December is calling, and there's nothing quite like settling into your coziest spot—soft blanket wrapped around you, warm beverage in hand, favorite people nearby (or nobody at all, because solo movie nights are sacred)—to watch a Christmas movie that makes your heart feel completely full. Nothing sounds better after a decadent Christmas meal than taking a seat on the couch in our coziest pajamas, a hot wholesome beverage in hand, and our loved ones (or ourselves) ready to enjoy some Christmas movies that make our hearts happy.

But with thousands of holiday films available across streaming platforms—from Netflix to Disney+ to Prime Video—choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Do you want something that makes you laugh? Swoon? Feel cozy and nostalgic? Or maybe something completely different that subverts all the holiday movie tropes?

That's exactly why we created this ultimate guide: 25 carefully curated Christmas movies that deliver everything you want during the holidays. Whether that's laugh-out-loud comedy that leaves you breathless, swoony romance that restores your faith in love, feel-good warmth that brings genuine tears, or those lesser-known gems that become your new favorites—this list has something for every mood, every gathering, and every person in your life.

From the classics that defined the genre to modern films that are gaining cult status, from beloved family staples to unique picks most people have never heard of—we've curated this list with intention. No fluff. No obvious choices that you've seen a thousand times already (okay, some obvious choices because Home Alone belongs on every Christmas list). Just honest recommendations from people who genuinely love these films.

So grab your hot chocolate, get cozy, and let's find your next favorite Christmas movie.

Classic Christmas Essentials (The Timeless Favorites)

These are the movies that defined the holiday season for generations. The ones your parents watched, the ones you grew up with, and the ones you'll pass down to your own family. They're classics for a reason.

Home Alone

We can't talk about Christmas without mentioning Kevin and his family in this iconic 1990 classic. Home Alone is, quite simply, one of the most Christmas-y, wholesome comedies that will keep you joyful and carefree during the entire holiday season—and for good reason.

The film follows 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, who accidentally gets left behind when his entire family travels for the holidays, only to discover that two burglars are targeting his home. What unfolds is a masterclass in both comedy and heart: Kevin must defend his beloved home using creativity, wit, and a series of hilariously elaborate traps.

The film works because it's not just funny—it's touching. Beneath the slapstick humor is a genuine story about family, belonging, and the realization that home is about the people you love, not the physical place. Beyond the comedy, Home Alone has become a cultural institution. Its iconic moments are quoted year after year, its catchphrases are instantly recognizable, and its production values remain impressive even decades later.

Where to Watch: Disney+, available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV

Elf (2003)

A beloved Christmas classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and it cannot be excluded from any Christmas movie list. Will Ferrell's performance as Buddy the Elf—a human raised by elves at the North Pole who travels to New York City to find his biological father—is nothing short of magical. The film perfectly balances absurdist comedy with genuine heart. Buddy's childlike wonder and complete lack of cynicism in the face of modern city life is both hilarious and surprisingly moving. The scene where he eats spaghetti covered in maple syrup and candy? Unforgettable. The moment he believes in Santa even when no one else does? You'll feel it in your chest.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, available to rent on most platforms

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

A 1946 film that has earned its place among Christmas classics and is worth watching at least once every holiday season. This heartwarming story follows George Bailey, a man who has given up his dreams to help others, and who is shown what life would have been like if he had never existed.

The film is a holiday movie with witty lines, charming characters, and timeless appeal. It explores themes of sacrifice, community, and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. The ending will leave you in tears—the good kind.

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video, NBC during the holidays, available to rent on most platforms

A Christmas Story (1983)

"You'll shoot your eye out!" If you know, you know. This nostalgic comedy follows young Ralphie Parker and his quest to get a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas, despite every adult in his life warning him against it.

The film perfectly captures the magic and chaos of 1940s Christmas through a child's eyes. From the leg lamp to the tongue-stuck-to-the-flagpole incident, it's packed with moments that have become part of Christmas pop culture. TBS's 24-hour marathon every Christmas Eve has made this an essential part of many families' holiday traditions.

Where to Watch: TBS (24-hour marathon), HBO Max, available to rent

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

An old time classic, this movie travels you back in time, offering some history insights as well but keeping the Christmas spirit alive. A true love story with a lot of mystery.

Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, this romantic comedy follows two feuding employees at a Budapest gift shop who don't realize they're falling in love through anonymous letters. If this premise sounds familiar, it's because it inspired the beloved 1998 film You've Got Mail. The original has a charm all its own—witty dialogue, the magic of old Hollywood, and a heartwarming Christmas Eve revelation that will make you believe in fate.

Where to watch: Max

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

A beloved Christmas classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages, and it simply cannot be excluded from any Christmas movie list. Watch it while you sing the song in your head.

This stop-motion animated special has been airing annually since 1964, making it one of the longest-running holiday traditions in television history. The story of Rudolph's journey from outcast to hero, complete with the Island of Misfit Toys and the Abominable Snowman, teaches timeless lessons about acceptance and embracing what makes us different. The animation may be dated, but that's part of its nostalgic charm.

Where to watch: Apple TV

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

A 1945 film that has earned its place among Christmas classics and is worth watching at least once. It is a holiday movie with witty lines, charming characters, and timeless appeal.

Barbara Stanwyck plays a magazine writer famous for her columns about domestic bliss—except she can't cook, isn't married, and lives in a New York apartment instead of the Connecticut farmhouse she describes. When her publisher insists she host a war hero for Christmas, the deceptions pile up hilariously. It's screwball comedy at its finest, with that golden age of Hollywood sparkle that never gets old.

Where to watch: Hulu, Apple TV

Romantic Holiday Picks (For Date Night & Swooning)

Christmas and romance just go together. There's something about the twinkling lights, cozy settings, and holiday magic that makes falling in love feel inevitable. These films will make your heart flutter.

The Holiday (2006)

The perfect rom-com to celebrate Christmas and the opportunities that the holiday season brings. Sweet and touchy, it's the ideal way to enjoy your evening in your coziest pajamas with a cup of something warm.

Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap homes for the holidays—one in a charming English cottage, the other in a sleek LA mansion—and both find unexpected love. The film is pure comfort viewing: beautiful locations, swoon-worthy romance (Jude Law in that cozy sweater!), and the fantasy of completely escaping your life for the holidays. It also features one of the most satisfying "she finally stands up for herself" character arcs in rom-com history.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video

Love Actually (2003)

The ultimate Christmas rom-com ensemble. Love Actually weaves together multiple love stories in London during the holidays, from the Prime Minister falling for his assistant to a widower helping his stepson declare love at the airport.

Yes, some storylines are problematic by today's standards (we're looking at you, Rick and Karen plot). But the film's genuine moments of love, the iconic airport finale, and that opening montage about love being everywhere... it still works. The cue card scene alone has been referenced, parodied, and recreated countless times because it captures something deeply romantic about grand gestures and unspoken feelings.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock

Serendipity (2001)

The core of this movie revolves around the age-old question: do we control our destinies, or are our lives guided by unseen forces? Serendipity is a charming and thought-provoking film that explores the power of love and the mysterious ways of fate.

John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale meet cute at Bloomingdale's while Christmas shopping, share a magical evening, and then leave their reunion to fate. Years later, both engaged to other people, they search for each other one last time. It's romantic, snowy New York at its finest, and perfect for anyone who believes in "meant to be."

Where to Watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu

While You Were Sleeping (1995)

A heartwarming movie that is a classic holiday rom-com with all the familiar tropes: a charming love story, a case of mistaken identity, and a touch of holiday magic. Sandra Bullock plays a lonely subway token collector who saves a man's life on Christmas Day, then gets mistaken for his fiancée by his welcoming family.

The complications arise when she actually falls for his brother (Bill Pullman). It's warm, funny, and captures that feeling of found family during the holidays. Perfect for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking for where they belong.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu

Christmas Inheritance (2017)

A heartwarming movie that is a classic holiday rom-com with all the familiar tropes: a charming small town, a heartwarming love story, and a touch of holiday magic.

When a wealthy heiress is sent to her father's small hometown to deliver a Christmas letter, she finds herself stranded with no money and no way to contact her privileged life. What she discovers instead is community, genuine connection, and perhaps love with a kind inn owner. It's cozy, predictable in the best way, and exactly the kind of feel-good viewing perfect for a snowy evening.

Where to watch: Netflix

Cozy Feel-Good Comedies (For the Nostalgic Soul)

Sometimes you just need a movie that makes you laugh, feel warm, and reminds you of the simple joys of the season. These films deliver exactly that.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

If you are dreading to meet your partner's family, then you should definitely watch this—and you should definitely change your mind. Well, maybe. The Griswold family's attempts at the "perfect Christmas" go hilariously wrong in every possible way, from the Christmas tree catching fire to Cousin Eddie showing up in an RV.

Chevy Chase's performance as the well-meaning but disaster-prone Clark Griswold is iconic. The film perfectly captures the stress of holiday hosting while celebrating the chaos that often makes family gatherings memorable. "Is your house on fire, Clark?" "No, Aunt Bethany, those are the Christmas lights."

Where to Watch: HBO Max, available to rent on most platforms

The Family Stone (2005)

Sarah Jessica Parker plays an uptight, conservative businesswoman who accompanies her boyfriend to his eccentric family's Christmas gathering. What starts as culture clash comedy slowly transforms into something deeper and more emotional than you expect.

The Stone family is delightfully chaotic—warm but not always welcoming, loving but capable of cruelty. The film deals with real family dynamics, unexpected romance, and a plot turn that will catch you off guard. Have tissues ready for the ending. This one sneaks up on you.

Where to Watch: Available to rent on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Vudu

Miracle on 34th Street (1947/1994)

Whether you watch the 1947 original or the 1994 remake (both are excellent), this story of a department store Santa who claims to be the real Kris Kringle is timeless. When he's put on trial to prove his identity, the courtroom scenes become a meditation on faith, belief, and the magic of Christmas.

The film asks: what's lost when we stop believing in something bigger than ourselves? It's surprisingly philosophical while remaining thoroughly heartwarming. Perfect for watching with kids or for rediscovering your own sense of wonder.

Where to Watch: Disney+ (1994), HBO Max (1947)

Hidden Gem Christmas Movies (Lesser-Known Treasures)

These are the films that don't get the same airtime as the classics, but deserve just as much love. If you've seen everything else, these will feel like discovering something special.

The Christmas Truce (2015)

If you love Christmas and you also love history, then this movie is the perfect match. The film takes place on the Western Front during World War I, and despite the ongoing conflict, soldiers from opposing sides—German, French, and Scottish—spontaneously lay down their arms on Christmas Eve.

It is a moving film that explores the human cost of war and the enduring power of hope and compassion. Based on true events, it reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, humanity can find moments of connection and peace. Not your typical Christmas movie, but deeply powerful.

Where to Watch: Hallmark Channel, available to rent on Amazon Prime

Un conte de Noël (A French Christmas Carol) (2008)

A French comedy-drama that explores the dynamics of a family with a history of trauma, and the tensions that arise when they are forced to confront their past as they gather during a Christmas reunion.

Directed by Arnaud Desplechin, this isn't your typical feel-good Christmas film. It's messy, complicated, and emotionally honest about how family relationships really work. The ensemble cast delivers stunning performances, and the film rewards viewers who appreciate character-driven drama. A sophisticated choice for those who want something different.

Where to Watch: The Criterion Channel, available to rent on Amazon Prime

The Polar Express (2004)

Based on Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book, The Polar Express follows a young boy who boards a magical train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. The film is a visual spectacle, with stunning animation that captures both the wonder and the slight eeriness of childhood belief.

Tom Hanks voices multiple characters in this motion-capture animated film. The central message—about holding onto belief in the face of doubt—resonates with both children and adults. The hot chocolate song will get stuck in your head for days.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, available to rent on most platforms

Joyeux Noël (2005)

If you love Christmas and you also love history, then this movie is the perfect match. The film takes place on the Western Front during World War I and, despite the ongoing conflict, soldiers from opposing sides—German, French, and Scottish—spontaneously lay down their arms on Christmas Eve.

It is a moving film that explores the human cost of war and the enduring power of hope and compassion. Based on the true events of the Christmas Truce of 1914, the film shows enemy soldiers sharing food, playing football, and exchanging photos of loved ones. It's a powerful reminder that humanity can triumph even in the darkest circumstances. Not your typical Christmas movie, but deeply meaningful.

Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime

Unexpected Christmas Movies (For Those Who Want Something Different)

Not everyone wants traditional holiday cheer. Sometimes you want Christmas adjacent—films set during the holidays that offer something unexpected.

Die Hard (1988)

Yes, it's a Christmas movie. Fight us. Bruce Willis plays John McClane, an NYPD cop who visits his estranged wife at her company's Christmas party in Los Angeles—just as terrorists take over the building. What follows is one of the greatest action films ever made, packed with memorable one-liners, incredible set pieces, and genuine tension.

The Christmas setting isn't incidental—it's integral to the themes of family, reconciliation, and hope against impossible odds. Plus, the soundtrack includes "Let It Snow" during the closing scene. That makes it official.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Disney+, available to rent everywhere

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Tim Burton's stop-motion masterpiece straddles Halloween and Christmas perfectly. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town and becomes obsessed with taking over the holiday—with disastrous but touching results. The film is visually stunning, the songs are unforgettable, and the story about finding where you belong while appreciating what you have resonates year-round. Perfect for goths and Christmas lovers alike—sometimes those are the same people.

Where to Watch: Disney+

Your Turn: Which Christmas Movie Are You Watching First?

We've shared 20 of our favorite holiday films, but the truth is: every year we discover something new—whether it's a movie we missed the first hundred times or a recent release that instantly becomes a classic in our hearts.

Whether you're revisiting a childhood favorite that still makes you cry happy tears, discovering a hidden gem that becomes your new tradition, or branching out to something completely different from what you usually watch—these movies are guaranteed to make your December more magical.

The holiday season is short, but the feelings these films create? Those stay with us all year long. So dim the lights, pour yourself something warm, and press play on your next favorite Christmas movie.

Happy watching, and happy holidays.