As some might say, it is the most wonderful time of the year. And what better way to celebrate this time than to watch our favorite Christmas movies we hold near and dear to our hearts. Watching Christmas movies escalates the season of giving to another level, making it an even more special time. With more streaming services than ever, it could get complicated trying to find what service your favorite holiday movie is on. We did the hard part for you and found what the best Christmas movies on each platform are.
Disney+
“A Christmas Carol” (2009)
Image courtesy of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Ebenezer Scrooge (Jim Carrey) is awakened on Christmas Eve by spirits (Carrey) who show him his wasted miserable life. An animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic book, not many movies can capture the essence of Christmas like this one with great Carrey voice performances.
“Home Alone” (1990)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Left at home while his family goes on vacation, Kevin McCalister (Macaulay Culkin) must fend off two burglars by himself. Written by the great John Hughes, “Home Alone” has cemented itself as a perennial favorite. All six movies are on Disney+.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Image courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon and Danny Elfman) of Halloween Town discovers the wonders of Christmas and wants to take over the holiday. A perfect blend of Halloween and Christmas, the stop motion animation is fantastic with catchy songs makes this a great watch during either of the holidays.
“The Santa Clause” (1994)
Image courtesy of Buena Vista Pictures Distribution
After inadvertently making Santa Clause fall off his roof, Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) is recruited to replace him. One of the highest grossing Christmas movies of all time and spawning three sequels, “The Santa Clause” is one of the most beloved of its genre. All three movies and the mini-series are on Disney+.
Hulu
“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) prepares to have one big family Christmas at his house. A staple of Christmas comedies that everyone can relate to in some capacity, watching everything fall apart in front of Clark’s face never gets old.
“Die Hard” (1988)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox
John McClane (Bruce Willis) tries to save his wife and her colleagues that have been taken hostage by terrorists. There is no debate as to whether or not this is a Christmas movie and it is one of the most enjoyable, rewatchable and iconic ones at that.
“The Polar Express” (2004)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
On Christmas Eve, a train full of children embark on an adventure to the North Pole. Based on the best selling book of the same name, “The Polar Express” has solidified itself as one of the most popular Christmas movies with its endearing story and many memorable moments. “The Polar Express” is also streaming on Max.
Max
“A Christmas Story” (1983)
Image courtesy of MGM/UA Entertainment Co.
Young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) convinces his parents and Santa that a BB gun is the best gift he can get. It is impossible to escape “A Christmas Story” in December, as it seems to be on every channel every day, but for very good reasons. Its 2022 sequel “A Christmas Story Christmas” is also streaming on Max.
“Elf” (2003)
Image courtesy of New Line Cinema
Raised as an elf in the North Pole, Buddy (Will Ferrell) travels to New York City to meet his father who does not know he exists. One of the funniest Christmas movies ever made, it remains a memorable family classic.
“Four Christmases” (2008)
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
A couple attempts to visit all four of their divorced parents for Christmas. Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon perfectly encapsulates the stress of Christmas with your family in one of the better holiday rom-coms.
Netflix
“The Christmas Chronicles” (2018)
Image courtesy of Netflix
After a brother and sister try to catch Santa on camera, they go on an unforgettable adventure. A premise that almost everybody can relate to as a kid makes for an easy and fun watch for the whole family. Both the original and sequel is streaming on Netflix.
“Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” (2020)
Image courtesy of Netflix
A magical invention has the power to change the lives of an eccentric toymaker (Forest Whitaker) and his granddaughter (Madalen Mills) in an imaginary world. A great blend of childlike fantasy in a holiday setting with some wonderful songs woven in.
“Klaus” (2019)
Image courtesy of Netflix
A new postman on an isolated island befriends a toymaker and they set out to deliver them on his sleigh. A modern Christmas classic that hits all of the beats needed for a heartwarming watch with incredible animation.
“Love Actually” (2003)
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
The ultimate Christmas rom-com follows the lives of eight different couples in loosely interrelated tales. “Love Actually” is divisive, yet has gained cult status with its absolutely star studded English cast.
“White Christmas” (1954)
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
A song-and-dance team become romantically involved and team up with others to save a failing inn of their former commanding general. There are surprisingly few Christmas musicals, making this Bing Crosby one a worthy watch.
Paramount+
“Bad Santa” (2003)
Image courtesy of Miramax Films
A conman and his partner pose as Santa and his elf to rob department stores on Christmas Eve. One of the rare rated ‘R’ Christmas movies, “Bad Santa” is able to pull off its hilarious raunchy comedy style with a good Christmas message.
“Planes, Trains and Automobiles” (1987)
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Struggling to get back home for Thanksgiving, an advertising man finds himself traveling with a lovable oaf. By far the best Thanksgiving movie, Steve Martin and John Candy’s comedic chemistry is some of the best ever.
“Scrooged” (1988)
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
A selfish TV executive is visited by three spirits who try to teach him a lesson. A more modern take on Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” it is great to see the adaptation outside of 1800’s England and we get a great Bill Murray performance out of it.
Peacock
“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)
Image courtesy of Turner Entertainment Co.
Disguised as Santa Claus, the Grinch tries to steal Christmas from the Whos of Whoville. It does not get more iconic than this, spawning multiple adaptations that just can not reach the heights of the original TV special.
“Krampus” (2015)
Image courtesy of Universal Pictures
A boy accidentally summons a festive demon to his family home after having a bad Christmas. While the horror or comedy does not reach its fullest potential, “Krampus” is a nice change up from other typical holiday movies.
Prime Video
“Christmas With The Kranks” (2004)
Image courtesy of Sony Pictures
Luther and Lora Krank (Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis) decide to skip Christmas with their daughter away from home and causes an uproar with the neighbors. Most people can relate to neighbors being all too nosey, making this a fun and enjoyable watch during the festive season.
“It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946)
Image courtesy of RKO Radio Pictures
An angel is sent down from heaven to help George Bailey (James Stewart) who has reached the lowest point in his life. One of the best messages a film can have, everybody has had an impact on someone else and everybody is valued in life.
“Miracle on 34th Street” (1947)
Image courtesy of 20th Century Fox
A man playing Santa Claus at a Macy’s claims to be the real one, while many question his sanity. One of the more unique Christmas movie that also morphs into a courtroom drama, the relationship between Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn) and Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) makes for a very heartwarming watch.
