The short answer
The best Christmas movies of all time are It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and The Muppet Christmas Carol. As of October 14, 2026, Home Alone and The Muppet Christmas Carol stream on Disney+, It’s a Wonderful Life streams on Prime Video, and Elf is rent-or-buy only. Christmas Day 2026 is Friday, December 25, so you have ten weeks of movie nights ahead.
- Best overall: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), on Prime Video and free with ads on The Roku Channel
- Best for kids: Home Alone (1990) and The Santa Clause (1994), both on Disney+
- Best on Netflix: Klaus (2019) and Love Actually (2003)
- Where to watch Elf: rent or buy on Prime Video, Apple TV or Fandango at Home (no subscription home yet)
- Hallmark Christmas movies: Countdown to Christmas starts Friday, October 16, 2026, with 34 new films
- Biggest new Christmas movie of 2026: Violent Night 2, in theaters December 4, 2026
Dec 25
Christmas Day 2026 (Friday)
Oct 16
Hallmark Countdown to Christmas begins
34
New Hallmark Christmas movies in 2026
60+
Movies checked on JustWatch US
Last checked: October 14, 2026. Streaming catalogs change on the first of every month, and holiday titles often move in November and December, so confirm the service before movie night.
In this article
Christmas movies are films set during, or built around, the Christmas season, from black-and-white classics to animated family films, rom-coms and even action movies like Die Hard. Because the same few titles hop between streaming services every year, the hardest part is not picking a film but finding where it actually streams. So we checked every movie below on JustWatch, the streaming search engine that tracks what each US service carries, on October 14, 2026.
This guide ranks the best Christmas movies of all time, then breaks them down by service, by age group and by mood. It also covers Hallmark Christmas movies and every new Christmas movie confirmed for 2026. For gifts, food, decorations and dates, see our full Christmas 2026 guide.
What Are the Best Christmas Movies of All Time?
The best Christmas movies are the ones families return to every December: It’s a Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, Christmas Vacation and The Muppet Christmas Carol lead our ranking. Below, each pick includes the year, runtime and where it streams in the US right now.
First, a note on the ranking. We weighed how well each film holds up on rewatch, how wide an audience it works for, and how easy it is to watch today. As a result, a few beloved titles that are currently rent-only still make the list, because they are worth a few dollars.
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) — Best overall
Frank Capra’s story of George Bailey, a small-town banker who is shown what life would look like without him, remains the gold standard for Christmas movies. It is sentimental, but it earns every tear.
- Runtime: 131 minutes
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free: The Roku Channel and Hoopla (with ads or a library card)
2. Home Alone (1990) — Best family comedy
Kevin McCallister, left behind when his family flies to Paris, defends the house from two burglars with booby traps. Kids love the slapstick, and adults still laugh at it.
- Runtime: 103 minutes
- Stream: Disney+
- Also on Disney+: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and Home Sweet Home Alone (2021)
3. Elf (2003) — Best modern classic
Will Ferrell plays Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole who travels to New York to find his father. It is warm, quotable and safe for most ages.
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Stream: not on a subscription service as of October 14, 2026
- Rent or buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Plex
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) — Best grown-up comedy
Clark Griswold’s quest for a “fun, old-fashioned family Christmas” goes wrong in every possible way. It is the go-to pick once the kids are in bed.
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Free: Plex (with ads)
- Rent or buy: Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) — Best Christmas Carol adaptation
Michael Caine plays Scrooge completely straight, while the Muppets handle the jokes and the songs. Consequently, it works for young kids and for parents who know Dickens.
- Runtime: 86 minutes
- Stream: Disney+
6. A Christmas Story (1983) — Best nostalgia pick
Ralphie wants one thing for Christmas, a Red Ryder BB gun, and every adult tells him he will shoot his eye out. Its 1940s Indiana setting gives it a cozy, storybook feel.
- Runtime: 93 minutes
- Rent or buy: Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home and Plex
- Sequel: A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) streams on HBO Max
7. Love Actually (2003) — Best romance
A web of interlinked London love stories plays out in the run-up to Christmas. It is uneven by design, yet the best storylines still land.
- Runtime: 135 minutes
- Stream: Netflix and Starz
8. Die Hard (1988) — Best action movie
John McClane takes on armed thieves during a Christmas Eve office party in Los Angeles. Whether it counts as a Christmas movie is a yearly debate; either way, it is a great one.
- Runtime: 132 minutes
- Stream: Prime Video and Hulu
9. Klaus (2019) — Best animated movie
Netflix’s hand-drawn origin story follows a lazy postman sent to a frozen island town, where he teams up with a reclusive toymaker. It is funny, beautiful and quietly moving.
- Runtime: 96 minutes
- Stream: Netflix (exclusive)
10. The Holiday (2006) — Best cozy rom-com
Two women, played by Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet, swap homes across the Atlantic for the holidays and both fall for someone new.
- Runtime: 136 minutes
- Stream: Hulu
11. White Christmas (1954) — Best musical
Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye put on a show to save their old general’s Vermont inn. Moreover, the Irving Berlin songs make it ideal background viewing while you wrap gifts.
- Runtime: 120 minutes
- Stream: Prime Video
- Free: Hoopla with a library card
12. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) — Best Dr. Seuss movie
Jim Carrey’s live-action Grinch is loud and manic, while the 2018 animated The Grinch is gentler for small children. Conveniently, both stream in the same place.
- Runtime: 105 minutes (2000); 85 minutes (2018)
- Stream: Peacock (both versions)
More Christmas movies worth your time
In addition to the top 12, these Christmas movies round out a full season of viewing:
- The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), Disney+
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Prime Video and Disney+; the 1994 remake is on Disney+
- The Santa Clause (1994), Disney+
- Scrooged (1988), free with ads on YouTube and free on Hoopla
- Gremlins (1984), HBO Max
- The Holdovers (2023), Peacock
- Spirited (2022), Apple TV
- The Polar Express (2004), rent or buy only
Where to Stream Christmas Movies in the US (October 2026)
Disney+ and Netflix carry the most Christmas movies right now, while Prime Video holds most of the black-and-white classics. The table below lists the top picks by service, so you can see which subscription covers the most of your family’s favorites.
| Movie | Year | Where to stream (US) | Free option |
|---|---|---|---|
| It’s a Wonderful Life | 1946 | Prime Video | The Roku Channel, Hoopla |
| Home Alone | 1990 | Disney+ | — |
| Elf | 2003 | Rent/buy only | — |
| Christmas Vacation | 1989 | Rent/buy | Plex |
| The Muppet Christmas Carol | 1992 | Disney+ | — |
| A Christmas Story | 1983 | Rent/buy only | — |
| Love Actually | 2003 | Netflix, Starz | — |
| Die Hard | 1988 | Prime Video, Hulu | — |
| Klaus | 2019 | Netflix | — |
| The Holiday | 2006 | Hulu | — |
| White Christmas | 1954 | Prime Video | Hoopla |
| How the Grinch Stole Christmas | 2000 | Peacock | — |
| The Nightmare Before Christmas | 1993 | Disney+ | — |
| Miracle on 34th Street | 1947 | Prime Video, Disney+ | — |
| The Santa Clause | 1994 | Disney+ | — |
| A Charlie Brown Christmas | 1965 | Apple TV | — |
| Gremlins | 1984 | HBO Max | — |
| The Polar Express | 2004 | Rent/buy only | — |
Which streaming service has the most Christmas movies?
Disney+ has the deepest family lineup, including Home Alone, The Santa Clause, The Muppet Christmas Carol, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Noelle. Netflix, meanwhile, leads on original holiday films, and Prime Video covers the 1940s and 1950s classics. In short, Disney+ plus one of the other two covers most households.
Is Home Alone on Disney Plus?
Yes. Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) both stream on Disney+ in the US as of October 14, 2026, along with Home Alone 3 and the 2021 reboot Home Sweet Home Alone. You can also rent or buy the first two on Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
Where can I watch Elf?
Right now, you can only rent or buy Elf in the US, on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home or Plex, according to JustWatch. It is not included with any subscription service as of October 14, 2026. However, holiday titles often land on a service in November or December, so check again closer to Christmas.
Watch out. Free YouTube uploads of full Christmas movies are often unlicensed and low quality. Stick to legitimate free services such as The Roku Channel, Plex, Tubi, Hoopla and Kanopy.
Best Christmas Movies on Netflix in 2026
The best Christmas movies on Netflix right now are Klaus, Love Actually, The Christmas Chronicles and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. Netflix, the largest US subscription streamer, has also built a deep library of its own holiday rom-coms, from A Christmas Prince to Hot Frosty.
| Christmas movie on Netflix | Year | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Klaus | 2019 | Families; animation fans |
| Love Actually | 2003 | Romance |
| The Christmas Chronicles and Part Two | 2018, 2020 | Kids and parents |
| Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey | 2020 | Musical lovers |
| A Boy Called Christmas | 2021 | Families |
| That Christmas | 2024 | Animated family viewing |
| Violent Night | 2022 | Action fans (rated R) |
| Carry-On | 2024 | Thriller set on Christmas Eve |
| Single All the Way | 2021 | Rom-com |
| Falling for Christmas | 2022 | Light rom-com |
| Our Little Secret | 2024 | Rom-com |
| Hot Frosty | 2024 | Silly rom-com |
| The Princess Switch | 2018 | Royal rom-com |
| A Christmas Prince | 2017 | Royal rom-com |
| The Holiday Calendar | 2018 | Cozy rom-com |
| Love Hard | 2021 | Rom-com |
| The Night Before | 2015 | Adult comedy |
Additionally, Netflix’s official Tudum Christmas movie guide lists its own holiday titles, and new 2026 originals arrive from November 4 (see below). For year-round picks, browse our list of the best movies on Netflix.
What Are the Best Christmas Movies for Kids?
The best Christmas movies for kids are Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Klaus, The Grinch (2018) and A Charlie Brown Christmas. For preschoolers, pick the short specials first, since several run under 30 minutes and fit before bedtime.
| Movie | Runtime | Where to stream | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) | 25 min | Apple TV | Ages 3+ |
| Prep & Landing (2009) | 22 min | Disney+ | Ages 3+ |
| Frosty the Snowman (1969) | 25 min | Hulu, Paramount+ | Ages 3+ |
| Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999) | 63 min | Disney+ | Ages 3+ |
| The Grinch (2018) | 85 min | Peacock | Ages 4+ |
| The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) | 86 min | Disney+ | Ages 5+ |
| Klaus (2019) | 96 min | Netflix | Ages 6+ |
| Noelle (2019) | 100 min | Disney+ | Ages 6+ |
| The Christmas Chronicles (2018) | 104 min | Netflix | Ages 7+ |
| Home Alone (1990) | 103 min | Disney+ | Ages 7+ |
| Arthur Christmas (2011) | 97 min | Rent/buy | Ages 5+ |
Christmas movies for toddlers and preschoolers
For very young kids, short specials work best. A Charlie Brown Christmas streams exclusively on Apple TV, while Prep & Landing and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas are on Disney+. Similarly, the 25-minute Frosty the Snowman streams on both Hulu and Paramount+.
Pro tip. Pair a family movie night with a Christmas Eve box of pajamas, cocoa and snacks. Our Christmas Eve box ideas list what to put inside.
Classic, Comedy, Romance and Action Christmas Movies
If you already know the mood you want, start here. Each group below lists Christmas movies that fit the vibe and where they stream in the US today.
Classic Christmas movies
- It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Prime Video; free on The Roku Channel
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947): Prime Video and Disney+
- Holiday Inn (1942): Prime Video
- The Bishop’s Wife (1947): Prime Video; free with ads on Tubi, The Roku Channel and Kanopy
- A Christmas Carol (1984, George C. Scott): MGM+; free with ads on Tubi and The Roku Channel
- The Shop Around the Corner (1940): Philo
Funny Christmas movies
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989): free with ads on Plex
- Scrooged (1988): free with ads on YouTube; free on Hoopla
- Jingle All the Way (1996): Disney+
- Office Christmas Party (2016): Paramount+ Premium
- Christmas with the Kranks (2004): free on Hoopla and Kanopy with a library card
- Daddy’s Home 2 (2017): MGM+
Romantic Christmas movies
- The Holiday (2006): Hulu
- Love Actually (2003): Netflix
- Last Christmas (2019): Hulu
- Happiest Season (2020): Hulu
- The Family Stone (2005): Prime Video
- Carol (2015): Prime Video; free with ads on Tubi
Action and horror Christmas movies
- Die Hard (1988): Prime Video and Hulu
- Violent Night (2022): Netflix
- Red One (2024): Prime Video
- Gremlins (1984): HBO Max
- Krampus (2015): Prime Video and Peacock
- Batman Returns (1992): HBO Max
Hallmark Christmas Movies: Countdown to Christmas 2026
Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 starts Friday, October 16, 2026, and runs through December 20, with 34 new original movies. Hallmark Christmas movies are the cable network’s famously cozy made-for-TV romances, and each one airs first on cable before it streams.
When does Hallmark Countdown to Christmas start?
It starts Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET, according to TVLine’s full 2026 schedule. After that, new movies premiere every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, mostly at 8 p.m., with extra premieres over Thanksgiving weekend. Every title then streams on Hallmark+, the network’s subscription service, the next day.
| Date (2026) | Hallmark Christmas movie | Stars |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 16 | ’Tis the Season for Setups | Amanda Schull, Victor Webster |
| Sat, Oct 17 | Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story | Lyndsy Fonseca, Robert Buckley |
| Sun, Oct 18 | Mr. & Mrs. Christmas | Brendan Penny, Pascale Hutton |
| Fri, Oct 23 | Winter Wonderlanes | Ashley Newbrough, Franco Lo Presti |
| Sat, Oct 24 | Forgotten Holiday | Janel Parrish, Daniel Lissing |
| Sun, Oct 25 | What If Christmas | Lori Loughlin, Tom Cavanagh |
Also, the mystery series Mistletoe Murders returns with new episodes on Thursday, November 5, 2026. Because the schedule can still shift, check Hallmark Channel’s listings the week of each premiere.
New Christmas Movies 2026: What Is Coming Out?
The confirmed new Christmas movies of 2026 include Netflix’s A Dog’s Perfect Christmas (November 4), Guarding Stars (November 18) and In a Holidaze (December 2), plus Violent Night 2 in theaters on December 4. More titles may still be announced, so we will update this list as dates firm up.
| Movie | Release date | Where | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| A Dog’s Perfect Christmas | Nov 4, 2026 | Netflix | Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia, Mary Steenburgen |
| Guarding Stars | Nov 18, 2026 | Netflix | Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki, Andie MacDowell |
| In a Holidaze | Dec 2, 2026 | Netflix | Maddie Ziegler, Rob Lowe, Patton Oswalt |
| Violent Night 2 | Dec 4, 2026 | Theaters (Universal) | David Harbour |
| Tyler Perry’s The Gospel of Christmas | TBA (fall/winter 2026) | Netflix | Fantasia Barrino Taylor, Yolanda Adams |
| 34 Hallmark originals | Oct 16 to Dec 20, 2026 | Hallmark Channel, then Hallmark+ | Various |
For example, A Dog’s Perfect Christmas is based on the work of W. Bruce Cameron, the author of A Dog’s Purpose, while In a Holidaze adapts the Christina Lauren novel about a holiday time loop, according to What’s on Netflix. Meanwhile, Box Office Mojo lists Violent Night 2 for a December 4, 2026, domestic release from Universal Pictures.
Can You Watch Christmas Movies for Free?
Yes. Several classic Christmas movies stream free with ads on The Roku Channel, Tubi and Plex, or free with a library card on Hoopla and Kanopy. Consequently, you can build a whole movie night without a subscription.
- It’s a Wonderful Life: The Roku Channel, Hoopla
- The Bishop’s Wife: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Kanopy, Plex
- A Christmas Carol (1984): Tubi, The Roku Channel, Plex
- National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Plex
- Scrooged: YouTube (free with ads), Hoopla
- Christmas with the Kranks: Hoopla, Kanopy
Pro tip. Hoopla and Kanopy are free through many US public libraries. Sign in with your library card number, then search the title.
How to Plan a Christmas Movie Marathon
The easiest Christmas movie marathon mixes one short special, one family film and one grown-up favorite, then ends with a classic. That way, little kids get their pick early and adults get theirs after bedtime.
- Afternoon: A Charlie Brown Christmas (25 min), then The Muppet Christmas Carol (86 min)
- Early evening: Home Alone (103 min) or Klaus (96 min)
- After bedtime: Christmas Vacation (97 min) or Die Hard (132 min)
- Nightcap: It’s a Wonderful Life (131 min)
For background music between films, queue up a holiday playlist, and if you need snacks on December 24 or 25, check which stores and restaurants are open on Christmas.
Our verdict
For one subscription that covers the most Christmas movies, Disney+ wins for families, thanks to Home Alone, The Santa Clause and The Muppet Christmas Carol. Netflix is the better pick for couples and rom-com fans, while Prime Video is the home of the classics.
Still, the single best Christmas movie remains It’s a Wonderful Life, and it is free with ads on The Roku Channel. Finally, if Elf is non-negotiable in your house, budget for a rental for now, and recheck in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the number one Christmas movie of all time?
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) is our pick for the best Christmas movie of all time, with Home Alone and Elf close behind. As of October 14, 2026, It’s a Wonderful Life streams on Prime Video in the US and is also free with ads on The Roku Channel and free on Hoopla with a library card.
Where can I watch Elf in 2026?
As of October 14, 2026, Elf is not on any US subscription streaming service. You can rent or buy it digitally on Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home or Plex. Holiday movies often move to a service in November or December, so check JustWatch again closer to Christmas before paying for a rental.
Is Home Alone on Disney Plus?
Yes. Home Alone (1990) and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) both stream on Disney+ in the US as of October 14, 2026. Home Alone 3 and the 2021 reboot Home Sweet Home Alone are also on Disney+. Alternatively, you can rent or buy the original films on Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.
What are the best Christmas movies on Netflix in 2026?
The best Christmas movies on Netflix right now are Klaus, Love Actually, The Christmas Chronicles, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey and A Boy Called Christmas. For action, Violent Night and Carry-On also stream there. In addition, Netflix releases new originals A Dog’s Perfect Christmas on November 4 and In a Holidaze on December 2, 2026.
When does Hallmark Countdown to Christmas start in 2026?
Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas 2026 starts Friday, October 16, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET with ’Tis the Season for Setups. It runs through December 20 with 34 new movies premiering on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Each movie streams on Hallmark+ the day after it airs.
What are good Christmas movies for kids?
Good Christmas movies for kids include Home Alone, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Klaus, The Grinch (2018) and The Santa Clause. For toddlers, short specials work best: A Charlie Brown Christmas runs 25 minutes on Apple TV, and Prep and Landing runs 22 minutes on Disney+. Frosty the Snowman streams on Hulu and Paramount+.
