Twenty-eight Contemporary Holiday Gems Worth Watching Prior to the Festive Season
Holiday movies have been a staple for decades, but the days of watching George Bailey contemplate jumping off a bridge year after year are long gone. Today, the holiday movie industry is booming, releasing dozens, if not hundreds, of new seasonal offerings starting in June. Most of these movies are comforting and disposable, but classics do emerge. Let's take a look at some modern masterpieces in the genre.
The Christmas movie genre is vast and varied: from lighthearted comedies to heartwarming dramas, terrifying horror films, and unexpected interpretations of Wham! songs. There's something for everyone!
A Farewell Vacation (2006)
at Paramount+
This remake of a 1950s film stars the radiant Queen Latifah as Georgia, a department store employee who learns that she has a rare brain condition and may only have a few weeks to live. Insurance doesn't cover her necessary operation, so she quits her job, sells her possessions, and embarks on a luxurious European spa vacation to the Czech Republic (which looks suspiciously like Austria, where A Farewell Vacation was filmed). Her workplace crush, Sean (LL Cool J), follows her there. Though the plot isn't particularly original (and it's a remake, to boot), Queen Latifah brings her charisma and old-school Hollywood flair to the film. You can watch A Farewell Vacation on Paramount+, Tubi, or Prime Video.
Elf (The Human) (2003)
at Max
In this Will Ferrell comedy, a human man who believes he's an elf goes to New York during the holiday season to find his biological father. With a stellar cast that includes Ed Asner, Zooey Deschanel, Peter Dinklage, and Bob Newhart, this movie is both sweet and clever. You can stream Elf on Max, Hulu, or rent it on Prime Video.
The Stuck-Away Ones (2023)
at Prime Video
This critically acclaimed film earned a Best Picture nomination and a Best Supporting Actress award for Da'Vine Joy Randolph. She plays Mary Lamb, a cafeteria manager at a New England prep school who is forced to spend the holiday break on campus with a grumpy teacher (Paul Giamatti) and a troubled student. Mary isn't inclined to spend much time with her fellow holdovers, but a series of events forces them to confront their issues. You can stream The Stuck-Away Ones on Prime Video.
The Struggling Tokyo Fatherfigures (2003)
at Prime Video
This film, loosely inspired by John Ford's 1948 film Three Godfathers, follows a drag queen, a runaway teenager, and an alcoholic man struggling to make ends meet on the streets of Tokyo. The trio stumbles upon a baby in a trash bin on Christmas Eve and embarks on an adventure that's both beautiful and moving. Directed by Satoshi Kon, who also made Perfect Blue, Millennium Actress, and Paprika, this film is a must-watch. You can stream The Struggling Tokyo Fatherfigures on Prime Video, Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee.
The Most Joyous Season (2020)
at Hulu
This comedy follows Abby and Harper, a couple who have been together for nearly a year. However, Abby discovers that Harper lied to her parents about being gay and hopes that Abby will pretend to be her roommate until after Christmas. Things don't go as planned, of course. You can stream The Most Joyous Season on Hulu.
Love Eternal (2003)
at Prime Video
This classic holiday film is set a few weeks before Christmas and follows several interconnected stories of love, starring British favorites like Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightley, and Colin Firth. If you've ever declared your love through a series of cue cards on someone's doorstep, you have this movie to thank (or blame) for the trend. You can stream Love Eternal on Prime Video and Starz.
The Naughty Santa (2003)
at Paramount+
Finally, this comedy follows a drunken department store Santa who uses his I.D. to commit various crimes during the holiday season. Despite his naughty behavior, he eventually discovers the true meaning of Christmas. You can watch The Naughty Santa on Netflix.
2003 marked a significant year for modern holiday classics, catering to various preferences. The epitome of an inappropriate Christmas movie, "Bad Santa" premiered, featuring Billy Bob Thornton as Willie Soke. He portrays a mall Santa, disguising his criminal activities as seasonal jobs, targeting stores he intends to rob at night. This character embodies traits one wouldn't want their kid exposed to during the holidays (or otherwise): harsh language, skepticism, and verbal abuse, apart from the occasional facade he puts on for children. The film incorporates a typical Christmas redemption arc amidst its explicit holiday debauchery, making it unsuitable for young audiences. "Bad Santa" is currently streaming on Paramount+ and can be rented on Prime Video.
at Netflix
Bad Santa (2003) at Paramount at Paramount+ ## Santa's Origins Unveiled: Klaus (2019)
This heartwarming Santa origin story, devoid of any specific basis, introduces Jesper Johansen, an irresponsible son of a Norwegian postmaster general. Forced to deliver 6,000 letters to a secluded island town within a year or risk losing his inheritance, he strikes a deal with reclusive widower Klaus to help him convince the town's children to write letters for gifts in return. Crafted by old Klaus, the toys he creates stem from his hope of forming a family that never materialized. With its touching performance, it's difficult to resist shedding tears during the climax. Watch "Klaus" on Netflix.
at Max
Klaus (2019) at Netflix at Netflix ## The Polar Express' Unusual Adventure (2004)
This unique interpretation of a journey to the North Pole might leave you feeling uneasy, or it might captivate you with its groundbreaking animation style. Its unsettling quality lies somewhere between beautiful artistry and unsettling eeriness. Despite this, the movie carries timeless messages about nurturing childhood fascination, with a bittersweet conclusion maintaining a perfect balance between holiday sentimentalism. "The Polar Express" is available for streaming on Max and Hulu or can be rented from Prime Video.
at Paramount+
The Polar Express (2004) at Max at Max ## The Unexpected Christmas Truce: Joyeux Noël (2005)
Based on real-life events, this Academy Award-nominated film revolves around the first year of World War I, when at several frontline sites, French, German, and British soldiers temporarily halted hostilities. They celebrated Christmas Eve and Day, even witnessing the German Crown Prince's soprano singer performing for both sides. The filmmakers capture the paradoxical emotions of the truce, both its beauty and absurdity, balancing the brief respite from war's brutality with constant reminders of the conflict's imminent return. "Joyeux Noël" can be streamed on Paramount+ or rented on Prime Video.
at Hulu
Joyeux Noël (2005) at Paramount at Paramount+ ## The Family Stone's Holiday Drama (2005)
Combining comedy and drama, "The Family Stone" showcases tense holiday gatherings. When Dermot Mulroney brings his girlfriend (Sarah Jessica Parker) home for Christmas, the clash between the newcomer and the tight-knit, insular Stone family ensues, with Parker feeling out of place. In the background, matriarch Sybil Stone (Diane Keaton) seeks an opportunity to reveal a serious health update. The film's poignant final shot leaves a lasting impact every time. Stream "The Family Stone" on Prime Video, Hulu, and Tubi.
at Prime Video
The Family Stone (2005) at Hulu at Hulu ## The Modern Holiday Classic: The Holiday (2006)
This Christmas cult classic explores a down-on-luck woman's (Kate Winslet) decision to exchange homes and lives with another unlucky-in-love woman (Cameron Diaz), leading to romantic encounters in their new surroundings. Initially overlooked, "The Holiday" has gained popularity for its endearing charm. You can stream it on Prime Video.
at Peacock
The Holiday (2006) at Prime Video at Prime Video ## Rare Christmas Tale: Rare Exports (2010)
In the movie, a greedy government's research team ventures into untouched territory: an ancient burial mound, rumored to be the final resting place of Joulupukki, an earlier version of our modern Santa Claus. This isn't a good idea at all. Joulupukki shares similarities with Krampus, focusing more on punishing the misdeeds rather than rewarding the good. The story is filled with action, dark humor, and cynicism, perfect for the current times, leading to an exhilarating finale. You can stream Rare Exports on Peacock, Tubi, Kanopy, AMC+, or Freevee, or rent it on Prime Video.
at Netflix
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) on Peacock ## The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Two kids (Judah Lewis and Darby Camp) accidentally crash Santa's sleigh, which is operated by Kurt Russell. The movie is filled with family-friendly action, and Russell seems to enjoy himself throughout. If you like this one, the sequel is equally good. You can stream The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix.
at Paramount+
The Christmas Chronicles (2018) on Netflix ## Arthur Christmas (2011)
Aardman Animations, known for Wallace and Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, produced this cheerful and quirky computer-animated film. James McAvoy portrays Arthur Claus, the son of the Santa Claus in charge. Almost entirely automated operations at the North Pole make it challenging for Arthur to convince management that one undelivered toy is a big deal. It's up to Arthur to save Christmas. You can stream Arthur Christmas on Paramount+ or Tubi, or rent it on Prime Video.
at Prime Video
Arthur Christmas (2011) on Paramount+ ## The Best Man Holiday (2013)
The long-awaited sequel to 1999's The Best Man, this film provides an update on the consequences of the earlier film while introducing new elements (though it's not necessary to watch the original to enjoy the plot). Morris Chestnut, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, and Sanaa Lathan lead the sequel, which offers a unique blend of humor, shirtless muscle, religious themes, and emotionally charged plot twists. You can stream The Best Man Holiday on Prime Video.
at Hulu
The Best Man Holiday (2013) on Prime Video ## Tangerine (2015)
This unique Christmas-themed film follows two transgender sex workers (one played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez) seeking revenge on the person who wronged them. The story combines heartfelt emotional moments with absurd humor, all taking place on an eventful Christmas Eve in Hollywood. Using iPhones for filming, the director showcases the intimacy and immediacy of modern technology. You can stream Tangerine on Netflix, Hulu, Tubi, Pluto TV, or Kanopy, or rent it on Prime Video.
at Paramount+
Tangerine (2015) on Hulu ## Carol (2015)
In this award-winning drama, Mara Rooney's Therese and Cate Blanchett's Carol develop romantic feelings for each other during the 1952 Christmas season. While the story may not be the lightest holiday movie, it contains moments of hope and beauty. You can stream Carol on Paramount+ or Netflix, or rent it on Prime Video.
at Prime Video
Carol (2015) on Paramount+ ## A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011)
The last installment in the popular Harold and Kumar series blends humor and sentimentality, even if it's the kind of Christmas movie where Santa smokes a bong on his rounds and replaces urine for a drug test as a Christmas present. You can stream A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video.
at Prime Video
A Very Harold and Kumar Christmas (2011) on Prime Video ## The Night Before (2015)
Spending Christmas Eve with friends is the plan, but the trio (Seth Rogen, Anthony Mackie, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt) ends up attending something called the Nutcracker Ball, which none of them actually desire. Three friends use drugs to get through a not-so-pleasant event. This stoner-friendly Christmas movie continues to entertain viewers. You can stream The Night Before on Starz or rent it on Prime Video.
at Peacock
The Night Before (2015) on Prime Video ## Krampus (2015)
Among the finest films in a decade resuscitating old, frightening European customs with less cheerful versions of Santa, Krampus stands out as a Gremlins-style horror comedy with creative monster effects courtesy of Weta Workshop. While it might not be the darkest or goriest in holiday-themed horror parodies, it's incredibly entertaining, with effects that paint a chilling winter landscape as we follow a family pursued by the titular demon. You can watch Krampus on Max and Peacock, or rent it from Prime Video.
at Prime Video
Krampus (2015) on Peacock on Peacock ### Scrooge: The Misanthrope (2018)
Despite my fondness for the 1966 animated adaptation (hail to Boris Karloff!), this 2018 version is vibrant, colorful, and energetic without becoming overwhelming (looking at you, Jim Carrey version from 2000). Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the Grinch; Pharrell narrates; and Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson, and Angela Lansbury complete the solid voice ensemble. You can watch The Grinch on Peacock or rent it from Prime Video.
at Prime Video
The Grinch (2018) on Prime Video on Prime Video ### Death and the Zombie Christmas (2017)
How about zombies for Christmas? In this amalgamation of High School Musical and Shaun of the Dead, the protagonist Anna merely wants to get through the Christmas performance at her high school in Little Haven, Scotland. She's so preoccupied with her personal dilemmas that she misses the undead outbreak around her. This peculiar mélange of styles certainly includes gory fun, musical numbers, and some touching, seasonally appropriate emotion. You can stream Anna and the Apocalypse on Tubi, Pluto TV, and Shudder or rent it from Prime Video.
at Prime Video
Anna and the Apocalypse (2017) on Prime Video on Prime Video ### The Man Who Devised Christmas (2017)
There are numerous takes on A Christmas Carol, but this one explores the story from another angle. It's the account of Charles Dickens himself (Dan Stevens) and his quest to create the extraordinarily successful work. Avoiding typical biopic clichés in favor of a theme more suited to the material, the film depicts Dickens interacting with his fictional characters in a film that seamlessly combines realism with whimsical fantasy. You can stream The Man Who Invented Christmas on Prime Video and Kanopy.
at Max
The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017) on Prime Video on Prime Video ### Miserable Ever After (2019)
Emilia Clarke and America's sweetheart Henry Golding share an undeniable chemistry in this tale of a struggling singer and the enigmatic man who turns her bleak holiday into something enchanting. The jaw-dropping finale, inspired by a literal interpretation of the title song, is absolutely bonkers—but it somehow works better than it should. You can watch Last Christmas on Max or rent it from Prime Video.
at Hulu
Last Christmas (2019) on Max on Max ### Little Women: Timeless Tales (2019)
Greta Gerwig embraced an American classic before Barbie, and while I'm unsure if there's ever been a mediocre Little Women adaptation, this one is atop the list, staying true to the novel's themes while reorganizing the narrative a bit and incorporating elements from Alcott's true life to suggest the ending that the author truly desired. You can stream Little Women on Hulu or rent it from Prime Video.
at Netflix
Little Women (2019) on Hulu on Hulu ### Jangle the Festive Toy (2020)
This film is pure fantasy and follows toy maker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) in creating a sentient matador figure (Ricky Martin) that fights for individuality instead of being mass-produced. Jeronicus faces a series of misfortunes, but his granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills) steps in to set things right. The film boasts a distinguished pedigree with director David E. Talbert and an almost entirely Black cast, including Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, and Anika Noni Rose, all enjoying themselves in a colorful (and musical!) adventure. You can stream Jingle Jangle on Netflix.
at Netflix
Jingle Jangle (2020) on Netflix on Netflix ### Single for the Holidays (2021)
Tired of questions about his single status, Peter (Michael Urie) invites his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pose as something more than just a roommate. He's stressed in his L.A. job and heading home for the holidays in New Hampshire, unable to cope with inquiries about his romantic status. However, his mother (Kathy Najimy) had plans for him to be set up with her fitness instructor (Luke Macfarlane). Now Peter must navigate not only his family obligations and his new love interest, but also his growing feelings for the person who was merely meant to be a pretend romance. You can watch Single All the Way on Netflix.
Single All the Way (2021) on Netflix on Netflix
In the current landscape of holiday entertainment, streaming services have become a go-to source for discovering new Christmas classics. For instance, "A Farewell Vacation" (2006) is now available on Paramount+, offering a heartwarming story filled with charisma and old-school Hollywood flair. Meanwhile, Will Ferrell's "Elf" (2003) continues to be a cinematic treat, now available to stream on Max and also rent on Prime Video.
In the quest for the best modern Christmas classics, one can't overlook the power of streaming, allowing viewers to curate their holiday movie marathons with ease. This season, tune into your preferred platform and immerse yourself in the world of modern classics, like Queen Latifah and LL Cool J's emotional journey in "A Farewell Vacation" and Will Ferrell's transformation into an elf in "Elf."
