Introduction to the Most Rewatched Christmas Movies
As the holiday season approaches, many of us look forward to cozying up with our loved ones and watching some classic Christmas movies. JustWatch has released its list of the most rewatched movies of the season, based on the last three holiday periods, and it’s clear that viewers crave humor, warmth, and nostalgia. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 most rewatched Christmas movies, from timeless classics to modern favorites.
10. It’s a Wonderful Life
It’s a Wonderful Life is a crucial part of the holiday movie canon, as it was one of the first films to modernize the holiday spirit. The movie tells the story of George Bailey, a man who has sacrificed his own dreams to help his family and community, only to fall into financial ruin. On Christmas Eve, 1945, George is contemplating suicide when his guardian angel appears and gives him a glimpse of what life would have been like without him. This realization helps George understand the value of his own life and the impact he’s had on others.
As one of the most inspirational American films ever made, It’s a Wonderful Life is a perfect watch to remind ourselves of the importance of gratitude, community, and self-sacrifice.
Stream It’s a Wonderful Life on Amazon Prime Video.
9. The Holiday
The Holiday is a cozy rom-com that offers a fun escape from life’s troubles to self-love and new beginnings. The movie follows two broken-hearted women who meet on a home-exchange website and decide to swap homes for Christmas. Amanda, a Los Angeles-based movie trailer editor, has just been cheated on, while Iris, a journalist from a small English village, is in love with a man who is about to marry another woman. Both women believe they can escape love with this little swap, but the universe has other plans.
Stream The Holiday on AMC+.
8. Love Actually
Quirky rom-coms are popular during the holiday season, thanks to the warm, fuzzy feelings they inspire. Love Actually is an interconnected story of love, loss, and relationships, featuring nine separate plots that lead up to Christmas. The movie explores familial, romantic, and unrequited love, making it a great watch for the holiday season.
Stream Love Actually on Amazon Prime Video.
7. A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is a beloved holiday classic that’s universally relatable and humorous. The movie follows young Ralphie Parker as he spends December dodging his bully, learning universal truths, and dreaming about the ideal gift – a Red Ryder Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model air rifle BB gun. The movie’s popularity stems from its non-sappy holiday tone, blend of family-friendly shenanigans, and unique narration from a child’s perspective wrapped in 1940s nostalgia.
Stream A Christmas Story on HBO Max.
6. The Grinch
The Grinch is a classic Christmas movie that remains one of the most popular holiday films to date. The story follows the Grinch, the holiday’s biggest hater, as he tries to ruin Christmas for the Who-people. However, when he hears them celebrating despite his attempts to sabotage their tree-lighting ceremony, his heart grows three times its size, leading him to do the right thing and return what he stole.
Stream The Grinch on Peacock.
5. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a personal favorite among many Christmas movie enthusiasts. The movie stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but disaster-prone patriarch who wants to create the perfect old-fashioned Christmas for his family. However, his plans quickly unravel into chaos when his obnoxious cousin Eddie and his family arrive unannounced.
From its star-studded cast and superb performances to its non-stop jokes and heartfelt messages, Christmas Vacation demands a holiday rewatch.
Stream National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on Hulu.
4. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
How the Grinch Stole Christmas shares the same core plot as The Grinch but takes a different approach to the titular character. The movie hardens and vilifies the Grinch as an unhinged, meaner, sarcastic loner, offering a darker comedic take that emphasizes the Grinch’s deep-seated hatred for the holiday. Jim Carrey stars and breathes a genuine stream of fear into the story with his portrayal of a lovably evil Grinch.
Stream How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Amazon Prime Video.
3. Home Alone
Home Alone was one of the best and most popular movies of the 90s. The movie follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister as he’s accidentally left behind when his entire family goes on vacation. With no parents or rules, Kevin has a blast eating, watching, and doing whatever he wants – until two burglars come snooping around the house. The movie quickly became – and has remained – a cultural phenomenon and is considered by many to be a definitive Christmas movie.
Stream Home Alone on Disney+.
2. Die Hard
The debate about whether Die Hard is officially a Christmas movie continues to rage on, securing its status as one of the best holiday movies to watch. The movie follows NYPD officer John McClane as he single-handedly takes down a group of terrorists who have invaded a Christmas Eve party at a fancy Los Angeles skyscraper.
Thanks to the film’s blend of humor and intense, fast-paced action with the “every man’s hero” character, Die Hard is responsible for helping redefine the action genre – and redefine what makes a Christmas movie!
Stream Die Hard on Amazon Prime Video.
1. Elf
Elf has secured itself as the number-one most rewatched Christmas classic, thanks to its hysterically heartwarming story and Will Ferrell’s genuinely innocent and enthusiastic portrayal. The movie follows Buddy, a human raised among Santa’s elves, as he travels to New York in search of his father, Walter. A shrewd, cynical businessman, Walter is not very interested in this son from another life, but after a DNA test proves their relationship, he slowly accepts Buddy and accepts him into the family.
Stream Elf on HBO Max.
Movies aren’t the only things to take advantage of during the Christmas season! In between viewings, take a peek at How-To Geek’s favorite holiday deals of 2025, then settle back in for more entertainment.
