What Is a Christmas Movie?

There are a few ground rules before categorizing a movie in this genre. A Christmas movie must be set in the holiday season. It should give off the holiday vibes and can only be mixed with light genres like comedy, drama, and romance. A Christmas movie combines the holiday vibe with other elements like relationships, friendship, family, adventure, and more happy feelings. 
Many fans debate whether Batman Returns, Lethal Weapon, and Die Hard should be considered a Christmas movie. These are, no doubt, some of the best action movies that revolve around the holiday season. Still, the debate has divided fans, and not everyone wants these movies on their Christmas movie marathon list. I have avoided adding action movies to the list because of the debate. However, if a movie raises your will to do good in life, you should consider it a Christmas movie. After all, Christmas is about spending time with your loved ones and being happy.

Best Christmas Movies on Netflix (2021)

The festive season would feel incomplete without spending the time with our family geeking out watching movies. Netflix hosts some evergreen Christmas movies for such occasions. Besides, it keeps adding new movies every year for you to enjoy. Skim through this list to pick out the movies best suited for you this Christmas.

Best Christmas Movies

Many of us grew up watching The Polar Express or the Home Alone series around the holidays. However, countless other Christmas movies are now available for you to watch with your family during the holiday season. So here are the best Christmas movies on Netflix you should watch this festive season:

1. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

This movie explores an adventure of two siblings, Kate and Teddy Pierce, who try to capture Santa on camera. However, they accidentally become a part of something bigger and end up saving the holidays. It is one of the best holiday movies on Netflix with great acting, script, and cinematic quality. A mixture of classic Christmas movies with modern storytelling has made this movie one of a kind.
Adding Kurt Russel’s fantastic portrayal of a cool Santa in the movie completes it and leaves you wanting more. Luckily, the success of The Christmas Chronicles encouraged the directors to come up with a sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, in 2020. So, grab your hot cocoa and binge-watch the Christmas Chronicles series this holiday season.
Sequel: The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020) Cast: Kurt Russell, Darby Camp, Judah LewisDirector: Clay KaytisIMDb rating: 7.3 Watch Trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

2. Let it Snow (2019)

This movie is about a group of young people brought together due to a snowstorm on Christmas eve. It follows a predictable plot consisting of a few individuals and friends busy sorting out their problems. It’s a teen version of a tried and tested movie plot where everything falls in place at the end. Apart from making you tear up in a few scenes, this is one of the best Netflix Christmas movies full of love and positivity. Cast: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Odeya Rush, Jacob BatalonDirector: Luke SnellinIMDb rating: 5.8 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

3. Klaus (2019)

Klaus is about bringing the joy of Christmas back to life. The movie explores the story of Klaus, a toymaker, and his newfound friend Jesper, a postman. In a town where everyone has forgotten how joyful togetherness can be, an unlikely friendship brings back happiness for the people. Klaus may feel like it’s a movie for kids. However, the highly-rated animated movie touches more emotional angles and rewrites the Christmas origin.
Cast: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida JonesDirector: Sergio Pablos, Carlos Martínez LópezIMDb rating: 8.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

4. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Jingle Jangle is set up in a fantasy world of magic and mystery. In this movie, a legendary toymaker from the town of Cobbleton is famous for his whimsically fancy inventions. But the story takes a turn when his trusted apprentice steals one of his most prized creations. It came down to his granddaughter and a long-forgotten invention to make things right.
Since it is set in a fantasy world, the creators’ liberty is considerable. However, a lack of explanation of what’s happening and more focus on the world rather than the story weakens the plot. Overall, it’s a joyful movie with festive vibes you can enjoy on Netflix during the Christmas holidays.
Cast: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Hugh BonnevilleDirector: David E. TalbertIMDb rating: 6.5 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

5. The Princess Switch (2018)

As the name suggests, this Netflix Christmas movie is about switching roles for someone’s benefit. The story begins with Stacy, a type-A planner fond of schedules and controlled environments. However, she takes a spontaneous trip to Belgravia at the suggestion of her chef and best friend, Kevin. While in the middle of preparing for the Royal Christmas Baking Contest, an identical stranger approaches her. The stranger happens to be the princess Duchess Margaret Delacourt, and she comes bearing a strange request. She wants to enjoy a normal life one last time by switching roles with Stace before marrying the Crown Prince of Belgravia. The overall plot is predictable and cheesy, to say the least. Still, it never fails to give us a royal Christmas vibe. The notable success of the movie also opened doors for two more sequels making the franchise an enjoyable watch for a movie marathon.
Sequel: The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020), The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick SagarDirector: Mike RohlIMDb rating: 6.1 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

6. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

This movie is a live-adaption of an earlier successful animated film by the same name. Grinch, played by Jim Carrey, is a disliked green creature who lives in a cave near Mount Crumpit. The citizens of Whoville hate him for his mean spirit and arrogant behavior. However, little Cindy thinks Christmas is about spreading love, and they should give Grinch a chance to be friendly. Grinch accepts this opportunity, but the events do not go as planned, and he pledges to ruin Christmas for everyone. However, Whos’ holiday spirit changes his heart, and he finally understands the meaning of holidays. An animated reboot of the film was released in 2018.
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Christine Baranski, Jeffrey TamborDirector: Ron HowardIMDb rating: 6.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

7. The Holiday (2006)

The Holiday is about finding love while being in the darkest phases of life. The movie begins with two female leads, Amanda and Iris, swapping their house for two weeks around the holidays after getting frustrated with their life. They try to overcome their struggles and seek help throughout their path. The experience introduces them to some new characters who become an important part of their story instantly. Overall, the movie is romantic and charming. Comedy is also well-timed, making it a great Christmas movie marathon watch.
Cast: Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, Cameron DiazDirector: Nancy MeyersIMDb rating: 6.9 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

8. Holiday in The Wild (2019)

You will love this movie if you are an animal lover. It’s a story of Kate, a heartbroken woman whose husband ends the marriage when their son goes to college. Frustrated, she decides to go on a vacation in Zambia by herself. She rediscovers her love for the animals on her journey after seeing a hurt baby elephant. She and her new friend Derek take care of the elephant and other animals while she decides to restart her career as a veterinarian. However, after feeling dissatisfied with her new job, she goes back to Zambia to be with Derek at the sanctuary. Kate has emotional events, twists, and heartbreaking moments, and we see how she overcomes them. It is an inspirational Christmas movie with love sprinkled like fairy dust. Cast: Rob Lowe, Kristin Davis, John Owen Lowe, Fezile MpelaDirector: Ernie BarbarashIMDb rating: 6.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

Christmas Movies on Netflix for Kids

Netflix has a dedicated section for kids’ entertainment. So, it would be silly to imagine it does not have some great Christmas movies for them. Directors worldwide have created numerous movies for kids exploring unique storylines. The same goes for holiday stories. Here are the best Christmas movies for kids to watch on Netflix.

9. Alien Xmas (2020)

The joy of giving is the most wonderful feeling. Alien Xmas talks about an alien species, which has lost its joy (represented by skin color) by greedily exhausting its planet of resources. The aliens then approach Earth to steal everything from the planet. They send Alien X on Earth to set up a device to execute their plan.
Now, Alien X lands in a Christmas town and encounters the elves and their family. While on the mission, he has a change of heart due to the warmth of love among the elves, and it leads the alien species to learn about the joy of giving. It is a cheerful Netflix movie explaining the soul of Christmas. Cast: Keythe Farley, Dee Bradley Baker, Kaliayh RhamboDirector: Stephen ChiodoIMDb rating: 6.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

10. Robin Robin (2021)

It is a stop-motion short musical film with the theme of discovering oneself. The story starts with a bird egg coming down rolling in a rubbish dump. Then, a family of mice decide to raise the bird named Robin. Her differences with the mice become apparent as she grows up. To prove to her family that she can be a great mouse, she discovers being a bird is far better. This movie is all about self-discovery and encourages kids to embrace their uniqueness. It’s great watch with the family on Netflix this Christmas season.
Cast: Bronte Carmichael, Richard E. Grant, Gillian AndersonDirector: Daniel Ojari, Michael PleaseIMDb rating: 7.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

11. The Claus Family (2020)

The Claus Family talks about finding happiness in responsibility. It’s a coming-of-age story about Jules Claus, who doesn’t like Christmas. After his father’s death last year, he wants to do nothing with the festival. While his mother works for the family, Jules spends most of his time with his grandfather in his toy shop.
While probing through the shop, Jules finds a magic snow globe that can take him to the farthest location on Earth. He discovers the truth lying in front of him the entire time – his grandfather is the real Santa Claus. It’s been a family tradition for years, and his grandfather took back the job after Jules’ father’s demise. It’s a light-hearted movie with a somewhat predictable plot. Still, the Christmas story will surely fill children with joy. Netflix recently launched a sequel to this movie. However, the title is not yet available globally.
Sequel: The Claus family 2 (2021)Cast: Jan Decleir, Mo Bakker, Bracha van DoesburghDirector: Matthias TemmermansIMDb rating: 5.5 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

12. David and The Elves (2021)

The movie starts with Elf Albert enquiring about the source of magic in the land of Santa Claus. He believes it came from the gratitude of people receiving the gifts. His belief in people makes him go into the real world while expecting to create more magic by meeting the people directly. However, he realizes that humans don’t love him and loses his powers. Fortunately, David, who believes in the magic of Christmas, found and helped him regain his powers. Overall, it’s a fun adventure movie overcoming the cliche Christmas plots. Cast: Cyprian Grabowski Jakub Zajac Cezary ZakDirector: Michal RogalskiIMDb rating: 5.1 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

13. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

A boy called Nicholas set on an adventure in the misty snow of the north, following his father on the quest of finding the magical land of Elfhelm. He is accompanied by a headstrong reindeer called Blitzen and his loyal pet mouse. The journey changes Nicholas forever and embraces his new life. The story revisits the origin of Santa Claus and resembles a Nordic fairy tale with snowy and sparkly backgrounds, perfect to watch with your kids on Netflix on Christmas day.
Cast: Maggie Smith, Isabella O’Sullivan, Joel FryDirector: Gil KenanIMDb rating: 6.8 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

Romantic Christmas Movies on Netflix

What’s better than a lazy winter morning with your loved ones? I know, a glass of hot cocoa and some lovely romantic Christmas movies to add more spice to your life. The holidays are all about spreading love and spending time with those you care about. So, while you decide what to eat in the comfort of a warm blanket, here is a list of romantic Christmas movies on Netflix you can watch to set your festive mood.

14. Single All the Way (2021)

Peter is a forever single guy coming home for Christmas. However, to avoid any name-calling and shame from the family, he convinces his friend Nick to come along. He then tells his family that they are in a relationship. But his mother sets him up with her handsome trainer, James, and things go south.
Peter feels torn between spending time with James and Nick and acknowledges his new feelings. This Netflix movie is all about embracing one’s relationship, starring cute characters and a lovely story. Although the plot is predictable, the movie will surely give you the Christmas feel.
Cast: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke MacfarlaneDirector: Michael MayerIMDb rating: 6.2 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

15. Holidate (2020)

Two strangers Sloane to Jackson, are fed up with nightmare dates and a meddling family asking relationship questions. They met at a store’s return counter and got talking. Once they realize they both share a similar problem, an idea for an arrangement comes up. They agree to meet each other only for the Holidays and cover for their family. Throughout the year, the conversation goes normal, and they act according to the agreement. However, they soon realize they have started to develop feelings for each other, and something deeper than fake love knocks in their life — a lovely feel-good movie for those who believe in love.
Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin ChenowethDirector: John WhitesellIMDb rating: 6.1 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

16. The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

A sorcerer transports a young medieval knight named Sir Cole to present-day Ohio in the holiday season. The knight then meets Brooke, a brilliant and clever science teacher disillusioned by love. Brooke helps Cole navigate life in the modern time and helps him discover the one true purpose that will bring him back to his original time.
As Cloe and Brooke grow closer, he wants to go to his homeland more than ever. Cloe tries everything to complete his unknown quest, but nothing feels satisfying. In the end, he helps Brooke throw a Christmas party, and things lead to him completing his quest and going back home. The movie talks about finding love in the most unimaginable places. Cast: Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Whitehouse, Emmanuelle ChriquiDirector: Monika MitchellIMDb rating: 5.6 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

17. White Christmas (1954)

It’s one of the best classic romantic Christmas movies, and you can stream it on Netflix. This movie from 1954 is about two military men, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, who decide to become the best song and dance act after World War 2. Davis plays a matchmaker to introduce Wallace to two sisters, Betty and Judy, who also come for a song and dance act.
The men follow the ladies to Vermont lodge to perform a show. Here, they realize the lodge owner is their former commander, General Waverly. As the men try to help General out of his problems, a series of romantic mix-ups ensures they all grow close to each other. The movie stands out from other Christmas movies because there is no magic or fairytale. Four people trying to help one person send off the perfect festive vibes.
Cast: Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Vera-EllenDirector: Michael CurtizIMDb rating: 7.6 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

18. Lovehard (2021)

Lovehard is a movie for those who find it hard to find love. Natalie is a journalist from LA who is a hopeless romantic but has bad luck in love. She finally feels a spark when she right swipes a handsome east coast guy, Tag, on a dating app. Then, she takes a leap of faith and chooses to surprise her crush on the holidays. However, she discovers that she was catfished in the relationship by Tag’s friend Josh, who is also unlucky in love like Natalie. This lighthearted romantic comedy revolves around her chronicles to reel in love. Apart from a weak plot, the overall movie is lovely and heartwarming.
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren BarnetDirector: Hernan JimenezIMDb rating: 6.3 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

19. Last Christmas (2019)

The movie is about Kate, a singer who works as an elf in a store to make ends meet. She feels she isn’t doing great with her life when she meets Tom, who changes her perspective. Tom sees London like no one else and helps Kate see it through his eyes. The handsome man does everything like an ideal person, like helping people in the shelter. Kate picks up the habit and tries to do good for society every day. She feels Tom is becoming an inseparable part of her life. When she tries to move things forward with him, he hesitates and tells her to focus on herself. A series of events help Kate become a better person, and the story depicts how Tom helped her become her best. Cast: Henry Golding, Emilia ClarkeDirector: Paul FeigIMDb rating: 6.5 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

20. A Christmas Prince (2017)

Christmas brings a new opportunity for a young journalist, Amber, as she goes to cover the story of the soon-to-be crowned prince Richard. However, the media has portrayed the prince as irresponsible and propagate that he is willing to abdicate the throne. Amber decides to uncover the whole story and takes a false identity to stay in the palace.
During her stay, Amber and Richard start to develop feelings for each other. The movie reveals some mysteries and twists throughout the plot. Overall, this movie is a feel-good romantic story with a royal background. It is also followed by two sequels, making it one of the best Christmas marathon movies on Netflix this holiday season.
Sequel: A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding(2018), A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby(2019)Cast: Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice KrigeDirector: Alex ZammIMDb rating: 5.8 Watch trailer | Watch the movie on Netflix

All Christmas Movie Secret Codes for Netflix

Watching Christmas movies has become a tradition over the years. Therefore, Netflix has made a separate category for the holiday season. You can use secret Netflix codes to quickly access hidden categories in your browser. All you have to do is enter one of the following codes at the end of the Netflix URL (without the parenthesis) in the following format. Or, directly follow the links below.

[1527064] British Christmas children & family films[1721544] Canadian Christmas children & family films[1474017] Christmas children & family films[1527063] European Christmas children & family films[1394522] Family-friendly Christmas films[1475066] Feel-good Christmas children & family films[1475071] Goofy Christmas children & family films[1394527] Romantic Christmas films[1726277] Christmas for kids

Enjoy a Christmas Movie Marathon on Netflix

I hope you enjoyed our picks for Christmas movies this year. You can quickly watch all these movies on Netflix or choose other ones from the category list for your Christmas movie marathon. My favorite movies for Christmas in each category are The Christmas Chronicles for family time, Alien Xmas for a short joyful Christmas ride with kids, and The Knight Before Christmas to embrace the feeling of love. Do let me know which Christmas movie you like the most. Also, if you have any other movie suggestions that you think should be on this list, we would love to hear from you in the comments below.