It’s that time of year when the weather gets colder and the holiday movies feel more nostalgic than ever. Whether you’re enjoying a solo holiday movie marathon or having a movie night with family or friends, most people can agree that watching a good wintry movie gets them in the holiday spirit. So, I picked out my eight favorite movies to watch during the holiday season, ranked in descending order, to give some inspiration if you’re looking for a film to watch.
“Home Alone”
Rating: PG
When thinking of a popular Christmas movie, “Home Alone” usually comes to mind. Found on Disney+ and Hulu, “Home Alone” is a classic to rewatch every winter. Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old boy, wishes his large family would disappear. It just so happens that the next day, his parents forget him in the attic while leaving for their trip to Paris. His excitement turns to worry when he realizes two men are planning to rob his house, and he needs to stop them. “Home Alone” is the first holiday movie I watched as a child, making it my personal favorite. I rewatch it every year without getting bored.
“The Princess Switch”
Rating: PG
“The Princess Switch” is one of the less well-known and more recent holiday movies, streaming on Netflix. “The Princess Switch” is about two women who look alike (both played by the iconic Vanessa Hudgens), one of whom is a duchess and the other an ordinary girl from Chicago. The two switch positions one week before Christmas and find new lives for themselves. I discovered this movie scrolling on Netflix, and it’s now my second-favorite holiday movie due to the unique storyline. I would recommend checking this movie out if you are a fan of a great rom-com.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Rating: PG
A heartwarming classic on Peacock and Prime Video, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) is about the Grinch ruining Christmas for the citizens of Whoville. This live-action movie is about the bitter Grinch who sneaks into everyone’s homes, stealing Christmas presents, until he encounters a little girl named Cindy Lou Who, who changes the way the Grinch feels about Christmas. “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (2000) is in my top three holiday movies because I first watched it in elementary school and have rewatched it ever since because of the holiday spirit it puts me in.
“The Polar Express”
Rating: G
“The Polar Express” is one of those movies you probably watched in elementary school during class. Found on Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, “The Polar Express” is about a little boy who’s not convinced Santa Claus is real. He goes on a magical trip to the North Pole on a train, witnessing Santa’s headquarters and receiving a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This story takes place on Christmas Eve and conveys a strong message of what it means to believe. I ranked this in my top five because of the nostalgia I feel while rewatching it.
“Elf”
Rating: PG
“Elf” is a family comedy movie that many people enjoy during the holiday season. Streaming on HBO Max and Hulu, “Elf” stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, who works as one of Santa’s elves. He eventually travels to New York City in search of his biological father. I have only started watching this recently, but it is in my top five due to the fact that it screams Christmas time and puts me in the holiday spirit. This movie is funny and worth rewatching.
“A Christmas Story”
Rating: PG
“A Christmas Story” is a classic Christmas comedy streaming on Hulu. This movie is about a nine-year-old boy, Ralphie, who wants a specific present but knows his mother will disapprove. This movie goes through the journey of a little boy’s life during the holiday season. I remember enjoying this movie when I was younger, and I put it on this list because I remember thinking it was hilarious. It’s a very heartwarming and funny movie that I plan to rewatch sometime soon.
“Carry On”
Rating: PG-13
“Carry On” is an action and thriller movie that takes place on Christmas Eve. It’s about a mysterious traveler and a dangerous package flying on the plane, needing to be stopped. It’s a newer movie, having only been released in 2024, but I still included it on the list because it takes place during the holiday season and is truly an entertaining thriller. You can find it on Netflix. I would rewatch this movie once in a while but not every year because it’s more of an action-packed movie than a heartwarming holiday one.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas”
Rating: PG
Another classic holiday movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” is about Jack Skellington, a Pumpkin King who is bored of Halloween Town. The movie shows his journey to Christmas Town and his takeover of the role of Santa Claus. It can be streamed on Disney+. I like Tim Burton movies, which is why I added this movie to my list. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” builds feelings of spookiness and festiveness, which I enjoy. It is not my favorite, but still a great movie.
Whether this list helps you revisit a classic or helps you find a new favorite, hopefully you have time to unwind and enjoy a good movie during this holiday season!
