Movies and Christmas go hand in hand, with everyone having their favorites that they revisit annually with family, friends, or alone. For some, it is the uplifting and introspective It’s a Wonderful Life; for others, the poignant family comedy A Christmas Story, or the highly quotable Elf. In contrast, others prefer to keep things spooky and indulge in holiday-themed horror films, such as Silent Night, Deadly Night or Better Watch Out. Regardless of how one celebrates the season, it is undeniable that Christmas-themed movies are in.
Netflix, as one of the largest streaming platforms, has built an impressive catalog of Holiday classics, some timeless, while others gain hype one year and fade into general obscurity. Yet another year, and more reason to go through the Netflix catalog to celebrate their best Christmas movies. For 2025, these are the Christmas movies you will want to watch on Netflix to celebrate the holiday.
10
‘The Christmas Chronicles’ (2018)
Kurt Russell steps into the role of Santa Claus for the hit Netflix original, The Christmas Chronicles. Here, Santa’s annual trip around the world is cut short when two siblings, Darby Camp as Kate and Judah Lewis as Teddy, plan to trap Santa, which goes awry and causes his sleigh to crash and his magical reindeer to flee. Kate and Teddy must then work with Santa to get him back in the air before time runs out.
Kurt Russell Brings the Christmas Spirit
First and foremost, Kurt Russell delivers one of the best performances as Jolly St. Nick of all time, bringing a jovial yet cool edge to Santa that works exceptionally well in The Christmas Chronicles (how can you not love the jailhouse rock scene). Besides Russell’s performance, the Netflix Original holiday film offered a perfect blend of heart and humor, making it ideal for the whole family. A sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, was released in 2020 and can also be streamed on Netflix.
9
‘Hot Frosty’ (2025)
Kathy Barrett (Lacey Chabert) is beloved by her town, a small business owner, and an all-around sprightly personality. However, in her personal life, she struggles with the recent loss of her husband, putting a dour note on the Christmas celebrations she helps lead. One night, after placing a scarf on a snowman, Jack, played by Dustin Milliganit, comes to life. Utterly innocent, but kindhearted, Kathy soon finds herself having to help Jack get used to real life, while harboring growing feelings for him.
A Special Kind of Christmas Miracle
On paper, Hot Frosty has a ridiculous premise that should not really work. Yet, for those who love Hallmark-style holiday films, the film delivers on emotion, comedy, and Christmas cheer with the best of them. Lacey Chabert and Dustin Milliganit also make the perfect pairing here, and the movie will undoubtedly appeal to those wanting to indulge in a bit of escapist romance this holiday season.
8
‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square’ (2020)
Wealthy and ruthless Regina Fuller (Christine Baranski), returns to her hometown at Christmas not to spread joy, but to evict residents so she can build a mall. Yet, Regina has a run-in with an angel, Blaine (Dolly Parton), who tries to teach her the error of her ways.
Dolly Parton Brings the Holiday Spirit and Songs
A play on the Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square imbues the classic story with Southern charm and good vibes. Fans of Parton can expect plenty of music, humor, and heartfelt reflections on the holiday at the same time. With original songs and a picturesque vision of the holidays, Dolly Parton’s Christmas on the Square is an ideal family watch that will appeal to both the young and young at heart.
7
‘That Christmas’ (2024)
In the seaside village of Wellington‑on‑Sea, a massive snowstorm connects several stories centered around the holidays: children separated from their parents, two siblings accidently switched around on Santa’s naughty list, a boy dealing with his parents’ separation, and Santa himself making a mistake that could ruin Christmas.
Christmas Can Be Both Messy and Magical
An animated Christmas anthology, That Christmas presented several tales that tackled the truth that the holidays are not always as perfect and picturesque as people hope. At the same time, the movie acted to celebrate people’s ability to overcome adversity through kindheartedness, family, and community. An uplifting Christmas anthology with depth, That Christmas is a great movie for those who want to watch something with their kids and still enjoy the movie themselves.
6
‘Best. Christmas. Ever!’ (2023)
Charlotte (Heather Graham) and her husband Rob (Jason Biggs), have lived through much of their relationship feeling they are in the shadow of their successful friend Jackie (Brandy Norwood). Jackie always presents the perfect Christmas through the newsletter she sends to them, but when the two go to her place, and get trapped in her cottage home, they learn that things are not as picturesque as they seem.
The Perfect Lighthearted Holiday Comedy
While this one will be a bit of a mixed bag, for those who have ever felt that holiday envy, Best. Christmas. Ever! is a humorous and cathartic outing. This one here is a cozy watch, playing on familiar tropes and delivering moments of comedy and drama that are pretty mild. There is a lot of airtime to fill during holiday prep, and Best. Christmas. Ever! is the perfect casual watch while you are baking up a storm or wrapping presents.
5
‘Family Switch’ (2023)
The Walkers, mother Jess (Jennifer Garner), father Bill (Ed Helms), and their two kids, teenager CeeCee (Emma Myers) and son Wyatt (Brady Noon), are struggling to connect during the holidays with the kids becoming more independent. With each reaching their own personal milestones, from job promotion to a college interview, a cosmic event that causes the parents to switch bodies with their kids could not come at a worse time. Working together, the family navigates these major changes, with the backdrop of Christmas bringing even more chaos into their lives.
A Body Swap Comedy for the Holidays
A fun, lighthearted family drama that explores how families don’t always understand one another, Family Switch is a holiday film that many can relate to, regardless of age. The holiday film is also led by the talented Jennifer Garner and Ed Helms, who bring a lot of comedy into the bizarre body-swap situation. For those who love their humor to also be adorable, a baby and a dog body swap also makes for some awe-inducing laughs.
4
‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’
Once known as a brilliant toy maker, Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker), loses his spark when his apprentice steals one of his prize creations and his book of inventions. Decades later, Jeronicus finds inspiration when his granddaughter Journey (Madalen Mills) arrives for Christmas and shows an interest in his past. Together, they try to get back the wonder toy that was stolen and rebuild his reputation.
A Visual Spectacle with Captivating Musical Numbers
One of those movies where every frame feels imbued with holiday magic, the blend of steampunk, Afro-Victorian and fantasy aesthetics gives Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey a pronounced and infectious visual appeal. The soundtrack, provided by John Legend, also injects some infectious holiday songs presented with a theatrical flair. A feel-good holiday film backed by a strong cast, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey is one of those holiday films that may get played on repeat.
3
‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ (2024)
During a holiday lay-over at an airport leads Layla (Christina Milian) meets James (Kofi Siriboe), and the two hit it off, agreeing to meet next year if they are single. After Layla finds her boyfriend cheating on her, and with the holidays approaching, she decides to take James off on his offer and tries to get tickets to a sold-out show where they were set to meet. She enlists Teddy (Devale Ellis) to find tickets, but as the two navigate a series of false leads for tickets, they start to fall in love.
Finding Love During the Hustle and Bustle of the Holidays
Sometimes it is lovely to indulge in the consumerism of the holiday, even if we know the picturesque vision of retail shops and parades is not necessarily a universal experience. Meet Me Next Christmas manages to bring out the best and most decadent vision of the holidays, and base it around a touching and unforgettable love-story. Teddy (Devale Ellis), in particular, has such an endearing character arc of a sort of lovable awkward goof, into a swoon-worthy partner to protagonist Layla.
2
‘Our Little Secret’ (2024)
An already awkward family Christmas gathering turns disastrous for Avery (Lindsay Lohan) and her boyfriend Cameron (Jon Rudnitsky), when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend Logan (Ian Harding) is also part of the holiday gathering, now dating Cameron’s sister Cassie (Katie Baker). Avery and Logan decide to make a truce, to ensure both don’t bring up the past and ruin the holidays for their new partners. But with a past of unresolved feelings, their little secret starts to bubble up in hilarious and awkward ways.
A Very Awkward Christmas Gathering
Awkward family gatherings and the holidays go hand in hand, both in real life and on screen. In Our Little Secret, Lindsay Lohan gives one of her best performances to date, showing she has the comedic chops; her accidently getting high and giving a speech at church is an understated moment of unforgettable humor. An entertaining balance of comedy, romance, and drama, Our Little Secret is a hidden holiday gem on Netflix.
1
‘Klaus’ (2019)
A spoiled lazy postman, Jesper Johansen (Jason Schwartzman), is sent to a remote town of Smeerensburg as a punishment. In order to get out of the remote, frozen, town, Jesper must increase the mail business, but with the town divided by two feuding families, his chances seem slim. However, Jesper’s predicament improves when he meets a kind, yet brokenhearted, man named Klaus, a talented toy maker who lives alone after losing his family.
A Modern Holiday Masterpiece
Klaus is not only the best Netflix Original Christmas movie, it is one of the best Holiday animated features of all time. A unique visual style will be enough to pique anyone’s interest, but its blend of humor and heartfelt wrapped up in a story of personal redemption is utterly endearing. At the same time, the movie honors the holiday, while taking a unique approach to it by offering a new origin story for Jolly St. Nick that makes him a more humane figure than ever before.
