25 Must-Watch Holiday Movies

Morgan Keegan

It's December, which means it's completely appropriate to binge-watch holiday movies!

Here are some of our must-watch movies this year.

1. Elf (2003)

Have some great laughs with this family comedy about a human being who was made to believe he was an elf traveling to New York City in search of his real parents.

Watch with a premium subscription on Hulu, Starz, Sling TV, fuboTV, Amazon Prime.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

2. Home Alone (1990)

Do you have a huge family where it almost feels like it's impossible to keep track of everyone? Then this movie was made for you. Kevin gets left at his house when the family leaves for a family vacation and finds himself home alone for the holidays.

Watch for free with a subscription on Disney+.

Watch for $3.99 on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, Vudu, and iTunes.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

This movie is a classic about a man who works as Santa Claus for Macy's in New York City.

Watch for $3.99 on Youtube, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.

4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas  (1966)

All three versions of this movie are amazing. You can't pick just one to watch – so you'll just have to watch all three!

Watch this version for $3.99 on YouTube.

5. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

While this movie has a harsh beginning in which the main character believes that he has so many problems that he should end it all, there's a quick turnaround when his guardian angel shows up to show him what his town would be like if he never existed.

Watch for free with an Amazon Prime Membership.

Wach for $2.99 on YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

6. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

This absolutely heartwarming classic is a great reminder that your flaws make you special, don't try to hide them.

Watch for $9.99 on Vudu.

7. Love Actually (2003)

A holiday rom-com on its own may not be extremely inventive, but one that follows five different couples? Yes, please!

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.

8. The Polar Express (2004)

Who doesn’t want to go on a Christmas Eve trip to the North Pole? This is a classic movie to watch on Christmas Eve and fall into the magic of it all. 

Watch with a premium subscription on SlingTV, fuboTV, and Philo.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.

9. The Holiday (2006)

A rom-com based on house swapping only to fall in love is a great snowy day watch.

Watch with a premium subscription on Hulu and SlingTV.

Watch for $2.99 on Vudu and Amazon Prime.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, iTunes, and Google Play.

10. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Sometimes trying to plan the perfect Holiday can feel like everything that could possibly go wrong, does. Enjoy a laugh with this film where everything doesn't go according to plan.

Watch with a premium subscription on fuboTV and Amazon Prime. 

Watch with a subscription on Philo.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu.

11. A Christmas Story (1983)

We've all dreamed of our ideal Christmas present as a child, relive that memory–with hopefully more twists and turns–with this holiday classic.

Watch with a subscription on Hulu, Sling, and HBO Max.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV.

12. Klaus (2019)

If you're looking for a great movie that doesn't follow the traditional holiday film plotline, this movie is a must-watch!

Watch with a subscription on Netflix.

13. Happiest Season (2020)

This movie is a newbie to the holiday movie scene and is already becoming a must-watch!

Watch with a subscription on Hulu.

14. Olaf's Frozen Adventure (2017)

Elsa and Anna don't have many holiday traditions, and Olaf is determined to find them some in this adorable short film.

Watch with a premium subscription to Hulu.

Watch with a subscription to Disney+.

Watch for $9.99 on YouTube.

15. Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

If you want a spooky holiday-themed movie to watch, this is the one to go with!

Watch with subscription to Disney+.

Watch for $2.99 on iTunes and Amazon Prime.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

16. The Grinch (2018)

No list of Christmas movies is truly complete without this latest animated version of one of our most cherished holiday stories.

Watch with subscription on Hulu and Sling.

With for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.

17. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

This jolly Netflix original film follows two children who encounter Santa in their own home — and find themselves on a magical adventure to help him save Christmas. If you like it, make sure to watch part 2 as well!

Watch with a subscription on Netflix.

18. The Santa Clause (1994)

For a Christmas movie twist, this film follows a divorced business man who accidentally killed Santa and must now take on Santa's role. If you enjoy this movie, be sure to add the second one to your watchlist to follow Santa on his journey for a Mrs. Claus.

Watch with a subscription on Disney+.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.

20. A Christmas Prince (2017)

If you're looking for a cheesy holiday-themed romcom, this adorable movie is the way to go.

Watch with a subscription on Netflix.

21. A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

This is a can't miss classic that is now available to stream!

Watch with a subscription on Apple TV.

22. Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009)

This is a great movie to watch with the whole family on a cozy winter night.

Watch with a subscription on Disney+.

Watch for $3.99 on YouTube, Google Play, Apple TV, Vudu, and Amazon Prime.

23. Holiday in the Wild (2019)

If you're looking for a holiday movie sans sparkling white snow, this one is the way to go!

Watch with a subscription on Netflix.

24. Christmas Cupid (2010)

In funny movie where Christmas and Valentine's Day meet, the main character is forced to reconsider her life choices when she is visited by the ghosts of her ex-boyfriends on the eve of Christmas.

Watch for free with cable TV on ABC and Freeform.

Watch with a subscription on Hulu, Sling TV, and fuboTV.

Watch for $3.99 on Amazon Prime.

25. The Spirit of Christmas (2015)

While trying to close the estate of a historic inn, the main character, Kate, discovers the ghost of a handsome man who haunts the bed and breakfast every year around Christmas time.

Watch with a subscripiton on Sling TV and Amazon Prime.

Watch for $1.99 on YouTube and Google Play.

Watch for $3.99 on Apple TV.

It's time to get cozy with loved ones and enjoy some holiday movies! Happy watching!

Morgan Keegan

Read more by Morgan Keegan

Morgan Keegan is a Graphic Design Specialist and Content Creator for CollegiateParent. She attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, graduating with a degree in Creative Writing, Journalism, and Communications. She grew up in Bronx, NY and enjoys painting, hanging out with her two cats, and taking care of her many plants.