This post is all about the best Christmas movies to stream online in 2022.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but can I share a little secret? I have not felt like myself this Christmas season. I’m not sure what it is exactly, but I’ve kind of struggled to get into the holiday spirit and get excited for all the Christmas things. This is definitely weird for me, because if you know me, I’m basically an elf. I live for this time of year. All that to say, when I’m struggling to get in the Christmas spirit, there are two things that I know will instantly boost my cheer levels: decorating my home, and watching my favorite Christmas movies! So today’s post is full of the best Christmas movies to stream for the next two weeks until the big guy pays us a visit from the North Pole.
The Best Christmas Movies to Stream to Get You in the Holiday Spirit
1. ELF
ELF is just one of those classic Christmas movies that you can watch year after year, and still laugh out loud each time. Will Ferrell is at his best in this movie, and it’s probably one of the most quotable Christmas movies out there. It’s basically impossible not to crack a smile during this one.
Synopsis: Buddy (Will Ferrell) was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. As it happens, this is Walter Hobbs (James Caan), a cynical businessman. After a DNA test proves this, Walter reluctantly attempts to start a relationship with the childlike Buddy with increasingly chaotic results. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: HBO Max
Holiday Cheer Rating: 12/10
2. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas is an absolute classic, and personally, I love both the original animated version and the live action movie starring Jim Carrey. Both movies are such feel-good movies that drive home the true meaning of Christmas and bring on all the warm, fuzzy feelings every holiday season.
Synopsis: In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen). (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: HBO Max (live action) & TBD (Prime Video)
Holiday Cheer Rating: 13/10
3. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
This one is a new addition to my top Christmas movies list! A Netflix original from 2020, it’s full of Christmas cheer, whimsy, and lots of adventure that make it such a fun watch for your next family movie night.
Synopsis: Decades after his apprentice betrays him, a once joyful toymaker finds new hope when his bright young granddaughter appears on his doorstep. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: Neflix
Holiday Cheer Rating: 10/10
4. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York
As a NYC girly, I personally love and watch the second Home Alone movie more than the original since it is based in NYC, but I’d be remiss not to give the original an honorable mention here. Both of these movies are simply classics during Christmastime, and I love to play them in the background during my work day.
Synopsis: After snarky youth Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) loses track of his father at the airport, he mistakenly gets on a plane headed for New York City—while the rest of the McCallisters fly to Florida. Now alone in the Big Apple, Kevin cons his way into a room at the Plaza Hotel and begins his usual antics. But when Kevin discovers that the Sticky Bandits (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) are on the loose, he struggles to stop them from robbing an elderly man’s toy store just before Christmas. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch Them: Disney+
Holiday Cheer Rating: 10/10
5. This Christmas
Okay I’d like to preface this one by saying that I DO NOT support Chris Brown whatsoever. However, I just freaking love this movie, and try to ignore his presence while watching. Something about a wholesome Black family Christmas movie just does it for me every time, and this one takes me right back to when I saw it as a teenager. I love the soundtrack and while the dialogue can be a bit cringy, it’s still a holiday movie I watch every year.
Synopsis: At holiday time, family matriarch Ma’Dere Whitfield (Loretta Devine) assembles her large brood for their first reunion in four years. However, family ties show signs of strain when various secrets come to light, especially concerning Marine Claude’s (Columbus Short) true military status, Quentin’s (Idris Elba) debts and teenage Baby’s (Chris Brown) secret plans to become a singer. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: Hulu
Holiday Cheer Rating: 8/10
6. Love Actually
Excuse me, but how is this movie 20 years old?! Aside from that fun fact sending me into a bit of a tailspin, Love Actually is easily one of my absolute favorite Christmas movies. I love the intertwined love stories and the quirky characters. This movie is iconic and no one can convince me otherwise. A staple every year, for sure.
Synopsis: Nine intertwined stories examine the complexities of the one emotion that connects us all: love. Among the characters explored are David (Hugh Grant), the handsome newly elected British prime minister who falls for a young junior staffer (Martine McCutcheon), Sarah (Laura Linney), a graphic designer whose devotion to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Harry (Alan Rickman), a married man tempted by his attractive new secretary. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: Prime Video or Peacock
Holiday Cheer Rating: 9/10
7. The Polar Express
The Polar Express is the perfect movie for the kiddos in your life, and honestly the adults too. A friendly reminder to believe in the magic of Christmas might be just what you need if you’re feeling more like a Scrooge this holiday season. So grab your hot chocolate and get ready for a wild and magical ride up to the North Pole.
Synopsis: Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis (“Forrest Gump”; “Cast Away”) reunite for Polar Express, an inspiring adventure based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. When a doubting young boy takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery that shows him that the wonder of life never fades for those who believe. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: HBO Max
Holiday Cheer Rating: 10/10
8. Bridget Jones’ Diary
Okay fine, maybe this one is less of a typical Christmas movie but to me, it fits right in among them, especially on the heels of Love Actually. It’s a fun and quirky rom-com, that culminates right around the holidays! Complete with a snowy make-out session in the streets of London,—what more could you want?
Synopsis: At the start of the New Year, 32-year-old Bridget (Renée Zellweger) decides it’s time to take control of her life—and start keeping a diary. Now, the most provocative, erotic and hysterical book on her bedside table is the one she’s writing. With a taste for adventure, and an opinion on every subject— from exercise to men to food to sex and everything in between—she’s turning the page on a whole new life. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: Prime Video
Holiday Cheer Rating: 6/10
9. The Best Man Holiday
Fair warning: this movie will make you cry. But it’s so good, and another wholesome Black holiday movie that just had to make this list. You’ll laugh, cry, and smile along with all the characters in the movie. Plus, there’s also an absolutely iconic dance scene (teased in the trailer above) that is a must-see. I can already imagine the TikToks recreating this scene.
Synopsis: Nearly 15 years after they were last together as a group, college friends Lance (Morris Chestnut), Harper (Taye Diggs), Candace (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Jordan (Nia Long), Murch (Harold Perrineau), and Mia (Monica Calhoun) finally reunite over the Christmas holidays. Though much has changed in their lives, the friends discover just how easy it is for long-forgotten rivalries and passionate romances to be reignited. (Rotten Tomatoes)
Where To Watch It: Peacock or Prime Video
Holiday Cheer Rating: 9/10
10. A Bad Moms Christmas
Last but certainly not least, A Bad Moms Christmas quickly became one of my favorites after seeing it for the first time during the pandemic. A sequel to Bad Moms, it brings all the laughs just like the first movie and boasts some great additions to the original cast. I highly recommend this movie, along with the first one, if you’re in need of a laugh with a sprinkle of Christmas cheer.
Synopsis: Under-appreciated and overburdened moms Amy, Kiki and Carla rebel against the challenges and expectations of the Super Bowl for moms: Christmas. As if creating the perfect holiday for their families isn’t hard enough, they’ll have to do it while hosting and entertaining their own respective mothers when they come to visit.
Where To Watch It: Netflix
Holiday Cheer Rating: 8/10
That concludes this year’s roundup of the best Christmas movies to stream this month, especially if you’re like me and have been struggling to get into the spirit. I hope you enjoyed this post, and as always, you can find me on Instagram, Youtube, Twitter, and TikTok. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!
