Amanda Kloots and Paul Greene
CBS

Top 10 Movies to Stream on Christmas Day 2025

In honor of Christmas 2025, here are ten festive movies to stream on the special day and exactly where to find them.


‘Elf’

Although “Elf” airs on cable channels year-round, there’s no better day to watch it than December 25. Will Ferrell’s Christmas classic follows a human man raised as an elf in the North Pole who sets out to find his biological father and save Christmas for everyone.

“Elf” is available to stream on HBO Max, although it will be leaving the platform on December 31, 2025.


‘Home Alone’

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Macaulay Culkin at the 5th Annual American Comedy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States, 3rd April 1991.

“Home Alone” shot young actor Macaulay Culkin straight into stardom, and for good reason. The Christmas comedy film was the perfect vehicle for Culkin to show off his impressive acting skills. Plus, the movie’s elaborate booby-traps made many audience members think, “could I do that?”

The film has also been parodied and referenced in many subsequent movies and TV shows, including “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” and Snoop Dogg’s music video for “Gin and Juice.”

“Home Alone” is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.


‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

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A Charlie Brown Christmas items

It’s not Christmas without this classic animated romp. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” won both an Emmy and a Peabody Award and aired yearly on TV for decades. Today, however, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” is available to stream on Apple TV.


‘It’s a Wonderful Life’

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Donna Reed is lifted by James Stewart in movie art for the film ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’, 1946.

“It’s a Wonderful Life” may be one of, if not the, greatest Christmas movies of all time. The Oscar-nominated film follows a man, George Bailey, as he’s visited by a guardian angel. Given the chance to see what the world would be like had he never been born. He ultimately realizes how significant his life has been.

Fans of classic movies can watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on Amazon Prime or for free on Xumo.


‘Last Christmas’

Henry Golding, Emilia Clarke and Paul FeigGetty
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 11: (L-R) Henry Golding, Emilia Clarke and director Paul Feig attend the “Last Christmas” UK Premiere at BFI Southbank on November 11, 2019 in London, England.

For those looking for a modern Christmas movie, “Last Christmas” may be just the thing. Starring “Game of Thrones” star Emilia Clarke, the film is a play on the famous Wham! song, “Last Christmas.” Without spoiling anything, the song’s lyrics are a good hint to the movie’s plot.

The romance film got an 81% Popcornmeter on Rotten Tomatoes and is available to stream on Netflix.


‘Die Hard’

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Bruce Willis running with an automatic weapon in a scene from the film ‘Die Hard’, 1988.

Whether “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie is a debate for the ages. As it takes place during a Christmas Eve party, it definitely belongs on this list. For those looking for an action movie with a festive spirit, “Die Hard” can be streamed on Amazon Prime, Hulu, Peacock, Disney+, or for free on Roku.


‘Happy Christmas’

Anna KendrickGetty
The ‘Happy Christmas’ cast poses for a portrait during the 2014 Sundance Film Festival at the Getty Images Portrait Studio at the Village At The Lift on January 18, 2014 in Park City, Utah.

Indie movie fans will be pleased to know they, too, can partake in the Christmas movie fun with “Happy Christmas.” A family dramedy starring Anna Kendrick and Melanie Lynskey, “Happy Christmas” is available to stream on Netflix (but be warned, Netflix put up the “leaving soon” banner).


‘The Santa Clause’

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Tim Allen in the Santa Claus line up in a scene from the film ‘The Santa Clause’, 1994.

Today, Tim Allen fans can see the prolific actor on ABC’s “Shifting Gears,” but in honor of the Christmas season, “The Santa Clause” should be on everyone’s watch list. A delightful play on Santa’s last name, this comedy follows Allen as he accidentally agrees to a contract requiring him to be the new Santa.

“The Santa Clause” is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.


‘Happiest Season’

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: ‘Happiest Season’ at The Grove on November 17, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Modern rom-com fans will love Hulu’s original Christmas movie, “Happiest Season.” The film stars
“Twilight’s” Kristen Stewart as she accompanies her girlfriend, Harper, home for the holidays, only to find out Harper’s parents have no idea they’re a couple.

The film has a star-studded cast, with Alison Brie, Daniel Levy, Aubrey Plaza, and Mary Steenburgen all in prominent roles.


‘White Christmas’

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Rosemary Clooney sitting as Bing Crosby gestures in a scene from the film ‘White Christmas’, 1954.

Another Christmas Classic, “White Christmas” hits the sweet spot for those looking for both nostalgia and incredible music. In fact, the film’s song “Count Your Blessings” was nominated for an Oscar for best song, although it ultimately didn’t win.

“White Christmas” is available to watch on Amazon Prime, AMC+, and Philo.

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