Holiday in the Wild offers a refreshing change of scenery with its gorgeous African backdrop and a romance led by the wonderful Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe. The story follows a newly single woman who volunteers at an elephant sanctuary, finding purpose and an unexpected connection. It’s a gentle, feel-good film that blends a sweet love story with a meaningful message about wildlife conservation. | © Netflix
Almost Christmas is a heartfelt comedy about a large family gathering for their first holiday after losing their matriarch. Danny Glover anchors the film as the patriarch trying to hold everyone together, while a fantastic cast delivers both big laughs and genuine emotion. It hits familiar beats about sibling rivalry and secrets, but the chemistry and warmth of the performances make it a truly satisfying watch. | © Universal Studios
Let It Snow is a cozy, interconnected teen romance set during a small-town snowstorm on Christmas Eve. The film's charm comes from its diverse cast and natural inclusion of a sweet lesbian storyline centered on the lovable Dorrie. While the plot can feel familiar, its festive atmosphere and genuine heart make it an easy, enjoyable watch for the season. | © Netflix
Happy Christmas is a low-key, indie holiday film that feels like a slice of real life. Anna Kendrick plays a charmingly messy young woman who moves in with her brother’s family, gently disrupting their quiet domestic routine. It’s a talky, character-driven movie with subtle humor and a warm, understated look at family bonds during the festive season. | © Magnolia Pictures
Krampus offers a deliciously dark and fun alternative to sugary holiday fare. When a boy's Christmas spirit snaps, he accidentally summons the ancient pagan creature to punish his wildly dysfunctional family. The film blends creepy practical effects with sharp comedy, creating a grimly festive tale that feels like a twisted holiday fairy tale. | © Universal Studios
The Night Before is an R-rated comedy about three childhood friends having their final epic Christmas Eve together in New York City. Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Anthony Mackie bring their best chaotic energy to a night filled with wildly funny mishaps and surprisingly sweet moments. It’s the perfect holiday movie for anyone who thinks the season needs more laughter. | © Sony Pictures Releasing
Better Watch Out starts like any other Christmas babysitting night, but it takes a brilliantly dark turn. The film cleverly subverts holiday movie expectations, building a playful tension that suddenly snaps into real, gripping danger. It’s a smart, nasty little thriller that makes you look at twinkling house lights in a whole new way. | © Rialto Distribution
Will Ferrell is no stranger to the Christmas movie genre, and this sequel brings his signature slapstick chaos to the holidays. He and Mark Wahlberg team up to host a perfect together Christmas, only for their plans to implode when their own fathers, played by Mel Gibson and John Lithgow, arrive. It's a ridiculous, gag-filled farce that still manages to squeeze out a warm message about blended families. | © Paramount Pictures
Last Christmas is a much sweeter and quirkier holiday rom-com than its trailers suggested, set against a beautifully festive London. Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding have lovely chemistry, and the film’s famous twist lands a poignant message about living gratefully and embracing second chances. It’s a big-hearted, charming confection that makes clever use of its George Michael soundtrack. | © Universal Studios
The Man Who Invented Christmas charmingly dramatizes how a desperate Charles Dickens created his iconic holiday tale. Dan Stevens is great as the frenzied writer, and Christopher Plummer steals the show as the imagined, taunting ghost of Scrooge. It’s a clever and whimsical meta-treat that brings a fresh, entertaining perspective to a classic story’s origin. | © Elevation Pictures
The Christmas Chronicles is an absolute blast thanks to Kurt Russell’s fantastic take on Santa Claus. After two kids accidentally crash his sleigh, they join a chaotic, fun-filled mission to save Christmas across Chicago. It mixes cool special effects with genuine heart, creating a hugely entertaining new holiday adventure for the whole family. | © Netflix
Noelle is a genuinely sweet and funny Disneyfied take on the Santa legacy. Anna Kendrick shines as Santa’s daughter who has to find her missing brother and save Christmas, bringing her signature charm to every scene. It’s full of warm holiday cheer and offers the perfect kind of easy, family-friendly comfort viewing for the season. | © Walt Disney Pictures
Arthur Christmas is a clever and wildly inventive holiday adventure that answers the big question: how does Santa deliver all those presents? Santa's clumsy but big-hearted son teams up with his retired granddad for a secret mission to deliver one forgotten gift. Its hilarious high-tech versus old-school dynamic makes for a funny, thrilling, and genuinely heartwarming ride. | © Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Grinch brings a vibrant, new energy to the classic tale with Benedict Cumberbatch's wonderfully grumpy voice performance. The animation is bursting with color and inventive details that expand Whoville into a lively, immersive world. It’s a sweet, funny update that honors the story's heart while dazzling a new generation of viewers. | © Universal Studios
Klaus reinvents the Santa origin story with breathtaking, hand-drawn animation and immense heart. A spoiled postman exiled to a frozen town forms an unlikely partnership with a reclusive toymaker, sparking a quiet revolution of kindness through gift-giving. It’s a visually stunning and deeply moving film that instantly feels like a timeless classic. | © Netflix
The 2010s delivered a fresh batch of holiday classics that redefined Christmas movies for a new generation. This list rounds up the best from the decade, from heartwarming animated tales and clever origin stories to hilarious and even horrific festive twists.
