Holiday Movies to Watch in 2025

December brings that special kind of movie magic where everything feels a little more magical, a little more heartwarming, and a lot more nostalgic. Whether you’re looking to revisit old favorites or discover something new to add to your annual rotation, 2025’s holiday season has something for everyone. From animated classics that never get old to feel-good stories that remind us what the season is really about, here are the holiday movies that deserve a spot on your watchlist this year.

The Classics That Never Get Old

Some holiday movies are like that perfect cup of hot chocolate - they hit the same way every single time. It’s a Wonderful Life remains the gold standard for Christmas movies, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are about ordinary people discovering their extraordinary impact on others. Jimmy Stewart’s performance still feels raw and honest, especially in those darker middle moments that too many holiday films shy away from.

Home Alone deserves its reputation as a holiday staple, but what makes it work isn’t just the slapstick comedy. Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin is genuinely funny and resourceful, not just cute. The movie understands that kids want to see themselves as capable, even in impossible situations. Plus, John Williams’ score does that thing where it makes even mundane suburban moments feel epic.

A Christmas Story captures childhood Christmas anticipation better than any movie before or since. The leg lamp, the tongue-on-flagpole incident, Ralphie’s Red Ryder fantasies - these moments work because they feel lived-in and specific. Jean Shepherd’s narration ties it all together with the perfect mix of nostalgia and gentle humor.

Modern Additions Worth Your Time

Recent years have given us some genuinely great additions to the holiday movie canon. Klaus on Netflix reinvented the Santa origin story with gorgeous hand-drawn animation and a surprisingly thoughtful take on how kindness spreads through communities. It’s what happens when filmmakers actually care about craft instead of just churning out holiday content.

The Muppet Christmas Carol might be the best adaptation of Dickens’ story, and that’s not even a joke. Michael Caine plays Scrooge completely straight while surrounded by felt puppets, and somehow that makes everything more emotionally honest. The songs are genuinely catchy, and Gonzo as Charles Dickens is inspired casting.

For something different, Tokyo Godfathers offers a Christmas story unlike any other. Satoshi Kon’s animated tale follows three homeless people who find an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. It’s funny, touching, and occasionally heartbreaking, with that distinctly Japanese approach to storytelling that finds magic in the everyday.

The Holdovers (2023) has already earned its place among modern holiday classics. Alexander Payne’s boarding school dramedy captures that specific melancholy of being stuck somewhere during Christmas break, but finds genuine warmth in unlikely friendships. Paul Giamatti’s curmudgeonly teacher and his relationship with a stranded student creates the kind of holiday story that feels both timeless and completely fresh.

Family-Friendly Picks That Don’t Insult Your Intelligence

Finding holiday movies that work for both kids and adults isn’t easy, but a few manage to thread that needle perfectly. The Polar Express divides people - you either love its dreamlike animation or find it creepy - but there’s no denying its commitment to capturing the mystery and wonder of Christmas Eve through a child’s eyes.

Elf works because Will Ferrell plays Buddy with complete sincerity. He never winks at the camera or lets you know he’s in on the joke. His childlike wonder feels genuine, even when he’s eating spaghetti with syrup. The movie succeeds by taking its premise seriously while finding humor in the culture clash between North Pole innocence and New York cynicism.

The Iron Giant isn’t technically a Christmas movie, but it captures that holiday spirit of believing in something bigger than yourself. Brad Bird’s animation is beautiful, and the story about friendship and sacrifice hits those same emotional notes that make the best holiday films memorable. Sometimes the best Christmas movies aren’t about Christmas at all.

Hidden Gems and Underrated Options

The Long Kiss Goodnight is probably the most violent Christmas movie ever made, and Shane Black knows exactly what he’s doing. It’s an action thriller that happens to take place during the holidays, using Christmas imagery in ways that are both subversive and oddly fitting. Not exactly family viewing, but perfect for adults who want their holiday movies with a side of explosions.

In Bruges is another unconventional pick - a dark comedy about guilt and redemption set during Christmas in Belgium. Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson have perfect chemistry as hitmen hiding out in a picturesque tourist town. It’s funny, violent, and surprisingly moving, with Christmas serving as a backdrop for questions about forgiveness and second chances.

For something truly different, Eyes Wide Shut uses Christmas as the setting for Stanley Kubrick’s final film. It’s definitely not for everyone, and definitely not for kids, but there’s something fascinating about how Kubrick uses holiday imagery to explore themes of desire and marriage. The Christmas lights and decorations create this dreamlike atmosphere that makes everything feel slightly unreal.

Animation That Works for All Ages

Pixar may not have made a proper Christmas movie, but several of their films capture that holiday spirit of family, wonder, and emotional connection. Coco celebrates family traditions and the bonds between generations, exploring how memories and love transcend death itself. While set during Día de los Muertos rather than Christmas, it perfectly captures that holiday feeling of coming together to honor what matters most.

WALL·E finds hope and love in the most unlikely circumstances. This Pixar masterpiece about a lonely robot cleaning up Earth might seem like an odd holiday pick, but its message about connection, caring for others, and finding magic in small moments perfectly embodies the Christmas spirit. The scenes of WALL·E and EVE dancing through space have that same wonder as watching snow fall on Christmas Eve.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas - the original Chuck Jones version, not the live-action remake - remains a masterpiece of economical storytelling. In just 26 minutes, it tells a complete story about how the true meaning of Christmas can’t be stolen or bought. Boris Karloff’s narration is perfect, and the animation style is pure Dr. Seuss brought to life.

Spirited Away might not be a Christmas movie, but Miyazaki’s magical tale about a girl navigating a world of spirits captures that same sense of wonder and discovery that makes the holidays special. The themes of family, growing up, and finding strength in unexpected places make it perfect for cozy winter nights.

Unexpected Holiday Comfort Viewing

Sometimes the best holiday movies aren’t the obvious choices. The Grand Budapest Hotel creates its own winter wonderland with Wes Anderson’s meticulous visual style and a story about friendship, loyalty, and maintaining elegance in dark times. The snowy European setting and themes of hospitality and human connection make it surprisingly perfect for the season.

Little Women (any version, but especially Greta Gerwig’s 2019 adaptation) captures that cozy, family-centered feeling that defines the holidays. The March sisters’ Christmas celebrations feel authentic and warm, reminding us that the best gifts are often the simplest ones - time spent with people we love, homemade presents, and shared stories.

Past Lives (2023) might seem like an unusual holiday pick, but there’s something about its themes of connection, memory, and the paths not taken that feels perfectly suited to the reflective mood of year’s end. The gentle pace and emotional depth make it ideal for quiet December evenings when you want something thoughtful and moving.

What’s New This Season

2025 brings fresh reasons to revisit some recent favorites that have holiday appeal. Barbie and Oppenheimer dominated 2023, but both have qualities that make them surprisingly good holiday viewing - Barbie for its bright, candy-colored optimism and themes of family and belonging, Oppenheimer for its serious dramatic weight and historical significance that makes for perfect awards season viewing.

Everything Everywhere All at Once has become a modern classic worth revisiting during the holidays. Its themes of family, generational conflict, and finding meaning in chaos speak to the complicated emotions that often surface during family gatherings. Plus, its wild imagination and visual spectacle make it perfect for entertaining holiday guests who want something completely different.

Building Your 2025 Holiday Playlist

The key to a good holiday movie rotation is variety. Mix the sentimental with the subversive, the classic with the contemporary. Don’t be afraid to include movies that just happen to take place during the holidays, even if they’re not explicitly Christmas films. Sometimes the best holiday spirit comes from unexpected places.

Consider creating themed nights: Animation Night with Coco and WALL·E, International Cinema Night with Spirited Away and In Bruges, or Comfort Classics Night with The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Holdovers. The beauty of holiday movies is that they work just as well for solo viewing with hot chocolate as they do for big family gatherings.

For families looking to start new traditions, pair classics like Home Alone with newer films that capture similar themes. For couples wanting something romantic but not saccharine, The Holiday or Love Actually work perfectly alongside more subtle choices like Past Lives. And for those who prefer their holidays with a bit of edge, the unconventional picks like In Bruges prove that Christmas movies don’t have to be about Christmas to capture the season’s spirit.

Whether you’re looking for something to put on while wrapping presents, something to watch with three generations of family, or something to enjoy with a glass of wine after everyone’s gone to bed, the holidays offer the perfect excuse to revisit old favorites and discover new ones. Browse our full collection for more seasonal picks and year-round favorites that capture that same sense of wonder and connection that makes the holiday season special.