Top 20 Christmas Movies for 2025

Movie night is a must this holiday season. Whether you want giggles, romance, family-friendly movie moments, or animated magic, these top 20 Christmas movies for 2025 have got it going on and will help you get into the festive spirit. From perennial classics to popular Netflix docu-films, this playbook will help guide you in the ultimate holiday movie marathon.

Home Alone (1990)

• Platform: Disney+, Peacock
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Perfect For: Families, kids, and adults alike, those who love nostalgia.

Why Watch: Home Alone is based on the adventures of 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, mistakenly abandoned by his family while traveling to one of their Christmas vacation destinations. Kevin proves no match for a pair of dimwit burglars with the help of his wits and some makeshift household traps.

Those with a fondness for the film’s humor, clever traps, and heartwarming family moments make it an annual holiday tradition. The slapstick gags and touching relationship storyline are appealing to all ages, so it’s a family favorite and the best Christmas movie.

Fun Fact: Macaulay Culkin was just ten years old at the time, and it became one of the highest-grossing comedies ever.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

• Platform to watch at: Amazon Prime, Disney+
• Genre: Drama, Classic
• Perfect For: Adults, classic film lovers, couples

Why It’s a Good Time for This Movie: A classic tale of despair and redemption, we find our hero, George Bailey, reflecting on his life after a string of discouraging events. In the end, an angel shows Bailey how impactful his life is in their hometown.

It is a story of gratitude, love, and human connections. With a wider emotional range than the usual Xmas cliches, it’s perfect for grown-ups in need of some depth and ranks among the best Christmas movies ever.

Fun Fact: The movie was not a financial success when first released, but it has become an enduring classic, rebroadcast every Christmas.

Elf (2003)

• Platform to watch at: HBO Max, Peacock
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Ideal Audience: Kids, teens, adults

Why Watch: Raised at the North Pole, Buddy the Elf travels to New York City in search of his real father, spreading chaos and laughter everywhere he goes. Filled with laughs, sentiment, and holiday vibes, the film has become a Christmas classic for modern audiences and is considered one of the best Christmas movies. Thanks to Will Ferrell’s awesome timing and cheeky charm makes this movie is memorable and fun for all ages.

Fun Fact: Elf’s iconic love for candy canes and vibrant attitude have transcended Christmas pop culture forever.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (1983)

• Platform to watch at: Netflix, Paramount+
• Genre: Family, Comedy
• Ideal Audience: Families, Hallmark fans

Why Watch: Adapted from a charming children’s book, this Hallmark staple finds the chaotic Herdman children unexpectedly participating in their church’s Christmas pageant.

Their antics are funny and, eventually, result in heartwarming lessons about the message of Christmas. The film focuses on themes of forgiveness, family, and community spirit.

Fun Fact: For some fans, it isn’t official Christmastime until they see this Hallmark movie, one of the network’s greatest holiday hits, known for being genuinely heartfelt and comfortably timeless.

A Christmas Story (1983)

• Platform to watch at: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Ideal Audience: Kids, adults, families

Why Watch: Ralphie Parker’s crusade for a Red Ryder BB gun is bursting with comedy, oddball family dynamics, and old-timey holiday appeal. The film, which is set in the 1940s, showcases a child’s perspective of Christmas and scenes viewers won’t soon forget – like what happens when someone gets a “triple-dog-dare.”

Heartwarming, charming, and smartly written with adorable performances, it is a family classic that makes audiences laugh while pulling at their heartstrings.

Fun Fact: The leg lamp has since become an emblem of Christmas pop culture, and many families include it as a part of their annual holiday decorations.

The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020)

• Platform to watch at: Netflix
• Genre: Adventure, Family
• Ideal Audience: Kids, teens, families

Why Watch: Ranks among the best Christmas holiday movies streaming. In this enchanting follow-up, siblings Kate and Teddy help Santa Claus in his quest to save Christmas after a threat surfaces that endangers the holiday.

Featuring Kurt Russell as a more charming Santa and plenty of humor, it’s got equal parts action and heartwarming moments for the whole family. It’s ideal for families seeking a contemporary holiday adventure, combining suspense, comedy, and Christmas magic.

Fun Fact: The Christmas Chronicles had one of Netflix’s greatest viewer turnouts to a series; it’s essentially become popular the world over on streaming.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

• Platform to watch at: Disney+, Amazon Prime
• Genre: Animated, Family
• Perfect For: Kids, families, animation lovers

Why Watch: It is the animated flight of fancy that introduces us to Arthur, the clumsy but good-hearted son of Santa. He was in a race to get an overlooked present delivered before Christmas dawns.

It has sweet humor, bright animation, and heartwarming messages about family and responsibility. It’s great for kids, but plenty satisfying to adult viewers as well.

Fun Fact: The film fuses the charm of classic 2D animated images, combined with a new kind of CGI made to look like traditional animation.

Love Actually (2003)

• Platform to watch at: Prime Video, Netflix
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Ideal Audience: Adults, couples

Why Watch: One of the best movies on Christmas for romance lovers narrated by Hugh Grant in the role of the British Minister, as he tells us about what love is. You’ll see a series of interconnected love stories taking place all across London during Christmastime, filled with humor, romance, and heartwarming moments.

A jolly-lovesome romantic movie that mixes heartwarming togetherness with sassy humor. Perfect for snuggle-up nights and couples drawn to holiday whimsy.

Fun Fact: The film’s declarations of love have become one of the most iconic symbols of Christmas romance on screen.

The Polar Express (2004)

• Platform to watch at: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
• Genre: Animated, Fantasy
• Ideal Audience: Kids, families

Why Watch: A doubting little boy takes a life-changing train trip to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Its pioneering motion-capture animation and wonderful music make it an immersive watch that conjures the spirit of the season.

Its message about the importance of belief and adventure as vital components of self-discovery remains one of the best family Christmas movies.

Fun Fact: Tom Hanks takes on various parts, including the conductor, and lends an unusual touch to the film.

Klaus (2019)

• Platform to watch at: Netflix
• Genre: Animated, Comedy, Family
• Ideal Audience: Kids, families, adults

Why Watch: This refreshing origin story of Santa Claus is beautiful and emotionally moving with high-quality animation. Crafted with relatable humor, heartfelt holiday magic, and a merry mix of singing.

It’s the modern Christmas classic that makes the perfect seasonal treat. Its deeper emotional level attracts audiences who are looking for entertainment as well as meaningful messages.

Fun Fact: The animation combines hand-drawn and 3D effects, giving it a “soft,” storybook texture.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

• Platform: Apple TV+, Disney+
• Genre: Animated, Classic
• Perfect For: Kids, families, nostalgia lovers

Why Watch: Charlie Brown deals with the loss of meaning over the commercialization of Christmas while learning about the actual meaning. Set to Vince Guaraldi’s indelible jazz score, the animated special has captivated generations with its quiet spirit and universal lessons.

Fun Fact: The beloved iconic Christmas tree is now a symbol of modesty and the true meaning of the holiday.

The Holiday (2006)

• Platform: Hulu, Prime Video
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• Ideal Audience: Adults, couples

Why Watch: Two women exchange homes for the holidays and find love in surprising ways. With spectacular winter landscapes, humor, and romance, it’s a cozy Christmas movie that’s ideal for anyone who wants a little feel-good holiday entertainment and one of the best Christmas movies to watch.

Fun Fact: Shooting in both England and Los Angeles made for some great holiday snowscapes that enhance the holiday mood.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

• Platform: Disney+, Peacock
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Perfect For: Families, kids, comedy lovers

Why Watch: A frenetic dad (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is trying to get his hands on the season’s must-have toy. It combines holiday humor, chaos, and ultimately a heartwarming message about family priorities. Its playful satire of holiday consumerism is still remarkably on-brand.

Fun Fact: The film takes a snapshot of the 1990s frenetic Christmas shopping craze, still relatable to this day.

White Christmas (1954)

• Platform: Netflix, Prime Video
• Genre: Musical, Classic
• Perfect Audience: Adults, music enthusiasts, classic movie fans

Why Watch: Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye trade off in the classic Christmas musical about memorable songs, beautiful snowy vistas, and romance. Its charm and musical set pieces make it a holiday treat, spread with just the right notes of nostalgia and good cheer.

Fun Fact: The track “White Christmas” remains the world’s bestselling single, further contributing to the film’s cultural influence.

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

• Platform: Hulu, Prime Video
• Genre: Biography, Drama
• Ideal Audience: Adults, literature fans

Why Watch: This movie follows Charles Dickens’ quest to create A Christmas Carol, mixing historical knowledge with fancifulness. It is a fresh take on one of the most beloved holiday stories, with imaginative writing and a little holiday magic, and is among the best Christmas movies streaming.

Fun Fact: The movie shows Dickens communicating with his characters, and it is as educational as it is entertaining.

Noelle (2019)

• Platform: Disney+
• Genre: Family, Comedy, Fantasy
• Ideal Audience: Kids, families

Why Watch: Santa’s daughter takes charge to save the holiday in this whimsical, feel-good story. The movie is a mix of comedy, holiday adventure, and good family values – great to watch on a cozy movie night.

Fun Fact: It was said that Anna Kendrick’s performance had added warmth, humor, and likability to the piece.

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

• Platform: Netflix
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
• Ideal Audience: Kids, teens, families

Why Watch: The first film in the series follows Kate and Teddy working with Santa to rescue Christmas. With its high-octane action, heartwarming story, and humor, it is the perfect adventure for families to enjoy this festive season.

Did You Know? The movie spawned a successful Netflix holiday franchise that has garnered robust viewership every year.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

• Platform: Peacock, Prime Video
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Perfect for: Kids, families, fans of comedy

Why Watch: Jim Carrey plays the Grinch, whose attempt to swipe Christmas from Whoville ends with lessons about kindness and community. The film’s imaginative visuals, humor, and holiday heart ensure it remains an annual favorite.

Fun Fact: The exaggerated makeup on Carrey took hours to put on every day, bringing about the film’s iconic style.

A Christmas Carol (2020 Animated)

• Platform: Disney+
• Genre: Animated, Classic
• Perfect for: Families, adults, classic literature lovers

Why Watch: An animated reworking of Dickens’ classic, tracing Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from miser to philanthropist. The movie still carries the moral advice from the original story, and is set in a new animation that aims to hold younger people’s attention.

Fun Fact: The movie’s animation mixes timeless storytelling with hyper-realistic visuals for a modern audience.

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

• Platform: Prime Video, Peacock
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• Perfect for: Families, adults, comedy enthusiasts

Why Watch: An adaptation of the John Grisham novel, the film chronicles how the Kranks try to avoid Christmas while facing the funny trials of doing so. It winds up realizing the joy in communal coming together during family time. It’s a blend of comedy, chaos, and messages from the heart that makes for an entertaining holiday option.

Fun Fact: The movie pokes fun at the Christmas planning process, which every one of us has freaked out over before.

A Quick Snapshot Of Best Christmas Movies