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The Best Christmas Movies: Old and New, and Where to Watch Them
Some Christmas movies are worth revisiting year after year, while others are destined to become new favourites. Here’s your shortlist of festive films to add to the watchlist.
The best Christmas movies strike a balance between festive nostalgia, a little romance and just enough holiday magic. Whether you’re after a new Christmas movie to add to your 2026 watchlist, a classic rom-com, a family favourite or something a little less traditional, there’s plenty worth settling in for. From this year’s new releases to the films we return to every December, here are the best Christmas movies to watch in Australia.
In This Guide
The Best New Christmas Movies to Watch in 2026
Clashing Through The Snow
Apparently, there’s a fine line between getting on each other’s nerves and falling for each other, especially at Christmas. When a snowstorm leaves rival publishing editors Ryan and Hannah stranded at the airport, they’re forced to share a rental car for a cross-country dash to New York. Christopher Briney and Michelle Randolph take the lead as two colleagues each chasing a career-saving deal, but snowy detours, roadside mishaps and small-town stopovers soon threaten to derail their plans. With Lukas Gage, Andrew Schulz, Julia Fox and Paris Hilton rounding out the cast, it’s one for fans of a little romantic tension with their Christmas cheer.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Release date: Streaming from Monday 23 November 2026
Guarding Stars
A fake relationship, a brooding movie star and a bodyguard who’s a little too close for comfort? Guarding Stars is serving up all the ingredients for a cosy romantic drama. Jared Padalecki stars as a reclusive Hollywood actor whose quiet life is threatened by a stalker, prompting a skilled bodyguard, played by Leighton Meester, to step in and pose as his girlfriend. When the pair retreat to his family ranch, keeping their feelings professional becomes a whole lot trickier. With Andie MacDowell joining the cast, this one looks set to deliver a little suspense alongside its slow-burn romance.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: Streaming from Wednesday 18 November 2026
The Gospel of Christmas
A struggling pastor, a church on the brink and a race against the Christmas clock set the scene for The Gospel of Christmas, a heartfelt new drama coming to Netflix. When a pastor moves his family to a troubled New York neighbourhood, they find themselves fighting to save a neglected church from foreclosure before Christmas arrives. Starring Fantasia Barrino Taylor alongside singer Tank, the film brings music, faith and a little festive hope into the mix. One for those who like their Christmas viewing with a meaningful message and plenty of soul.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: Streaming from Wednesday 11 November 2026
A Dog’s Perfect Christmas
Nothing gets us quite like a Christmas film with a four-legged hero, and A Dog’s Perfect Christmas looks set to pull at the heartstrings. When a medical emergency threatens to keep the Goss family apart, their determined dog Winstead takes matters into his own paws, doing everything he can to bring his humans back together before Christmas Eve. With Dennis Quaid, Milo Ventimiglia and Brooke Lena Johnson starring, expect family drama, festive feels and a reminder that sometimes the best Christmas miracle has a wagging tail.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: Streaming from Wednesday 4 November 2026
The Twelve Dates of Christmas
A Pretty Little Liars reunion and twelve chances at finding The One. Lucy Hale and Ian Harding are back on screen together, with Hale starring as Christina, a successful shop owner whose career has left little room for romance. When her younger siblings start pairing off, she decides it’s time to give her own love life a little attention, setting herself the challenge of twelve dates across the twelve weeks before Christmas. Of course, finding Mr Right isn’t quite as straightforward as she’d hoped, with a few unexpected connections and online dating mishaps along the way. Whether you’re in it for the festive romance or simply have a soft spot for the on-screen pairing, this is a welcome addition to the Christmas rom-com line-up.
Where to watch: Disney+
Release date: Streaming from Friday 6 November 2026
Ebenezer
Johnny Depp is taking on one of literature’s most notorious Christmas curmudgeons in Ebenezer, a fresh take on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Directed by Ti West, the filmmaker behind Pearl, this supernatural reimagining follows Ebenezer Scrooge on a ghostly journey through his past, present and future, forcing him to confront the man he’s become and consider a second chance at happiness. With Ian McKellen, Rupert Grint, Daisy Ridley and Andrea Riseborough joining Depp, this festive classic is getting a rather intriguing new twist.
Where to watch: In cinemas. Book your tickets with Hoyts or Event.
Release date: In cinemas from Thursday 12 November 2026
Violent Night 2
Santa Claus is back, and he’s trading goodwill for a whole lot of mayhem. David Harbour reprises his role as the decidedly unjolly Saint Nick in Violent Night 2, this time facing off against a ruthless crime boss terrorising the merchants of a New Jersey shopping mall. With his magic running low, Santa will need to find another way to save the day, calling on some last-minute help from Mrs Claus, played by Kristen Bell. Jared Harris also joins the festive fray, promising a Christmas movie that’s decidedly more bloodshed than bedtime stories.
Where to watch: In cinemas. Book your tickets with Event or Hoyts.
Release date: In cinemas from Thursday 3 December 2026
The Best Christmas Rom-Coms of All Time
Love Actually
Few films capture the romantic chaos of Christmas quite like Love Actually. Richard Curtis’ much-loved British ensemble follows a tangle of love stories in the lead-up to the big day, from Hugh Grant’s dancing Prime Minister to Bill Nighy’s wonderfully irreverent rock star. There are plenty of laughs, but it’s Emma Thompson who delivers one of the film’s most affecting moments. Nearly two decades on, it still knows exactly how to pull at the heartstrings.
Where to watch: Stan, Prime Video, Paramount+, Binge, Foxtel Now, Apple TV
Release date: 2003
The Holiday
A house swap, two broken hearts and a little Christmas magic. When London journalist Iris and Los Angeles film trailer producer Amanda, played by Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, trade homes to escape their respective romantic disasters, neither expects to find love on the other side of the world. Jude Law brings plenty of charm, Jack Black is unexpectedly swoon-worthy and the English countryside makes a rather convincing case for a December escape.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Binge, Stan, Apple TV, 7Plus
Release date: 2006
Let It Snow
A Christmas Eve snowstorm brings a small town to a standstill, setting the scene for a collection of intertwined stories about first love, friendship and growing up. Based on the bestselling novel co-written by John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle, Let It Snow follows a group of teenagers as one unexpected night changes more than a few relationships. Think youthful romance, messy feelings and plenty of festive nostalgia.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: 2019
While You Were Sleeping
A little overlooked among the more obvious Christmas classics, While You Were Sleeping deserves a place on any festive watchlist. Sandra Bullock plays Lucy, a lonely ticket collector who saves a stranger’s life, only to be mistaken for his fiancée by his family. With the man still in a coma, Lucy finds herself growing closer to his brother, played by Bill Pullman. It’s a charming ’90s romance with an excellent supporting cast and just the right amount of Christmas sentiment.
Where to watch: Disney+, Stan, Apple TV
Release date: 1995
The Best Christmas Comedies
Elf
There’s something about Will Ferrell in an elf costume that never gets old. After discovering he’s actually human, Buddy leaves the North Pole for New York in search of his biological father, bringing an almost alarming level of Christmas enthusiasm to the big city. From the syrup-covered spaghetti to his complete inability to blend in, Elf is a masterclass in festive comedy and one the whole family can enjoy.
Where to watch: Stan, Binge, Prime Video, Disney+, Foxtel Now
Release date: 2003
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Clark Griswold has big plans for the perfect family Christmas. Naturally, very little goes to plan. Chevy Chase leads this beloved comedy as an increasingly frazzled father whose festive ambitions are derailed by unruly relatives, elaborate decorations and one mishap after another. If your own Christmas gatherings have ever felt a little chaotic, there’s something reassuring about watching the Griswolds take things several steps further.
Where to watch: Foxtel Now, Stan, Apple TV, Prime Video
Release date: 1989
Deck the Halls
How far is too far when it comes to Christmas lights? Danny DeVito and Matthew Broderick go head-to-head in this comedy about two neighbours with very different ideas of festive decorating. When newcomer Buddy sets out to make his house visible from space with an extravagant light display, uptight optometrist Steve is less than impressed. What follows is a neighbourhood rivalry that quickly gets out of hand, with both families caught in the middle.
Where to watch: Stan, Prime Video, Apple TV
Release date: 2006
Jingle All the Way
Arnold Schwarzenegger swaps action hero duties for a rather different kind of Christmas mission in Jingle All the Way. Playing an overworked father who has left Christmas shopping until the eleventh hour, he sets off on a city-wide hunt for the season’s most sought-after toy. With demand high and stock running low, securing one before Christmas Day becomes an increasingly ridiculous undertaking. A nostalgic favourite for anyone who remembers the annual scramble for the must-have present.
Where to watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video
Release date: 1996
The Best Family Christmas Movies
Home Alone
No Christmas movie marathon is complete without a return to the McCallister household. When eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left behind as his family heads overseas for the holidays, he initially relishes having the house to himself. That is, until two burglars set their sights on the family home. Macaulay Culkin is brilliant as the resourceful youngster who turns an ordinary suburban house into an elaborate obstacle course for would-be thieves.
Where to watch: Disney+
Release date: 1990
The Santa Clause
What happens when an ordinary dad accidentally becomes Santa Claus? Tim Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced father who finds himself taking on the big man’s responsibilities after a mysterious Christmas Eve accident. A trip to the North Pole later, the transformation begins, complete with the beard, the belly and an entirely new set of Christmas Eve commitments. A nostalgic Disney favourite with plenty of magic for younger viewers.
Where to watch: Disney+
Release date: 1994
The Christmas Chronicles
Kurt Russell makes a rather charismatic Santa in The Christmas Chronicles, a festive adventure with a little more mischief than your usual North Pole story. When siblings Kate and Teddy accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh, they find themselves helping him save Christmas before the big day. With plenty of magic, laughs and a fresh take on the man in red, it’s an easy win for family movie night.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: 2018
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Jim Carrey gives an unforgettable performance as the famously sour Grinch, who lives above Whoville and has little time for its residents or their Christmas celebrations. Determined to put an end to the festivities, he hatches a plan to steal every last present, decoration and roast beast. But a chance encounter with young Cindy Lou Who might just change his mind. A Dr Seuss favourite with plenty of wonderfully over-the-top Jim Carrey antics.
Where to watch: Stan, Disney+, Paramount+, Prime Video, Binge, Foxtel Now
Release date: 2000
Klaus
Beautifully animated and quietly moving, Klaus offers a fresh take on the story of Santa Claus. When a reluctant postman is sent to a remote, feuding town, an unlikely friendship with a reclusive toymaker sets a series of generous acts in motion. With a lovely message about kindness and the ripple effect of doing good, this Netflix original is every bit as charming as its animation suggests.
Where to watch: Netflix
Release date: 2019
Timeless Christmas Classics
It’s a Wonderful Life
Some Christmas films are worth returning to every year, and It’s a Wonderful Life sits firmly at the top of that list. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a man who has spent his life putting others first and begins to question what difference he has made. On Christmas Eve, his guardian angel Clarence gives him the chance to see what the world would look like without him. A moving reminder of the importance of family, friendship and the seemingly small moments that shape a life.
Where to watch: Binge
Release date: 1946
Miracle on 34th Street
Is he really Santa Claus? That’s the question at the heart of this much-loved Christmas remake. When a department store Father Christmas insists he is the real thing, his claims are put to the test, challenging the scepticism of a mother and her young daughter along the way. Richard Attenborough, Elizabeth Perkins, Mara Wilson and Dylan McDermott star in this charming take on the 1947 original, made for anyone who isn’t quite ready to give up on a little Christmas magic.
Where to watch: Disney+
Release date: 1994
Unconventional Christmas Movies Worth Watching
Die Hard
The annual debate over whether Die Hard counts as a Christmas movie is practically a festive tradition in itself. Bruce Willis stars as New York detective John McClane, who travels to Los Angeles hoping to reconnect with his estranged wife, only to find himself caught up in a hostage situation at her office Christmas party. With a skyscraper full of terrorists, plenty of high-stakes action and a sprinkling of seasonal details, it makes a compelling case for a place on the Christmas watchlist.
Where to watch: Disney+
Release date: 1988
Little Women
Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women has all the ingredients of a Christmas favourite, even if it doesn’t fit neatly into the festive film category. Following the four March sisters as they navigate love, ambition and adulthood during the American Civil War, the story is threaded with family gatherings, generosity and nostalgia. Its Christmas scenes are particularly lovely, making this a worthwhile addition to a quieter holiday movie night.
Where to watch: Stan, Prime Video, Apple TV
Release date: 2019
You’ve Got Mail
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are at their romantic-comedy best in You’ve Got Mail, a story of two New York business rivals who unknowingly fall for each other through anonymous online messages. In real life, Kathleen Kelly and Joe Fox can barely stand one another, but their digital correspondence tells a rather different story. With its wintry New York setting and a generous dose of late-’90s nostalgia, it earns its place on our less conventional Christmas watchlist.
Where to watch: Binge, Foxtel Now, HBO Max, Apple TV, Prime Video
Release date: 1998
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Part Halloween, part Christmas and entirely its own world, Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s stop-motion classic is ideal for anyone who likes a little darkness with their December viewing. Jack Skellington, Halloween Town’s Pumpkin King, stumbles upon Christmas Town and becomes determined to bring the festivities back to his own world. His interpretation of the holiday doesn’t quite go to plan, resulting in a wonderfully strange seasonal adventure with a soundtrack that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Where to watch: Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video
Release date: 1993
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Christmas Movies
For many, Love Actually (2003) is the definitive Christmas rom-com, with Richard Curtis’s British ensemble weaving together a tangle of love stories in the lead-up to Christmas. Hugh Grant’s dancing Prime Minister and Bill Nighy’s irreverent rock star bring the laughs, while Emma Thompson delivers one of its most affecting moments. The Holiday (2006) is a close contender, following Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz as two women who swap homes between London and Los Angeles. For something a little less obvious, While You Were Sleeping (1995), starring Sandra Bullock, is well worth adding to the festive watchlist.
The best Christmas movies for kids and families include Home Alone (1990), in which eight-year-old Kevin McCallister outwits two burglars after being left behind for the holidays, and The Santa Clause (1994), starring Tim Allen as a dad who accidentally becomes Santa. Jim Carrey’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) brings Dr Seuss to life, while The Christmas Chronicles (2018) sees Kurt Russell’s Santa team up with two siblings to save Christmas. Klaus (2019) is a beautifully animated Netflix original with a gentle message about kindness, making it a lovely choice for younger viewers.
Whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie is one of the festive season’s longest-running debates, and the film makes a strong case for itself. Released in 1988, it follows Bruce Willis as New York detective John McClane, who travels to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve hoping to reconnect with his estranged wife. Instead, he finds himself caught in a hostage situation at her office Christmas party. With a skyscraper full of terrorists and seasonal details scattered throughout, Die Hard is a popular December pick for anyone who prefers action to romance. It’s available to stream on Disney+.
Most classic Christmas movies are available across Australian streaming platforms, though availability varies from title to title. Disney+ is home to Home Alone, The Santa Clause, Miracle on 34th Street and Die Hard, while Netflix streams Klaus, Let It Snow and The Christmas Chronicles. Stan carries Love Actually, Elf and How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Binge offers It’s a Wonderful Life. Prime Video, Foxtel Now, Paramount+ and Apple TV round out the options for many favourites. Streaming libraries change regularly, so it’s worth checking each platform before planning a festive movie night.
New Christmas movies in 2026 include The Twelve Dates of Christmas, a festive rom-com reuniting Pretty Little Liars stars Lucy Hale and Ian Harding on Disney+ from Friday 6 November. Netflix has A Dog’s Perfect Christmas from Wednesday 4 November, The Gospel of Christmas from Wednesday 11 November and Guarding Stars from Wednesday 18 November, while Clashing Through the Snow lands on Prime Video on Monday 23 November. In cinemas, Johnny Depp stars as Scrooge in Ebenezer from Thursday 12 November, and David Harbour returns as Santa in Violent Night 2 from Thursday 3 December.
The best Christmas movies of all time include Home Alone (1990), Elf (2003), Love Actually (2003) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), all of which remain festive favourites decades after their release. For romance, The Holiday and While You Were Sleeping are worth revisiting, while National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Jingle All the Way deliver reliable laughs. Families can turn to The Santa Clause, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and the animated Netflix original Klaus. For something less traditional, Die Hard, Little Women and The Nightmare Before Christmas each bring a different mood to December viewing.
Keeping the festive spirit going? Get inspired by our Christmas cocktails to mix up this silly season and best advent calendars for the countdown to Christmas.
