Christmas—and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa—is all about getting together with family and friends. There is not a better time to cozy-up and watch something comforting, funny, hopeful—or in some cases—thrilling, during the holiday season. We know what our favorites are!
We’ve got you covered no matter who you’re watching a movie with this month.
Cheesy, Magical, and Fun
These holiday movie choices are fun for the whole family. Kids will enjoy singing along with their favorite Muppets and Sesame Street characters with vintage Christmas Eve on Sesame Street or The Muppet Christmas Carol. Or, continue to marvel at the peace that A Charlie Brown Christmas can bring. (We dig the soundtrack as well).
A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
Where to Watch: AppleTV+, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Youtube
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Santa Clause (1994)
Where to Watch: YouTube, Disney+, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Holiday Classics
It immediately feels like Christmastime with one of these movies playing this time of year. Whether it’s Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” or Jimmy Stewart learning a valuable lesson, it’s old Hollywood holiday fun. What a comfort!
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)
Where to Watch: Bravo Now, E! Now, NBC.com, Plex, Prime Video, Syfy Now, Telemundo Now, Tubi
White Christmas (1954)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime, or Check Theater Showtimes Near You!
Silliness Unlimited
Holiday comedies will have you laughing and enjoying yourself. It’s still hysterical to watch Will Ferrell as an oversized elf or to see Kevin McCallister setting up traps for the Wet Bandits. It’s all silly and gets everyone into lighter spirits this holiday season.
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Where to Watch: Freeform, Hulu, Prime Video
Elf (2003)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, STARZ, Prime Video, or Check Theater Showtimes Near You!
Home Alone (1990)
Where to Watch: Disney+, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
A Christmas Story (1983)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, TBS, TNT, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime, or Check Theater Showtimes Near You!
Great Ensemble Dramadies and that Thriller, Action Movie
Although it’s fun to laugh, these movies tug at the heartstrings. There’s nothing like seeing a group of characters figure things out during the holidays. And then, of course, there’s John McClane fighting off German terrorists on Christmas Eve in Die Hard. He’s figuring things out, too!
Almost Christmas (2016)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Sling TV, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Beautiful Girls (1996)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
The Family Stone (2005)
Where to Watch: Tubi, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Love Actually (2003)
Where to Watch: Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Die Hard (1988)
Where to Watch: IMDb TV, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Crazy, Over-the-Top Comedies
The holidays can feel overwhelming and chaotic and even more so in these selections. Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, and Co. have a whacky night in “Office Christmas Party” and Seth Rogen and Joseph Gordon Levitt have a night they’ll never forget in The Night Before. No matter which movie you choose in this section, you’re in for one crazy adventure!
Office Christmas Party (2016)
Where to Watch: ABC, FXNOW, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
The Night Before (2015)
Where to Watch: FXNOW, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Just Friends (2005)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Bad Santa (2003)
Where to Watch: Pluto TV, Rent/Buy on Amazon Prime
Holiday Rom-Coms and Season’s Kissings
There are so many Christmas-themed love stories out there, but these are truly some favorites from the last 30 years. Don’t worry. If you’ve seen all of these already, they’re great to rewatch or check out what Lifetime and Hallmark have released this year.
The Holiday (2006)
Where to Watch: Hulu, Netflix
Snowbound for Christmas (2019)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Bridget Jone’s Diary (2001)
Where to Watch: HBO Max, Pluto TV
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Where to Watch: EPIX, Paramount+
Serendipity (2001)
Where to Watch: Netflix, Paramount+, Plex, Pluto TV
New This Year
So many holiday movies are released every year and that’s the case for 2021, too. However, these are the ones that really grabbed our attention. Keira Knightley has a horrific holiday in Silent Night, and Neil Patrick Harris reminisces on his most sought-after Christmas present when he was a kid in 8-bit Christmas.
Love Hard (2021)
Where to Watch: Netflix
8-bit Christmas (2021)
Where to Watch: HBO Max
Silent Night (2021)
Where to Watch: AMC+, Check Theater Showtimes Near You!
Single All the Way (2021)
Where to Watch: Netflix
Who Is Christmas Eve (2021)
Where to Watch: Bounce, Amazon Prime Video
Wishing you a happy holiday season from Young Hot & Modern. If you think we forgot your favorite holiday flick, let us know on Instagram using our hashtag #yhmmovienight.