Christmas is coming, and what's better than curling up on the sofa with the family, a bowl of popcorn and a really good Christmas film? Here's everything you need to know about the best Christmas films - whether you're looking for films for kids, nostalgic classics or something completely new.
Discover films that will make the whole family laugh, cry and feel the magic of Christmas.
Why Christmas films are part of the Christmas tradition
Watching Christmas films has become an important part of the celebrations. They convey warmth, togetherness and timeless messages of love, hope and generosity. They are also perfect for bringing the whole family together, from young children to older generations.
Christmas films for kids - our top picks
1. the Polar Express (2004)
Join a young boy on a magical train journey to the North Pole where he meets Father Christmas himself. A film filled with adventure and warmth.
- Genre: Animated, Family
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Stream on: HBO Max, Viaplay
2nd Frost (2013)
In the kingdom of Arendal, we meet Elsa, who is trying to control her magical powers, and Anna, who embarks on a journey to save her sister and their home.
- Genre: Animated, Adventure, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Stream on: Disney+
3. the Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell shines as a modern, tough and warm-hearted Father Christmas who is helped by two children to save Christmas after his sleigh crashes.
- Genre: Adventure, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Stream on: Netflix
4th Klaus (2019)
Jesper, a spoilt postman, meets Klaus, a lonely toy maker, in this original tale of how the legend of Santa Claus may have begun.
- Genre: Animated, Family
- IMDb rating: 8.2/10
- Stream on: Netflix
5. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
An inspiring story about a boy who searches for the magical land of elves to save the hope of his town. Perfect for the whole family!
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10
- Stream on: Netflix
6. The Claus Family (2020)
After losing his father at Christmas, Jules discovers that his grandfather is Santa Claus himself. A heartwarming story about rediscovering the magic of Christmas.
- Genre: Family, Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10
- Stream on: Netflix
7. the Princess Switch (2018)
Two women, who look identical, change lives during Christmas in this charming and entertaining story. Kids will love the royal theme!
- Genre: Romantic comedy, Family
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
- Stream on: Netflix
8. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
A visual masterpiece in which a toy maker and his grandson try to recreate his most ingenious invention. Steampunk meets Christmas magic!
- Genre: Musical, Adventure
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Stream on: Netflix
9 Angela's Christmas (2018)
A cute and funny short film about a girl who takes care of baby Jesus from the manger, leading to a heartwarming Christmas adventure.
- Genre: Animated, Family
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Stream on: Netflix
10 Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square (2020)
Dolly Parton plays an angel who helps a cold-hearted woman find the true meaning of Christmas. Full of great music and Christmas cheer.
- Genre: Musical, Drama
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
- Stream on: Netflix
11. Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
An animated reinterpretation of the classic tale with spectacular music and a magical Christmas atmosphere that children and adults will enjoy.
- Genre: Animated, Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Stream on: Netflix
12. DreamWorks Holiday Classics (2011)
An entertaining package of short films featuring Shrek, Madagascar and other favourites in a Christmas setting. Kids will laugh out loud!
- Genre: Animated, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Stream on: Netflix
New Christmas films for 2024
Here are some of the most anticipated new Christmas films of the year:
1. Meet Me Next Christmas
Layla is desperate to get tickets to a sold-out Pentatonix concert to meet the man of her dreams. While on the hunt in New York, she meets a charming concierge who could change everything.
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- IMDb rating: 5.6/10
- Stream on: Netflix
- First time: 6 November 2024
2. Hot Frosty
Lacey Chabert plays a woman who accidentally turns a snowman into a real man, leading to comic and romantic complications.
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
- Stream on: Netflix
- First time: 13 November 2024
3. An Almost Christmas Story
Inspired by a real-life event, this short film follows an owl and a lost girl who navigate New York together during Christmas.
- Genre: Animated, Family
- IMDb rating: 7.0/10
- Stream on: Disney+
- First time: 15 November 2024
4. The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland
A mash-up of Alice in Wonderland and Twas the Night Before Christmas where Santa and Alice try to convince the Queen of Hearts to reinstate Christmas.
- Genre: Animated, Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10
- Stream on: Hulu and Prime Video
- First time: 15 November 2024
5. Jingle Bell Love
A widower visits his deceased wife's hometown and finds love when he tries to save a local café with a Christmas concert.
- Genre: Drama, Romance
- IMDb rating: 6.1/10
- Stream on: Roku Channel
- First time: 18 November 2024
6. The Merry Gentlemen
To save her family's bar, a woman starts a Christmas show with male strippers, leading to unexpected romance.
- Genre: Romantic comedy
- IMDb rating: 5.0/10
- Stream on: Netflix
- First time: 20 November 2024
7. Dear Santa
After a spelling mistake in a letter to Santa, Satan (played by Jack Black) turns up to fulfil a boy's wishes - at a high price.
- Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10
- Stream on: Paramount+
- First time: 25 November 2024
8. Nutcrackers
A man is forced to look after his nieces and nephews over Christmas, leading to both heartache and chaos.
- Genre: Family, Drama
- IMDb rating: 5.5/10
- Stream on: Hulu
- First time: 29 November 2024
9. That Christmas
Richard Curtis (of Love Actually fame) takes us on an animated journey with several interconnected stories about families and the magic of Christmas.
- Genre: Animated, Family
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10
- Stream on: Netflix
- First time: 4 December 2024
10. Red One
When Father Christmas is kidnapped, the North Pole's head of security must team up with a notorious hacker on an action-packed, globe-trotting mission to save Christmas.
- Genre: Action, Comedy
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10
- Stream on: Prime Video
- First time: 15 November 2024
11. carry-on
A mysterious traveller blackmails a young TSA agent into letting a dangerous package through security and onto a Christmas Day flight.
- Genre: Thriller, Drama
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Stream on: Netflix
- First time: 13 December 2024
Timeless classics
1. die hard (1988)
A New York police officer tries to rescue his divorced wife and others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at Nakatomi Plaza.
- IMDb rating: 8.2
- Stream on: Amazon Prime, Disney+ (depending on region)
2. A Christmas Carol (1951)
Ebenezer Scrooge, a stingy businessman, is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve who show him the consequences of his way of life.
- IMDb rating: 8.1
- Stream on: Apple TV, Amazon Prime
3. Home Alone (1990)
An eight-year-old boy, forgotten at home, has to defend his house against two burglars on Christmas Eve.
- IMDb rating: 7.7
- Stream on: Disney+
4. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
A young reindeer, ostracised because of its bright red muzzle, finds its place among Santa's team.
- IMDb rating: 8.0
- Stream on: YouTube Movies, Amazon Prime
5. A Pear for Dad's Christmas (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, 1989)
The Griswold family's plans for a big family Christmas turn into a disaster.
- IMDb rating: 7.5
- Stream on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
6. A Christmas Story (1983)
In the 1940s, young Ralphie dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.
- IMDb rating: 7.9
- Stream on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
7. Miracle on 34th Street (Miracle on 34th Street, 1947)
A man playing Santa at Macy's claims to be the real Santa, leading to a courtroom drama.
- IMDb rating: 7.9
- Stream on: Disney+, Amazon Prime
8. elf (2003)
Buddy, a human raised by elves, travels to New York to meet his biological father and spread Christmas cheer.
- IMDb rating: 7.1
- Stream on: HBO Max, Amazon Prime
9. Gremlins (1984)
A man breaks the rules for his new pet and unleashes mischievous monsters in his town.
- IMDb rating: 7.3
- Stream on: Netflix, Amazon Prime
10. Bad Santa (2003)
A con man posing as Santa befriends a troubled child while robbing department stores.
- IMDb rating: 7.0
- Stream on: Amazon Prime, Hulu
