Best Christmas Movies of All Time Ranked
Finding the perfect Christmas movie is only part of the fun; knowing where to watch them is equally important to ensure a smooth, enjoyable holiday movie night. With the growth of streaming services and digital platforms, watching your favorite Christmas movies has never been easier. Here’s a helpful guide on where to watch the best Christmas movies during the holidays:
1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
Where to Watch: This beloved classic is often available for free on major networks during the holiday season, so check local TV listings. Additionally, you can stream it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, and YouTube. Some services may require a small rental fee, but the film is also available for purchase on most digital platforms.
2. Home Alone (1990)
Where to Watch: “Home Alone” is frequently shown on cable networks like Freeform and ABC Family as part of their holiday movie lineups. You can also stream it on Disney+, which has the exclusive streaming rights. It’s available for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies.
3. A Christmas Carol (1951)
Where to Watch: The 1951 adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” starring Alastair Sim is available on various streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. It’s often included in Christmas movie marathons on classic film channels like Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
4. Elf (2003)
Where to Watch: You can watch “Elf” on streaming services like HBO Max. It’s also available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies. During the holiday season, networks like AMC often include “Elf” in their holiday programming.
5. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Where to Watch: This heartwarming classic is typically shown on cable channels during the holidays, including TCM and AMC. You can stream it on platforms like Disney+ and rent or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Vudu.
6. The Polar Express (2004)
Where to Watch: “The Polar Express” is a popular choice on family-oriented streaming services like HBO Max. You can also find it on rental or purchase platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, and Apple iTunes. Look out for it on cable channels that feature animated Christmas specials.
7. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
Where to Watch: You can watch this holiday comedy classic on streaming services like HBO Max. It’s also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Vudu. Networks like AMC frequently include it in their holiday movie schedules.
8. Love Actually (2003)
Where to Watch: “Love Actually” is available for streaming on platforms like Peacock. It’s also a popular rental option on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies. During the holiday season, networks like Bravo and Lifetime often air this romantic Christmas favorite.
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Where to Watch: The live-action version of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” starring Jim Carrey can be streamed on platforms like Netflix. It’s available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies. Keep an eye out for it on holiday programming blocks on cable channels like Freeform.
10. Die Hard (1988)
Where to Watch: For fans who consider “Die Hard” a Christmas movie, it’s available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. You can also rent or buy it on Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and YouTube. Action movie marathons on cable channels like AMC may feature “Die Hard” during the holiday season.
11. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Where to Watch: “The Muppet Christmas Carol” is available for streaming on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies. This family-friendly classic is often included in holiday programming on children’s channels like Disney Junior.
12. A Christmas Story (1983)
Where to Watch: “A Christmas Story” is famously aired for 24 hours straight on Christmas Day on the TBS and TNT networks. For streaming options, check platforms like HBO Max. It’s also available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, and Google Play Movies.
13. The Santa Clause (1994)
Where to Watch: This heartwarming film is a staple on Disney+ during the holiday season. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies. Look out for it on family holiday movie marathons on cable channels like Freeform.
14. White Christmas (1954)
Where to Watch: “White Christmas” is available for streaming on Netflix during the holiday season. You can also rent or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple iTunes, and Google Play Movies. Classic film networks like TCM frequently feature “White Christmas” as part of their holiday programming.
15. Scrooged (1988)
Where to Watch: This modern take on the classic Dickens story is available on streaming platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or purchase it on Google Play Movies, Apple iTunes, and YouTube. It’s often included in holiday movie lineups on channels like AMC.
Tips for Finding and Watching Christmas Movies
- Subscribe to Multiple Streaming Services: Subscribing to more than one streaming service, like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video, can give you access to a wider variety of Christmas movies. Many services offer free trials during the holiday season, which can be a cost-effective way to watch your favorite films.
- Check Cable and Network TV Schedules: Many Christmas movies are featured in holiday marathons on channels like Freeform, TBS, AMC, and Lifetime. Set your DVR or check local TV listings to find out when your favorite films will be aired.
- Use Streaming Devices and Apps: Devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick often have apps that aggregate content from various streaming services, making it easier to find Christmas movies across multiple platforms.
- Digital Rentals and Purchases: If a particular Christmas movie isn’t available on your streaming subscriptions, consider renting or purchasing it digitally from platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, or Apple iTunes. Renting is a cost-effective option for movies you plan to watch once, while purchasing is great for building a holiday movie collection.
- Free Streaming Options: Some older Christmas classics may be available for free on ad-supported platforms like YouTube, Tubi, or Pluto TV. While these services may include commercials, they offer a budget-friendly way to enjoy Christmas movies.
Conclusion
Finding the best Christmas movies to watch during the holidays is easy with so many streaming platforms and digital options available. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming classics, laugh-out-loud comedies, or modern holiday favorites, this guide will help you locate and enjoy the top Christmas films. Set up a cozy movie night, invite your loved ones, and immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas with these beloved movies. Happy holidays and happy viewing!
