These range from cult classics, to family-friendly films, with a hint of guilty pleasures and a dash of some holiday delights.
- Love, Actually
Love Actually isn’t family-friendly in the slightest, but it’s definitely a holiday favorite. From the charming love stories to the ones that will tear your heart to pieces, this is a go-to film year in and year out.
Watch it on VOD
2. The Holiday
The Holiday is one of those movies that just brings you an immense amount of joy. I mean, who wouldn’t want to swap houses and find love? Even if it’s a little far-fetched, Nancy Meyers always seems to find elements in a story that anyone can relate to.
Watch it on VOD
3. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Christmas Vacation is the ultimate classic. Join the Griswold family as one memorable disaster leads to the next.
Watch it on VOD
3. Elf
Join Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) as he goes on an epic journey to meet his dad. Elf is always fun to watch, and it’s a movie you’ll find yourself quoting throughout the day. Also, keep an eye out for a cameo of Ralphie from A Christmas Story.
Watch it on VOD
4. A Christmas Story
Speaking of A Christmas Story, this is another go-to classic. This beloved holiday movie follows the adventures of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who is constantly finding himself in trouble while dreaming of getting the “Red Ryder air rifle” for Christmas.
Watch it on VOD
5. Home Alone
Nothing says ‘Christmas” quite like Home Alone. When Kevin’s (Macaulay Culkin) family accidentally leaves the country without him, he finds that the fun doesn’t last as he tries to ward off two burglars.
Watch is on Disney Plus
6. Noelle
When Santa (Bill Hader) goes missing, it’s up to his sister Noelle (Anna Kendrick) to bring him home in time for Christmas. Noelle hit Disney plus last year as the streaming services first big movie debut. And while this may not be on the “classics” list, it is a fun little movie that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it has an adorable reindeer named Snowcone.
Watch it on Disney Plus
7. Holiday Inn
In this classic Irving Berlin musical, two Inn owners set their sights on a beautiful up-in-coming performer. This is the film that features all of your favorite holiday music and is always a fun classic to watch with a hot chocolate cup.
Watch on VOD
8. The Santa Clause
When Santa accidentally falls off of Scott Calvin’s (Tim Allen) roof, he inadvertently becomes the new Santa Claus.
Watch this and all of the sequels on Disney Plus
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas is always a fun one to watch. It’s a sweet, heart-warming story that’s always a family favorite. Plus, Jim Carrey’s Grinch is always devilishly delightful.
Watch it on Netflix
10. The Family Stone
Everett Stone (Dermot Mulroney) wants his family to meet his girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) at Christmas. Her uptight personally instantly clashes with their bohemian lifestyle causing havoc for the holidays.
Watch it on VOD
11. Love The Coopers
Family secrets unfold as everyone gathers for the holiday. Love the Coopers is a hidden gem of a movie. It’s funny, sad, and uplifting all at the same time.
Watch it on VOD
12. Last Christmas
Things seem to never fair in Kate’s (Emilia Clarke) favor. When she meets Tom (Henry Golding) things take a turn and she learns to appreciate the life she’s been given. This holiday romance is filled with music from George Michael and will have you dancing while crying your eyes out.
Watch it on HBO MAX and VOD
12. Planes, Trains, & Automobiles
A man is forced to travel with a talkative salesperson to make it home in time for Thanksgiving. Steve Martin and John Candy are the perfect comedy duo, and while some scenes aren’t family-friendly, they are absolutely hilarious.
Watch it on VOD
13. It’s a Wonderful Life
As a man contemplates his life, an angel shows him what life would have been like if he never existed. This go-to movie is a classic that will be sure to get you into the holiday spirit.
Watch it on VOD
14. A Princess For Christmas
When her niece and nephew are invited to meet their estranged grandfather, a woman takes them to Europe and finds herself falling in love with the prince. This movie has cheesy romance written all over it from beginning to end. It’s Not a classic, but it’s the perfect romance to watch if you love Hallmark movies. Plus, Supergirl and Outlander fans will love seeing Katie Mcgrath and Sam Heughan in this one.
Watch it on Netflix
15. The Knight Before Christmas
Speaking of cheesy entertainment, The Knight Before Christmas brings some magic to the table for the holidays. A medieval English knight is transported to our time where he falls in love with a teacher. Starring Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse, this is a fun film to watch when you’re in the mood for a light movie centered around Christmas.
Watch it on Netflix
BONUS: Home For the Holidays
Dealing with your dysfunctional family during the holidays is bad enough. Add in getting fired and worrying about your daughter spending the holiday with her boyfriend, and it just makes everything worse. Home for the Holidays is one of my personal favorites. It’s a hard one to find, and it’s not that well-known. This star-studded cast includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr., Clair Danes, and Dylan McDermott.
Watch it on Showtime