Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and nothing gets us into the festive spirit quite like a good Christmas movie. Whether you’re in the mood for heartfelt stories, laugh-out-loud comedies, or action-packed surprises, there’s a holiday film for everyone. From timeless classics like Home Alone to hilarious hits like Elf and unconventional favourites like Die Hard (yes 100% it is a Christmas movie), our 2024 Christmas movie guide is packed with 25 must-watch movies to make your holiday viewing unforgettable.
So if you are looking for an escape to the North Pole — cosy up on the couch, pour a glass of wine, and let these top Christmas films bring joy, and a touch of nostalgia to your holiday celebrations.
1. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Every year, Clark Griswold dreams of hosting the perfect family Christmas — and every year, it goes hilariously wrong. From an oversized tree that doesn’t fit in the living room to a disastrously overcooked turkey, this Christmas comedy classic is packed with festive chaos. Chevy Chase shines as the hapless but lovable Clark, with Beverly D’Angelo as his endlessly patient wife and Randy Quaid stealing scenes as the wild Cousin Eddie. This laugh-out-loud movie is a must-watch each and every Christmas.
Watch it on Binge.
2. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This underrated animated adventure gives a modern twist to Santa’s operations, following the clumsy but kind-hearted Arthur as he embarks on a mission to deliver a missed gift before Christmas morning. With hilarious moments, heartfelt themes, and dazzling animation, Arthur Christmas is a delight for viewers of all ages.
Watch it on Stan.
3. Daddy’s Home 2 (2017)
Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell are back as Dusty and Brad, the dad and stepdad duo trying to pull off a perfect Christmas for their kids. Things spiral hilariously out of control when their own fathers — Mel Gibson as the macho granddad and John Lithgow (is there anything he can’t do) as the overly emotional one — arrive for the festivities. From chaotic Christmas tree shopping to a laughably awkward nativity play, this movie is packed with family mishaps and heartfelt moments. It’s a festive treat that celebrates the messiness of blended families.
Watch it on Netflix and Binge.
4. The 12 Dates of Christmas (2011)
It wouldn’t be a Christmas movie without a time-loop. This Christmas rom-com puts a festive twist on the classic time-loop trope. Amy Smart stars as Kate, a woman who relives Christmas Eve repeatedly, gaining the chance to fix her mistakes and find love. With plenty of charm and holiday cheer, it’s a feel-good movie about second chances and embracing the spirit of Christmas.
Watch it on Disney+.
5. Four Christmases (2008)
When Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) can’t escape their families for the holidays, they’re forced to endure four separate Christmases in one chaotic day. Each family visit reveals hilarious quirks, from UFC-inspired sibling wrestling matches to cringe-worthy traditions. Despite the comedic mishaps, the film has plenty of heart, exploring the complexities of family and relationships during the festive season. It’s the perfect mix of laughs and reliability.
Watch it on Stan.
6. Office Christmas Party (2016)
This outrageous comedy centres on a struggling tech company that throws an epic office Christmas party to impress a potential client. Chaos ensues as the party spirals out of control, with reindeer antics, snow machines, and plenty of laughs. Featuring Jason Bateman, Olivia Munn, and Jennifer Aniston, Office Christmas Party is a wild ride perfect for those looking for a less conventional holiday movie.
Watch it on Netflix.
7. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
From an out-of-control Christmas Party to a children’s classic — this stop-motion classic has been a holiday staple for decades. Narrated by Burl Ives, it tells the charming story of Rudolph, a reindeer shunned for his glowing red nose who ultimately saves Christmas by guiding Santa’s sleigh through the fog. With memorable songs, heartwarming lessons about self-acceptance, and whimsical animation, it’s a timeless treasure for kids and adults alike.
Watch it on YouTube and relive the magic.
8. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the Grinch is a holiday masterpiece. With his elastic expressions and mischievous antics, he brings Dr. Seuss’s beloved character to life in this colourful, live-action adaptation. The Grinch’s journey from Christmas hater to holiday hero, helped along by the sweet Cindy Lou Who, delivers laughs and heartwarming moments in equal measure.
Watch it on Prime Video.
9. A Mom for Christmas (1990)
In this nostalgic TV movie, a young girl makes a magical Christmas wish for a mother and finds it granted when a mannequin comes to life. Starring the late Olivia Newton-John, this sweet and sentimental tale explores themes of family, love, and the magic of the holiday season.
While it’s not available on major streaming platforms, you can find it on YouTube.
10. Elf (2003)
Buddy the elf what’s your favourite colour? Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves who travels to New York City to find his biological father. With its hilarious fish-out-of-water humour and heartfelt message about the importance of family and Christmas spirit, Elf has become a holiday favourite. Ferrell’s infectious enthusiasm and the movie’s memorable moments make it a joy to watch every year.
Watch it on Binge.
11. The Polar Express (2004)
Take a magical train ride to the North Pole in this visually stunning animated adventure based on Chris Van Allsburg’s classic book. Featuring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, the film is a celebration of believing in the magic of Christmas. Its dreamlike visuals and heartwarming story make it a modern holiday favourite for families.
Watch it on Netflix and Binge.
12. Die Hard (1988)
Not all Christmas movies are snowflakes and sugarplums — this action-packed classic sees Bruce Willis as John McClane, a cop fighting terrorists on Christmas Eve at a holiday party. With its high stakes and festive backdrop, Die Hard has earned its place as an unconventional Christmas favourite.
Watch it on Disney+.
13. Serendipity (2001)
Set against the magical backdrop of Christmas in New York, this romantic comedy follows Jonathan (John Cusack) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale), who meet by chance and leave their future to fate. Years later, they’re both engaged to other people but are drawn back together in a serendipitous quest to find one another. With its enchanting holiday setting, whimsical premise, and heartfelt exploration of destiny, Serendipity is a perfect feel-good watch for the season.
Watch it on Stan.
14. Holidate (2020)
A fun, modern holiday rom-com starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey. The film follows Sloane and Jackson, two strangers tired of being single for every holiday. They strike a deal to be each other’s “holidate”— a no-strings-attached plus-one for all the festive occasions. As they navigate family gatherings, awkward moments, and seasonal chaos, their arrangement becomes more complicated than they anticipated. Packed with witty banter, laugh-out-loud mishaps, and holiday charm, Holidate explores love and relationships in a refreshingly relatable way.
Watch it on Netflix.
15. Home Alone (1990)
This iconic Christmas comedy never gets old and is no doubt a favourite for many on your must-watch Christmas movies each and every year. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister is accidentally left behind when his family heads to Paris, leaving him to defend his home from two bumbling burglars. Packed with ingenious pranks, heartfelt moments, and Macaulay Culkin’s standout performance as Kevin, Home Alone captures the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child. It’s a must-watch holiday classic that families will enjoy year after year.
Watch it on Disney+.
16. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s stop-motion masterpiece merges Halloween and Christmas in a visually stunning and unforgettable way. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, discovers the joy of Christmas and decides to take over the holiday—with hilariously chaotic results. With its unique aesthetic, catchy songs, and heartfelt message about finding where you belong, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless classic for all ages.
Watch it on Disney+.
17. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell redefines Santa Claus in this Netflix original. Siblings Kate and Teddy accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve, and the trio embarks on a fun-filled adventure to save the holiday. With its mix of humour, heart, and a rock-and-roll Santa, The Christmas Chronicles brings a fresh take on traditional holiday tales. Russell’s charismatic performance as Santa is the icing on the gingerbread cookie. There’s also a second Christmas Chronicles as well — just incase you want a Chronicles binge.
Watch it on Netflix.
18. Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick brings her signature charm to this modern holiday tale about Santa’s daughter stepping up to save Christmas. When her brother, the reluctant heir to the Santa mantle, goes missing, Noelle embarks on a festive adventure filled with laughs, whimsy, and heart. Shirley MacLaine and Bill Hader round out the cast in this feel-good Disney+ original. It’s perfect for a cosy family movie night.
Watch it on Disney+.
19. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Three overworked mums (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn) face the pressures of creating the perfect holiday while dealing with their own overbearing mothers. This cheeky sequel is packed with laugh-out-loud moments and relatable insights about holiday stress. A Bad Moms Christmas offers a refreshing, irreverent take on motherhood during the holidays, making it a perfect choice for adults looking to unwind with some festive fun.
Watch it on Binge and Prime Video.
20. The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen delivers a delightful performance as Scott Calvin, a man who becomes Santa Claus after an accidental mishap. As Scott transforms into the jolly icon, he learns the true meaning of Christmas and the magic of believing. The Santa Clause is a classic Christmas heartwarming, family-friendly film filled with laughs, charm, and holiday spirit. It’s a festive favourite that’s stood the test of time.
Watch it on Disney+.
21. Spirited (2022)
Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds shine in this modern musical twist on A Christmas Carol. Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present, tasked with redeeming Reynolds’ cynical media consultant. Packed with original songs, humour, and heartwarming moments, Spirited blends timeless holiday themes with a fresh, contemporary vibe. It’s a fun, feel-good movie for fans of musicals and holiday classics alike.
Watch it on Apple TV+.
22. Jingle All the Way (1996)
It’s Turbo Time! Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as Howard, a desperate father on a mission to find the season’s hottest toy, Turbo-Man, for his son. This family comedy hilariously captures the chaos of last-minute holiday shopping while delivering a sweet message about the importance of family over material gifts. Jingle All the Way is a nostalgic, lighthearted pick for the holiday season.
Watch it on Disney+.
23. Love Actually (2003)
This beloved rom-com is an all-time classic Christmas movie as we follow multiple interconnected love stories set in London during Christmas. From Hugh Grant’s charming prime minister to Emma Thompson’s heartbreaking portrayal of a betrayed wife, Love Actually explores love in all its forms. With its memorable cast, witty writing, and holiday spirit, it’s no wonder this movie has become a Christmas tradition for many.
Watch it on Binge and Prime Video.
24. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Lindsay Lohan makes her rom-com comeback in this heartwarming holiday movie. She plays Sierra, a spoiled hotel heiress who loses her memory after a skiing accident and finds herself in the care of a small-town lodge owner. Falling for Christmas is a sweet, feel-good story of self-discovery, love, and the magic of the holiday season.
Watch it on Netflix.
25. The Family Man (2000)
Nicolas Cage stars as Jack Campbell, a wealthy bachelor who wakes up on Christmas morning to find himself living a completely different life as a husband and father. This thought-provoking holiday film explores the value of love, family, and second chances, reminding viewers that the most meaningful gifts aren’t material ones.
In need of further movie recommendations? Check out our other publication So Binge.
