It’s finally Christmas movie season! While I’ve been doing my best to watch every single movie that Hallmark has aired since October 27, December is when I get serious about my Christmas movies. So, put on your comfiest Christmas pajamas, grab a peppermint mocha, and get ready for a Christmas movie marathon with this Christmas movie list!
A note: It turns out that a lot of Christmas movies aren’t available for streaming. My plan is to find as many of these as possible on TV and DVR them to watch later.
The Classics
White Christmas
I hadn’t seen this movie until just a few years ago and I’m surprised it took me so long. Musical? Check. World War II backstory? Check. Shameless romcom plotline? Double check. This one has it all.
On Netflix
It’s a Wonderful Life
This depressing, beautiful movie gets me every time. Tears are expected. It will for sure play on network TV at some point in December, so get that DVR ready.
A Christmas Story
Would I even be a Clevelander if I didn’t include this gem? It was depressing to me as a child (and still kind of is, TBH), but who doesn’t love a good leg lamp?
Don’t bother streaming, just wait for the all-day marathon on TBS.
Holiday Inn
I’ve never actually seen this holiday classic, but I’ve decided to finally sit down and watch it this year. Who couldn’t use a little more Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in their holiday season?
On Amazon Prime (It’s free for 30 days, plenty of time to watch all the Christmas movies and then bail)
Meet Me in St. Louis
Another classic that I shamefully haven’t seen, but it’s where “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” debuted, so it’s time to give it a watch. Another one that isn’t streaming, but I’ve been able to find it on TCM to DVR.
The Childhood Favorites
The Santa Clause
This is my favorite Christmas movie from my childhood. What kid wouldn’t want their dad to secretly be Santa? This one holds up pretty well into adulthood.
All three Santa Clause movies will be streaming on Netflix starting December 12, but if you can’t wait that long, Freeform is airing it pretty consistently.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
If you don’t cry real tears when Linus is like, “Maybe that’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown,” then are you even a real human or are you just an anthropomorphized snowman with a heart made of ice?
If you don’t own the box set of Charlie Brown holiday movies (GET ON MY LEVEL), then you can watch A Charlie Brown Christmas on ABC.com.
The Muppet Christmas Carol and Mickey’s Christmas Carol
Are these for children? Absolutely. I haven’t watched either of these in quite a while, but I’m interested in revisiting them. I just remember being thoroughly freaked out by the ghost of Christmas future (ok and all the ghosts, whatever).
The Muppet Christmas Carol is on HBO Go. Mickey’s Christmas Carol is airing on Freeform for your DVR convenience.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Animated)
Don’t worry, the live-action one is on here too. But the original deserves some respect! Plus, you get the Thurl Ravenscroft version of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”
Another DVR entry. So far I’ve found it on TBS, but it will probably be on network TV as we get closer to Christmas.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Another movie that made me kind of sad as a kid (Rudolph’s dad is so mean!) but that I love now. The animation is amazing and Rudolph’s stuffy little voice cracks me up.
Rudolph is another one for the DVR. It aired on CBS already but maybe we’ll get a repeat showing? It looks like it’s on YouTube as well.
Frosty the Snowman
One of my favorites as a kid! I used to yell “Happy Birthday!” to people like Frosty all the time. I haven’t watched this one in a while (I was traumatized by Frosty melting) so I’m looking forward to watching it again.
Once again, get that DVR ready. So far I’ve found it on CBS. It’s on YouTube too.
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Despite being categorized as a childhood classic I actually hadn’t seen this movie until Michelle made me watch it during a Christmas movie marathon a few years ago. A little JTT throwback is just what Christmas needs if you ask me.
On Hulu (Also free for 30 days, so just sign up and cancel once you’ve had your fill of the Christmas spirit)
The Christmas Romcoms/Modern Classics
Love Actually
A must-watch year round, but especially at Christmas. Favorite scenes include Rowan Atkinson gift wrapping the necklace, Hugh Grant dancing to The Pointer Sisters, Sam’s triumphant run through the airport, and crying to Joni Mitchell with Emma Thompson (it’s all your fault, Snape!). I typically watch Love Actually a few times each Christmas season and this year will be no different!
Love Actually isn’t streaming anywhere but I found it on VH1 to DVR. Regardless, if you don’t own it on DVD, now is the time to order it, people.
The Holiday
Ok, I couldn’t watch The Holiday for a while because I identified a bit too closely with Kate Winslet’s character. But now that I’m past that phase of my life, I watch this one over and over. I can now only sing “Mr. Brightside” like Cameron Diaz.
On Hulu and Amazon Prime
While You Were Sleeping
While not strictly a Christmas movie, it does take place around Christmas so it earns a spot on the list. Early Sandra Bullock is true perfection, and everyone’s favorite Jewish dad Sandy Cohen is in it. What more do you want?
On Netflix
Elf
A modern classic if there ever was one. This might be Will Ferrell’s best movie, or at least top three. Throw in a blonde Zooey Deschanel and you’re good to go.
Fun Fact: our family dog’s name was Buddy so whenever my sister or I was leaving the house we would tell him “Bye, Buddy! Hope you find your dad!”
Elf is on Freeform like every six hours, so clear some space on your DVR.
The Family Stone
This is another movie that I haven’t seen but have heard great things about. It’s got an awesome cast so I’m excited to finally watch it this year!
The Family Stone is available On Demand (on AT&T U-Verse at least) or to DVR on Starz.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Live Action)
This is one of those rare times that a remake actually lives up to the original. There are so many good one-liners that went right over my head as a kid. Plus, baby Grinch is so cute! Just fast forward through the horrifying bullying scene from his childhood.
On Netflix
When Harry Met Sally
I know this was included on the fall movie list too, but really, When Harry Met Sally is appropriate year round. Besides, it would have to be a true Christmas miracle for Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal to end up together. Dare you to not get “Surrey with the Fringe on Top” stuck in your head after watching.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find When Harry Met Sally streaming or to DVR. Going to have to go the old-fashioned route with this one: watch it on DVD.
Notably Absent
Home Alone
I know every Christmas movie list includes Home Alone, but honestly, fuck this movie. In case you didn’t notice from the above entries, I was an overly emotional child who was very sensitive to mean parents and/or sad childhoods. Therefore, Home Alone is out because there is nothing charming about FORGETTING YOUR CHILD on Christmas. Don’t @ me.
