From timeless classics to modern favourites, our selection spans decades and genres, so there’s something for everyone. Watching a Christmas movie with parents, grandparents or the little ones is a simple, heartwarming activity, and many of the older films are guaranteed to spark fond memories of Christmas holidays gone by.
24. Jack in Time for Christmas (2024)
Jack Whitehall leads this madcap festive adventure, with cameos from Jimmy Fallon, Rebel Wilson, and Michael Bublé, as he races across the US (and Europe) to get home for Christmas. Celebrity chaos, travel mishaps, and holiday humour dominate this light-hearted streaming special.
23. Our Little Secret (2024)
Lindsay Lohan and Ian Harding star in this romantic comedy about exes who discover their new partners are siblings during the holiday season. Expect humour, misunderstandings, and cozy seasonal romance.
22. A Merry Little ExMas (2025)
Alicia Silverstone, Oliver Hudson, and Jameela Jamil shine in this rom-com where a divorcing couple attempts one last perfect Christmas for their children, only to have the husband’s new girlfriend arrive unexpectedly, sparking festive chaos.
21. A Very Jonas Christmas Movie (2025)
The Jonas Brothers – Kevin, Joe, and Nick – star in this energetic musical as they race against time to return to New York before Christmas. With original songs and humorous mishaps, it’s a toe-tapping holiday adventure for fans and families alike.
20. The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (2024)
This whimsical animated adventure takes viewers into a surreal Wonderland where a child experiences magical holiday adventures. The vibrant animation and family-friendly stakes make it a dreamy, festive watch.
19. Oh. What. Fun. (2025)
Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, and Chloë Grace Moretz lead this comedy about a matriarch whose meticulously planned Christmas goes seriously off-script. If you’ve wondered what Christmas would be like if you could put yourself first, this one’s for you!
18. Red One (2024)
Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans star in this high-energy festive action-comedy, with Johnson as head of North Pole security and Evans as a bounty hunter, teaming up to save Santa in a fast-paced holiday adventure.
17. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Lindsay Lohan headlines this Netflix rom-com as a spoiled heiress who loses her memory during the holidays and learns humility and love at a cosy lodge, bringing charm and seasonal warmth to the story.
16. Spirited (2022)
Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell take centre stage in this musical reimagining of A Christmas Carol, with Octavia Spencer adding depth. Expect songs, gags, and a fresh spin on a classic ghostly tale.
15. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Henry Lawfull stars as the young Nikolas, alongside Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent, and Sally Hawkins, in a magical origin story for Father Christmas. This heartwarming animated adventure blends wonder, humour, and festive spirit.
14. Klaus (2019)
Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, and Rashida Jones voice this stunning hand-drawn animation telling the origin of Santa Claus, with humour, warmth, and visually breathtaking storytelling.
13. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell exudes swagger as Santa in this energetic adventure, where two siblings accidentally crash his sleigh and must save Christmas. The film is fun, fast-paced, and perfect for family viewing.
12. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
Dudley Moore, John Lithgow and David Huddleston star in this British-American festive adventure which tells both the origin of Santa Claus and a modern-day save-the-day plot.
11. Get Santa (2014)
Heartwarming festive British comedy starring Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Warwick Davies, Jodie Whittaker, Joanna Scanlon and Stephen Graham. Days before Christmas, reindeers are found running loose through the streets of London. 9-year-old Tom hears rustling outside his house and is astonished to discover Santa (Jim Broadbent) in the garden shed.
10. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger battles crowds in his quest for the season’s must-have toy, with Sinbad and Phil Hartman adding comedic fuel. A chaotic but fun holiday classic.
9. The Polar Express (2004)
Tom Hanks voices multiple roles in this evergreen, magical train adventure, bringing a young boy’s journey to life and rekindling belief in the magic of Christmas.
8. Scrooge (1951)
Alastair Sim stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this classic, oh-so-British adaptation of A Christmas Carol (in black and white!) The story follows the miserly Scrooge being visited by ghosts who show him the error of his ways.
7. Die Hard (1988)
Overdosed on sugary-sweet festive romance? Try this instead. NYPD officer John McClane (Bruce Willis) battles terrorists who take over a Los Angeles skyscraper during a Christmas Eve party. Explosive action, iconic one-liners, and a holiday setting that’s become legendary in pop culture. It’s widely debated but firmly embraced as a Christmas movie.
6. The Holiday (2006)
Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz lead two women swapping homes for Christmas, with Jude Law and Jack Black adding romantic and comedic flair in this cosy, heartwarming story.
5. Love Actually (2003)
It had to be here! Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, and Keira Knightley intertwine in this iconic London-based holiday romance, offering laughs, heart, and classic festive storytelling.
4. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, the human raised by elves, joined by Zooey Deschanel and James Caan in this endlessly quotable, feel-good comedy that remains a modern Christmas favourite.
3. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The utter joy of Michael Caine playing it dead straight alongside Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and a host of Muppets, makes this musical Dickens adaptation worth watching again… and again!
2. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
James Stewart delivers an iconic performance as George Bailey, supported by Donna Reed, in this timeless story of community, hope, and holiday magic. Remember: “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.“
1. That Christmas (2024)
Brian Cox, Fiona Shaw, and Jodie Whittaker headline this new Richard Curtis animated fantasy, weaving together stories of love, loneliness, and connection in the snowbound town of Wellington-on-Sea. We’re putting this at No 1 as a visually stunning, heartwarming UK Christmas classic in the making!
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