“Discover the Top 32 Christmas Films Streaming on Hulu”

Christmas movies are about shameless joy, uninhibited sweetness, and guaranteed happy endings. We don’t always have to be challenged. We don’t always have to learn more about the human condition. Sometimes we just want to be happy, and this list of yuletide films, from the classics to the unconventional, are sure to spark that cozy feeling of twinkling lights and sugar plum dreams in your tired, old candy cane bones.

1. **Elf (2003)**
Will Ferrell’s Buddy will stand for no man sitting upon a throne of lies and pretending to be his beloved Santa, and he will launch into a full-on brawl in front of children to prove it. Ferrell playing a full-grown adult man who’s spent his life believing he was an actual elf in the North Pole in Jon Favreau’s *Elf* is, undoubtedly, peak Christmas comedy. When Buddy finally learns he’s a human who was an orphan, he sets out to find his real father in New York City — and it turns out he’s a workaholic publishing exec played by James Caan. There’s epic snowball fights, a romance with Zooey Deschanel, and every kid’s dream: spaghetti candy breakfast. With any other actor in the lead, *Elf* could have easily been an obnoxious, forgettable family comedy, but it’s Ferrell’s goofball antics and total commitment to the bit that make the film funny as heck, even 20 years later.

**How to watch:** *Elf* is streaming on Hulu.

2. **Die Hard (1988)**
Forget fresh baked cookies and decorating the tree. The one true way to tap into the Christmas spirit each year is watching Bruce Willis climb elevator shafts and run barefoot through broken glass.
It’s December 24, 1988, and NYPD detective John McClane (Willis) has just arrived at the Nakatomi Corporation Christmas party to reconnect with his estranged wife (Bonnie Bedelia) — ya know, to come out to the coast and have a few laughs. Unfortunately (or rather, fortunately for our viewing pleasure) Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber has decided to crash the party with his long-haired German henchmen to steal some bearer bonds. “It’s Christmas, Theo,” Hans tells his safecracker. “A time for miracles!” Too bad for him this Christmas miracle arrives in a bloody tank top and sporting a cranky disposition; McClane won’t let these thieves get away easily.

**How to watch:** *Die Hard* is streaming on Hulu.

3. **A Christmas Story (1983)**
Every kid remembers that one toy they desperately wanted more than anything else for Christmas. It dominates every moment of your young life as you plead for it and shake presents to guess at what’s inside. For the nine-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley), that Christmas gift fixation is a BB gun. Unfortunately, everyone from his mom to the local department store’s grumpy Santa rejects his wish by looking out for his safety. “You’ll shoot your eye out!” they shout.
*A Christmas Story* is in many ways the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Day. It’s warm and nostalgic, wacky and playful, and accurately captures a child’s view of Christmas. Plus, it’s one of a kind — no other holiday movie features a leg lamp, tongues stuck on a frozen pole, and elves shoving screaming children down a giant slide.

**How to watch:** *A Christmas Story* is streaming on Hulu.
Alice and Bill Harford (Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, who were married at the time of filming) are a picturesque wealthy, white American couple. They live in a stunning Upper East Side apartment, attend a lavish Christmas party, and take their kid holiday shopping at FAO Schwarz. But one night, after a very stoned Alice tells her husband about a sexual fantasy she once had about another man, his jealousy leads him on a journey to a secretive Satanic-esque orgy. While the plot of Kubrick’s final film has nothing to do with Christmas directly, there’s an undeniable unease to watching a marriage fall apart and a sinister mystery unfold against the backdrop of the holiday season, all as Christmas lights twinkle in the background.

### How to watch: Eyes Wide Shut is streaming on Hulu with the Paramount+ add-on.

If anyone is going to successfully get their kid the hottest toy of the year that’s completely sold out, it’s Arnold, baby. In the ’90s holiday classic Jingle All the Way, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Howard is a pretty crummy dad who spends more time at work than with his son Jamie (Jake Lloyd). To make it up to him, Howard decides to get Jamie the one thing he wants for Christmas — a Turbo Man action figure. When the toy store shelves are empty on Christmas Eve, Howard goes on a mission to find a Turbo Man at any cost, from a black market salesman to a radio station giveaway and plenty more shenanigans, like running from the cops and even a fake bomb threat. It’s outrageously silly in the best way.

### How to watch: Jingle All the Way is streaming on Hulu.

It’s Christmas eve in a Hollywood donut shop and Sin-Dee Rella (Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) has just gotten out of jail, unfortunately a normal occurrence for trans sex workers like her. Now her best friend Alexandra (Mya Taylor) is telling Sin-Dee that her boyfriend and pimp Chester (James Ransone) has been cheating on her the whole time, and with a cis woman. She sets out on a mission to track him and his other girlfriend down.

Sean Baker’s ultra-low budget Tangerine, which he famously shot entirely on iPhones, captures a gritty reality that’s rarely seen in traditional holiday movies, which usually center well-off families with stable incomes and cozy romances. Here, Sin-Dee’s family is Alexandra and other trans sisters along the stroll, and the men they interact with are sneaking away from their wives and children at home for sex. But don’t mistake Tangerine for a gloomy downer. Baker’s film is bursting with comedy, energy, and heart, all thanks to Rodriguez and Taylor’s radiant performances. Ultimately, Tangerine is a moving story about surviving with chosen family, something queer and trans audiences could surely use more of.

### How to watch: Tangerine is streaming on Hulu.
Tim Burton and director Henry Selick’s stop-motion masterpiece, The Nightmare Before Christmas, is a unique blend of Halloween and Christmas themes that captivates viewers in the best possible way. This film is a must-watch for those who prefer a dash of spookiness with their holiday cheer, featuring a storyline where Santa gets kidnapped and a shrunken head is given as a gift. The journey begins when Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes enchanted by the magic and warmth of the holiday. With outstanding animation, a clever story, and catchy music, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a hauntingly whimsical experience unlike any other.

### It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)

In It’s A Wonderful Life, Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is a selfless man who sacrifices his own dreams to support his community. This classic Christmas tale explores themes of gratitude, family, and the impact of individual actions on the community. The heartwarming story reminds viewers of the power of everyday kindness and support, making it a timeless holiday favorite.

### The Family Stone (2005)

The Family Stone is a dramedy that follows a dysfunctional family gathering for the holidays, filled with chaos, arguments, and unexpected twists. This film captures the comedic mayhem of family dynamics during the holiday season, making it a relatable and entertaining watch for those looking to escape their own family drama.

### Every Day Is Christmas (2018)

In this modern take on A Christmas Carol, Toni Braxton shines as a workaholic money manager who despises the holidays. Through a series of events reminiscent of Dickens’ classic tale, she learns valuable lessons about compassion and the true meaning of Christmas. Despite its predictable storyline, Braxton’s charisma and the film’s festive charm make it an enjoyable watch for the holiday season.
If you’re looking for a top-tier action thriller with a touch of Christmas spirit, look no further than The French Connection. The classic film directed by William Friedkin kicks off with Gene Hackman in a Santa Claus suit hot on the heels of a suspect through the streets of New York City. This isn’t your typical jolly Santa; Hackman’s character, Popeye, is a determined NYPD detective who will go to any lengths to solve a case, even resorting to violence to get the answers he needs.

Set in the gritty New York City of the 1970s, Popeye and his partner Cloudy (Roy Scheider) are on a mission to stop a major heroin dealer from smuggling millions of dollars worth of drugs into the country. The film features thrilling foot chases, intense shootouts, and one of the most iconic car chases in cinematic history.

For those interested in watching The French Connection, the film is available for streaming on Hulu with the Max add-on.

Leave it to Tim Burton to bring a dark and brooding atmosphere to the holiday season with Batman Returns. In this Batman film, Gotham City is transformed into a festive and colorful backdrop, complete with towering Christmas trees adorned with lights and ornaments. The movie features extravagant sets, a tree-lighting ceremony with surprises, and a penguin army armed with candy cane-striped rockets. Mistletoe even plays a significant role in the plot, making this a unique addition to the Christmas movie lineup.

To watch Batman Returns, you can find it streaming on Hulu.

For a magical escape into a winter wonderland, look no further than The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. The film follows the adventures of siblings who discover a magical world hidden behind an old wardrobe, where they encounter talking animals and mythical creatures. In this snowy land cursed by an evil White Witch, the children find themselves longing for Christmas cheer amidst the perpetual winter. Fortunately, they receive a visit from Father Christmas himself, adding a touch of holiday magic to their journey.

To watch The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, head to Hulu for streaming.
For those unable to make it to the theater to watch The Nutcracker live, this film adaptation brings the magic of the ballet to the screen. Filmed like a live stage production, 1993’s The Nutcracker puts you right in the audience. In this classic Tchaikovsky story, a young girl wakes up on Christmas Eve to magical happenings — the tree grows tall, and her Nutcracker toy comes to life. Featuring a young Macaulay Culkin as the Nutcracker himself and the New York City ballet performing George Balanchine’s choreography. — OW

How to watch: The Nutcracker is streaming on Hulu.

Eastern Promises (2007)

Nothing says holiday cheer like Viggo Mortensen as a Russian gangster blow-drying a frozen corpse in front of Christmas lights. Eastern Promises, set during Christmas in London, contrasts hope and celebration with violence and deceit. David Cronenberg’s crime drama follows a midwife who uncovers a dark Russian mafia scheme. A suspenseful mystery unfolds as she gets closer to the truth, with an all-time nude fight sequence in a bathhouse. — OW

How to watch: Eastern Promises is streaming on Hulu.

The Polar Express (2004)

Robert Zemeckis brings the wonder of a children’s book to life on screen with The Polar Express. Tom Hanks plays multiple roles in this tale of a magical train journey to the North Pole. The film captures the magical spirit of Christmas through the eyes of a child, despite its aging visuals. — OW

How to watch: The Polar Express is streaming on Hulu.
The perfect Christmas rom-com for the 2020s, The Happiest Season follows young couple Harper (Mackenzie Davis) and Abby (Kristen Stewart) as they head to Harper’s family’s home for Christmas. The only issue is that Harper has yet to come out to her family, which leaves Abby in the uncomfortable position of having to lie about herself for the holidays. The cast here is top notch. Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis shine in their lead roles, and the internet had a complete breakdown about how magnetic Aubrey Plaza is as Harper’s ex-girlfriend, Riley. Alison Brie, Dan Levy, Mary Holland, Victor Garber, and Mary Steenburgen round out the sparkling cast in this film co-written and directed by Clea DuVall.

It’s a much-needed and utterly modern take on the holiday romance. And what’s more, it feels believable, which is almost unheard of for a Christmas movie! Don’t waste another second waiting to watch this intelligent, funny, and cheerily sincere film. — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor

**How to Watch**: The Happiest Season is streaming on Hulu.

**Little Women (2019)**

The most comforting Christmas movies don’t always need to be about Christmas. In Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel, the warmth and coziness of the holiday season is blanketed everywhere across the screen in Little Women. As we follow the lives of the March sisters in the years after the Civil War, not only does Christmas weave in and out of the plot, but Gerwig captures an icy, wintry atmosphere that makes you feel smack in the middle of the holidays. The sisters are always bundled up in their layers of 19th-century winter gear, and the orange glow of the fireplace, draped with stockings and garlands, fills the March home with an inviting coziness. Little Women also embraces the spirit of Christmas, from its message of generosity as Marmee (Laura Dern) encourages her daughters to give their Christmas breakfast to those without food, to the importance of the family being together. — OW

**How to watch**: Little Women is streaming on Hulu.

**The Mistle-Tones (2012)**

Tia Mowry is Holly, a bubbly woman whose greatest dream in life is to join the local Christmas cover group, the Snow Belles, and spend every Christmas Eve… checks notes … singing at the mall. But when Holly is denied a spot in the group by Snow Belle queen and diva Marci, played by none other than Tori Spelling, she starts her own singing group and competes with the Snow Belles for the coveted mall gig.

The Mistle-Tones is fun and fluffy, and it stays engaging thanks to its multiple Christmas medley performances. There is romance here for Holly — her boss is a standoffish workaholic? I bet that’s about to change!!! — but Mowry and Spelling are both so accustomed to the camera, their casual self-assurance tends to steal most of their scenes. — KG

**How to Watch**: The Mistle-Tones is streaming on Hulu.
After indulging in an overdose of saccharine holiday movies, gather the family for some Christmas horror with Krampus. In this inventive horror-comedy, the Engel family’s holiday season starts off rocky. Max (Emjay Anthony) gets into a scuffle at the school play and later becomes the target of teasing from his cousins for writing a letter to Santa. Sarah’s (Toni Collette) sister Linda (Allison Tolman) shows up with her family, along with the quirky and annoying aunt (Conchata Ferrell). Amidst the chaos, Max begins to lose his belief in Christmas, triggering a chain of events. A storm suddenly descends, covering the entire town in ice, and Max’s sister goes missing. A monstrous creature is seen prowling the rooftops, dragging victims into the snow. Krampus has arrived to punish the naughty kids and bring chaos this Christmas! While filled with spooky fun and suspense, Krampus is not overly terrifying for those who are sensitive to horror. — OW

How to watch: Krampus is streaming on Hulu with the Max add-on.

Take the selfishness and ruthless ambition of Ebenezer Scrooge and transform him into a heartless TV executive, and you get Bill Murray’s Frank Cross — a perfect fit. He’s a callous and miserable boss with no love life. As Christmas draws near, the ghost of his former boss appears, nearly pushing him out of his penthouse window to warn him of three more spirits who will visit him soon.

First, a zany cab driver portrayed by David Johansen arrives to show Frank his past and troubled childhood. Carol Kane appears as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and a third spirit materializes to reveal his grim future. One of the funniest adaptations of the Dickens classic, thanks in large part to Murray’s dry humor, Scrooged is ideal for a modern twist on a traditional Christmas tale.

How to watch: Scrooged is streaming on Hulu with the Paramount+ add-on.