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- A good Christmas movie might be the final touch your gathering needs this holiday season.
- Streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Peacock have libraries full of festive films.
- Some our favorites that you can stream right now include “Elf,” “Home Alone,” and “Christmas Vacation.”
‘Tis the season for holiday celebrations, and a festive movie is a surefire way to boost your Christmas cheer. Viewing parties and virtual group-watch sessions of your favorite flicks can be great family activities during gatherings, dinners, and winter vacations.
And thankfully, there’s no shortage of Christmas movies to choose from. No matter what streaming service you subscribe to, there’s plenty to watch this season.
To help you find the perfect movie to stream, the Insider Reviews team decided to round up some of our personal favorites, covering a wide assortment of holiday movies you can watch on Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more. Our list includes picks for all tastes, from Christmas classics and romantic comedies to animated adventures and festive horror.
16 best Christmas movies to stream on Netflix, Disney Plus, and more
‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on Amazon Prime Video
CBS/Getty Images
Watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Amazon Prime Video
This is my all-time favorite Christmas movie. My family saves it for Christmas Eve every year, and I cry every time! It’s the ultimate feel-good movie. — Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief, Service Journalism
Amazon Prime Video Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
‘Home Alone’ on Disney Plus
Disney Plus
Watch “Home Alone” on Disney Plus
Watching “Home Alone” and ordering a pizza is a tried-and-true holiday tradition in my household. I don’t know if it’s just nostalgia talking, but I still think this is a genuinely funny and heartwarming flick. Yes, the cartoon violence gets ridiculous when 8-year-old Kevin defends his home from burglars, but watching Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern fumble around never gets old. And how can you not tear up at the end? — Steven Cohen, Editor
Disney Plus Monthly Subscription Service$7.99 FROM DISNEY+
‘The Muppet Christmas Carol’ on Disney Plus
Disney
Watch “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Disney Plus
This Charles Dickens story has been done to death, but you only need one version, and it’s this one with the Muppets. Michael Caine makes a phenomenal Scrooge, the humor appeals to both kids and adults, and many of the songs deserve a spot on your holiday playlist. — Jenny McGrath, Editor
Disney Plus Monthly Subscription Service$7.99 FROM DISNEY+
‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ on Disney Plus
Disney Plus
Watch “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” on Disney Plus
This late ’90s movie is one that my sister and I watched every Christmas for two decades. It’s not as popular as “Elf,” “The Santa Claus,” or “Home Alone,” but it’s funny, has a nice character arc, features Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Jessica Biel, and is oh-so ’90s. — Francesca Rea, Story Production Manager
Disney Plus Monthly Subscription Service$7.99 FROM DISNEY+
‘Elf’ on HBO Max and Starz
Will Ferrell in “Elf.”
New Line Cinema
Watch ‘Elf’ on HBO Max or Starz
“Elf” is a modern classic and required viewing throughout the month of December in my house. It’s the perfect background movie to watch when wrapping presents. — Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief, Service Journalism
HBO Max Monthly Plan (ad-free)$14.99 FROM HBO MAX
Starz Streaming Service Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM STARZ
‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ on HBO Max
HBO Max
Watch “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on HBO Max
This film – not movie, film – has done more to bring my family closer through laughter than anything. Clark Griswold’s (Chevy Chase) Christmas escapades stitch together into one of the most hilarious films of all time, Christmas-themed or otherwise. If you have yet to witness Chevy Chase at his peak of funny, this is a must watch that may just become a tradition of your own. — Joe Osborne, Senior Editor
HBO Max Monthly Plan (ad-free)$14.99 FROM HBO MAX
‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947) on HBO Max
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Watch “Miracle on 34th Street” on HBO Max
This is another must-watch Christmas classic. The Post Office speech gets me every time! —Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief, Service Journalism
HBO Max Monthly Plan (ad-free)$14.99 FROM HBO MAX
‘Gremlins’ on HBO Max
Warner Bros.
Watch “Gremlins” on HBO Max
I love scary movies, but most Christmas films shy away from the horror genre. “Gremlins” is a key exception. It’s a comedic horror and Christmas movie that anyone can to relate to. After all, who hasn’t received a gift that turned out to be a nightmare? — James Brains, Reporter
HBO Max Monthly Plan (ad-free)$14.99 FROM HBO MAX
‘A Christmas Story’ on HBO Max
MGM
Watch “A Christmas Story” on HBO Max
You didn’t think you were going to get through this list without seeing “A Christmas Story,” did you? The classic tale about a boy’s quest to get a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas is a holiday movie staple. If you don’t manage to catch one of its endless replays on TBS or TNT, you can stream the flick on-demand through HBO Max. — Steven Cohen, Editor
HBO Max Monthly Plan (ad-free)$14.99 FROM HBO MAX
‘Happiest Season’ on Hulu
IMDB
Watch “Happiest Season” on Hulu
This Hulu Original is just a delight, thanks in no small part to its all-star ensemble cast, which includes Kristin Stewart, Dan Levy, Victor Garber, and Aubrey Plaza! — Ellen Hoffman, Editor-in-Chief, Service Journalism
Hulu Streaming Service $6.99 FROM HULU
‘Holidate’ on Netflix
Netflix
Watch “Holidate” on Netflix
If you’re looking for a fun Christmas rom-com then “Holidate” is a perfect mindless movie to stream. I watched it while decorating cookies and it was the ideal Christmas movie to enjoy while multitasking. — Anna Popp, Home and Kitchen Fellow
Netflix Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM NETFLIX
‘Klaus’ on Netflix
Netflix
Watch “Klaus” on Netflix
As a Christmas lover and fan of animation, I think this movie is a masterpiece. Its animation is unique compared to most family films you see today, and each character is designed with so much personality. The plot is a heartwarming origin story for Santa himself, bursting at the seams with holiday spirit. My friends and I have made this one a yearly tradition. — Sarah Saril, Reporter
Netflix Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM NETFLIX
‘A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas’ on Netflix
Warner Bros.
Watch “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas” on Netflix
If you’re familiar with Harold and Kumar, you know what to expect from this movie: bad decisions and hilarious hijinks, but this time with a Christmas flair. It takes place years after “Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” and it makes an excellent watch with friends and (adult) family alike. — Sarah Saril, Reporter
Netflix Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM NETFLIX
‘Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special’ on Netflix
Netflix
Watch “Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special” on Netflix
Now I know what you’re thinking, but despite its title, this is very much a movie about how Michael Bolton saves Christmas. The telethon hosted by the pop-rock ballad singer stars comedians like Andy Samberg, Adam Scott, and Fred Armisen. And, yes, it is very sexy. — Sarah Saril, Reporter
Netflix Monthly Subscription$8.99 FROM NETFLIX
‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas!’ on Peacock
Amazon
Watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” on Peacock
The original cartoon Grinch has remained a classic since it first was released in 1966, and for good reason. I was fascinated by the colorful animation as a kid, and the movie’s message of love and togetherness still rings true. Plus, since it’s just 25 minutes long, it’s a perfect option when you want a burst of holiday spirit but don’t have the time to devote to an entire movie. — Lauren Arzbaecher, Story Production Fellow
Peacock (Free Plan)$0.00 FROM PEACOCK
‘The Family Stone’ on Peacock
20th Century Fox
Watch “The Family Stone” on Peacock
I’ve watched “The Family Stone” possibly every December since it came out and I still consider it one of the most under-the-radar holiday movies out there. It’s success is largely thanks to the truly amazing cast, which includes stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Diane Keaton, and Dermot Mulroney. — Rachael Schultz, Editor
Peacock (Free Plan)$0.00 FROM PEACOCK
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