It’s the most wonderful time of the year… which means Christmas is here, and so is the magic that comes to life on screens. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the best must-watch Christmas movies, so you don’t have to spend hours deciding which to binge.
Whether you’re single and picturing yourself as the star of a Hallmark Christmas movie, or dreaming of playing the big man himself, Christmas is when movie magic truly comes alive. It’s a time to remember that just because you can’t see something, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
As a true dreamer and believer, here’s what I recommend for your ultimate Christmas watch list.
Our full ranking of the best Christmas movies and where you can watch them
1. The Santa Clause (1994)
Coming in at number 1 on our must-watch list is, of course, The Santa Clause! This beloved Christmas classic is full of nostalgia, magic, and holiday cheer. It tells the story of a divorced dad, played by Tim Allen, who accidentally becomes Santa Claus, proving that sometimes the most unexpected events can bring about the most magical moments.
You can stream The Santa Clause on Disney+ Australia.
2. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Okay, let’s settle one of the biggest debates in Christmas movie history: which Home Alone is better?
Honestly… I think Home Alone 2: Lost in New York just sneaks ahead of the first one. Why? Well, Macaulay Culkin, who stars as Kevin, is lost in New York, a city full of wonder, curiosity, and, of course, holiday magic.
No matter how many times you watch this classic, you’ll be in tears of laughter—I swear. If you haven’t seen it yet, get it on your must-watch list now… You can thank me later!
You can stream Home Alone 2: Lost In New York on Disney+ Australia.
3. The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000)
Arguably one of the most magical Christmas movies ever, The Grinch is a reminder of what the holiday season is really all about.
Jim Carrey brings the mischievous green grump to life like no one else, making us laugh, cringe, and ultimately warm our hearts all at once in the centre of Whoville. Whether you love him for his hilarious antics or his eventual heart-growing redemption, this one’s a Christmas must-watch.
You can stream The Grinch Who Stole Christmas on Netflix Australia.
4. The Polar Express (2004)
Another movie overflowing with magic and wonder, The Polar Express is a Christmas favourite for a reason.
Starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles, it has become a Christmas Eve tradition for many families to watch the magic unfold as the train whisks its passengers away on an unforgettable journey to the North Pole.
At its heart, it’s a gentle reminder that Christmas magic is everywhere… but only if you truly believe. Cosy, nostalgic, and full of festive feels, this one never gets old.
You can stream The Polar Express on Apple TV.
5. The Holiday (2006)
Remember when I said ‘picture yourself in a Christmas romance’? Well, this is the one for you.
When two women, Cameron Diaz as Amanda from Los Angeles and Kate Winslet as Iris from England, swap homes for the holidays to escape heartbreak, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways. Add in Jude Law’s charming British gent and Jack Black’s hilarious, awkward sidekick energy, and you’ve got a Christmas love story that’s equal parts cosy, funny, and heartwarming.
Grab your hot chocolate and your blanket, it’s time for all the holiday feels.
You can stream The Holiday on BINGE.
6. The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2 (2018 & 2020)
Okay, hear me out, new Christmas movies can sometimes struggle to hit that nostalgia sweet spot, but The Christmas Chronicles (both 1 & 2) absolutely nail it.
Kurt Russell as Santa? Iconic. Goldie Hawn as Mrs Claus? Pure perfection. Throw in some wild adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, and a sprinkle of holiday mischief with cheeky mystical elves, and you’ve got a modern Christmas classic that somehow feels like it’s been part of your festive life forever.
Trust me, this one’s an absolute must-watch!
You can stream The Christmas Chronicles 1 & 2 on Netflix Australia.
7. Last Christmas (2019)
Okay, let’s talk about Last Christmas. This one’s basically holiday magic wrapped in a rom-com. Emilia Clarke is totally charming as Kate, a woman stuck in a rut, and Henry Golding? Swoon-worthy as always. Set against the sparkling streets of London at Christmas, this film has laughs, romance, and a little sprinkle of heart-tugging magic that’ll make you believe in the season again.
This beautiful movie makes us believe that things really do happen for a reason and that we are really all connected in ways we sometimes don’t even realise. P.S. Have your tissues at the ready, you’ll need them!
You can stream Last Chrismtas on Netflix Australia
8. Elf (2003)
If there’s one Christmas movie that guarantees laughs from start to finish, it’s Elf. Will Ferrell is pure chaos and joy as Buddy, a human raised by elves who travels to New York in search of his real father.
From maple syrup on spaghetti to spreading Christmas cheer at every turn, this movie is silly, heartwarming, and endlessly quotable. It’s the kind of film that instantly puts you in a festive mood; no matter how many times you’ve seen it, it never stops being funny.
You can stream Elf on Stan Australia.
9. The Holiday Calendar (2018)
Now, this one will either be loved or hated. And personally? I love it. If you’re a sucker for typical romance, a touch of magic, and all the classic Christmas clichés, this one’s for you.
Starring Kat Graham as Abby and Quincy Brown as Josh, the story centres around a mysterious advent calendar that may (or may not – it totally does) predict the future. It’s cheesy, festive, and totally bingeable. Is it predictable? Yes. Is it still perfect for a cosy night in with a blanket and hot chocolate?
Absolutely, put this one on your list.
You can stream The Holiday Calendar on Netflix Australia.
10. Holidate (2020)
Meet Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Australia’s own Luke Bracey), two people who absolutely hate the holidays. They’re always single, stuck at the kids’ table, or suffering through painfully awkward dates, so when they meet during one particularly disastrous Christmas, they strike up a genius deal. The plan? Be each other’s “holidate” for every major celebration over the next year.
With zero romantic expectations and a shared dislike for all things festive, they’re the perfect team… or so they think. As the year of crazy celebrations rolls on, the lines start to blur, and they quickly realise that bonding over everything they hate might just turn into something they love. Funny, relatable, and unexpectedly sweet, this one’s a must-watch, especially with Luke Bracey flying the Aussie flag.
You can stream Holidate on Netflix Australia.
And there you have it—your top 10 Christmas movies you absolutely need to watch this holiday season. Whether you’re all about the laughs, the romance, or the heartwarming holiday magic, these movies have got you covered. After all, it is the season to believe in a little magic.
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