Streaming services have taken over the holidays, pumping out new Christmas movies like their lives depend on it. From HBO Max’s 8-Bit Christmas to Netflix’s entire Christmas Cinematic Universe with Vanessa Hudgens at its center, there’s plenty of new Christmas content coming out each week.
But the Christmas season is also a time of reflection, and so often we want something nostalgic that we’re familiar with. Thankfully, plenty of streaming services are also home to some classic Christmas films. Here’s the RELEVANT guide to streaming movies this Christmas:
A Christmas Story (HBO Max)
While most of us also watch this on repeat the day of Christmas, there’s no rule that says you can’t rewatch this classic before then. It never gets old watching Ralphie Parker defy the odds of his cranky dad, doting mother and deranged-Easter Bunny brother to get Red Ryder air rifle. We triple-dog-dare you to watch it before Saturday!
It’s a Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime)
There’s a reason this movie has stayed a classic for decades. No matter how many times you watch it, there’s always something inspirational about watching George Bailey realize the impact one person’s life can have on humanity.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (HBO Max)
Clarke Griswold’s family is so dysfunctional, that watching this movie makes me feel better about my own family’s shenanigans. This Christmas film is full of good belly laughs that will help you have the hap-hap-happiest Christmas.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+)
Charlie Brown, Peanuts, Lucy and the whole gang bring fun for all ages while they hunt down the answer to the most important question of the season: what is the meaning of Christmas? It’s a delightful reminder that the holiday season is about more than shopping for gifts.
The Holiday (Hulu)
If you’re looking for some good, holiday romance, the best and less problematic Christmas rom-com (all offense to Love, Actually) is, you guess it, The Holiday! Cameron Diaz, Kate Winselt, Jude Law and Jack Black are absolutely delightful in this wonderful wintertime story about looking for something new and exciting about your life. Who knows, it might even inspire you to make a holiday switch of your own — just make sure you get that booster if you plan on traveling!
A Muppets Christmas Carol (Disney+)
The Dickens’ holiday classic about a miser who’s visited by three ghosts is elevated as the cast turns out to be none other than the beloved Muppets. It’s a wildly entertaining option for the whole family — even Guillermo del Toro is a fan!
Elf (HBO Max)
If you’re not quite in the Christmas mood yet, watching Will Ferrell play an excited, overgrown elf for an hour and a half should do the trick. Buddy is an expert at spreading Christmas cheer, especially to cotton-headed ninny muggins!
How the The Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) (Peacock)
Dr. Suess’ Grinch has become a classic character for Christmas, and a hilarious one at that. The 2000 version isn’t available on streaming platforms, but you can still watch the cartoon version to see the Grinch grow a heart for Whoville.
