The Best Christmas Movies to Watch in 2023

With Christmas just around the corner (time seems to have slipped away, hasn’t it?), if you haven’t caught the holiday spirit yet, it’s time to engage in some festive activities. Whether it’s decorating a tree, indulging in candy canes, or wrapping presents, there are various ways to usher in the joy. However, if the thought of all that effort is overwhelming, you can easily infuse the holiday vibe by simply sitting back and enjoying some timeless Christmas films. From classics like Elf and Die Hard to The Santa Clause, there’s something for everyone.

To make your holiday movie selection process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top Christmas movies to watch in 2023 across streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Apple TV+, and more. Keep in mind that as Christmas approaches, these movies may shift between streaming services, and we’ll ensure to keep this post updated with the latest information.

While You Were Sleeping

Critics may describe this Sandra Bullock romantic comedy as eccentric, and their assessment wouldn’t be wrong. In the film, Bullock takes on the role of Lucy, a public transit worker who rescues Peter (played by Peter Gallagher), a man she has secretly admired, from a potential train collision on Christmas Day. Following the incident, Peter slips into a coma, leading to Lucy inadvertently becoming entangled in a web of deception as Peter’s family mistakenly believes she is his fiancée. Embracing the charade, Lucy spends the holiday season with them, adding another layer of complexity when she discovers a growing connection with Peter’s brother (portrayed by Bill Pullman). [Trailer] 

Four Christmases

What could possibly top a single Christmas celebration? How about two Christmases! This 2008 romantic-comedy holiday film takes that concept and runs with it. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn, the movie revolves around a couple compelled to navigate the challenge of visiting both of their divorced parents’ homes for Christmas (hence the “four” Christmases) when their plans for a tropical holiday go awry. Brace yourself for a delightful mix of silliness and emotion, featuring an ensemble cast including Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen, Tim McGraw, Sissy Spacek, and more. Just a word of caution: while it may not reach the heights of greatness, it promises a fun ride. -Tim Surette [Trailer] 

The Holiday

Nancy Meyers’ romantic comedy from 2006 is experiencing a well-deserved cultural revival, garnering more popularity than ever. The film is receiving acclaim for Cameron Diaz’s stylish wardrobe and the meme-worthy portrayal of Jude Law as Mr. Napkin Head. However, beyond the viral moments, the movie’s core narrative, which follows two women (played by Diaz and Kate Winslet) engaging in a holiday house-swap to escape their lackluster romantic lives, offers a compelling watch. It’s both absurd and captivating, making it a must-see. [Trailer] 

The Polar Express

Given the significant advancements in computer animation since its release, the visual aesthetic of this film may now seem somewhat antiquated. However, during its debut, the movie made waves by featuring Tom Hanks, who portrays the train conductor, engaging in motion capture for his character. Despite the dated visual style, the film remains endearing, recounting the heartwarming tale of a young boy’s adventure on a train bound for the North Pole on Christmas Eve. [Trailer] 

A Christmas Story

You have the option of patiently awaiting the traditional 24-hour TBS marathon of this timeless classic on Christmas, or you could simply stream it at your convenience. “A Christmas Story” stands as one of those cultural phenomena that is nearly impossible to avoid. The story revolves around a young boy with a fervent desire for a BB gun as a gift. And let’s talk about those leg lamps—do you have one? If not, chances are you know someone who proudly displays this quirky piece of memorabilia. [Trailer]