Top holiday movies to watch this season: From heartwarming stories to hilarious comedies
As the festive season unfolds, cozy movie nights become an integral part of the holiday magic. With a diverse array of films to suit every taste, this year's holiday lineup promises to delight audiences of all ages.
From heartwarming family classics to laugh-out-loud comedies and swoon-worthy romances, this is a curated list of the top holiday movies streaming now on popular platforms, ensuring a joyous cinematic experience for all.
1. That Christmas
Streaming platform: Netflix
From the masterful mind of Richard Curtis, the visionary behind Love Actually, comes That Christmas, a captivating anthology movie. This heartwarming tale weaves together multiple storylines, all unfolding on a magical Christmas Eve, and boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Brian Cox as a delightful Santa Claus, Fiona Shaw, and Bill Nighy. With its rich tapestry of narratives, this film beautifully captures the essence of family, togetherness, and the unwavering spirit of Christmas. Perfect for fans of interconnected storytelling, That Christmas is a cinematic treat that will leave you feeling warm, fuzzy, and full of holiday cheer.
2. Hot Frosty
Streaming platform: Netflix
Get ready to chill out with Hot Frosty, a fresh and festive Netflix original that puts a playful spin on traditional holiday tales. This hilarious and lighthearted comedy follows a group of friends as they attempt to shake things up and celebrate the New Year in an unconventional way, only to find themselves entangled in a series of laugh-out-loud misadventures. With its perfect blend of humor, relatable characters, and holiday cheer, Hot Frosty is the ideal watch to unwind and kick back during the festive season – leaving you craving more of its witty charm and comedic magic.
3. Meet Me Next Christmas
Streaming platform: Netflix
Meet Me Next Christmas is a captivating romantic comedy that whisks viewers away on a delightful holiday romance. When two lovers cross paths under the same roof during their company's festive celebrations, their lives become intertwined unexpectedly. They continually find themselves drawn to each other as they navigate love, relationships, and the magic of the holiday season. With standout performances and a charming plot, Meet Me Next Christmas is the perfect blend of romance and holiday cheer, making it a must-watch during the festive season.
4. A Boy Called Christmas
Streaming platform: Netflix
A Boy Called Christmas is a heartwarming and enchanting holiday film that whisks audiences away on a magical adventure. Join a young boy's thrilling quest to find his father, accompanied by a cast of lovable elves and sprinkled with festive magic. This beautifully animated movie masterfully captures childhood's wide-eyed wonder and conveys Christmas's true spirit. Perfect for a cozy family movie night, A Boy Called Christmas is a timeless tale that will delight both kids and adults alike.
5. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Streaming platform: Disney+
Get ready to laugh and be charmed by the hilarious and heartwarming live-action adaptation of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. This beloved children's tale comes to life as the mischievous Herdman kids, notorious as the town's worst-behaved youngsters, unexpectedly take over the annual church Christmas pageant, leading to a series of sidesplitting and poignant moments that will captivate audiences of all ages.
6. Carry-On
Streaming platform: Hulu
Holiday hijinks ensue in the laugh-out-loud comedy Carry-On, where a simple phone swap between two harried moms sets off a chain reaction of chaos and hilarity. As they navigate each other's lives and cover for each other's mishaps, they must also juggle their own families' New Year's plans, leading to a heartwarming and relatable holiday film that's sure to resonate with anyone who's ever felt the stress of the season.
7. Eloise at Christmastime
Streaming platform: (Amazon Prime)
Join Eloise, the Plaza Hotel's most mischievous resident, on a holiday adventure filled with laughter, excitement, and Christmas cheer. As the hotel prepares for a glamorous Christmas wedding, Eloise lends a helping hand, but her antics only add to the festive chaos. This heartwarming tale is a must-watch for families, offering a magical glimpse into the holiday spirit of New York City.
8. Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Streaming platform: (Classic Rewind)
Step into the magic of the holiday season with this cherished animated classic, which whisks audiences away on a delightful journey to discover the enchanting origins of Santa Claus. Through catchy songs and whimsical storytelling, narrated by the incomparable Fred Astaire, this timeless tale reveals the heartwarming story of how Santa became the iconic bringer of Christmas joy, delivering presents to children everywhere on Christmas Eve. A nostalgic delight that parents will cherish sharing with their little ones..
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9. The Polar Express
Streaming platform: (HBO Max)
All aboard for a magical adventure! The Polar Express is a modern holiday classic that whisks viewers away on a thrilling journey to the North Pole aboard a mystical train. With breathtaking animation and the incomparable Tom Hanks bringing multiple characters to life, this captivating film masterfully captures the essence of childhood wonder, the magic of believing in Santa Claus, and the timeless spirit of Christmas.
10. Elf
Streaming platform: (Various Platforms)
It's not the holiday season without a dose of Buddy's infectious cheer! Will Ferrell shines as the lovable, laughable elf-turned-human in the modern classic Elf. When Buddy discovers his true identity, he sets off for New York City to find his father, leading to a series of sidesplitting misadventures. But beneath its hilarious hijinks, Elf conveys heartwarming messages about the importance of family, belonging, and acceptance, making it an essential, feel-good watch during the festive season.
Conclusion
This holiday season is truly exciting, offering a variety of films to suit every taste—from touching stories that will warm your heart to hilarious comedies. Whether you choose to binge-watch on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, these movies are sure to enhance your festive spirit and create lasting memories with your loved ones.
So grab a handful of popcorn, snuggle up under your favorite blanket, and enjoy these delightful films that celebrate all the things we have come to love and cherish about this magical time of year.