Best Christmas movies to watch this holiday season: The ultimate 2025 guide to you
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As the holidays draw near and temperatures drop across the country, there’s nothing more comforting than settling into the seasonal mood with a great Christmas movie.
Whether you prefer the nostalgia of timeless classics, the laughter of holiday comedies, or the warmth of modern romantic releases, the 2025 holiday season offers endless options.
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This comprehensive guide brings together the best Christmas movies to watch this year, including family favorites, hidden gems, streaming exclusives, and recent premieres that are already shaping the holiday spirit in the U.S.
In an era where streaming services compete to deliver the most enchanting holiday lineup, viewers have more choices than ever before.
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This makes 2025 the perfect year to revisit beloved titles and discover new festive stories.
Why Christmas movies still matter in 2025
Christmas movies have a unique emotional power: they comfort, inspire, bring nostalgia, and remind viewers of values like generosity, kindness, and togetherness.
In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, holiday films serve as a heartwarming pause, a chance to reconnect with traditions and loved ones.
In 2025, the abundance of streaming services has expanded the genre.
Major platforms, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video, invest heavily in holiday originals, offering viewers new stories each year, alongside classics that never go out of style.
Below is a well-curated selection of the most recommended Christmas movies to enjoy this year.
They are divided into categories for easier navigation, including classics, family movies, romantic comedies, animations, and newer releases.
The all-time classics that still define Christmas
These films remain essential holiday viewing for American households.
They continue to resonate because of their universal themes and iconic scenes.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Where to watch: Prime Video, Apple TV (rental). Few films capture the meaning of community and gratitude quite like this one.
The story of George Bailey continues to feel relevant, and its black-and-white charm remains irresistible.
2. A Christmas Story (1983)
Where to watch: Max, Prime Video. From the iconic leg lamp to Ralphie’s quest for a Red Ryder BB gun, this nostalgic comedy is practically woven into American Christmas culture.
Curiosity: The house from the film in Cleveland, Ohio, remains a popular holiday tourist attraction.
3. Home Alone (1990)
Where to watch: Disney+. Kevin McCallister’s booby traps and bold independence still delight viewers of all ages.
The movie remains the No. 1 pick for Christmas family marathons.
Funniest Christmas comedies to watch in 2025
These movies keep the spirit bright with humor, chaos, and unforgettable characters.
1. Elf (2003)
Where to watch: Prime Video, Max. Will Ferrell’s joyful performance as Buddy the Elf made this film an instant classic.
Curiosity: The scene of Buddy walking through New York City was filmed candidly, many passersby are real people reacting to Ferrell.
2. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Where to watch: Max, Prime Video. This chaotic holiday comedy remains one of the funniest portrayals of family Christmas disasters.
Clark Griswold’s over-the-top decorations are legendary.
3. The Grinch (2000)
Where to watch: Peacock. Jim Carrey’s iconic transformation into the green Christmas thief is as hilarious as it is heartwarming.
Best romantic Christmas movies for a cozy night in
Perfect for viewers looking for sentimental stories filled with love, snow, and holiday magic.
1. Love Actually (2003)
Where to watch: Netflix, Prime Video (rental). Multiple intertwined love stories unfold across London during Christmas.
The film remains one of the most beloved holiday romances ever made.
2. The Holiday (2006)
Where to watch: Netflix. With its cottage-in-the-English-countryside aesthetic and warm sentimentality, this film is a winter comfort classic.
3. Happiest Season (2020)
Where to watch: Hulu. A modern LGBTQ+ romantic comedy that blends humor, tension, and heartfelt emotion, perfect for holiday nights.
The best family & kids’ Christmas movies for 2025
These titles ensure that children, and adults, enjoy unforgettable holiday fun.
1. The Polar Express (2004)
Where to watch: Max. A magical film celebrated for its soundtrack and emotional story about belief and wonder.
2. Klaus (2019)
Where to watch: Netflix. This animated gem reimagines the origins of Santa Claus with breathtaking visuals and a thoughtful narrative.
Curiosity: It was Netflix’s first original animated feature to receive an Oscar nomination.
3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
Where to watch: Prime Video. A short animated classic that remains a staple for U.S. households for nearly six decades.
Newer Christmas movies to watch in 2025
These recent releases have quickly gained popularity and are poised to become modern classics.
1. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Where to watch: Netflix. Lindsay Lohan’s return to the screen blends romance and festive charm in a cozy winter setting.
2. Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Where to watch: Prime Video. Eddie Murphy leads this magical adventure filled with comedy, chaos, and Christmas spirit.
3. Spirited (2022)
Where to watch: Apple TV+. A musical reimagining of A Christmas Carol, starring Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrell.
It’s one of the most energetic and modern takes on the holiday classic story.
Where to stream Christmas movies in 2025
Most holiday films are easily accessible across major U.S. streaming platforms. While availability may change slightly throughout the season, the general guide is:
- Netflix: Rom-coms, originals, family films
- Disney+: Disney classics, Home Alone, animations
- Max: Warner Bros. holiday titles, A Christmas Story, Elf
- Prime Video: Rentals and wide catalog of classics
- Hulu: Modern titles and Hulu Originals
- Apple TV+: Premium holiday musicals and exclusive releases
Tip: Many platforms create “Holiday Hubs” during December, making it easier to find curated lists of Christmas movies.
Curiosities about Christmas movies Americans love
- Many U.S. households rewatch the same holiday films every year as a family tradition.
- Some cities host Christmas-movie-themed pop-up bars (e.g., Elf or A Christmas Story).
- The phrase “the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear” from Elf has become one of the internet’s favorite seasonal quotes.
- The 24-hour Christmas Eve marathon of A Christmas Story on cable TV continues to be one of the longest-running holiday traditions in American broadcasting.
The 2025 holiday season brings an incredible lineup of Christmas movies across all genres.
Whether you’re drawn to classic storytelling, heartfelt rom-coms, animated adventures, or recent streaming exclusives, the best Christmas movies always offer something magical, a blend of nostalgia, warmth, humor, and hope.
As families gather, couples enjoy cozy nights in, and friends host movie marathons, holiday films continue to strengthen traditions and create new memories.
With this ultimate 2025 guide, finding the perfect movie for every mood has never been easier.
FAQ — Questions about the best Christmas movies to watch
1. Why do Christmas movies feel more nostalgic than other holiday films?
Christmas movies usually blend childhood memories, family rituals, winter imagery, and familiar storytelling patterns. This mix of emotional triggers creates a stronger sense of nostalgia than most seasonal genres, especially in the U.S., where watching holiday films is a long-standing cultural tradition.
2. Are any Christmas movies scientifically shown to boost mood or reduce stress?
Yes. Studies in positive psychology suggest that feel-good movies, especially those involving kindness, community, and humor, can increase dopamine and lower cortisol levels. Christmas films fit this formula perfectly, making them a helpful mood-boosting ritual during winter.
3. Why do streaming platforms release so many Christmas movies every year?
The demand spikes dramatically from November to December. Christmas movies consistently rank among the top-watched titles during this period, so platforms invest heavily in originals to attract subscribers, increase watch-time, and position themselves as holiday-friendly brands.
4. What makes a Christmas movie become a “modern classic”?
Beyond being festive, a film needs cultural relevance, memorable characters, repeat-watch appeal, and a message that resonates across generations. Movies like Elf or Klaus achieved this by offering something new while still honoring traditional Christmas themes.
5. How can I create a memorable Christmas movie marathon at home?
Choose a theme (classic, comedy, romance, animation), combine old favorites with at least one new release, set up cozy lighting, and add interactive elements like “pause for trivia” moments. Many U.S. households also incorporate snacks inspired by the movies they watch, such as “Buddy the Elf popcorn” or peppermint hot chocolate.