30 of the Best Christmas Movies to Watch (or Rewatch) This Festive Season
It might be 35 degrees outside, the pav’s chilling in the fridge and the backyard cricket set’s already out, but that doesn’t mean there’s no time for a good Christmas movie!
Whether you’re winding down after lunch, hiding from the in-laws, or keeping the kids entertained while you prep the prawns, these are the 30 best Christmas movies to stream this summer — a mix of family classics, rom-coms and a few cheeky curveballs.
Home Alone (1990)
A Christmas tradition in most Aussie homes is watching Kevin McCallister battle the Wet Bandits. Slapstick gold that never gets old! The best bit? Watching your kids belly-laugh at the same movie moments that had you in stitches 30 years ago!
Elf (2003)
Buddy the Elf is pure joy in human form. Perfect for when you need to shake off your inner Scrooge and find your Christmas spirit again.
Love Actually (2003)
The unofficial start to the holiday season. Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, we still cry when Emma Thompson opens that necklace box.
The Holiday (2006)
Sunshine, snow and a reminder that sometimes you just need a fresh start — or a better Airbnb
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
For anyone who’s survived a chaotic family Christmas — this one hits way too close to home!
The Santa Clause (1994)
Tim Allen accidentally becomes Santa and somehow nails the role. Great for the little ones and full of nostalgic ‘90s charm.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russell as Santa — cool, confident and a little bit rock’n’roll. A modern family favourite.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Old fashioned and heart-warming. When you’ve had one too many Christmas to-do lists, this one reminds you what really matters.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Grinch is iconic. Perfect background movie while wrapping or sorting presents.
Klaus (20189)
A stunningly animated Netflix gem. Funny, moving and surprisingly profound — even the adults will love it.
The Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
Kermit and the cast of Muppets deliver one of the best versions of Dicken’ classic. This one is equal parts silly and heartfelt. Pure childhood nostalgia.
The Polar Express (2004)
Hop aboard the magical train that takes kids (and big kids) on a whirlwind ride to the North Pole. It’s full of adventure, wonder and a gentle reminder to keep a little belief in the magic of Christmas.
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)
A heartwarming reminder that a little kindness goes a long way. When a Macy’s Santa Claus claims to be the real deal, chaos and charm follow.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
A whimsical adventure full of heart, humour and magical creatures. Follow young Nikolas as he sets out to find his father and discover the origins of Santa — a perfect festive tale for the whole family to enjoy.
A whimsical adventure full of heart, humour, and magical creatures. Follow young Nikolas as he sets out to find his father and discovers the origins of Santa — a perfect festive tale for the whole family to enjoy
Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzeneggar on a last-minute toy mission. Absolute chaos, laughs and relatable parent panic — it’s the ultimate festive comedy for anyone who’s ever braved the shops in December.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s spooky-sweet masterpiece that somehow works for both Halloween and Christmas.
A Christmas Stort (1983)
Quirky, funny and full of old-school charm, this one follows Ralphie and his quest for the ultimate Christmas present.
Bad Santa (2003)
Definitely one for after the kids have gone to bed. Rude, wrong and ridiculously funny.
Die Hard (1988)
The most debated Christmas movie of all time — and yes, we’re calling festive. There’s a tress, a soundtrack full of carols, and Bruce Willis saving the day. What more do you need?
The Family Stone (2005)
A family Christmas that’s beautifully messy and emotional — kind of like real life but with better lighting.
Arthur Christmas (2011)
An animated delight from Aardman (Wallace & Gromit crew). Clever, heart-warming and genuinely funny.
The Princess Switch (2018)
Vanessa Hudgens pulls double duty in this delightfully over-the-top Christmas rom-com. Think royal palaces, holiday baking and a classic identity swap — pure festive fun for when you want something light, sparkly and a little bit silly.
Last Christmas (2019)
Set to the music of George Michael, this modern Christmas tale is full of heart, humour and few unexpected twists. Emilia Clarke sines as a woman trying to find her way (and a little festive spirit) in London — the perfect pick for when you’re in the mood for a laugh and a goof cry.
Four Holiday (2008)
Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn trying to visit four families in one day. Exhausting, relatable and hilarious!
Scrooged (1988)
Bill Murray’s cynical TV exec gets haunted in to holiday cheer. A sharp, funny, slightly dark classic.
Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick as Santa’s daughter is pure charm. One for when you want something feel-good and modern.
Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
A suburban couple tries to skip Christmas — and learns that’s basically impossible. Funny, festive chaos.
Spirited (2022)
Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds reinvent A Christmas Carol as a musical comedy — and it’s surprisingly clever.
The Holiday Calendar (2018)
A charming Netflix rom-com about a magical Advent calendar that seems to predict the future. It’s light, sweet, and easy to watch.
Holidate (2020)
For something more cheeky and modern, Holidate starts Emma Roberts in a laugh-out-loud story about two singles who agree to be each other’s ‘holiday date.’ It’s funny, a bit irreverent, and refreshingly un-sappy.
Whether you’re watching with the kids, your mates or just the family pet, Christmas movies have a way of bringing everyone together. From belly laughs, to a few happy tears, these festive favourites remind us what the season’s really about — love, laughter and a little bit of magic!
Have we missed any? What would you add to the list?
