The holiday season is here, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a solid movie marathon?
Christmas is the season for nostalgia, twinkling lights and most importantly, movies that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I like to think of myself as somewhat of a Christmas movie expert. Every December, I do a series we’ll call my Merry Movie Marathon, where I watch one Christmas movie a day for the month. I watch the classics, of course, but the real fun is trying out the new releases. I’ll be honest, many of them are barely watchable, but some gems bring me pure Christmas joy.
Whether you’re a sucker for the classics or eager to watch the new releases, this list (in no particular order) has something for everyone. Grab a mince pie, kick back under the fan and start streaming these holiday gems!
1. Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story (2024)
This ought to be on top of your list if family drama is your form of entertainment. (Image: Lisa Tomasetti)
I really love that Australian Christmas movies are being released each year now. Finally some summer Christmas representation! This movie is about a family dog, Nugget, who falls sick over Christmas, and Steph must abandon her holiday plans and return to her chaotic hometown, setting the stage for a heartfelt and hilarious holiday reunion. Bring tissues.
Where to watch: Stan
2. Elf (2003)
Talk about nostalgic revival, this film set in New York is all about bringing back the Christmas magic. (Image: Stan)
I simply wouldn’t be being true to myself if Elf wasn’t on this list. It has always been my family’s favourite Christmas movie and I have to watch it every year. Buddy the Elf’s candy-filled antics, heartfelt message and Will Ferrell’s comedic genius make this one of the funniest and most wholesome Christmas movies of all time.
Where to watch: Stan
3. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Rom-coms are certainly not dead, and you’ve got a Lindsay Lohan holiday movie for proof. (Image: Scott Everett White/Netflix)
Released in 2022, Falling for Christmas was Lindsay Lohan’s comeback rom-com, and is exactly what you need when you’re in the mood for something light and super cheesy.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. Home Alone (1990)
The OG Christmas classic. Kevin McCallister being left behind and taking down burglars with ingenious traps? It’s the perfect holiday chaos we can all relate to in some way
Where to watch: Disney+
5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
If you watch the first, you have to follow up with Kevin’s accidental trip to New York. Because nothing screams Christmas like toy stores, giant Christmas trees and pigeon lady wisdom. I just returned from NYC and I watched this film in The Plaza Hotel with a child’s sundae aptly named “The Kevin Sundae". I fear I’ve now peaked in life, so it’s all downhill from here.
Where to watch: Disney+
6. Candy Cane Lane (2023)
Eddie Murphy’s holiday flick is as hilarious as it is heartfelt. (Image: Claudette Barius)
Eddie Murphy stars in this holiday comedy adventure about a man on a mission to win his neighbourhood’s annual Christmas home decoration contest. Inadvertently, he makes a deal with a mischievous elf that brings the 12 Days of Christmas to life, leading to unexpected chaos.
Where to watch: Prime Video
7. The Holiday (2006)
This Nancy Meyer film is all about grief, but also hope. (Image: Stan)
Forever iconic, The Holiday is such a dreamy festive flick that made me think that I’d be house swapping regularly in my adult life. Turns out you need a house to do that! Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black deliver all the feels.
Where to watch: Stan
8. Klaus (2019)
No Christmas list is complete without a Santa-inspired animated movie. (Image: Netflix)
A gorgeously animated film that explores the origins of Santa Claus. If you’re into beautifully crafted animations and touching stories, Klaus should definitely be on your list. It’s a Christmas tale with a heart as big as Santa’s bag!
Where to watch: Netflix
9. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
For lovers of weird and whimsy. (Image: Stan)
Jim Carrey’s iconic portrayal of the green, grumpy Grinch is the gift that keeps on giving. This cult classic is a chaotic yet charming celebration of Christmas spirit. And it doesn’t age! 24 years on, my feed is still full of Grinch memes throughout December. A must-watch for those who love a little mischief with their holiday magic.
Where to watch: Stan
10. Last Christmas (2019)
If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romantic comedy with a twist, Last Christmas starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding is for you. With a fantastic soundtrack and an annoyingly clever plot, it’s perfect for those who love a bit of holiday drama.
Where to watch: Netflix
11. Fred Claus (2007)
An unexpected classic, Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti star as Fred and Santa Claus in this comedy full of sibling rivalry and Christmas cheer. Because let’s be real, what’s Christmas without a bit of family drama?
Where to watch: Binge
12. A Sunburnt Christmas (2020)
It’s certainly not your typical holiday film, but delivers the feels just the same. (Image: Stan)
A Sunburnt Christmas was the first Aussie Christmas movie I ever watched and it brought me pure unadulterated joy. In this film a family living on an outback farm that’s seen hard times suspects there won’t be much Christmas joy this year, but when a strange man dressed as Santa Claus crashes a van full of toys onto their property, their world is turned upside down.
Where to watch: Stan
13. Die Hard (1988)
Okay, I know it’s the ultimate debate: is Die Hard a Christmas movie? For me, it’s a yes. Action-packed. Set during Christmas. Bruce Willis. Explosions. “Yippee-ki-yay." Enough said.
Where to watch: Disney+
14. The Princess Switch (2018)
Royalty romance for the holidays? Sign us up. (Image: Gabriel Hennessey/Netflix)
Vanessa Hudgens stars in this charming holiday rom-com about a duchess and a baker who discover they look exactly alike and decide to switch lives for Christmas. What could possibly go wrong? Spoiler: a lot, and I love it.
Where to watch: Netflix
15. The Polar Express (2004)
This magical animated journey, led by Tom Hanks, follows a boy on a train ride to the North Pole. The film’s message of believing in the Christmas spirit has resonated with audiences for years, making it a Christmas essential.
Where to watch: Netflix
16. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This timeless classic follows a man who, on the brink of despair, discovers the profound impact his life has had on others with the help of a compassionate guardian angel. It’s a Wonderful Life is a deeply moving tale of hope, community and the true meaning of Christmas.
Where to watch: Stan
17. Violent Night (2022)
When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, they aren’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour delivers a unique take on Santa in this action-packed holiday film. It’s so good!
Where to watch: Paramount+
18. The Night Before (2015)
This raunchy holiday comedy follows three childhood friends (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen and Anthony Mackie) on a wild Christmas Eve adventure filled with hilarious hijinks and surprising heart.
Where to watch: Netflix
19. Love Hard (2021)
A feel-good film that will get you swiping right, or not. (Image: Bettina Strauss/Netflix)
Love Hard is for those who love a little romance with their Christmas cheer. Watch as a woman travels to surprise the man of her dreams, only to find she’s been catfished. Hilarious and heartwarming with plenty of Christmas magic!
Where to watch: Netflix
20. Mean Girls (2004)
Yes, Mean Girls is officially a Christmas movie thanks to that unforgettable Jingle Bell Rock scene. I relive the sass, laughs and iconic quotes every year.
Where to watch: Netflix
21. Christmas on the Farm (2021)
This film will surely give you the holiday jolly with its charming plot. (Image: Stan)
Emmy’s book about living on an Australian farm is about to be a publishing sensation – and the CEO publisher and her handsome son are coming to see her country life firsthand. Only problem is, it’s not her life! Christmas on the Farm is another Stan Original Australian Christmas movie, and while I don’t think it was as good as A Sunburnt Christmas or Nugget is Dead: A Christmas Story, I still enjoyed it. Keep these coming every year, Stan!
Where to watch: Stan
22. Arthur Christmas (2011)
This underappreciated gem answers the all-important question: How does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? Such a cute movie for the whole family to enjoy!
Where to watch: Stan
23. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
A fun film best watched with family. (Image: Michael Gibson/Netflix)
This Netflix original has become a modern classic. Follow siblings Kate and Teddy as they accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh and have to save Christmas. With real-life ‘It’ couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn as the coolest Santa and Mrs Claus ever, it’s a must-watch.
Where to watch: Netflix
24. Hot Frosty (2024)
Watch a snowman come to life in Hot Frosty. (Image: Courtesy of Netflix)
In this whimsical holiday rom-com, widow Kathy (Lacey Chabert from Mean Girls) discovers that a magical scarf brought a snowman to life as the charming Jack (Dustin Milligan from Schitt’s Creek). As Jack navigates the human world with childlike wonder, he helps Kathy rediscover joy and love, all while racing against time before he melts away. I thought this was sweet and silly, with the perfect amount of cringe.
Where to watch: Netflix
25. Love Actually (2003)
Hopeless romantics know that this film just never gets old. (Image: Stan)
Nine intertwining love stories, one unforgettable airport scene and a soundtrack that hits all the right notes. This is the Christmas rom-com blueprint. But I’ll be honest with you, it has not aged well. The majority of the storylines are problematic, and they reinforce outdated gender stereotypes.
Where to watch: Stan
Whether you’re watching old favourites or discovering new Christmas classics, these films will keep you entertained and full of holiday cheer. So, grab your Christmas snacks, put on your comfiest PJs and get ready to watch the magic unfold!
What’s on your 2024 Christmas movie lineup?
