Get ready to wrap yourself in cosy blanket and stream your festive favourites with our ultimate guide to the best Christmas movies to stream this year! Whether you’re craving heart-warming romance, family-friendly laughs or nostalgic classics, this holiday line-up has something for every kind of Christmas viewer. From timeless favourites like Love Actually and Home Alone to magical tales such as Miracle on 34th Street and The Grinch, these seasonal must-watches are guaranteed to lift your spirits and really get you in the festive mood. So grab a hot chocolate, settle in, and discover which Christmas films you’ll be streaming first this year!
1. Love Actually (2003)
Start your festive season the right way with this Christmas classic! Love Actually tells the story of eight couples of all ages, from all walks of life as they prepare for the Christmas season and encounter love in many different ways!
The star-studded cast includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Liam Neeson and Alan Rickman.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Stream now on Channel 4
Another festive family favourite! When naught 8-year old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip to Paris, his mother makes him sleep in the attic. He wakes up the following morning to find his family have left without him, and assumes his wish to have no family has come true! However, his excitement quickly fizzles out when he realises two con men plan to rob the house – and only he can protect the family home!
3. Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
Stream now on Channel 4
In Miracle on 34th Street, an old man going by the name of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen) takes a job as the Macy’s department store Father Christmas only to claim he’s the real Santa Claus to sceptical girl Suan. It’s a heart-warming magical classic, perfect for getting you into the Christmas spirit!
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Adapted from the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas sees the grouchy, green Grinch (Jim Carrey) plotting to ruin Christmas for the cheerful residents of Whoville. But when he crosses paths with the kind-hearted Cindy Lou Who, his carefully crafted plan starts to unravel in the most unexpected and festive way.
5. Last Christmas (2019)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Set against the twinkling backdrop of London at Christmastime, Last Christmas follows Kate (Emilia Clarke), a struggling singer stuck in a rut, working as an elf in a year-round Christmas shop. When she meets the endlessly optimistic Tom (Henry Golding), her life begins to change in ways she never imagined.
6. The Holiday (2006)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
Two women from opposite sides of the world – Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) – swap homes for the Christmas season in the hope of escaping their troubles. What they find instead is fresh starts, new friendships and unexpected romance with Jude Law and Jack Black. Cosy, heartfelt and endlessly rewatchable.
7. Santa Claus: The Movie (1985)
Stream on ITVX
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This festive adventure brings the legend of Santa to life, exploring his origins, his workshop and the magic behind Christmas itself! But when an over-ambitious toy executive threatens to commercialise the holiday, Santa (David Huddleston) must step in to save Christmas for children everywhere. A nostalgic, enchanting watch for the whole family!
8. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Stream on ITVX
An all-time Christmas masterpiece, following George Bailey (James Stewart) as he’s shown what the world would look like without him. It’s a Wonderful Life is a beautiful reminder of the impact one person can have!
9. Nativity! (2009)
Stream on BBC iPlayer
This British family favourite follows primary school teacher Paul (Martin Freeman) as he’s roped into directing the school’s chaotic nativity play. When a little white lie spirals out of control, the whole town becomes convinced a Hollywood producer is coming to watch. Expect plenty of laughter and festive joy!
10. The Grinch (2018)
Stream on ITVX
In this animated re-telling of Dr. Seuss’s classic, the Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) sets out to steal Christmas from the joyous Whos of Whoville. But when his plan brings him face-to-face with Cindy-Lou and her unshakable kindness, he begins to realise Christmas means a little more than he realised.
Looking for some non christmasy movies? Head over to our best films to stream for free article for weekly suggestions!
