the real deal.
The film received positive reviews and was a commercial success, grossing over $60 million at the box office. This heartwarming holiday classic has become a holiday classic and is often shown on television during Christmas.
