While most people fall about in flabbergasted state of huffing and pointing if Wham! or Slade appear on a radio playlist before December, Christmas movies occupy a very special place in people’s hearts. The second there’s a chill in the air, then festive films are fair game.

The alchemy of these flicks is a strange blend of widows, single parents or previously jilted lovelorn people facing the holidays alone, until someone sweeps into their life/cupcake business to remind them – as the Ghost of Christmas Present sang in The Muppet Christmas Carol – that Christmas is the season of the heart.

That’s why they’re so popular, and why it’s not just Hallmark that make these movies any more. They’re comforting, sweet and familiar – which is what this season is all about.

Let’s dive into the best new Christmas movies on Netflix and Prime Video, plus our picks of the classics.

Best new Netflix Christmas movies

Find all these in Apps & Games > Netflix

Best. Christmas. Ever!

If you’ve ever experienced a holiday newsletter from a friend or relative, you’ve probably had strong opinions (good or bad) on its content. Heather Graham’s Charlotte goes negative when she receives the annual bragfest from her college pal Jackie (Brandy Norwood). So, in the holiday spirit, she turns up at Jackie’s home to find out if her life is really everything it seems to be. But instead of throwing stones, Charlotte discovers true happiness comes from within.

Family Switch

Another classic genre – the body switch – sees Jennifer Garner, Ed Helms, Emma Myers and Brady Noon swap bodies in a hectic run-up to Christmas. Parents become the children, and vice versa; Garner, of course, has previous in 13 Going On 30. With a promotion, college interview, record deal and soccer try-out on the line, can this body-switched family unite to land all their dreams? Wait until you see who the baby swaps with…

The Claus Family 3

You can’t get more Christmassy than Santa Claus. The original movie saw Christmas-hating Jules (Mo Bakker) discovering that his grandfather was Santa (Jan Decleir) and how big beard helped him rediscover his love of the season. This threequel sees siblings Jules and Noor (Amber Metdepenningen) race to save Christmas after their grandpa’s annual delivery goes wrong. As jolly as Claus himself.

I Hate Christmas

Even though this Italian TV show isn’t technically a Christmas movie, season 1 of I Hate Christmas is basically a festive film told over six episodes. After her search to find a boyfriend to take home for Christmas proves successful, Gianna (Pilar Fogliati) no longer has to face the holiday season single. But just when everything seems to be going her way, she might need another dose of Christmas magic.

More Christmas movies on Netflix

The Christmas Chronicles 1 + 2

Twinkly-eyed Kurt Russell stars as Santa in this duet of movies packed with holiday spirit, Christmas magic and festive puns. Perfect for a post-lunch binge.

The Noel Diary

When handsome novelist Jacob Turner (Justin Hartley) makes a Christmas return to his estranged mother’s home, he finds something much more heartwarming than childhood memories. Die Hard’s Bonnie Bedelia co-stars.

Scrooge: A Christmas Carol

Starring Luke Evans, Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, this time-travelling musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic is sure to get you in the festive mood.

Single All The Way

Netflix’s first LGBTQ+ Christmas rom-com is not to be missed – if only to enjoy the incredible Jennifer Coolidge dressed up as a festive fairy.

Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey

This musical festive fantasy about child genius Journey (Madalen Mills) and her inventor grandfather Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) is just the energy injection you’ll need after too much Christmas pud.

Klaus

A heart-warming story written and directed by Sergio Pablos, one of the minds behind Despicable Me, this fun, festive musical animation is the perfect family watch and stars the voices of Jason Schwartzmann, Rashida Jones and JK Simmons.

The Princess Switch

When Chicago baker Stacy (Vanessa Hudgens) switches places with her English duchess doppelganger, confusion, hilarity and romance ensue. There are two follow-up switcheroo movies if you’re hooked.

A Boy Called Christmas

Based on Matt Haig’s children’s book, this sweet seasonal tale mixes adventure, elves and a dollop of home truths. With a star-studded cast, including Maggie Smith, Jim Broadbent and Kristen Wiig, it’s a must-watch.

Operation Christmas Drop

The logistics of airlifting goods may not seem like Christmas fare but add in a good dose of festive nostalgia, some family tensions and a little bit of romance and it’s a no-el brainer (ho ho ho)!

A Christmas Prince

A magical palace, a handsome prince and a naïve young journalist – what could possibly happen? This first movie in the franchise is a goodie… and, as well as the two popular follow-ups, there are rumours of a fourth to come. Get settled on the sofa.

Best new Prime Video Christmas movies

Find all these in Apps & Games > Prime Video

Candy Cane Lane

Try as we might to argue the contrary, Christmas can be a very competitive business. And if all your neighbours are decorating the front of their homes, you want to be the best, right? That’s the situation Eddie Murphy’s Chris finds himself in when he makes a pact with an elf to win his street’s annual festive decorating contest. Unfortunately, he makes the pact with the wrong elf. Some Jumanji vibes as all hell (and livestock) breaks loose.

Your Christmas Or Mine 2

The clever premise of the original YCOM saw James (Asa Butterfield) and Hayley (Cora Kirk) try to surprise each other at their family homes for Christmas, meaning they had to spend it apart – and with each other’s family. This welcome sequel sees both families spending time together on a skiing holiday. But as you’d expect, the Christmas they had planned might not be the Christmas they’re getting.

How The Gringo Stole Christmas

First things first: kudos on the title of this meet-the-parents movie, a classic Christmas movie setup that’s practically its own sub-genre. Bennie (George Lopez) adores his daughter Claudia (Emily Tosta) and can’t wait to spend the holidays with her at his Mexican-Hispanic-American-Chicano Christmas party. However, she’s got a surprise – her new boyfriend, an uninvited gringo (Jack Kilmer).

EXmas

Have we been waiting for a seasonal romcom that puts the “ex” into Xmas? Well, we didn’t think so, but it’s here and it’s a festive delight. Graham (Robbie Amell, Upload) decides to surprise his family with a trip home for Christmas – only to discover that they already have plans to celebrate it with his ex-fiancée Ali (Leighton Meester, Gossip Girl). The two inevitably bicker over which of them should get the festive guest-of-honour spot… but could the magic of Christmas thaw their icy relationship, even while the snow is still on the ground?

Elf Me

A rogue elf who prefers making weapons rather than toys? This is one for people whose favourite Christmas movie is Die Hard. Trip (Lillo Petrolo) works in Santa’s factory dreaming up fantastic instruments of destruction, each more bizarre than the last. But when he meets Elia (Federico Ielapi), a shy and peculiar child, the two must learn to work together and, inevitably, save Christmas from a ruthless businessman who wants to spoil everyone’s fun.

Merry Little Batman

While you’re having the age-old debate about whether Batman Returns constitutes a Christmas movie, here’s a legitimate festive entry with this animated caped crusader film. Directed by Regular Show’s Mike Roth, it plays out an uncommon Bats story. Namely, Batman as a dad to his son Damian Wayne. With Gotham City’s villains plotting to steal Christmas, can the younger Wayne step up?

More Christmas movies on Prime Video

Your Christmas Or Mine

This instant-classic Christmas romcom from 2022 has all the tropes we know and love: a rich v poor romance; a travel mix-up; tricky family dynamics… Plus, the strong cast, including Asa Butterfield (Sex Education), Cora Kirk (After Everything) and Harriet Walter (This Is Going To Hurt) make it worth the watch.

Something From Tiffany’s

No, it’s not breakfast. It’s a ring. And it ends up in the wrong hands. But, of course, this is a cosy Christmas story so we have a sneaky feeling things might turn out all right in the end… 

Hotel For The Holidays

Heartbroken singles, pop stars and princes – this hotel attracts a perfect medley of needy guests. And Georgia (Madelaine Petsch, Riverdale) must manage them all, as well as negotiating her complicated love life. Fun, festive and frivolous.

My Dad’s Christmas Date

Jeremy Piven (Mr Selfridge) is a lonely widow, so his teenage daughter (Olivia-Mai Barrett) decides to make his Christmas a happy one by setting up an online dating profile for him. Romantic and heartwarming fare ensures – and it’s all set in the picturesque city of York.

About Fate

OK, it’s New Year’s Eve not Christmas but the tree’s still up so we’re allowing this loveable rom-com into our festive line-up. Weddings, proposals, mistaken identities, plus a great performance by Emma Roberts (American Horror Story) – this film has it all.