The holidays are the perfect time to cozy up with loved ones and dive into the magic of holiday movies. Whether you’re looking for heartfelt classics or offbeat gems, streaming platforms have something for everyone. Here’s a curated list of eight standout films to bring the holiday spirit home (inspired by WIRED’S “The 16 Best Holiday Movies to Stream This Season.”)
- Elf
Will Ferrell’s endearing performance as Buddy the Elf has cemented Elf as a modern Christmas classic. Raised among Santa’s helpers in the North Pole, Buddy travels to New York to find his biological father (James Caan). Along the way, his childlike charm transforms even the most jaded New Yorkers.
Stream on Hulu.
- Miracle on 34th Street
Natalie Wood shines as the precocious Susan Walker, whose no-nonsense mother (Maureen O’Hara) has always discouraged belief in make-believe. But when a man claiming to be Kris Kringle enters their lives, the pair’s views on fairy tales are challenged in the most magical ways.
Stream on Disney+.
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale
For those who prefer their holiday cheer on the darker side, this Finnish thriller delivers. In the mountains of northern Finland, kids are disappearing, and two boys suspect Santa Claus’s tomb has been uncovered.
Stream on Amazon.
- The Preacher’s Wife
Whitney Houston’s angelic voice and Denzel Washington’s magnetic charm elevate this remake of The Bishop’s Wife. Washington plays Dudley, an angel sent to help a struggling pastor (Courtney B. Vance), only to develop feelings for the preacher’s wife (Houston).
Stream on Amazon.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
This adaptation of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol brings the signature humor and whimsy of the Muppets to life. With Michael Caine as Scrooge and Gonzo narrating as Charles Dickens, the film seamlessly blends puppetry and heartfelt storytelling.
Stream on Disney+.
- Happiest Season
This heartfelt holiday rom-com brings family drama and romance together with a stellar cast. Harper (Mackenzie Davis) invites her girlfriend Abby (Kristen Stewart) home for Christmas but neglects to tell her conservative family that she’s gay.
Stream on Hulu.
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
Whether you consider it a Halloween or Christmas film, this stop-motion masterpiece is a must-watch. Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloweentown, discovers the joy of Christmas and devises a plan to bring it home—with chaotic results.
Stream on Disney+.
- The Best Man Holiday
Reuniting 15 years after the events of The Best Man, this sequel blends humor, heartfelt drama, and the warmth of friendship. With standout performances from Taye Diggs, Terrence Howard, and Regina Hall, it’s a perfect pick for Friendsgiving or holiday gatherings.
Stream on Amazon.
