Is there any other season that produces more content thanChristmas? Even horror movies indulge more in the holiday than they do Halloween. Between made-for-TV movies, big-budget Hollywood films, and streaming originals, fans of the winter holiday are never short of content come December. Yet, at the same time, this can pose a problem. As the holiday gets busy, it can be difficult to pick out which movies are worthy of your time.
Looking back on 2024, fans have an abundance of holiday films to pick and choose from, but these 10 stand out and offer a range to cater to any tastes. So, whether you are looking for a gore-soaked celebration with an evil clown or a cozy little rom-com with a sexy snowman, this list will keep you warm and content during the holidays.
10’Our Little Secret'
Our Little Secret
Having had a harsh split decades before, exes Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and Logan (Ian Harding) bump into each other again at a holiday celebration. Both are now dating different people. Now, with both looking to move on in their lives, they need to team up to ensure that the season does not turn awkward for Avery while Logan balances a pending engagement and a new business deal.
The 25 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix to Watch Right Now
Christmas is such a magical time of the year, and Netflix sure knows it. They’ve been pumping out holiday films and these are the 25 best.
Lindsay Lohan Returns for the Holidays
Lindsay Lohan has undoubtedly had a rough goat one point, followed by controversies and questionable career choices. Yet,Lohan seems refined in her newest Christmas movie, bringing great comedic timing into her role as Avery. Opposite Ian Harding, the two make a humorous dup as they navigate past hang-ups and awkward family gatherings. The movie also distinguishes between laugh-out-loud and cringe-inducing comedy that will cast a wide net for fans of festive rom-coms.StreamOur Little Secreton Netflix.
9’Jingle Bell Run'
Avery, who describes herself as adventurous, is a bit thrown off when her sister nominates her for a festive-themed challenge known as “The Great Holiday Dash.” At first, the situation worsens when she is paired with Wes, a retired hockey player whose personality clashes heavily with hers. However, as the two work together, they lean on each other’s strengths while slowly falling in love.
It’s Not Christmas Till You See a Hallmark Movie
It does not feel like Christmas until you havewatched a Hallmark movie (or several). While there were plenty of great additions this year,Jingle Bell Rungets a bit of an edge with its Festive-themed challenges. Otherwise, you have the expectedmix of romance and comedy, leading to some heartfelt moments. Ashley Williams and Andrew Walker also have phenomenal chemistry inJingle Bell Run, which is perfect for those looking for a little bit of that romantic escapism during the winter months.you’re able to catchJingle Bell Runon The Hallmark Channel.
8’Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point'
Christmas Eve in Miller’s Point
Read Our Review
The Balsano family is feeling the pressure of the holidays, gathering for what may be the last time as their lives change, and their matriarch’s ailing health raises questions about her future. Focusing on authentically capturing the season and the difficulties families can face, the movie jumps between different generations to show the divide and different perceptions of what holidays and family mean.
An Unforgettable Family Gathering
Authenticity is vital toChristmas Eve in Miller’s Point, creating a relatable Festive celebration that viewers can identify with. At the same time, the movie brings enough comedic wit and eccentric characters to be a bit more engaging than your average Christmas dinner. Still, the movie may be one of the more divisive ones on this list, a feature meant to immerse oneself in, but the film lacks a cohesive narrative that will likely keep it from becoming a classic.Christmas Eve in Miller’s Pointis currently in theaters.
7’The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland'
Drawing inspiration from the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and the literary classicAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland,The Night Before Christmas in Wonderlandsees Santa taking a trip down the rabbit hole. Ever the dutiful joy-bringer, St. Nick (Gerard Butler) responds to a long-lost letter from the Princess of Hearts in Wonderland, leading him to go and fulfill a Christmas wish. However, when he arrives, he finds that the Queen of Hearts hates Christmas and wants nothing more than to cause problems for the jolly gift-giver.
A Perfect Watch for the Little Ones
This Hulu original movie may have flown slightly under the radar for some.The Night Before Christmas in Wonderlandmay not hold up under scrutiny, with the musical numbers feeling particularly under-inspired. However,it channels that unique visual charm to the bygone era where animated TV specials reigned supreme, positioning itself as a future Christmas classic.This is an ideal choice for a home with plenty of active kids, as the animation and great voice acting will keep them occupied until you are ready to join in on the fun yourself.StreamThe Night Before Christmas in Wonderlandon Hulu.
6’Hot Frosty'
Hot Frosty
Kathy (Lacey Chabert) is struggling during the holiday season, staying optimistic for her business and her community but missing her recently deceased husband. One night, in a moment of contemplation, she puts a scarf on a snowman, which ends up bringing him to life. Now a hunk with little idea about how to live life, Jack (Dustin Milligan) struggles to fit in, but his unending optimism makes him a beloved member of the community, and he slowly begins to melt the barrier that Kathy put up after her partner’s death.
The 10 Best Christmas Movies Before 1960
Twentieth century cinema introduced moviegoers to some seriously unforgettable Christmas classics, with many of these hits debuting before 1960.
Frosty the Snowman, But Hot
Netflix is undoubtedly starting to give Hallmarka run for its money, with the streaming platform bringing in fan-favorite Lacey Chabert in a steamy rom-com about a buff snowman turned-man.The premise here is silly, yet it works under the chemistry between Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milligan and humor that consistently lands. There is also a heartwarming element and plenty of bright Christmas imagery to immerse oneself in the season.StreamHot Frostyon Netflix.
5’Terrifier 3'
Terrifier 3
Taking place years after the events ofTerrifier 2, Art the Clown returns during the holidays to terrorize Sienna Shaw once again. Trying to rebuild her life but struggling with the events of the past, Sienna does not expect to see Art, but she is ready to fight against him once again.
Terror Comes Home for the Holidays
Every Christmas has to give us at least onestand-out horror movie, and this year,Art the Clown killed it in theaters with his holiday-themed bag full of killer gifts. Ask any horror fan, and they will tell you that blood always looks good on snow; Art certainly brought blood and gore in abundance to the winter holiday.Terrifier 3is about as extreme as it gets. This one is definitely not for the kiddos, but those looking for some nasty indulgence with their Christmas cheer won’t be disappointed.You can rentTerrifier 3on Apple TV or Prime Video.
4’Red One'
When Santa is kidnapped, it falls on the head of the North Pole’s Head of Security, Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson). Callum forces a notorious hacker who accidentally releases his location online, Jack O’Malley (Chris Evans), to aid him in his quest. The duo, joined by a trusty polar bear, must seek out Santa while fighting against the minions of Grýla, the winter witch behind the snatching.
A Great Holiday Capper
Critics were not exactly singing the praises ofRed One, with the movielanding 30% Rotten to a 90% Popcornmeter. What does this tell you?Red Oneis dumb fun for those who just want a silly holiday film that blends action, humor, and a big Hollywood budget; not a critical darling but one hell of a crowd-pleaser. If you are looking for that kind of entertainment, then this festive epic will scratch that itch. There are also plenty of great, indulgent performances here; the pairing of Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans is perfect.Red Oneis currently in theaters.
3’Dear Santa'
Dear Santa
11-year-old Liam Turner is excited to write to Santa, asking for his deceased brother back, yet his dyslexia results in him accidentally sending a letter to Satan instead. This leads to a demon known as Asmodeus (Jack Black) visiting Liam, offering him three wishes in return for his soul. Unable to bring back Liam’s brother, the young kid struggles with his various desires, including wanting his parents to get along during the holiday season.
Even Satan Can’t Stop the Holiday Cheer
One thing that is a bit perilous when discussing Christmas is wish fulfillment, as the reality of life does not always match with the romanticized vision of the holiday.Dear Santabenefits from exploring these themes in a heartfelt and relatable way, with Liam’s struggles at the forefront. Yet, this is just the backbone of the holiday comedy, with the real sell coming fromits unique premise and hilarious performances;Jack Black is fantastic as a satanic Santa imposter.you may streamDear Santaon Paramount+.
2’That Christmas'
That Christmas
The fictional town of Wellington-on-Sea is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, but a major snowstorm separates parents from their children. As the children try to make the best of the situation, thearrival of Santa, who also gets stuck in the storm, gives them new hope to reunite with their parents. Based on the children’s bookThat Christmas and Other Stories by Richard Curtis, the movie explores both the triumphs and challenges that families can face during the holiday season.
The 10 Best Christmas Movies with Incredible Casts
As we enter the holiday season, here are the best Christmas movies with unforgettable and impressive casts.
The Best Family Friendly Festive Treat
If you are going to gather the whole family for one viewing this holiday,That Christmasshould be your top choice. Not only is the film a visual treat, but it touches on many aspects of the holiday season with relatable real-life challenges faced by the various children of Wellington-on-Sea. That balance of heartwarming drama and light comedy makes it perfect for the kiddos. At the same time, parents will enjoy the positive reflection on the importance of family and its sincere celebration of the season.StreamThat Christmason Netflix.
1’The Best Christmas Pageant Ever'
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
The Herdman children are notorious for their rowdy behavior around town, so when they get word that there is an upcoming Christmas pageant and decide they want to be involved, they end up causing chaos at the local church holding the event. Yet, as the kids begin to interpret the holiday season and their roles, they begin to make changes to make it their own, resulting in one unforgettable performance forthe small town.
A Future Classic
Seldom does a Christmas film come along these days that has that feeling of being an instant classic, butThe Best Christmas Pageant Evercould be a potential contender.Not only does the movie have the seasonal cheer and humor, but it offers that warm nostalgic feeling of loved Christmas’s pastthat makes it worthy of multiple watches. The movie also leads with a positive message about the importance of family, making it an ideal watch for your own.The Best Christmas Pageant Everis currently in theaters.
