The Ultimate List Of Classic Christmas Films & Where You Can Watch Them
Christmas films are a staple activity during the run-up to the big day. It\s fast approaching and time is running out to cram in all those cosy Christmas films you can’t watch at any other time of year (well, you can, we won’t judge).
If you’re stuck on what to watch this Christmsa, check out this big list of the best Christmas movies across all streaming platforms, and make sure you don’t miss out on any of your favourites this holiday season.
You can also check out these discounts for Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and NOW TV to watch all these great movies for less!
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Netflix Christmas Films
1. Nativity and Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger!
- Director: Debbie Isitt
- Release: 2009 (Nativity) and 2012 (Nativity 2)
- Memorable quote: “Now, last year, Mrs Spink did the Nativity play, and, if you remember, she got upset and started shouting a lot and crying”.
This is an absolute Brit Christmas classic and will surely have the whole family laughing. It’s one of the best Christmas movies filmed in Britain, in our books.
Nativity is unique in the sense that most of the film is improvised, with the producers telling the actors what would happen in the scene, and the actors acting it out, with no script. In terms of a general synopsis, Nativity focuses on teacher Paul Maddens, who lies to his rival, Gordon Shakespeare, that Hollywood is coming to watch his school’s Christmas nativity, but after the lie gets out of hand, he must resolve the issue fast. Cringe, yes, but we love it.
Meanwhile, Nativity 2 focuses on anxious primary school teacher Donald Peterson, who embarks on a wild and heartwarming adventure with his class and teaching assistant, the childlike Mr Poppy, as they travel to Wales to perform in a Christmas singing competition.
So if it’s British Christmas films you’re after, don’t miss this off your movie list.
2. Love, Actually
- Director: Richard Curtis
- Release: 21st November 2003
- Memorable quote: “There was more than one lobster at the birth of Jesus?”
A staple and a top Christmas movie. If you want to feel full of love and weepy, then give this one a watch.
There are tons going on in this iconic Christmas film. Love Actually follows multiple plots, where the characters are falling in love, falling out of love, some are with the right people, some are with the wrong people, some are looking to have an affair, and some are in a period of mourning. The moral of the story? When there’s an end, there’s a new beginning. It’s truly beautiful and teaches some valuable lessons.
Love Actually stars some seriously iconic actors such as Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and much more.
3. Bad Santa
- Director: Terry Zwigoff
- Release: 26th November 2003
- Memorable quote: “Wanna see some magic? OK, let’s watch you disappear.”
If you’ve got a dark sense of humour and struggle to find a Christmassy film to get you laughing, then this is the film for you.
The dark Christmas comedy Bad Santa follows Willie T. Stokes and his assistant Marcus Skidmore. They reunite once a year to carry out a Christmas holiday heist. Normally, they post as Santa and his elf in shopping malls to rip off stores. But things turn awry when Willie becomes a bit of an alcoholic. This leads to the police suspecting them, but things take a turn (for the better) when they make friends with an unexpected character.
4. The Holiday
- Director: Nancy Meyers
- Release: December 8, 2006
- Memorable quote: “You’re supposed to be the leading lady of your own life, for god’s sake!”
Another staple at this time of year with plenty of snowy, cosy scenes to get you in the spirit. Not to mention, the all-star cast: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, and Kate Winslet.
What’s epic about The Holiday is it’s sorta relatable, depending on where you are in life. The Christmas film follows Iris Simplins, from England, who’s depressed after being dumped. Similarly, Californian Amanda Woods breaks up with their partner and are feeling rough from it too. A house swap ensues, but a sudden return back to the states kicks off the main plot of the film. Soon enough they’re both swept up with boys and unexpected romance.
If your traditional Love Actually re-run every Christmas is leaving you needing more rom-com, The Holiday is where it’s at.
Prime Video Christmas Films
5. Christmas with the Coopers
- Director: Jessie Nelson
- Release: November 13, 2015
- Memorable quote: “That feeling like you’ve landed in the wrong life. Everybody feels that way.“
If you’re looking for some festive family drama you can relate to, plus all the heartwarming and hilarious moments that come with family Christmases, then don’t miss this popular Christmas film Christmas with the Coopers.
For the upcoming Christmas Eve, Sam and Charlotte Cooper welcome their extended family for festive celebrations. Each family member has qualms with the other. The film is about rediscovery, forgiveness, moving on from the past and the holiday spirit. It shows while Christmas can be a tough time, you can beat the odds and still enjoy it as a family.
6. Scrooge (In Colour) (1935)
- Director: Henry Edwards
- Release: 1935
- Memorable quote: “Bah, Humbug!”
The Dickens story’s first adaptation into film, remastered in colour, for a bit of classic, traditional Christmas viewing!
It’s not Christmas without Scrooge. So who are they? Scrooge hates Christmas and wants nothing to do with it. They reject all good wishes and joys related to Christmas, giving them a grumpy demeanour. But on this Christmas Eve, Scrooge’s former partner pays him a visit to warn him that his time is running short.
It’s the perfect Christmas film for those who, well, may not be so festive and relate to Scrooge. But this colour remaster makes it worth the watch too.
7. The Nutcracker (2011)
- Director: Andrey Konchalovskiy
- Release: 28th December 2012
- Memorable quote: “Are you going to tell me where the Prince is, or shall I bite your fingers off one by one?”
Another classic, festive holiday tale! If you can’t get to the theatre or ballet this year, then watch it from your sofa instead.
Though traditionally a ballet, the 2011 version of The Nutcracker follows nine-year-old Mary, whose dull Viennese Christmas is suddenly filled with excitement and adventure following the arrival of her beloved Uncle Albert, and his gift of an enchanted nutcracker. We won’t ruin its complicated plot, but we will say the film explores loneliness, imagination and much-needed time together as family. It’s not for everyone, but if artisity is your thing, then The Nutcracker Christmas film is not one to miss.
8. Office Christmas Party
- Director: Will Speck and Josh Gordon
- Release: 9th Decembe 2016
- Memorable quote: “I still hate your rules. But your dancing is wild and free.”
Also on Netflix, this movie has comedy, wit, T.J. Miller, Jason Bateman, and Jennifer Aniston. What more could you want?
The film starts off with the CEO (Jennifer Aniston) trying to close her brother’s (T.J. Miller) branch, due to failing to meet its new quarterly quota. The plot thickens when his chief technical officer (Jason Bateman) tries to rally their co-workers and host an epic office Christmas party in an effort to impress a potential client and close a sale that will save their jobs.
Will they succeed in saving the company post-Christmas party? You’ll have to give it a watch for yourself!
Disney+ Christmas Films
9. Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Release: 16th November 1990 (Home Alone), 20th November 1992 (Home Alone 2)
- Memorable quote: “Mom, does Santa Claus have to go through customs?”
A must-watch every Christmas, if only to wonder how on earth they manage to forget little Kevin gets left behind every year and to gawk at the gorgeous house…We will never know.
Home Alone sees eight-year-old Kevin, who got into a fight with their older brother buzz and was consequently grounded. The following morning, in a rush to go to the airport, they leave Kevin behind by accident. While being home alone is fun for little Kevin, things take a turn when he discovered burglars trying to get into the house on Christmas Eve. Cunning Kevin brings them to justice with his makeshift booby traps that stop the burglars and hence save his Christmas.
Home Alone 2 follows Kevin again (albeit a little older this time round) in the Big Apple, but is soon to be pursued by the burglars from the first film for a holiday heist. With Kevin at the ready with booby traps galore, will he outsmart them once again!? Add Home Alone and Home Alone 2 to your Christmas must-watch list to find out.
10. I’ll Be Home for Christmas
- Director: Arlene Sanford
- Release: 13th November 1998
- Memorable quote: “And I do come home at Christmas. We all do, or we all should. We all come home, or ought to come home, for a short holiday — the longer, the better.”
If you’re feeling that long journey back home for Christmas, then this 1998 film following a student’s hectic journey home is definitely for you!
I’ll Be Home For Christmas follows student Jake, who was estranged from his father, yet is lured back to home to New York upon hearing he’d get a Porsche. Unfortunately, it winds up being anything but. Left stranded in a Santa costume in the middle of the desert with nothing to his name, he must find out how to get home. He later accepts a ride from his rival Eddie, who is after Jake’s girlfriend’s affection. It’s a film about acceptance, forgiveness and making it through tough times. All the themes of Christmas in one epic festive movie.
11. The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Director: Henry Selick
- Release: 29th October 1993
- Memorable quote: “She’s the only one who makes any sense around this insane asylum!
Who really knows if this is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie? It’s one of life’s big questions. But if you can’t decide, just watch it in October and December!
The Nightmare Before Christmas follows Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown. They’re becoming bored of frightening others in the real world and wants a change of scenery. They accidentally discover Christmastown, full of good spirits, bright colours and what is basically the opposite of his home. After getting a new lease of inspiration, he wants to take over the town by kidnapping Santa Claus to achieve his goal of ruling this beautiful place. Things may, or may not go according to plan, though. It’s a film about power, discovery and even love. We know you’ll love it too.
12. Die Hard
- Director: John McTiernan
- Release: 15th July 1988
- Memorable quote: “Yeah. I got invited to a Christmas party by mistake. Who knew?”
Let’s not even start the debate about whether this one is a Christmas film or not! It’s the best time of year to snuggle down with a film anyway and if you’re sick of the Christmassy rom-coms, then you should definitely watch Die Hard. In fact, we’d class this as one of the best non cheesy Christmas movies out there (depending on how you look at it).
The reason why some people class Die Hard as a Christmas film is because the main character John McClane visits his wife and daughters on Christmas Eve, and later joins a holiday party at the headquarters of the business she works for. The festivities are cut short by a group of terrorists who take over and hold many guests hostage. With no one to save them, McClane takes this distressful task upon himself instead.
NOW & Sky Cinema Christmas Films
13. Elf
- Director: Jon Favreau
- Release: 7th November 2003
- Memorable quote: “Son of a nutcracker!”
Who doesn’t love a bit of silly comedy with Will Ferrell? If this film doesn’t make you feel festive, then there’s something seriously wrong with you. Add this to your Christmas films list now!
Will Ferrell plays as Buddy, who was transported to the North Pole as a toddler. He was raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves and gets the feeling he doesn’t quite fit in with the others. He attempts to find himself, taking to the streets of New York to find his real father. Upon finding his father and proving it with DNA results, they attempt to have a father-son relationship, which goes awry in a series of funny and unfortunate events.
14. Jingle All The Way
- Director: Brian Levant
- Release: 22nd November 1996
- Memorable quote: “How about these stupid letters from kids to Santa at the North Pole: “Dear Santa, Can you send me a bike and a slinky?” No! Your father’s been laid off!”
What’s better than a classic Christmas film? One with Arnold Schwarzenegger in it! This 90s comedy will have you feeling all the classic Christmas feels.
While Schwarzenegger has been in a ton of iconic films, Jingle All The Way has to be up there. He starts as Howard Langston, who’s always caught up with work. This upsets his son, and he decides to make it up to him and his wife Liz. Promising to obtain the coolest toy of the season, Turbo-Man, he realises it’s Christmas Eve, and that the chances are extremely slim. The film explores the real meaning of Christmas, promises, let downs and the like. It’s a film full of cringe, shock and heartwarming moments that shouldn’t go amiss this season.
15. Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
- Director: Ron Howard
- Release: 17th November 2000
- Memorable quote: “Maybe Christmas (he thought) doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”
Yet again, another adaptation of a great Christmas story, starring Jim Carrey too! You can’t go wrong with this feel-good film about a not-so-feel-good character.
This live-action adaption explores Grinch (played by Jim Carrey), who decides to be a real Grinch and ruin Christmas for absolutely everyone, ruining the holiday for many. He’s stopped in his tracks by the endearing Cindy Lou Hou (played by Taylor Momsen). If you’ve red the OG book by Dr Seuss, you’ll know how things turn out. But we highly recommend adding it to the top of your list for a good laugh this Christmas.
16. The Polar Express
- Director: Robert Zemeckis
- Release: 10th November 2004
- Memorable quote: “Are you saying that this is all just a… dream?”
With brilliant animation, catchy songs, and Tom Hanks voicing practically every character…It’s a film you can’t not include on your Christmas films list.
It follows a young boy on Christmas Eve, who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole on the Polar Express. His reasoning is to discover if Santa Claus is actually real. It’s a film that explores many themes such as self-discovery, friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
Hopefully, this list of Christmas films can help you get into the festive spirit this season.
Love watching Christmas movies? You can get paid £1000 to watch a bunch of them and if you need a snack, why not check out Heinz’ new Terry’s Chocolate Orange Mayonnaise…
By Sophia Mold, MA Creative Writing at University of Lincoln. Want to earn money writing for Student Beans? Apply here.
