It's never too early to get in the spirit!
It's hard to believe holiday season 2022 is here! One of our favorite ways to get in the holiday spirit is to watch a lot of Christmas movies on Netflix. The streaming giant currently hosts a massive library of holiday films, and we've rounded up an eclectic 50 of the very best, with picks for all audiences and a variety of tastes.
This list includes Christmas classics and new releases, theatrical releases and Netflix originals. We all know that on a chilly winter's night, the right Christmas film can be as comforting as a steaming mug of cocoa by a roaring fire!
Best Christmas movies on Netflix right now
1. White Christmas (1954)
Legendary director Michael Curtizhelmed several of the most noteworthy films of Hollywood's Golden Age, includingThe Adventures of Robin Hood(1938),Casablanca(1942),Yankee Doodle Dandy(1942),Mildred Pierce (1945) and this essential Christmas musical,the highest-grossing film of 1954. A successful stage adaptation premiered in San Francisco in 2004 and has been touring internationally ever since.Filmed in vivid Technicolor,White Christmaswas the first movie ever released in VistaVision, a widescreen process using twice the surface area of standard 35mm film.
Related: The Best Christmas Movies for Kids
2.Holidate(2020)
We love a Netflix holiday rom-com. In the first Netflix Christmas film of the season—more risqué and star-studded than other films of its ilk, Emma Robertsand Hacksaw Ridge hottieLuke Braceystar as lonely singles who agree to be platonic plus-ones for a year...only to catch feelings along the way. Sappy? Sure. It's fun, too.
Related: Netflix Christmas Movie Schedule
3. The Christmas Chronicles(2018)
In this Netflix original,Kurt Russellis an uncommonly cool, handsome and wise-talking SantaClaus, who helps a brother and sister (Judah LewisandDarby Camp) rediscover the magic of Christmas after the loss of their father.The Christmas Chronicleswas directed byClay Kaytis(The Angry Birds Movie), and produced byChris Columbus(Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone). The big draw here is Russell’s performance, and he does not disappoint. This isn’t really like any Santa you’ve seen before.
Related: The Best Lifetime Christmas Movies
4. The Christmas Chronicles 2(2020)
In the sequel to the 2018 hit, Santa is reunited with the Pierce kids as they take on an adversary who threatens to ruin Christmas for the whole world. The biggest draw here? Russell's real-life love interestGoldie Hawncomes out of semi-retirement to join the cast as Mrs. Claus. Count us in!
Related: The Best Christmas Movies on Hulu
5. A Christmas Prince (2017)
In the vein of Hallmark and Lifetime originals, though perhaps a bit more self-aware than average, Netflix romantic comedyA Christmas Prince was a big hit upon release in November 2017, and the sequels were well-received, too. In the first movie, young American magazine journalist Amber Moore (Rose McIver) won the affections of Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) of Aldovia.
Related: The Most Popular Christmas Movie Dads of All Time
6. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018)
A year after the events of the first film, Richard and Amber are set to tie the knot—though Amber is having second guesses as to whether she's cut out to be queen.
Related: The Best Disney+ Christmas Movies
7. A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019)
Following the high-profile nuptials in Aldovia, Richard and Amber invite royals from a faraway kingdom, thwart an ages-old curse—and they start to expand the royal family!
Related: The Best Christmas Movies Streaming on Amazon Prime
8 . The Chilling Adventures of SabrinaChristmas Special ("A Midwinter's Tale") (2018)
Surprise! Following the well-received first season of Netflix’s spooky supernatural horror seriesThe Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, the streaming service released an additional holiday episode. Kiernan Shipka returned as Sabrina Spellman, as will fellow cast members Ross Lynch,Lucy DavisandMichelle Gomez.
Related: The Best Christmas Horror Movies of All Time
9. The Princess Switch(2018)
Vanessa Hudgensstars in this well-received romantic comedy, playing both a duch*ess and a Chicagoan who switch places and fall for each other's beaus. The Princess Switch is loosely inspired byMark Twain's 1881 novelThe Prince and the Pauper.
Related: Lifetime Rolls Out Full Lineup of 2022 Christmas Movies
10. The Princess Switch 2: Switched Again (2020)
In the upcoming sequel to a feel-good Netflix favorite, Hudgens returns, now in a triple role—as Margaret and Stacy discover a third look-alike.
Related: Will There Ever Be a Princess Switch and Christmas Prince Crossover?
11. Klaus(2019)
Sergio Pablos' critically acclaimed 2D-animated family comedy centers on a postman who dashes through the snow with the world's most famous toymaker.
Winner of the BAFTA and Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature.Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the first Netflix original nominated in this category (it lost to Toy Story 4).
Related: The Best Quotes from Christmas Movies
12. Holiday in the Wild(2019)
Here's a Netflix Christmas film that's refreshingly unusual, and serves as something of a travelogue.Kristin DavisandRob Lowestar in the holiday rom-com about a divorcée who moves to Africa—and falls for her surroundings.
13. The Knight Before Christmas(2019)
In this gleefully cheesy and admirably bonkers rom-com, a modern-day thirtysomething (Vanessa Hudgens) falls for an English knight (Josh Whitehouse) from the 14th century.
Related: The Best Hallmark Christmas Movies
14. Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square(2020)
Dolly Partonis here to fulfill your feel-good Christmas musical dreams. The country music legend stars alongsideChristine Baranski,Jenifer LewisandTreat Williamsin this toe-tapping family dramedy about a wealthy businesswoman who discovers the true meaning of Christmas, in small-town America.Christmas on the Squarewas directed and choreographed by the iconic Debbie Allen.
Related: Everything You Need To Know About Dolly Parton's 2022 Christmas Movie
15. Operation Christmas Drop(2020)
Set against the backdrop of eponymous real-life U.S. Defense Department's humanitarian airlift operation, this Netflix romantic comedy original centers on a mismatched couple finding romance as they bring Christmas cheer beyond borders.Kat GrahamandAlexander Ludwigstar.
Related: The Best Alternative, Unconventional and Weird Christmas Movies
16. A Very Murray Christmas(2014)
Believe it or not, this Netflix special was directed by Academy Award-winnerSofia Coppola, helmer ofLost in TranslationandThe Beguiled.WithBill Murrayin top form and hilarious, show-stopping appearances fromGeorge Clooney,Miley Cyrus,Maya Rudolph,Amy Poehler,Jenny LewisandChris Rock,A Very Murray Christmas is a hugely entertaining and unique holiday experience. The special was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Television Movie.
17. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
David E. Talbert's musical fantasia stars Oscar winnerForest Whitakeras a curmudgeonly toymaker who finds new hope in life thanks to a bright young granddaughter (Madalen Mills). It's a toe-tapping, festive treat for all ages.
18. Love Hard(2021)
Nina Dobrev,Jimmy O. Yang,Darren Barnet, Matty Finochio,James SaitoandHarry Shum Jr.star in a rom-com co-produced by McG, about a young woman who flies 3,000 to meet dating app find, only to discover she's been catfished. Helmed by Costa Rican director Hernán Jiménez.
19. Father Christmas is Back(2021)
A stellar cast includingElizabeth Hurley,Kelsey Grammer,April Bowlby,Talulah RileyandJohn Cleesestar inPhillipe MartinezandMick Davis' comedy about four very different sisters reunited for the holidays in Yorkshire. Family secrets and other surprises abound.
20.Christmas Inheritance(2017)
Jake Lacywas staggeringly, memorably great as a very bad man—a dangerously sociopathic spoiled brat—in this 2021's White Lotus. He's far, far more likeable inErnie Barbarash's holiday rom-com oppositeEliza Taylor, who plays an ambitious heiress who discovers the true meaning of Christmas on an errand to inherit her father's business.
21. A Very Country Christmas (2017)
A country music superstar with insane abs and a small-town interior designer hit it off in this gentle holiday romantic comedy.
Related: The Full Great American Family Christmas Movie Lineup
22. Christmas Catch (2018)
A hunky undercover cop trailing a jewel thief unexpectedly falls for his chief suspect. StarringEmily Alatalo,Lauren HollyandYanic Truesdale.
23. Christmas With a Prince (2018)
This is in factnotthe same film asA Christmas Prince.Kaitlyn LeebandNick Hounslowstar in the warm-and-fuzzy rom-com about a carefree royal who falls for a pediatrician.
24. Holiday Rush(2019)
Part of Netflix's "Representation Matters" collection,Holiday Rushcenters on a widowed DJ and his four kids as they go through a holiday financial crisis.
25. A Cinderella Story: Christmas Wish (2019)
In a modern spin on a tale we all know, an aspiring singer finds a Christmas miracle and romance in spite of the cruelty of her stepmother and stepsisters.
26. Christmas in the Heartland(2017)
In this family comedy, two girls from disparate background switch places for the holidays, to see how the other half lives. Bo Derekappears in a supporting role.
27. Pottersville (2017)
Michael Shannonandthe ever-underratedJudy Greer(thanklessly wasted in the abysmal Halloween Kills) star in a quirky holiday comedy involving a gorilla suit, the paparazzi and more.
28. Angela's Christmas (2018)
Based onFrank McCourt, this heartwarming animated short centers on a young girl who has a spark of Christmas inspiration after a family trip to church.Followed by a sequel (also on Netflix) two years later.
29. Christmas With a View(2018)
This Canadian comedy is about the unlikely courtship of a ski resort's restaurant manager and a chef with a mysterious past.Vivica A. Foxplays a supporting role.
Related: Get Ready for an UPlifting Holiday Season With UPtv's 2022 Christmas Lineup of All-New Movies
30. Free Rein: The 12 Neighs of Christmas(2018)
This spinoff of the fish-out-of-water British family series Free Reinsees a small English town prepare for its Mistletoe Ball, as its residents uncover town and family secrets.
31. The Holiday Calendar(2018)
Kat Graham,Quincy BrownandEthan Peckstar in this romantic drama about a photographer whose newly inherited antique advent character may predict the future.
32. Let it Snow (2019)
A blizzard affects the personal lives of a group of small-town high-schoolers.FeaturingSpider-Man: Homecoming'sJacob BatalonandChilling Adventures of Sabrina'sKiernan Shipka. Based onJohn Green's novel.
33. A Storybots Christmas(2017)
The animated series' holiday special is based on characters fromAsk the StoryBots and StoryBots SuperSongs.With a special appearance from TV icon Ed Asner,A Storybots Christmaswas nominated for six Emmys and won two.
34. Single All the Way (2021)
Michael Urie,Philemon Chambers, Hocus Pocus'Kathy Najimyand LGBTQ icon Jennifer Coolidge (fresh off her best performance ever, in The White Lotus) star in Netflix's exclusive high-profile rom-com about gay best friends who discover feelings over the holiday season, as one poses as the other's boyfriend. It's hardly a familiar plot (there's some common ground with 2020's runaway streaming hitHappiest Season), but with a cast this great, Single All the Way delivers. This is Netflix's first-ever queer rom-com.
Related: 40 New Holiday Movies! Hallmark Channel's Complete Countdown to Christmas Schedule is Here!
35. El Camino Christmas (2017)
Jessica Alba,TIm AllenandDax Shepardstar in a mystery dramedy about a group of strangers who exchange stories and form bonds during an alleged robbery.
36. Dreamworks Holiday Classics(2011)
This collection of family-friendly short films featuring characters fromShrek,Madagascar and How to Train Your Dragonare sure to entertain young audiences—and likely will charm older ones, too.
37. Midnight at the Magnolia(2020)
Natalie Hall,Evan WilliamsandAlison Brooksstar in this romantic comedy about longtime friends and local radio hosts who pretend to be a couple for family and listeners.
38. Trolls Holiday(2020)
Anna Kendrick,Justin Timberlake,Zooey DeschanelandJames Corden star in a half-hour animated musical with characters from the hit film series.
39. Puppy Star Christmas (2018)
A family-friendly fantasy from the team behind Air Bud sees four adorable puppies tasked with saving Christmas when other pups commandeer Santa Claus.
40. A California Christmas(2020)
Sentimental charmer about a wealthy hunk who poses as a ranch hand in an attempt to get a farmer to sell her family's land at Christmastime.
41. Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker(2020)
Shondaland documentary follows the storied career of choreographer multi-hyphenateDebbie Allen, and follows dance students as they prepare forHot Chocolate Nutcracker.
42. The App That Stole Christmas(2020)
This feel-good family comedy is about a Christmas shopping app that threatens to ruin the Christmas spirit. StarringJackie Long,Diane Marie HowardandJaylin Hall.
43. Dash & Lily(2020)
A Christmas romance springs betweenAustin AbramsandMidori Francis thanks to a well-used notebook in a new Netflix original charmer.Based on the YA seriesDash & Lily’s Book of Dares. Technically this is indeed a limited series; it's still very much worth the time investment.
44. Fireplace For Your Home: Birchwood Edition (2015)
The novelty of this 4K -UHD compatible (though those stats aren't required) ambience setting has yet to wear off. It's funny and downright comforting.
45.A Castle For Christmas(2021)
A picturesque escapist holiday-themed fantasy starsBrooke Shieldsas a bestselling author who journeys to Scotland where she falls for a castle, and squares off with a grouchy duke Cary Elwes who's possibly overdue for a Grinch-like Christmas makeover. Solid meet-cute, right?
46.A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Based on the book of the same name, this new family fantasy Christmas film is about young boy who takes off to the frozen north in search of his father, with the help of a pet mouse and a reindeer.A Boy Called Christmashas received considerable acclaim; critics praise it for strong performances, creative visuals, and a story with a little more depth than a lot of Christmas comfort films.
47. Shaun the Sheep the Flight Before Christmas (2021)
Wallace and Gromit studio Aardman's wooliest lovable creation comes to Netflix for Christmas. Stop-motion animated comedy adventure The Flight Before Christmasis now on Netflix.
48. The Claus Family (2020)
This Dutch Netflix film centers on a cynical man who discovers his family's magical ties to the holidays when his father becomes ill.
49. A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Bad Momswas a surprise box office hit in 2016, grossing $183.9 million on a $20 million budget. The following holiday season, we gotA Bad Moms Christmas.
Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Kathryn Hahn return as modern women Amy, Kiki and Carla, best friends who help each other with the ups and downs of motherhood. Only this time, Christine Baranski, Susan Sarandonand Cheryl Hines join the cast as their respective mothers who visit them over the holidays.
50. Falling for Christmas (2022)
One of the most anticipated Netflix events of the 2022 holiday season sees Lindsay Lohan star as a newly engaged young heiress who, struck with amnesia, falls for a handsome widower (Chord Overstreet). Premieres exclusively on Netflix Nov. 10.
Next, check out the 100 best movies of all time.
