This article was updated on November 22, 2024.
This week is really feeling like the holidays are upon us! Things are feeling cozy in our house with all of the blankets piled on the couch, the candles lit in the evenings and the weekly meal plan full of deliciously warming recipes. And, with the sun setting so early, we’ve been able to enjoy evenings cuddled up watching our favourite holiday movies. I’m craving all of the nostalgic, feel-good movies these days.
I was asked the other day about what holiday movies I love so I put together a list of my favourites to watch this time of year in case you want to lean into those holiday feels too. I’ll be working my way through all of these in the coming weeks. And I’ll probably pair it with this healthy peppermint mocha because there’s not many things cozier than curling up with a great movie and hot drink in hand!
And if you’re feeling especially ambitious, perhaps watch while you browse my 2024 holiday gift guides for everyone on your list.
This post includes a number of different categories: nostalgic holiday movies, raunchy holiday movies, family friendly holiday movies, movies set in the winter and more.
Romantic Comedy Christmas Movies
1. The Holiday (2006)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: This movie is number on my list for a reason, it’s an annual must watch in our household. In case you’ve never seen it, this is the premise: Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) trade homes for Christmas to escape personal heartbreaks. This movie was written, produced and directed by the amazing Nancy Meyer’s and social media is obsessed with her aesthetic for a reason – she always delivers the dreamiest scenes.
2. Love Actually (2003)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: Set in London, this classic rom-com follows eight interconnected stories of love during the Christmas season. This is one of my husband’s favourite rom-coms, and one we always watch together every year. You can’t go wrong with Hugh Grant charm around the holidays.
3. Four Christmases (2008)
Streaming: Crave
Description: A couple (Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon) is forced to attend four separate family Christmas celebrations, navigating chaos and heartfelt family moments during the holiday season.
4. Last Christmas (2019)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Kate (Emilia Clarke), a cynical Christmas shop worker, has a holiday experience that changes her life after meeting Tom (Henry Golding). Set against London’s magical Christmas atmosphere, this film blends romance, self-reflection, and festive cheer.
5. Holidate (2020)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Two strangers agree to be each other’s no-strings-attached dates for every holiday event. It’s cheesy and quirky and the exact kind of light-hearted rom-com you want to watch on a cozy night in.
6. The Princess Switch (2018)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Vanessa Hudgens stars as two look-alikes who switch lives during Christmas. It has snowy backdrops, a bit of royal romance if that’s your thing, and cute holiday moments.
Nostalgic Holiday Movies
7. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: George Bailey, disillusioned with life, is shown by an angel what the world would have been like without him. This touching classic remains an enduring reminder of the importance of community and the magic of Christmas.
8. The Polar Express (2004)
Streaming: Crave
Description: A boy journeys to the North Pole on a magical train, discovering the wonder of belief and the spirit of Christmas. The movie’s beautiful animation and themes of childhood wonder make it an enduring holiday favourite.
9. A Christmas Carol (2009)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: Jim Carrey stars in this animated retelling of Charles Dickens’ tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption after visits from Christmas ghosts. Its wintry setting and timeless message about generosity make it a holiday classic.
10. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: A department store Santa claims to be the real deal, inspiring belief in Christmas magic and rekindling the holiday spirit for a skeptical little girl and her mother.
Raunchy Holiday Movies
11. A Bad Mom’s Christmas (2017)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Three overworked moms rebel against the perfectionist holiday expectations, navigating family dynamics with outrageous moments and a whole lot of chaos.
12. Office Christmas Party (2016)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: A holiday party meant to save a branch from closure spirals out of control. This raunchy comedy delivers laugh-out-loud moments and some unexpected holiday warmth. This is a fun date-night in movie to watch.
13. Bad Santa (2003)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: A conman posing as a mall Santa plans a heist but has his cynical world shaken up by a quirky kid. This dark comedy is a funny and unconventional take on the holiday spirit.
14. The Night Before (2015)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Three childhood friends reunite for one last crazy Christmas Eve, filled with wild escapades and heartwarming moments about friendship and personal growth.
Family-Friendly Holiday Movies
15. Home Alone (1990) & 16. Home Alone 2 (1992)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: In the realm of holiday movies, I’d have to say this is one of the most undeniably classic movies. Kevin McCallister’s misadventures during the holidays bring hilarity, warmth, and inventive pranks, making these films timeless for the Christmas season.
17. Elf (2003)
Streaming: Crave
Description: Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by elves, brings holiday cheer and hilarity to New York City as he seeks to connect with his biological father. There’s just something undeniably delightful about watching Will Ferrell dance around like a giant elf.
18. The Santa Clause (1994) & 19. The Santa Clause 2 (2002)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: Tim Allen’s transformation into Santa Claus is filled with laughs, heartfelt family moments, and holiday magic in this festive series. The original Santa Clause is one that I remember watching every year when I was growing up, so of course it had to be on this list.
20. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Jim Carrey’s performance as the Grinch brings humour and heart to this beloved story of redemption and the power of community.
21. Spirited (2022)
Streaming: Apple TV+
Description: A fresh take on A Christmas Carol, this musical comedy stars Ryan Reynolds as Clint, a cynical businessman, and Will Ferrell as the Ghost of Christmas Present. This is one of the newer holiday movies on the list but I was delighted by it when it came out a couple of years back and my husband and I both said it would be a regular in our holiday movie rotation.
22. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as a desperate father trying to secure the hottest toy of the season on Christmas Eve. This hilarious holiday comedy captures the frenzy of last-minute shopping while emphasizing the importance of family over things.
23. Jack Frost (1998)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: After a tragic accident, a father (Michael Keaton) comes back to life as a snowman and reconnects with his son during one magical winter. This touching film combines humour and heart, making it a perfect holiday watch.
24. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Streaming: Crave
Description: The Griswold family attempts to have the perfect Christmas, but everything that can go wrong does. This classic comedy is a hilarious reminder of the chaos and love that come with family during the holidays.
25. Christmas With The Kranks (2004)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis star as a couple skipping Christmas to go on vacation—until unexpected circumstances force them to prepare for the holidays last minute. Packed with laughs and heartwarming moments, this film celebrates community and the true spirit of Christmas.
Movies With A Winter Or Holiday Setting
26. Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: Wes Anderson’s whimsical stop-motion film captures the cozy, autumnal-to-winter aesthetic. Though not explicitly holiday-themed, its themes of family and togetherness make it a great pick for the winter months.
27. About Time (2013)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: A young man learns he can time travel and uses his gift to find love and treasure moments with family. Its Christmas scenes and themes of gratitude align beautifully with this list. But prepare the tissues for this one, because it’s basically a guarantee that you’ll be crying by the end.
28. Little Women (1994) & 29. Little Women (2019)
Streaming: Prime Video (1994); Crave (2019)
Description: Both versions of this classic story feature heartwarming scenes of the March sisters celebrating Christmas amidst their trials and joys. Themes of love, family, and resilience shine brightly against wintry backdrops. I don’t know if I can fairly choose which I like more, because the original just feels SO nostalgic to me.
29. Notting Hill (1999)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: While not a traditional holiday film, this romantic comedy includes a memorable Christmas scene, making it a cozy and delightful choice for winter nights. And just like I mentioned with Love Actually, there’s just something about the charm of Hugh Grant that matches this time of the year, in my opinion.
30. Harry Potter Series (2001–2011)
Streaming: Crave
Description: With snowy landscapes, Christmas feasts, and magical gifts, the Harry Potter films evoke a festive atmosphere alongside their fantasy adventures. Re-watching the whole series is something I like to do every year or two.
31. The Family Stone (2005)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: A woman (Sarah Jessica Parker) visits her fiancé’s quirky family for Christmas, leading to comedic and heartfelt moments. With snowy backdrops and holiday traditions, this film highlights the complexities of family dynamics during the festive season. I wouldn’t necessarily call this flick feel good, but it is entertaining.
32. Serendipity (2001)
Streaming: Prime Video
Description: Two strangers meet in New York and leave their potential romance to fate. Set during the holiday season, this romantic tale weaves destiny and Christmas magic into its wintry narrative. As a 90’s baby, this movie is the very first romantic comedy I remember absolutely loving and so it holds a special place in my heart.
33. Mona Lisa Smile (2003)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: While not explicitly a holiday movie (and possibly the biggest reach for this list, if I’m honest), this drama starring Julia Roberts features winter scenes that evoke the warmth of human connection. Set at an all-female college in the 1950s, the film explores tradition and change during the academic year. This one definitely is a “winter setting” type of movie but in my books, that can still count (and I’m writing the list, so…).
34. Just Friends (2005)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: Ryan Reynolds stars as a man returning to his hometown during the holidays, confronting old flames and hilarious family dynamics. Set amidst festive decorations and snowy streets, this rom-com embraces the chaos of holiday reunions. And fun fact about Just Friends: a lot of this movie was filmed in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, so between Ryan Reynolds and the movie setting, it’s oddly Canadian-coded.
35. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Streaming: Crave
Description: Set partially during Christmas, Bridget’s journey of self-discovery and love includes iconic wintry scenes and an ugly holiday sweater that kick-starts her romance with Mark Darcy.
36. Stepmom (1998)
Streaming: Netflix
Description: This emotional drama captures the struggles of a blended family. Set against a backdrop of winter holidays, it explores themes of love, acceptance, and family bonds during a transformative time. Another movie you’re going to want to grab the tissues for when you curl up to watch.
37. The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: While not centered on the holidays, the snowy landscapes and whimsical aesthetic create a cozy, wintry atmosphere. This quirky tale blends comedy, drama, and mystery in a picturesque setting.
38. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)
Streaming: Disney+
Description: Eternal winter looms over the magical land of Narnia until Christmas arrives, symbolizing hope and renewal. This epic fantasy is infused with the enchantment and wonder of the holiday season.
Now I’m curious – what’s your all-time favourite holiday movie?? Is it one from the list or something different?
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