Christmas movies now streaming – what and where to watch the films

That time of year is upon us once more, where we crack out our Christmas decorations, fire up the December playlist and eat our bodyweight in mince pies.

As Crimbo looms and panic present buying begins, it’s only right that a little time should be carved out to enjoy the fine festive films on offer to us via our favourite streaming platforms.

From the old classics to the brand-spanking new, and funny to heartstring-pulling, there’s almost too much to choose from on the likes of Netflix, Disney Plus and Prime.

However, fear not, we’ve got you covered and have pulled together our top 10 (or so) picks for the season.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

How can any list not begin with this stone-cold classic Christmas tale, and the best of the many, many Dickens adaptations we’ve seen?

With a film that’s high on comedy, camp, content and actual classic text (yes, narrator Gonzo does actually quote directly from the novella), Sir Michael Caine provides the festive cherry on top of the Christmas cake by playing it dead straight as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Otherwise, the cast is filled with all of our most favourite of Jim Henson’s furry creations, with Kermit as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife, and adorable nephew Robin as Tiny Tim.

There’s also a double dose of Marley, thanks to grumpy hecklers Statler and Waldorf, Fozzie Bear transforming Fezziwig into ‘Fozziwig’ and Sam Eagle trying to bend his rampant American patriotism to ‘the British way’.

This musical also boats some fantastic earworms as well, such as opening number Scrooge, Marley and Marley, It Feels Like Christmas and Thankful Heart (featuring Sir Michael).

Add to that singing vegetables, lobsters, penguins and a put-upon family of mice and I’m really not sure you need anything else.

The Muppet Christmas Carol is streaming on Disney Plus.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Another one the whole family can enjoy, based on Dr Seuss’s iconic green Christmas grump.

Alongside the well-loved 1966 TV animation, Jim Carrey brought his malleable comedy chops to the larger-than-life character for the 2000 movie.

Living on the outskirts of Whoville the revenge-seeking Grinch plans to ruin Christmas for all of the citizens of the town, but things don’t exactly go according to plan.

This bright, riotous adaptation is directed by Ron Howard and also stars Christine Baranski, Jeffrey Tambor and a young Taylor Momsen.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas is streaming on Netflix and Prime.

Spirited (2022)

A new offering for 2022, festive veteran Will Ferrell is back to boss Christmas following his enduring success with Elf – and this time he’s brought Ryan Reynolds along for the ride.

Another retelling of A Christmas Carol but given a massive modern twist (and a touch of Tracy Jordan), this distinguishes itself from the pack by cramming in the jokes, the cameos and the tunes.

Yes, this is a full-blown new musical from Pasek and Paul, the songwriting brains behind La La Land and The Greatest Showman. We get tap-dancing elves mixed in with moral quandaries, a fun reinterpretation of Dickens’ three Christmas ghosts and Reynolds as the ‘unredeemable’ Clint Briggs that Christmas Present sets his sights on saving.

Although the less that is said about Reynolds’ brief foray into a Cockney accent the better, both stars impressively give of their all in musical numbers that show the modern-day masters of musicals definitely still possess impressive prowess.

Spirited is streaming on Apple TV Plus.

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

What’s this? What’s this? A Christmas film list that of course incudes Tim Burton and director Henry Selick’s iconic stop-motion animation.

A typically dark twist on the Yuletide, for the five people who are yet to see it the film follows Jack Skellington, a Halloween Town resident (and Pumpkin King no less), who finds Christmas Town and is instantly enchanted by the festivities.

Another one that offers top-tier tunes, its hard to beat the characteristically whimsical score and songs from long-time Burton collaborator Danny Elfman, who also provides a thrilling singing voice for Jack.

The Oscar-nominated cult favourite also boasts a voice cast including Catherine O’Hara as Sally, Chris Sarandon as Jack’s speaking voice, Ken Page as the beautiful baritone of villain Oogie Boogie, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix and Paul Reubens.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is streaming on Disney Plus.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

There are two versions of this cosy Christmas tale to choose from: Either the 1947 original with a young Natalie Wood and Maureen O’Hara or the 1994 remake with Mara Wilson (Matilda) and the best film Santa there’s ever been in Sir Richard Attenborough.

The story follows lovely old gent Kriss Kringle, who is hired to play a department store Father Christmas, only to baffle everyone when he claims to be the genuine article.

When his sanity is questioned, a lawyer defends him in an inspirational court battle (seriously, have the tissues ready for when you feel like your heart might burst with festive feeling).

Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is streaming on Disney Plus.

Home Alone and Home Alone 2 (1990, 1992)

Why choose one of the Home Alone movies when you can watch both?

Macaulay Culkin became a bonafide child star and icon to kids everywhere in his role as Kevin McCallister, who somehow managed to be left behind for not one but two family Christmas celebrations.

The 1990 original, written by John Hughes and directed by Harry Potter’s Chris Columbus, saw Culkin’s Kevin defend his family home in Chicago from dim-witted burglars Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern) after he is accidentally left behind in the chaos of his family leaving to go to Paris for Christmas.

The 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, moves the action to the Big Apple, where Kevin is once again pitted against Harry and Marv after being stranded in the city during his family’s journey to Florida.

Tim Curry joined the cast second time around and the Plaza Hotel provided a stunning backdrop for some scenes.

Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York are streaming on Disney Plus.

The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

Netflix heralded its proper arrival on the cheesy Christmas movie scene with this 2019 rom-com, starring High School Musical’s Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse.

A medieval English knight is magically transported to present-day America (because of course he is) where he falls for a high school science teacher who is disillusioned by love (because of course she is).

It has all you want in this kind of festive film, from excessive amounts of fake snow and fairy lights to a stunning modern farmhouse kitchen and lots of classic fish-out-of-water comedy moments provided by the thoroughly committed and charming Whitehouse.

Genuinely a gem of its kind.

The Knight Before Christmas is streaming on Netflix.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Potentially the Christmas film to end all Christmas films, writer-director Frank Capra provides his best work alongside star James Stewart in this beautifully told tale all about how the smallest acts can make the biggest difference to others.

In a plotline far less twee than it sounds, angel Clarence (Henry Travers) is sent from heaven to help desperately frustrated businessman George Bailey (Stewart) by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.

The five-time Oscar nominee is both quintessential Capra and Jimmy Stewart viewing (it was his first film back after his World War Two service) and should banish the bah hambug from even the most crotchety of souls.

The cast also includes Donna Reed, Thomas Mitchell and Lionel Barrymore as gasp-inducingly wicked Mr Potter.

It’s a Wonderful Life is one of the most convincing arguments for that old adage that they don’t make them like they used to anymore…

It’s a Wonderful Life is streaming on Prime.

Falling for Christmas (2022)

This year’s headline Christmas original from Netflix, Falling for Christmas marks the Lohanaissance with star Lindsay Lohan’s return to films after a gap of several years.

Lohan stars as hotel heiress Sierra, who gets engaged to her boyfriend before losing her memory straight afterwards in a skiing accident.

Cue the entrance of Glee alumnus Chord Overstreet as handsome single father Jake, who rescues her on the mountainside and brings her back to his holiday cabin – because they are, of course, technically rival business owners too!

Likely one to be in the right mood for, as it doesn’t leave too much room for subtlety, Lohan, Overstreet and the cast will win you over with the quality of their performances.

And as ever, there are cosy log cabin scenes, a Christmas party set-piece and a gorgeous wardrobe to lust over.

Falling for Christmas is streaming on Netflix.

Die Hard (1988)

It would be remiss of us to miss this film off the list, despite its hotly debated status as a Christmas movie.

While its true that Xmas doesn’t have much if, if anything, to do with the plot, Die Hard does take place during the festive period and with the backdrop of the office party.

New York City police officer John McClaine (Bruce Willis) tries to save his estranged wife and several others taken hostage by terrorists during a Christmas party at the Nakatomi Plaza in Los Angeles.

Alongside its highly quotable ‘Yippee ki-yay’, we get explosions, shootouts and Alan Rickman’s fabulous evil mastermind Hans Gruber – a merry Christmas indeed.