As the temperatures drop and coats zip up, the holiday spirit begins to fill the air. December is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the joy and warmth of the season. If you’re looking for a festive way to celebrate, here are ten must-watch holiday movies that will help you embrace the magic of the season!
We’ll take a nostalgic journey through holiday films–from the 1980s to the 2010s–showcasing a variety of classics that capture the spirit of the season. Each entry will include a brief review, a description, and streaming options so you can easily find them and enjoy them!
No.1: “Gremlins”
Featuring Christmas, this classic 80s horror comedy was produced by Micheal Finnel, and directed by Chris Columbus and Joe Dante, the main creators of the film. “Gremlins” was released in 1984, and was liked by 81% of Google users. The movie was reviewed as a movie made for people who love fun, an amazing vision of the evil creatures being adorable, and clever scriptwriting.
The movie starts with a gadget salesman looking for a special gift for his son and discovers something at a store in Chinatown. The shopkeeper is reluctant to sell him the ‘Mogwai,’ but continues with the warning to never expose him to bright light, or water, or to feed him after midnight.
You can stream Gremlins on Max, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Hulu, YouTube TV, and Apple TV.
No.2: “The Muppets Christmas Carol”
Debuting in 1992, this film is the second Christmas movie in the Muppets franchise. Directed by Brian Henson and written by Jerry Juhl, it is the fourth theatrical release featuring the Muppets. The movie earned a 91% approval rating from Google users and is praised for its amazing cast, memorable songs, and a classic story with a unique twist. It’s widely regarded as a holiday favorite that’s worth rewatching every year.
The film is based on a ghost story of Christmas, commonly known as “A Christmas Carol,” by Charles Dickens. The story revolves around Scrooge who received a visit from three Christmases: past, present, and future. They show him the errors of his selfishness, and the miserable old man seems to have zero hope of redemption and happiness.
“The Muppets Christmas Carol” is available on Disney+, YouTube TV, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video.
No.3: “Mickey Once Upon a Christmas”
“Mickey Once Upon a Christmas” is a special from the Mickey Mouse franchise. The film was made by Walt Disney Television Animation and is narrated by Kelsey Grammer. It was released in 1999 and was liked by 72% of Google users. It was reviewed as greatly animated, with crossovers of characters, awesome narration, and a classic for Disney.
The film revolves around the famous Disney characters who spread Christmas magic and love through three heartwarming stories.
You can stream this classic on Disney+, Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
No.4: “Are We There Yet?”
“Are We There Yet?” is a family comedy film directed by Brian Levant and produced by Ice Cube, who also stars as the lead character. Released in 2005, the film received positive feedback, with 87% of Google users enjoying it. Reviewers praised the movie for its entertaining humor, heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics and relationship-building, and the theme of how challenging situations can lead to positive outcomes.
In the film, Ice Cube plays Nick, a man eager to win the approval of Suzanne (played by Nia Long), who has recently divorced. To impress her, Nick agrees to accompany Suzanne’s children, Lindsey (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin (Philip Bolden), on a flight from Oregon to Canada to visit their mother. However, after a series of mishaps at the airport, the group is banned from the flight. Nick then decides to drive them in his new Lincoln Navigator, leading to a chaotic and tension-filled road trip.
You can stream “Are We There Yet” on Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Youtube TV, Google Play Movies, and Apple TV. The film includes a sequel called Are We Done Yet? and a television series called Are We There Yet?.
No.5: “The Holiday”
The joy is in the air as we move to the fifth movie on the list. “The Holiday” is a romantic comedy written, produced, and directed by Nancy Meyers. Released in 2006, the film was loved by 86% of Google users and is praised for its relatable characters, touching moments, and a mix of both happy and sad tears.
The story follows Iris (Kate Winslet), a heartbroken Englishwoman, and Amanda (Cameron Diaz), a California businesswoman, both unlucky in love. They agree to swap homes for a much-needed break. Iris heads to Amanda’s luxurious Hollywood mansion, while Amanda settles into Iris’s cozy cottage in a pleasant English village. Soon, both women meet local men who might just be the romantic pick-me-up they need.
You can stream “The Holiday” on Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV.
No.6: “Santa Buddies”
This family-friendly movie is directed by Robert Vince, written and produced by Robert Vince, and Anna McRoberts. “Santa Buddies” aired in 2009, and is liked by 70% of Google users. “Santa Buddies” was praised for being nostalgic, fun for the younger audiences, adventurous, and overall enjoyable.
In the film, Budderball, B-Dawg, Rosebud, Buddha, and Mudbud are back for a fun Christmas adventure at the North Pole! They team up to help Puppy Paws, the playful son of Santa Paws, who’s forgotten what Christmas is really about. The Buddies show him that Christmas isn’t about what you get, but about what you give.
“Santa Buddies” is available to stream on Disney+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.
No.7: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”
This film was inspired and based on a true story from John Hughes’ childhood. This movie was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and was written and co-produced by John Hughes. Reviewed as a timeless classic, an amazing cast, and a repeat for every holiday season, the movie was released in 1989 and was liked by 89% of Google users.
The film is about Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) who is determined to have the perfect family holiday. He drove his wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and their kids crazy while trying to get everything just right, from the Christmas tree to the decorations. But things quickly go off track when Clark’s cousin, Eddie (Randy Quaid), shows up uninvited with his family.
You can stream National “Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango at Home, Apple TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Google Play Movies.
No.8: “Operation Christmas Drop”
This action-packed Christmas movie, “Operation Christmas Drop,” was directed by Martin Wood with a screenplay by Gregg Rossen and Brian Sawyer. Released in 2020, the film is loosely based on the real-life U.S. Air Force’s Operation Christmas Drop, a humanitarian mission. The movie was liked by 77% of Google users and praised for its impressive CGI, its heartfelt message about the true meaning of Christmas, and its portrayal of the military’s role in continuing the Operation Christmas Drop mission.
While the film sparked some controversy for depicting the U.S. military helping small islands, the story is based on a real event where the military did provide aid to these communities.
In the film, congressional aide Erica Miller is sent to a beachside Air Force base to check out a military mission, where she clashes with Captain Andrew Jantz over his project—Operation: Christmas Drop. As Erica gets to know more about the mission and works with Jantz, she starts to understand its true purpose. The movie mixes holiday fun with a look at the mission’s impact, while Erica and Captain Jantz’s relationship grows in unexpected ways. You can stream this action Christmas movie only on Netflix.
No.9: “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey”
This loving and captivating musical film was written and directed by David E. Talbert. The film was released in 2020, received 91% likes from Rotten Tomatoes, and was praised for creative brilliance with every scene, cinematography, a balanced musical movie, and off-the-hook soundtrack.
Decades after being betrayed by his apprentice, a once happy toy maker has lived a lonely life, losing his passion for making toys. But things start to change when his young, hopeful granddaughter shows up at his door. With her excitement and belief in the magic of toys, she helps him rediscover the joy he lost. Together, they bring the workshop back to life and learn about the true meaning of family, trust, and second chances.
You can stream “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” only on Netflix.
No.10: “Hanukkah on Rye”
“Hanukkah on Rye,” a Jewish holiday rom-com directed by Peter DeLuise and written by Julie Sherman Wolfe, came out in 2022. The film received a 75% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was praised for being entertaining, featuring great actors, and successfully creating a Hanukkah rom-com that didn’t feel like a Christmas movie.
Julie Sherman Wolfe explained her approach in an interview with Kveller. “I wanted to write a Hanukkah movie that wasn’t ‘explaining’ Hanukkah or Judaism to anyone – just like we never explain Christmas or Christianity in a Christmas movie.”
The film focuses on a fun love story set around Hanukkah and shows Jewish traditions naturally.
During Hanukkah, a matchmaker sets up two deli owners. As they begin to fall for each other, they find out they’re competing for the same customers. Their new romance is put to the test as they try to balance love and rivalry, learning that working together might be the key to making it work.
You can stream “Hanukkah on Rye” on Hallmark Plus, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Fandango at Home, Youtube TV, The Roku Channel, and Apple TV.
A Joyful Season
As the holiday season rolls in, these ten movies have something for everyone—whether you’re looking for comedy, romance, family fun, or a little holiday adventure. From classic favorites to newer releases, each one brings its take on the season, helping you celebrate in different ways.
So, grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and let these festive movies bring some extra joy and cheer to your holiday season. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or watching something new, these films are sure to make your celebrations even brighter. Happy holidays and happy watching!
