The eight best Christmas films to stream this year

Monday 21st December marks the shortest day of the year so far, and what better way to spend the cold dark night than binge-watching Christmas films to get you in the festive spirit. If you need some inspiration, we have rounded up the best Christmas films available to stream this year. 

Best for couples

The Holiday (Netflix)
Directed by the queen of romance Nancy Myers, The Holiday sees two women from other sides of the world house swap to get over failed romances. A true Hollywood love story, the juxtaposition of glamorous LA to the cosy English countryside works perfectly. Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jude Law make up the main characters of this love story, which will have you booking a Christmas getaway before the credits are rolling. 

Love Actually (Now TV)
Filled with iconic moments, from Hugh Grant’s Number Ten dance to Sam’s epic journey through the airport to declare his love, Love Actually will warm the hearts of the even the most cynical among us. The all-star cast includes Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson and Colin Firth and the film follows ten stories of love over the festive period. Filled with heartbreak, new love and old, this is the ultimate feel-good film.

Best for families

Elf (Now TV)
Starring Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel, Elf is a true crowd-pleaser, with a sentimental storyline combined with jokes for all the family. The story focuses on Buddy, a human who was raised as an elf in the South Pole, who sets off on an adventure to New York City to find his real father, bringing Christmas joy to anyone he meets.

Arthur Christmas (Netflix)
Already a modern-day classic, Arthur Christmas was created by Aardman Animation, the team behind Wallace and Gromit. This laugh out loud animation follows lovable Arthur’s Christmas Eve mission to deliver one little girl’s present that Santa failed to deliver. This is the perfect film for little ones, who will love the high tech elves who use modern technology to help get the gifts under the tree. 

Home Alone (Disney+)
A child left alone over the holidays, who has to protect his home from burglars doesn’t sound like the plotline to one of the most iconic Christmas movies ever made, but don’t be fooled- this film is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Macaulay Culkin became a household name after starring in this film, and a further three films were created from the franchise. 

Noelle (Disney+)
A new addition to Disney+, Anna Kendrick stars in this charming tale of Noelle Kringle, whose brother goes missing once he realises he is not cut out to take over being Santa from his father. This thoroughly modern tale brings the cliched story of Father Christmas right up to present day, while still maintaining the magic that Disney is best known for. 

Best for nostalgia

It’s a Wonderful Life (Now TV)
One of the most loved Christmas that’s ever been made, Its a Wonderful Life stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a depressed man who is shown how he has touched the lives of others, and how different life would be for his wife Mary and his community of Bedford Falls if he had not been born. Don’t just take our word for it, as this movie scores an incredible 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. 

Miracle on 34th Street (Now TV)
It’s safe to say that remakes don’t usually live up to the original, however, Miracle on 34th Street is one that bucks the trend. The film starts at the world-famous Macy’s Thanksgiving parade in New York and follows the magical story of one little girl who needs to prove that Santa really exists. The film originally aired in 1947, with a remake hitting the big screens in 1973 and 1994. Whichever version you choose, we can guarantee that it will get you in the festive spirit.

Whichever film you decide on, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas break and we look forward to helping your book your perfect staycation for the New Year. 

Published on December 18th, 2020

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