Our Top 20 Christmas Movies and Where to Watch Them
We list our top 20 Christmas movies and where you can stream or rent them online this festive season.
It's the time of year to wrap warm, make a hot drink and watch a Christmas movie. But where are our favourite movies available to stream online this Christmas? Read our list of our favourite Christmas movies, in no particular order, and on which streaming services they are available to watch this Christmas season.
The Nightmare Before Christmas
This wonderful family classic is one of the few films that is great to watch during Halloween and Christmas. It is also available to stream on Disney+.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
Chaos, calamity, and Christmas lights, this hilarious attempt at the ultimate family Christmas is a chaotic joyride of festive mishaps. Perfect for anyone who loves their Christmas with a side of slapstick comedy. Available on NOWtv
The Holdovers
A heartwarming tale of unexpected connections, this bittersweet dramedy is humourous, charming, and nostalgic as a curmudgeonly teacher and a rebellious student navigate the holiday season together. Available on NOWtv
Miracle on 34th Street
This is a true classic that makes you believe in the magic of Christmas. Whether you watch the 1947 original or the 1994 remake, this film reminds you of the season’s joy and wonder. Available on Disney+
KLAUS
This gorgeously animated Netflix gem reimagines Santa’s origin with wit, whimsy, and a lot of heart. It's a modern gem that will leave you with a smile and a tear. Available to watch on Netflix.
Die Hard
Yes, it’s a Christmas movie, and yes, it’s fantastic. John McClane vs terrorists in a snow-covered Nakatomi Plaza is a festive action flick, and I’ll believe that until the end. Available at Disney+
Tokyo Godfathers
This Japanese animated masterpiece follows three unlikely homeless companions who stumble upon a baby on Christmas Eve. Quirky, well-animated, touching, and beautifully told, it’s a hidden gem of holiday storytelling for anime lovers. Sadly, it is not available to stream, but it can be rented for £3.49 via Apple TV or Sky.
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
This dark and twisted take on the Santa Claus legend is a Finnish fantasy-horror that is equally eerie and entertaining for those who like their Christmas with a side of chills. It's available for streaming on Prime.
Gremlins
A fuzzy Christmas gift gone wrong turns this holiday into chaotic fun. Equal parts hilarious and horror, it’s a Christmas cult classic for fans of mischievous mayhem. Available on NOWtv.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles
Although it is not a Christmas film, snowy landscapes and the “getting home for the holidays” theme make it feel festive. Plus, John Candy and Steve Martin’s comedic chemistry is pure gold. You can stream it on Prime and Channel 4.
The Muppet Christmas Carol
It is the most lovable retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. With Kermit as Bob Cratchit and Michael Caine as Scrooge, this musical delight captures the spirit of Christmas like no other. Available on Disney+.
The Santa Clause
What happens when an ordinary guy accidentally becomes Santa? Tim Allen’s transformation is a family-friendly festive treat that’s funny, heartfelt, and brimming with holiday cheer. Available to stream on Disney+
The Grinch
Whether you love the animated classic, the Jim Carrey live-action version, or the newer CGI take, this tale of a grouchy green Grinch finding his heart is as festive as it gets. Sadly, the Jim Carrey and CGI versions aren't available to stream; they are only available to rent or buy.
8-Bit Christmas
This fun and heartfelt film, a nostalgic throwback to the '80s starring Neil Patrick Harris, follows a boy’s quest to get the ultimate Christmas gift: a Nintendo. It’s a fresh addition to the festive favourites. Available to rent at Amazon Prime.
The Holiday
It is a cosy romantic comedy about love, second chances, and dreamy cottages in snowy England. With an all-star cast, it’s a classic feel-good seasonal film. Available to stream on NOWtv.
Arthur Christmas
This clever, heartwarming animation is a modern Christmas favourite. It features lovable characters, excellent voice acting, and a strong family message. Available to stream on NOWtv.
Violent Night
It's not your traditional holiday film, but it's brilliant fun. Santa kicks some serious butt in this action-packed, darkly funny festive movie. Its “Die Hard” meets “The North Pole.” It's available to stream on Netflix.
Home Alone
Kevin McCallister, left behind at Christmas, takes on two bumbling burglars in this iconic holiday comedy. Full of laughs, festive feels, and booby-trapped brilliance. Available on Disney+.
Bad Santa
Crude and surprisingly touching, Billy Bob Thornton stars in this black comedy about a conman turned Santa, which is perfect for anyone who likes their Christmas movies a little naughty. Available to rent via Amazon Prime.
There we have it! Our top 20 Christmas movies and where to watch them. So grab your snacks and loved ones, cuddle up all cosy and have a Merry Christmas from home.
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