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25 classic Christmas films to watch this festive season

One for every day leading up to Christmas! - by Rachel Iorfino
  • 14 Nov 2023

'Tis almost the season for watching all the Christmas movies! Here's our list of the top classic Christmas films to round out the year.

Watch: World’s easiest Christmas pudding wreath

It’s that time of the year again when every streaming service starts releasing its Christmas movie for kids, adults and rom-com-addicts alike, but when it comes down to it, there’s nothing better than watching some tried and true classic Christmas films.

This year, in the lead up to Christmas, dedicate some family time to a jolly movie marathon, complete with popcorn (for making edible garlands, of course!), eggnog and gingerbread cookies.

Our top picks for classic Christmas films: 

gremlins-classic-christmas-film
Warner Bros

1. Gremlins (1984)

Although it’s not a traditional Christmas movie, Gremlins is the perfect thriller for the holiday season. The cute and cuddly Gizmo and the unfortunate Gremlin epidemic are sure to put you in the holiday mood. 

Stream Gremlins now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

2. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

This couple has decided to skip Christmas this year. However, when their daughter plans to return early, it’s all hands on deck to pull off a Christmas extravaganza. 

Stream Christmas with the Kranks now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

3. Scrooged (1988)

A spin-off from a Christmas Carol, Scrooged is the perfect '80s rendition of ‘Bah Humbug’. A cynical and selfish TV executive is haunted by ghosts past, present and future that help him reform. 

Stream Scrooged now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

arthur-christmas-classic-film
Sony Pictures Animation

4. Arthur Christmas (2011)

This kids’ film has a little something for everyone. Santa's clumsy son Arthur sets out on a mission to give out a present they misplaced to a young girl in less than 2 hours.

Stream Arthur Christmas now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

5. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

This Tim Burton film isn’t quite the usual feel-good festive film, but it’s a seasonal must none-the-less. Despite a successful Halloween, Jack Skellington is bored with his job in Halloweenland. When he discovers Christmastown, he’s enchanted by the Yuletide season, and decides to make the holiday season his own.

Stream The Nightmare Before Christmas now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

6. Eloise at Christmastime (2003)

A great one for kids or for adults that are kids at heart. Based on the children’s picture book, this movie follows a fiery young girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel, and seems to run it too!

Stream Eloise at Christmastime now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.

7. Die Hard (1988)

Not the most traditionally Christmas film, but great for those who want a bit of action. A New York police officer tries to save his estranged wife and other hostages from terrorists at a Christmas party.

Stream Die Hard now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

miracle-on-34th-street-classic
20th Century Studios

8. Four Christmases (2008)

Visiting your parents on Christmas doesn’t sound too bad, except for this couple. Four divorced parents, four houses to visit and a whole lot of things to go wrong. 

Stream Four Christmases now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.

9. Deck The Halls (2006)

When Buddy moves into this small town, he realises his dream to be able to see his house from space. How many Christmas lights, and fights with his neighbour will it take for it to come true? 

Stream Deck The Halls now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

10. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

There’s nothing better than a bit of black and white cinema to feel cosy at Christmastime. The original Miracle on 34th Street is the perfect feel good movie, with a mother and daughter duo fighting to prove that Kris Kringle is the real Santa Claus. 

Stream Miracle on 34th Street now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

11. The Santa Clause (1994)

A truly feel-good Christmas movie, Tim Allen stars as the unwitting Scott Calvin who inadvertently kills Santa on Christmas Eve, and must step in to take his place before Christmas is ruined.

Stream The Santa Clause now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

home-alone-classic-films
20th Century Studios

12. Home Alone (1990)

No Christmas is complete without watching at least one of the Home Alone movies. An eight-year-old troublemaker must protect his house from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation.

Stream Home Alone now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

13. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

Home Alone 2 is of course, a classic, and Kevin is up to no good again this time. Accidentally getting on a flight to New York means a stay at the Plaza Hotel, and another encounter with two thieves. 

Stream Home Alone 2 now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

14. A Christmas Carol (2009)

This iconic Christmas classic is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ book, and the festive season isn’t complete without it. This animation is surprisingly realistic and will definitely make you wish ghosts weren't real! 

Stream A Christmas Carol now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

classic-christmas-the-family-stone
20th Century Studios

15. The Family Stone (2005) 

Conservative, prim and proper Meredith visits her boyfriend Everett’s family for Christmas and finds herself in all kinds of trouble. The rambunctious Stone family have trouble themselves as well. 

Stream The Family Stone now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

16. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Clark Griswold promises a perfect Christmas this year, but with the arrival of the in-laws, the cat-christmas present and the Christmas lights failing to turn on, it’s a domino effect into disaster. 

Stream National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

17. Christmas with the Coopers (2015)

Each member of the Cooper family is having individual troubles –  bring it all together on Christmas Eve dinner and you’ve got one heck of a celebration. 

Stream Christmas with the Coopers now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.

18. Jingle All The Way (1996)

Last, but certainly not least, this is a Christmas film for those who like a little serve of action with their Christmas cheer. Starring Arnold Schwarzenegger – need we say more?

Stream Jingle All The Way now on Disney Plus with a mth-to-mth no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.

elf-christmas-movie
Warner Bros

19. Elf (2003)

A feel-good family comedy with Will Ferrell all about the chaotic adventures of one of Santa’s best helpers. 

Stream Elf now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

20. The Holiday (2006)

This feel-good romcom is peak cottage-core with the English village vibe but also delivers a sunny Christmas that any Aussie can relate to. 

Stream The Holiday now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

21. How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

A revenge-seeking Grinch plans to ruin the Christmas holiday for all the residents of Whoville. A Dr. Suess classic with Jim Carrey that will bring joy to the whole family.

Stream How The Grinch Stole Christmas now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.

22. The Polar Express (2004)

A visually stunning film, young Billy doesn’t believe in Santa, despite encouragement from his family. Then, on Christmas Eve, a mysterious train turns up with a conductor that promises to take Billy to the North Pole to meet Santa.

Stream The Polar Express now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

meet-me-in-st-louis

MGM

23. Meet Me In St Louis (1944)

What’s better than a Christmas movie musical? A Christmas movie musical starring the one and only Judy Garland. This 1944 film follows four daughters as they reluctantly prepare to move to New York. 

Stream Meet Me In St Louis now on Apple TV+ with a 7 day free trial. Subscribe here.

24. Love Actually (2003)

This rom-com is heralded as one of the best and most heart-warming holiday movies. Following eight different stories in the lead up to Christmas, this film captures the quintessential Christmas spirit. 

Stream Love Actually now on BINGE with a 7-day free trial. Subscribe here.

25. It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

Five-time Oscar winner, this film is the story of a businessman who is visited by an angel, who shows him what life would be like if he had never existed.

Stream It's A Wonderful Life now on Prime Video with a 30-day free trial. Subscribe here.

Use this Christmas movie schedule: 

christmas-film-calendar
  • Better Life
  • Christmas Decorating, Tips & Traditions
Rachel Iorfino
Rachel Iorfino is a content producer for Better Homes and Gardens. While she loves spending time travelling and trying out new restaurants, you'll most likely find Rachel with her nose in a book.

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