30+ Festive Christmas movies to help you get in the Holiday spirit

Searching for Christmas Movies to watch? Here are 30+ Christmas Movies to help you get in the festive spirit.

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Nothing gives me festive vibes like snuggling up in my Christmas Pjs watching Christmas Movies. Curled up under a blanket, next to the Christmas Tree with a hot chocolate in hand!

The festive season is stressful. Running around the shops last minute, cooking all the festive grub and playing hostess – it’s difficult sometimes to get into the festive spirit.  Nothing makes feel the spirit of Christmas more than watching a good festive movie.

I thought I would recommend some seriously festive Christmas movies that you can snuggle up within your festive PJs.

This post is all about Christmas movies to watch

What are the best Christmas movies to watch?

These are the best Christmas movies that I really recommend.

The following list includes movies that you NEED to watch 🙂

The Holiday, 2006

If you’re looking for a Christmas cottagecore movie then you need to watch the Holiday!

It follows two girls who both suffer relationship issues. They decide to swap homes for the holidays. And their lives both change unexpectantly.

The shots of the English countryside in this movie are absolutely exquisite. Especially the cottage Cameron Diaz stays in – so warm and cosy.

Starring: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black, Jude Law

Rating: 12A

Available on Netflix

Love Actually, 2003

Love Actually is one of my all time favourite Christmas movies.

It’s a Christmas themed romantic comedy. It follows 9 intertwined stories. And they all explore love.

It’s the ultimate feel good Christmas movie. The cast is absolutely incredible – Keira Knightly, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and more.

Love Actually blends comedy with emotional moments perfectly. It’s hard not to root for Sam as he runs through the airport. I also especially love Colin Frissell.

Starring: Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Liam Neeson, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Liam Neeson, Kiera Knightley, Laura Linney, Joanna Page, Bill Nighy

Rating: 15

Available on Amazon Prime

Jingle Jangle Christmas Journey, 2020

Looking for a dark academia style Christmas movie? Then you need to watch this.

It follows an incredible toymaker. But his apprentice betrays him. Decades after, the toymaker finds new hope when his bright young granddaughter appears on his doorstep.

If you enjoy musicals and ‘The Greatest Showman’ then you should definitely check this one out.

I love the dark academia vibes in this movie. If you’re a fan of the dark academia aesthetic then you NEED to check out these dark academia movies. You can check out my post full of dark academia movies to watch here.

Starring: Madalen Mills, Anika Noni Rose, Keegan Key, Forest Whittaker

Rating: PG

Available on Netflix

The Grinch, 2000

In my humble opinion – the 2000 version of The Grinch is definitely the best adaptation. I can relate way too much to the Grinch in this movie.

The Grinch is a live adaptation of Dr Seuss’ classic Christmas story. The Grinch lives alone and hates Christmas. And consequently, he decides to ruin Christmas for the Christmas obsessed residents of whoville.

Jim Carrey is incredible as The Grinch. And he makes this movie. It’s probably one of his best performances.

Starring: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski

Rating: PG

Available on Youtube

Elf, 2003

This is such a Christmas classic. Christmas just isn’t the same if I don’t watch the movie at least once.

The movie follows Buddy the Elf. He is a human but was raised with elves in the North Pole. He decides to go to New York to meet his biological father.

This movie really captures the holiday spirit. And it’s a great one to watch with the family. Will Ferrall is hilarious and charming as Buddy.

If you’re a huge fan of Elf I also highly recommend the ‘Movies that made us’ episode with Elf. You find out loads of interesting behind the scenes information on how this Christmas classic was made.

Starring: Will Ferrall, Zooey Deschanel, James Caan

Rating: PG

Available on Amazon Prime

Christmas Chronicles, 2018

Christmas Chronicles is a recent discovery and favourite of mine. And I honestly can’t recommend it enough. Let me tell you when I first watch this movie I was in floods of tears!

Christmas Chronicles follows two siblings who try to capture Father Christmas on camera for social media. But things don’t go exactly to plan and they end up having to team up with him.

This movie deals with some heavy themes such as bereavement. But it has enough comedy in there that it doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s the perfect balance of emotional moments and laughs.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah Lewis, Goldie Hawn

Rating: PG

Available on Netflix

Christmas Chronicles 2, 2020

Christmas Chronicles 2 isn’t as good as the first Christmas Chronicles. I admit – it’s more than a little bit cheesy. However, it’s still worth watching.

If you’re wrapping presents or decorating the house, this would be a good one to have on in the background. Kate Pierce is reunited with Santa Clause. And a troublemaker threatens to ruin Christmas.

Whereas the first Christmas Chronicles seems like a movie for all ages. This definitely seems more aimed towards kids.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Goldie Hawn

Rating: PG

Available on Netflix

Klaus, 2019

Klaus is another recent discovery. I put this on randomly one evening and it truly exceeded my expectations.

It’s an animated movie following a postman. He proves himself to be the worst at the academy. And consequently he’s sent to a frozen town in the North. Here he meets a reclusive toymaker known as Klaus.

The storyline is amazing and really touching. But the artwork and animation is also really stunning. If you’re looking for a Christmas movie to watch with the family this is a great choice. It’s the perfect movie to watch curled up on the sofa with your loved ones.

Starring: Norm Macdonald, Jason Schwartz, Sergio Pablos

Rating: PG

Available on Netflix

Nativity!, 2009

I am obsessed with the soundtrack in Nativity! Even writing this I have ‘She’s the brightest star I’ve even seen’ in my head.

Nativity follows Primary School Teacher Paul. Paul is asked to direct the school’s Nativity. In a bid to impress his rival he lies and claims a Hollywood producer is going to turn it into a movie. And hilarity ensures.

The combination of the fed up teacher (played by Martin Freeman) and the crazy teaching assistant makes this movie really entertaining. Plus there are some serious tunes in the play!

Starring: Martin Freeman, Marc Wootton, Ashley Jenkins, Jason Watkins

Rating: PG

Available on Netflix

Nativity 2, 2012

Nativity 2 isn’t quite as good as the original Nativity. But it’s still a decent effort for a sequel. David Tennant is a great choice for the movie.

David Tennant plays an anxious classroom teacher. His wife is pregnant with their first child. He starts at a new school and struggles to control the classroom assistant – Mr Poppy. Mr Poppy decides to enter the class in a ‘song of Christmas’ competition.

You definitely have to suspend some belief because the plot is a bit bonkers. More than a bit bonkers. But Danger in the Manger is a bop.

Starring: David Tennant, Marc Wootten, Joanna Page, Jessica Hynes

Rating: U

Available on Netflix

Home Alone, 1990

Home Alone is such a simple idea for a movie. But executed so well. It’s the perfect example of slapstick humour. And never feels to give all the Christmas feels.

It follows Kevin. His family is going on holiday to France and accidently leaves him behind. At first he loves being home alone. But then thieves threaten to rob his house. And Kevin decides to put up a fight.

Home Alone is one of the most famous Christmas movies of all time. And for a good reason! It blends humour, holiday spirit and emotional moments really well.

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern

Rating: PG

Available on Disney Plus

Home Alone 2

Merry Christmas ya filthy animal! I’m going to say – Home Alone 2 is one of the few sequels I prefer to the original.

It follows Kevin. His family go on holiday to Florida. But Kevin gets lost in the airport and accidentally gets on the wrong flight. He ends up in a luxury hotel in New York where he runs into the thieves from Home Alone again.

The imagery in New York is super festive. And this movie is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. The characters are really memorable. And Tim Curry is particularly excellent working at the hotel.

Starring: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, TIm Curry

Rating: PG

Available on Disney Plus

Father Christmas, 1991

This movie is so nostalgic for me. It instantly reminds me of my childhood. Plus, ‘another bloomin Christmas’ is an absolute banger.

It follows Father Christmas after he’s finished delivering gifts on Christmas day. He’s exhausted and decides to treat himself to a holiday. So he converts his sledge into a caravan. And travels around the world.

This is such an endearing and charming movie. It makes me laugh. Father Christmas is really grumpy and I find him so relatable. A funny and light-hearted animated movie to put on.

Starring: Mel Smith

Rating: U

Available on Amazon Prime

The Princess Switch, 2018

I saw this movie mentioned everywhere last year. And I had to see what all the fuss was about.

It follows a down to earth baker from Chicago. She bumps into a Duchess who is engaged to the Prince. And they look just like each other. So they decide to switch places.

This reminds me of a Hallmark Christmas movie. It’s not life changing. But it’s a nice love story and the characters have great chemistry. It’s pretty family friendly while also being quite grown up.

Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar, Suanne Braun

Raring: PG

Available on Netflix

The Star, 2017

Another animated movie. The Star is a modern version of the classic nativity story. But instead tells it through the eyes of a small donkey named Bo.

It’s a great retelling of the classic Christmas story. The animals perspective worked well. It was funny and charming.

Starring: Keegan Michael-Key, Steven Yeun, Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi

Rating: U

Available on Netflix

A Bad Mom’s Christmas, 2017

If you’re looking for a funny and more adult Christmas movie to watch then this is a great choice.

It follows three Mom’s – Amy, Kiki and Carla. They all have their mother’s coming over for Christmas. And they decided to rebel against the huge burden of arranging Christmas for their respective families.

Sometimes Christmas does get very stressful. And this movie is so relatable if you get fed up of rushing round the shops trying to buy presents.

Starring: Mila Kunis, Christine Baranski, Kristin Bell. Kathryn Hahn

Rating: 15

Available on Amazon Prime

The Krampus, 2015

I’m pretty sure it was my girlfriend who introduced me to The Krampus. I can definitely see this movie becoming a future cult classic.

Max is frustrated with his dysfunctional family who constantly quarrel. And so he loses interest in Christmas. But this awakens the Krampus – a demon who will punish his family.

The Krampus is a Christmas themed horror movie. It has great character development and the special effects are fantastic.

Starring: Toni Collette, Adam Scott, Michael Doughtery

Rating: 15

Available on Netflix

Arthur Christmas, 2011

Confession time – I cry every time I watch Arthur Christmas.

Arthur Christmas follows the awkward son of Father Christmas. He discovers that due to a technical glitch, a girl’s present hasn’t been delivered. And embarks on a mission to deliver the present himself.

Arthur is such a relatable main character. He’s awkward and clumsy but has so much heart. The way the family come together at the end is really heartwarming.

Starring: James McAvoy, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Laurie

Rating: U

Available on Youtube

Miracle on 34^th Street, 1994

Miracle on 34th Street is such a nostalgic movie. And it really embodies the Christmas spirit for me.

It follows Susan and her mother. They have to protect Kris Kringle from being institutionalised. But do to so they have to prove he is the real Santa Claus.

I’ve never watched the 1947 original. The acting is fantastic and the actors all had great chemistry for me. I especially love the courtroom scene at the end.

Starring: Mara Wilson, Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins

Rating: U

Available on Amazon

The Polar Express, 2004

The Polar Express follows a young boy. He has become disillusioned and stopped believing in Father Christmas. He boards a train and embarks on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus.

The animation in this movie is seriously beautiful. I want to board the magical train so badly. The scene where the train is sliding along the ice and the ticket gets lost is really magical.

It has so many elements that make Christmas magical – steam trains, hot chocolate, Christmas trees and wrapping presents. But underneath it all it has a message about the spirit of Christmas.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Eddie Deezen, Daryl Sabara, Nona Gaye

Rating: U

Available on Youtube

The Nightmare before Christmas, 1993

Question is – do you think of Nightmare before Christmas as a Halloween or Christmas movie?

Nightmare before Christmas follows Jack Skellington. He lives in Halloweentown. One day he finds Christmas town and is instantly enchanted.

Jack becomes obsessed with Christmas. And his obsession leads him to abduct Father Christmas.

This film is wonderful. It’s the perfect combination of two of my favourite holidays. And therefore an excuse to watch it multiple times throughout the year. The story is so interesting and unique. Plus the songs are so catchy!

Starring: Danny Elfman, Tim Burton, Ken Page, Catherine O’Hara

Rating: PG

Available on Disney Plus

The Snowman, 1982

A classic Christmas story and nostalgic Christmas movie.

This is such a simple story but executed beautiful. A young boy makes a snowman on Christmas. And it magically comes to life. The snowman then takes him on a journey to meet Santa Claus.

This is such a cosy Christmas movie to watch with the family. The artwork in this movie is really beautiful. And the movie takes you on such a magical adventure

Rating: PG

Available on 4OD

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, 1989

I’m not always a fan of slapstick comedy – I find it very cringey to watch. But I really love National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.

It follows Clark Griswold. He’s really into Christmas. And promises to make this year’s Christmas amazing. But instead accidentally causes a domino effect of disasters.

Chevy Chase is superb as Clark Griswold. And he truly makes this movie. You can’t help but smile when he is on the screen.

Starring: Chevy Chase, Juliette Lewis, Jonny Galecki, Beverly D’Angelo

Rating: 12

Available on Amazon Prime

Muppet’s Christmas Carol, 1992

Christmas Carol is such a classic Christmas story. And it has been remade into so many different versions. But you can’t beat the Muppet’s Christmas Carol.

It follows Scrooge. He hates Christmas. He is visited by three spirits who foretell his future. And they share secrets that change his view on life.

A Christmas Carol basically invented Christmas spirit. And the Muppet’s remake is so charming and funny – you can’t help but smile.

Starring: The Muppets, Michael Caine

Rating: U

Available on Disney Plus

The Santa Clause, 1994

The Santa Clause follows Scott. He helps Santa with a Christmas Crisis. But in doing so – accidentally becomes the next Santa Clause.

It’s such a simple concept for a movie. But Tim Allen’s acting and Scott’s character development is really what makes this movie so special.

This is one of those movies that kid’s will find enchanting but the jokes are funny enough for adults to also enjoy.

Starring: Tim Allen, Wendy Crewson

Rating: U

Available on Disney Plus

Noelle, 2019

Anna Kendrick is incredible. For me, she can do no wrong.

Noelle follows Kris Kringle’s daughter. She wishes she could do something important like her brother Nick. He will take over for their father this Christmas.

When Nick is about to crumble from the pressure – Noelle suggests he take a break. But then he doesn’t return and Noelle must find her brother and bring him back in time for Christmas.

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Bill Hader, Shirley MacLaine

Rating: U

Available on Disney Plus

Last Christmas, 2019

I am truly obsessed with Emilia Clarke. And I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I did.

It follows Katarina. She’s an aspiring singer who works as an elf in Central London. But she gains a new perspective on life when she meets Tom.

I heard mixed reviews and wasn’t sure what to expect from this movie. But I loved it. If you enjoy a romcom then you should definitely watch this movie.

Starring: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Emma Thompson

Rating: 12

Available on Disney Plus

Nutcracker and the Four Realms, 2018

Along with Christmas Carol, Nutcracker really embodies Christmas for me. And I was so excited when this remake came out.

It follows Clara. She realises that her mother has left her with an inheritance to a magical world of fairies and toy soldiers that are alive. But she alone holds the key to the fate of this world.

Starring: Keira Knightley, Morgan Freeman, Helen Mirren, Mackenzie Foy

Rating: PG

Available on Disney Plus

Mickey’s Christmas Carol, 1983

Christmas Carol is such a classic Christmas story. And it has been remade into so many different versions. While Muppet’s Christmas Carol is my favourite. I do also love this Mickey Mouse version.

It follows Scrooge. He hates Christmas. He is visited by three spirits who foretell his future. And they share secrets that change his view on life.

This version is so charming. It’s pretty accurate to the original story. And the Disney characters add so much warmth.

A Christmas Carol basically invented Christmas spirit. And the Muppet’s remake is so charming and funny – you can’t help but smile.

Starring: Alan Young, Wayne Allwine, Will Ryan

Rating: U

Available on Disney Plus

Fred Claus, 2007

This movie follows Fred. His brother is Santa Claus. One day, he gets arrested for stealing. His brother agrees to bail him out. But there is a catch – he must come to the North Pole and make toys for Christmas.

Sure, this definitely isn’t going to be one of the best movies on this list. But it’s still a really enjoyable Christmas movie.

The middle and ending of this movie is fantastic. And it really gets emotional towards the end. But it still has some funny (albeit cheesy) jokes.

Starring: Vince Vaughn, Rachel Weizs, Kevin Spacey

Rating: PG

Available on Amazon Prime

 Happy Christmas, 2014

I couldn’t resist including another Anna Kendrick movie in this list

Happy Christmas follows Jenny. After a bad breakup, she moves in with her brother and his wife. And she makes Kelly (her brother’s wife) realise that her life, career and relationship need an evolutionary change.

Anna Kendrick is fantastic in this movie. But it’s Kelly who is the star. She has so much character development in this movie.

It’s such a simple story but it’s executed really well. The casting and acting are flawless.

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Melanie Lynskey, Lena Dunham

Rating: 15

Available on Youtube

Planes, Trains and Automobiles, 1987

I’m honestly not sure whether this is a Christmas or Thanksgiving movie. But I’ve included it on the Christmas Movies list because it’s incredible.

It follows Neal. Neal needs to reach home for Thanksgiving. But his flight is cancelled and he does through a series of misadventures. He ends up meeting Del – a goofy salesman.

John Candy and Steve Martin are fantastic together in this movie. It’s incredibly funny yet gets really emotional towards the end.

Starring: John Candy, Steve Martin, Laila Robins

Rating: 15

Available on Youtube

Those were my  Christmas movies to watch…

I hope these movies will give you all the festive feels. Now, excuse me while I go and sip a hot chocolate in front of the fireplace (well…it’s actually a Youtube video of a fire).

What are your favourite Christmas movies? Let me know in the comments section below

This post was all about the best Christmas movies

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