December might be looking pretty busy right now thanks to all the exciting things going on around London, but nothing’s better than cosying up with a Christmas film after a busy day of getting into the festive spirit. From classics to hidden gems, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas films on Netflix to help you get into the merry mood this Christmastime.
1. The Christmas Chronicles (1 and 2)
An instant hit with Netflix users during Christmas, Kurt Russell stars as Santa Claus in The Christmas Chronicles – a heartwarming film that follows young girl Kate and her brother Teddy as they hatch a plan to catch Santa on camera. Naturally, the plan goes awry, and they end up on quite the journey as Santa travels the globe to deliver all of his presents. Streaming now.
2. The Princess Switch (1, 2 and 3)
One of a few fantastic Christmas films starring Vanessa Hudgens (which we’ll get onto a bit later…), The Princess Switch not only features one Hudgens, but two, in a double-act comedy full of festive vibes. The film follows a normal girl from Chicago who travels to another country for a baking competition, where she meets a Duchess who looks exactly like her. Stream it now.
3. The Holiday
The Holiday is an absolute Christmas classic, and for good reason, too. From laughs and constant “awws” to full-blown tears, this film brings all the feels. Set over the Christmas period, Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet) take part in a house swap as their lives hit a slump, and they find themselves falling in love with each other’s lifestyles. Watch it now.
4. Klaus
Oscar-nominated Klaus follows the heart-warming tale of a failing postman who’s been sent on an impossible mission to work in an unaccepting, frozen town in the North – but everything changes when he discovers toymaker Klaus hiding out on the outskirts of the town. A truly magical film that will spark that childhood wonder in both adults and little ones alike. Watch it now.
5. Jingle Jangle
Jingle Jangle has been dubbed the Christmas version of The Greatest Showman thanks to its family-friendly vibe and many a musical number. Providing all the fuzzy warm feels, the film follows toymaker Jeronicus Jangle, whose apprentice betrays him to become the richest toymaker in the world. After years of taking a step back, Jangle receives new hope when his long-lost granddaughter turns up on his doorstep with a talent. Stream it now.
6. The Knight Before Christmas
The second in our mini love letter to Vanessa Hudgen’s Christmas films on Netflix, The Knight Before Christmas is as cheesy and fantastic as it sounds. Providing laughs, an easy-to-follow rom-com plotline and a medieval edge, the film has it all. The Knight Before Christmas sees a medieval knight magically transported to the present day, where he meets an unlucky-in-love high school science teacher who guides him through modern life. Watch it now.
7. A Christmas Prince (1, 2 and 3)
Another easy watch for rom-com lovers, A Christmas Prince tells the story of journalist Rose, who’s sent on a mission to get the scoop on the young prince of Aldovia. Things go too well, however, and Rose soon finds herself in hot water when she’s assumed the new tutor of his younger sister. Watch it now.
8. Holidate
Holidate stars Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey – and is perfect for those who prefer more of a naughty laugh than your typical family-friendly festive flick. Following two strangers, Sloane and Jackson, after a casual meet-cute at the mall, the pair agree to be each other’s ‘holidate’ to ensure both have a platonic date on special occasions. Streaming now.
9. Last Christmas
It may only have a 6.5 on IMDB, but let me tell ya: they’re wrong. Starring Emilia Clarke, Last Christmas follows wannabe singer Kate, who’s struggling to get by after a string of terrible decisions. But things turn around when she meets happy-go-lucky Tom, who changes her world in more ways than Kate knows. Boasting a fantastic soundtrack of George Michael hits, this feel-good film is the perfect way to appreciate what Christmas is really about. Stream it now.
10. Jack Frost
The Michael Keaton-starring Jack Frost has become an absolute classic over the years, and despite its initial criticism, it’s pretty much a cult favourite. Following an ageing rock star who never has time for his family, Jack Frost reincarnates as a snowman after he’s killed in a car crash, leading him to learn the value of family and the magic of Christmas. Watch it now.
11. A Very Murray Christmas
Bill Murray fans will have already seen A Very Murray Christmas, but even if you have, it’s an annual classic. Following the beloved actor as he worries that no one will make his show due to a terrible snowstorm in New York City, Murray finds a number of celebrity friends along the way to help with his Christmas show, resulting in a fabulously festive (and very musical!) watch. Stream it now.
12. Falling For Christmas
A newly engaged, spoiled hotel heiress (Lindsay Lohan) gets into a skiing accident, suffers from total amnesia and finds herself in the care of a handsome, blue-collar lodge owner (Chord Overstreet) and his precocious daughter in the days leading up to Christmas. Streaming now.
13. Christmas With You
Feeling career burn out (can you relate?), pop star Angelina escapes to grant a young fan’s wish in small town New York, where she not only finds the inspiration to revitalize her career but also a shot at true love. Watch it now.