We’ve undeniably arrived at a fascinating juncture in human history where Christmas traditions and pop culture are seamlessly intertwined. A significant aspect of this phenomenon stems from families relishing the quality time spent together, particularly through the cherished ritual of watching festive movies in the lead-up to and throughout the holiday season. Consequently, it’s hardly surprising that Netflix has strategically positioned itself as a premier destination for viewers eager to discover engaging Christmas films.
Indeed, Netflix has amassed such a vast collection of original Christmas movies that when Decider set out to compile its 2024 ranking of the 12 best Christmas movies available on the streaming platform, it quickly became clear that Netflix has evolved beyond the need to source films from other production studios. However, fret not: the list still includes a few gems sourced from beyond Netflix’s own roster of original holiday offerings, featuring a delightful mix of classic and fresh narratives.
Netflix/Studiocanal
Description: In the realm of Christmas cinema, the demand for inventive alternate origin stories for Santa Claus seems boundless. This particular tale unfolds through the storytelling of an aunt on Christmas Eve, recounting the adventure of 13-year-old Nikolas. With his father embarking on a quest to locate Elfhelm, the mythical village of elves, Nikolas finds himself teaming up with a reindeer he affectionately names Blitzen. As he uncovers the magic of Elfhelm, he also learns of the elves’ waning belief in humanity. Thanks to Nikolas’s unwavering spirit, he devises a plan that brings joy back to the elves, hinting at the creation and distribution of toys as a key element in this enchanting narrative.
Cast: Henry Lawfull, Toby Jones, Sally Hawkins, Kristen Wiig, Michiel Huisman, Maggie Smith
Rating: PG
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Mark Mainz / NETFLIX
Description: Following an uproar from her fans over a bold narrative choice to kill off the beloved male protagonist in her latest book, best-selling author Sophie Brown (Brooke Shields) seeks refuge from the chaos by heading to Scotland. Upon her arrival in the quaint village of Dunbar, Sophie discovers not only an enthusiastic fan base but also learns that the Dun Dunbar castle, once her grandfather’s workplace, is currently available for purchase. Her initial meeting with the castle’s owner, Myles (Cary Elwes), is marked by palpable tension, but as circumstances unfold, Myles convinces Sophie to enter a 90-day escrow, leading them both to live under the same roof. While the trajectory of the plot may be predictable, the magnetic performances of Shields and Elwes guarantee an enjoyable viewing experience.
Cast: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes, Lee Ross, Andi Osho, Vanessa Grasse, Desiree Burch
Rating: PG
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Netflix
Description: The charming tale unfurls when journalist Amber Moore (Rose McIver) is dispatched to cover a press event featuring Prince Richard of Aldovia (Ben Lamb), who is poised to ascend the throne following his father’s passing. Ambitions surge as Amber aims for a story that will elevate her career, but unexpected complications arise when she is mistaken for the new American tutor for Princess Emily. As Amber embraces this deception, Princess Emily uncovers the truth yet chooses to keep it secret, provided Amber highlights Prince Richard’s admirable qualities in her article. As romance blossoms between Amber and Richard, viewers will be thrilled to know that there are two sequels that continue their enchanting story: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby.
Cast: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige, Honor Kneafsey, Sarah Douglas, Emma Louise Saunders
Rating: PG
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Photo: IMDb
Description: Set against the backdrop of 1983, this enchanting film draws inspiration from Robert Tinnell’s Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel. The narrative centers on a working-class Italian-American boy named Tony (Skyler Gisondo), who invites his wealthy Protestant friend Beth (Madison Iseman) to his family’s traditional Christmas Eve seafood feast. This spontaneous invitation unfolds as Beth grapples with her boyfriend’s recent betrayal, while Tony contends with his own challenging breakup. Although Beth’s parents harbor reservations about this unconventional holiday gathering, she ultimately chooses to celebrate with Tony’s family, leading to heartwarming moments of connection and camaraderie.
Cast: Skyler Gisondo, Madison Iseman, Andrew Schulz, Addison Timlin, Josh Helman, Joe Pantoliano
Rating: N/A (TV-14)
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Photo: Scott Everett White/Netflix
Description: When Falling for Christmas debuted, it garnered heightened attention primarily for the remarkable return of Lindsay Lohan to a leading role after years away from the limelight. Portraying hotel heiress Sierra Belmont, Lohan embarks on a mountaintop getaway with her boyfriend, only to suffer a fall that results in amnesia. Rescued by kind-hearted Jake Russell (Chord Overstreet), she begins to recover at his cozy bed and breakfast, while her journey back to her true identity unfolds. While the storyline may predictably lead her back to the past, the real cliffhanger lies in whether she will choose her fiancé or Jake upon regaining her memories.
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young, Jack Wagner, Olivia Perez, Alejandra Flores
Rating: PG
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PHOTO: Netflix
Description: The tale of a snowman magically coming to life may have been explored in numerous films, yet Hot Frosty navigates this well-worn trope with refreshing creativity. Starring Lacey Chabert as Kathy Barrett, a widow who runs a café in Hope Springs, New York, she grapples with sorrow following the loss of her husband. When her friends gift her a scarf deemed “destined” for her, Kathy places it on an impressively sculpted snowman in town, resulting in magical consequences. As Jack (Dustin Milligan) comes to life, a charming exploration of their unconventional relationship unfolds, leading to a heartwarming adventure.
Cast: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan, Craig Robinson, Joe Lo Truglio, Katy Mixon Greer, Lauren Holly
Rating: PG
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Photo: Gareth Gatrell/NETFLIX
Description: The enchanting journey of toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) begins as he creates a groundbreaking invention capable of animating toys. Enthused by the potential to transform his life and that of his family, a series of unfortunate events occurs when his creation, Diego the Matador (voiced by Ricky Martin), chooses to rebel against being mass-produced. In his discovery, Jeronicus’s apprentice, Gustafson (Keegan-Michael Key), seizes the moment, ultimately leading to Jeronicus’s downfall. Three decades later, teaming up with his daughter Jessica, he embarks on another inventive journey to produce the Buddy 3000 toy—strongly hoping it won’t be snatched away this time!
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Madalen Mills, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose
Rating: PG
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Photo: Netflix
Description: Against the picturesque backdrop of 19th century Norway, Klaus narrates the story of Jesper Johansen (Jason Schwartzman), a lackluster son of the Royal Postmaster General. His father, eager to motivate him, dispatches Jesper to a postman training academy, and when that fails, he is sent to the remote town of Smeerenburg. Unless Jesper establishes a post office there, he risks losing his inheritance. Amid his struggles, he stumbles upon Klaus (J.K. Simmons), an enigmatic woodsman with a penchant for crafting toys for local children. Although the narrative may seem familiar, the film masterfully unfolds a heartwarming story, one that earned the distinction of being among the first animated films from Netflix to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Will Sasso, Sergio Pablos, Norm MacDonald
Rating: PG
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Photo: Netflix
Description: On Christmas Eve, Julie Reyes (Isabela Merced) embarks on a train journey and has a chance encounter with an up-and-coming pop star. Their initial meeting is filled with awkwardness, yet they quickly bond over lunch where Julie shares her personal story, including her acceptance to Columbia and her mother’s serious illness. Meanwhile, waitress Dorrie (Liv Hewson) navigates her own emotional turmoil as she grapples with feelings for a closeted cheerleader. Amidst intricate family dynamics and budding romances, the film presents a richly layered narrative characterized by chemistry among the well-cast ensemble.
Cast: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush, Liv Hewson, Mitchell Hope, Kiernan Shipka
Rating: PG-13
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Photo: Netflix
Description: Following the tragic loss of their firefighter father, siblings Teddy (Judah Lewis) and Kate (Darby Camp) find themselves navigating conflicting feelings about Christmas. While Kate clings to the festive spirit and maintains her belief in Santa Claus, Teddy’s demeanor shifts toward rebellion. On Christmas Eve, when their mother is called into work unexpectedly, Kate is convinced she glimpses Santa (Kurt Russell) in action, prompting Teddy to reluctantly assist her in capturing the magic. Their adventure leads them to sneak into Santa’s sleigh, resulting in unexpected chaos that requires their help in delivering presents—setting the stage for the charming sequel, Christmas Chronicles Part Two.
Cast: Kurt Russell, Judah Lewis, Darby Camp, Oliver Hudson, Kimberly Williams Paisley
Rating: PG
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Everett Collection
Description: When Jack (Nicolas Cage) makes the life-changing decision to pursue a year-long internship in London, his partner Kate (Tea Leoni) apprehensively asks him to reconsider, wary that distance might fracture their relationship. Fast forward 13 years, and Kate’s instincts prove accurate. Despite Jack’s rise to success as a Wall Street executive, he encounters an unexpected twist when a thug named Cash (Don Cheadle) bestows upon him a remarkable chance to witness an alternate reality. Awakened on Christmas Day, Jack finds himself in suburban New Jersey alongside Kate and their two children, exploring the essence of family life and pondering whether he can truly embrace this idyllic version of his past.
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Tea Leoni, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Piven, Saul Rubinek, Harve Presnell
Rating: PG-13
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KC Bailey/Netflix
Description: Following the death of his mother, Jake Turner (Justin Hartley) receives a surprising inheritance: her house in Connecticut. Venturing back to familiar ground after two decades, Jake begins sorting through his mother’s belongings and uncovers a diary belonging to Noel Hayden, his childhood nanny. As fate would have it, he encounters Rachel Campbell, who is on a quest to find her biological mother, potentially tied to Noel. Throughout his journey of reconciliation, Jake reflects on his strained familial ties, while Rachel grapples with her long-held desire to uncover her identity. The film beautifully weaves their paths together, exploring the significance of family and the importance of new beginnings.
Cast: Justin Hartley, Barrett Doss, Essence Atkins, Bonnie Bedelia, James Remar, Aaron Costa Ganis
Rating: PG
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Will Harris (@NonStopPop) has a longstanding history of doing long-form interviews with random pop culture figures for the A.V. Club, Vulture, and a variety of other outlets, including Variety. He also collaborated on Surely You Can’t Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!, a book with David Zucker, Jim Abrahams, and Jerry Zucker. (And don’t call him Shirley.)
Is Ry Dean Stanton related to Harry Dean Stanton?
Ry Dean Stanton
Rating: PG-13
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These descriptions highlight a variety of holiday-themed films available on Netflix, showcasing a mix of romance, adventure, and heartfelt themes, all set against the backdrop of festive celebrations. Whether you’re in the mood for a light-hearted comedy, a touching family story, or a magical tale, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this holiday season.
