Christmas movies dominate streaming platforms during this festive season, with a selection ranging from timeless classics to modern comedies. Entertainment Weekly (EW.com) has just published its annual curation, highlighting the 26 essential titles to dive into the Christmas spirit. The list, released in December 2024, responds to the demand for quality recommendations amid dozens of seasonal releases, offering options for all tastes and moods, from the sentimentality of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) to the festive horror of Gremlins (1984).
Timeless Classics and the Magic of Christmas in Cinema
The relationship between cinema and Christmas is unique in its versatility. While films like Miracle on 34th Street (1947), with Edmund Gwenn, and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), starring James Stewart, defined the nostalgia and hope of the era, animations like How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966) and Frosty the Snowman (1969) have become annual rituals for families. The EW.com list reaffirms the power of these works, which continue to resonate emotionally with new generations, many available on services like Disney+, Hulu, and Peacock.
Reinventions and New Classics for All Audiences
The genre has evolved to embrace new perspectives and subgenres. Carol (2015), starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, uses the Christmas backdrop for a narrative of desire and melancholy. Happiest Season (2020), with Kristen Stewart and Mackenzie Davis, brings a modern queer romantic comedy, while The Holdovers (2023), Oscar-winning with Da’Vine Joy Randolph, explores loneliness during the holidays with sharp humor. These films prove that Christmas stories can be as diverse as their audience.
From Horror to Absurdity: Christmas in All Its Tones
The curation celebrates the breadth of the theme, including titles that challenge tradition. Gremlins (1984), produced by Steven Spielberg, and The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), by Tim Burton, mix horror and fantasy with the festive setting. Violent Night (2022), with David Harbour as a violent Santa Claus, and Die Hard (1988), the eternal debate over whether it’s a Christmas movie or not, attract action fans. Even absurd romantic comedies, like While You Were Sleeping (1995) with Sandra Bullock, find their place under the tree.
Where to Watch: Complete Streaming Guide
Practicality is key. The list details where each movie is available, making marathon planning easier. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+, and Apple TV+ host most of the titles. Some highlights:
- A Christmas Prince (2017) and The Princess Switch (2018) are Netflix original hits.
- The Holdovers (2023) and The Holiday (2006) are available for rent on Amazon Prime Video.
- Disney classics like The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) and Edward Scissorhands (1990) are on Disney+.
- Specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) are exclusive to Apple TV+.
The Future of Tradition: Streaming and New Generations
The Entertainment Weekly list is not just a guide; it’s a reflection of how streaming is reshaping family traditions. The ease of access to classics and new releases ensures that the magic of Christmas cinema remains alive, adapting to new consumption habits. With annual releases of new productions, expert curation becomes essential to separate the wheat from the chaff and find true festive gems. Prepare the popcorn, adjust the tree lights, and dive into this selection that promises to warm the heart and entertain the whole family during the holidays.
