25 Holiday Movies on Netflix for a Festive Family Night

1. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

• Runtime: 104 min
• Starring: Kurt Russell, Judah Lewis, Darby Camp
• Director: Clay Kaytis
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Family
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Kurt Russell’s charismatic take on Santa powers this joyful caper where two siblings accidentally crash the sleigh and must help save Christmas. The set pieces are lively, the humor lands for kids and adults, and the action keeps the story brisk. Beneath the glitter is a gentle lesson about grief and rebuilding trust between family members. Russell’s Santa is cool without losing warmth, and his chemistry with the young leads feels genuine. Expect aerial chases, a musical jailhouse scene, and twinkly visual effects that pop on a living-room screen. It’s one of those holiday movies on Netflix that becomes a December tradition. Watch it early—and you’ll likely queue up the sequel by week’s end.

2. Klaus (2019)

• Runtime: 96 min
• Starring: Jason Schwartzman, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones
• Director: Sergio Pablos
• Genre: Animation, Adventure, Family
• IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

This gorgeously animated tale reframes Santa’s origins through a selfish postman and a reclusive toymaker whose friendship reshapes a feuding town. The painterly style feels timeless and cinematic, with light and shadow used like brushstrokes. Kids will enjoy the slapstick and toys; adults will appreciate the themes of empathy, literacy, and small acts snowballing into cultural change. The score swells without overpowering, and the voice cast grounds the myth with warmth and wit. Few holiday movies on Netflix balance wonder and wisdom quite this elegantly. It’s the rare crowd-pleaser that becomes an immediate classic on first watch.

3. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

• Runtime: 122 min
• Starring: Forest Whitaker, Keegan-Michael Key, Madalen Mills
• Director: David E. Talbert
• Genre: Musical, Fantasy, Family
• IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

A grand, glittering musical about a toymaker whose spark returns thanks to his brilliant granddaughter, this film is a feast of color, choreography, and invention. The production design is whimsical steampunk, and the original songs are instantly hummable. Whitaker brings gravitas; Madalen Mills radiates optimism; Keegan-Michael Key revels in scene-stealing villainy. Under the spectacle lies a moving message about imagination, legacy, and believing in one another. Families who love sing-alongs will have a blast, and repeat viewings reveal new visual flourishes. As holiday movies on Netflix go, it’s a showstopper that earns its joyful finale.

4. The Princess Switch (2018)

• Runtime: 101 min
• Starring: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar
• Director: Mike Rohl
• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Family
• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Vanessa Hudgens doubles the fun in this frothy holiday romance where a Chicago baker and a duchess swap lives before Christmas. Fairy-lights, ballrooms, and royal pastries make the vibe irresistibly cozy. It’s predictable in the best way, delivering gentle humor, clean romance, and a parade of festooned sets. Parents can relax; kids enjoy the switcheroo antics; everyone gets a cookie-tin finish. If your family’s marathon skews romantic, this is a gateway to its sequels. File under comfort cinema and add it to your queue of holiday movies on Netflix when you want something sweet and sparkling.

5. Holiday Rush (2019)

• Runtime: 94 min
• Starring: Romany Malco, Sonequa Martin-Green
• Director: Leslie Small
• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
• IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

When a successful radio DJ loses his job right before Christmas, he and his four kids are forced to downshift from lavish to modest. The humor is gentle, the family dynamics feel lived-in, and the movie’s values are refreshingly unmaterialistic. It suggests that joy springs from presence, not presents, without being preachy. Romany Malco anchors the story with warmth, and Sonequa Martin-Green brings resilient grace. Expect a few lumps in the throat and an ending that lands like a hug. Among holiday movies on Netflix, this is a grounded crowd-pleaser with heart.

6. The Noel Diary (2022)

• Runtime: 99 min
• Starring: Justin Hartley, Barrett Doss
• Director: Charles Shyer
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.2/10

A best-selling author returns home after his mother’s passing and finds a diary that unlocks buried memories—and the path to new love. This is a quieter holiday film, polished and sincere, with road-trip interludes, meet-cute chemistry, and healing conversations by warm lamplight. It’s ideal for families with older teens who like romance tinged with reflection. Hartley and Doss make the connection believable, and Charles Shyer’s direction favors intimacy over ornament. A soothing choice for late-night December viewing, and a fine complement to showier holiday movies on Netflix.

7. Let It Snow (2019)

• Runtime: 92 min
• Starring: Isabela Merced, Kiernan Shipka, Shameik Moore
• Director: Luke Snellin
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

Based on the YA anthology, this ensemble romance weaves together snow-day crushes, friendship hiccups, and a pop star stuck in a small town. It’s brisk, bouncy, and drenched in twinkle lights. Teens will recognize the social anxieties; parents will smile at the earnestness. The intersecting storylines converge at a classic holiday party for a tidy, feel-good finish. While light, it’s never cynical, and the needle drops keep the energy high. Consider it a peppermint-flavored palate cleanser in your holiday movies on Netflix queue.

8. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

• Runtime: 104 min
• Starring: Henry Lawfull, Maggie Smith, Kristen Wiig
• Director: Gil Kenan
• Genre: Fantasy, Family
• IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

This snowy quest follows young Nikolas as he searches for his father and the fabled village of elves, blending folk-tale textures with modern pacing. The world-building is rich but accessible; Maggie Smith’s storytelling frame adds classic charm. Kids get a brave hero and a cheeky mouse; adults get themes of hope and resilience. The production design sparkles, and the finale lands with earned emotion. It’s exactly the kind of wondrous tale that families revisit year after year. Among holiday movies on Netflix, this one feels truly magical.

9. Christmas Inheritance (2017)

• Runtime: 104 min
• Starring: Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy, Andie MacDowell
• Director: Ernie Barbarash
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

A pampered heiress must deliver a handwritten letter to her father’s small-town partner—with no shortcuts, credit cards, or assistants. Predictable? Sure. Pleasant? Absolutely. The film leans into cozy diners, snow-dusted streets, and the healing power of community. Eliza Taylor charts a believable arc from self-involved to sincere, and Jake Lacy supplies steady charm. It’s the cinematic equivalent of fresh gingerbread: simple, warm, and best enjoyed with family. A staple in the “small town saves the soul” branch of holiday movies on Netflix.

10. A Castle for Christmas (2021)

• Runtime: 98 min
• Starring: Brooke Shields, Cary Elwes
• Director: Mary Lambert
• Genre: Romance, Family
• IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

An American author escapes scandal in Scotland and falls for a cranky duke—and his drafty, magnificent castle. The landscapes are postcard-perfect, the knitwear plentiful, and the banter pleasantly prickly. Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes make seasoned sparring partners, easing the film into mature, cozy territory. The town is quirky without tipping into caricature. Expect predictable beats executed with charm and good whiskey. If your holiday movies on Netflix night calls for woolly comfort, this is your pick.

11. Angela’s Christmas (2017)

• Runtime: 30 min
• Starring: Ruth Negga, Lucy O’Connell
• Director: Damien O’Connor
• Genre: Animation, Short, Family
• IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Set in early-20th-century Ireland, this tender short sees young Angela attempt to keep Baby Jesus warm from the church nativity. The tone is gentle, the humor is soft, and the emotions are honest. It’s perfect for very young viewers and still affecting for adults. The animation is warmly textured, and the narration soothes like a bedtime story. In under thirty minutes, it captures generosity, innocence, and the meaning of care. A tiny treasure among holiday movies on Netflix.

12. Holidate (2020)

• Runtime: 103 min
• Starring: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey
• Director: John Whitesell
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Two strangers agree to be each other’s plus-one for every holiday to dodge nosy relatives and awkward questions. Shenanigans ensue, sparks kindle, and the conceit pays off with fizzy chemistry. The humor skews a bit more mature, making it best for families with older teens. Emma Roberts nails the dry quips; Luke Bracey balances her with easygoing charm. It’s a breezy watch that still hits warm seasonal notes. A modern rom-com entry in your stack of holiday movies on Netflix.

13. Operation Christmas Drop (2020)

• Runtime: 95 min
• Starring: Kat Graham, Alexander Ludwig
• Director: Martin Wood
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

Inspired by a real U.S. Air Force tradition, this tropical-set holiday film pairs a congressional aide with a pilot as they debate budgets and, inevitably, bond. The island vistas offer a sunshine-and-tinsel alternative to snowy staples. Charity, community, and service frame the rom-com beats. Kat Graham brings spark; Alexander Ludwig is affable and grounded. Kids enjoy the cargo-drop spectacle; adults appreciate the humanitarian angle. A sun-splashed outlier among holiday movies on Netflix that still feels seasonally generous.

14. 48 Christmas Wishes (2017)

• Runtime: 84 min
• Starring: Madeline Leon, Liam MacDonald, Clara Kushnir
• Director: Justin G. Dyck
• Genre: Family, Fantasy
• IMDb Rating: 4.7/10

When a mishap at the North Pole causes children’s letters to go missing, two rookie elves must recover every wish before the big night. It’s bright, bouncy, and pitched squarely at younger viewers who love elf antics and candy-cane stakes. The humor is broad, the lessons clear, and the runtime mercifully short for bedtime. Parents will appreciate the harmless hi-jinks and cheerful production design. For families with little ones, it’s an easy December add. Another kid-friendly choice in the holiday movies on Netflix carousel.

15. A California Christmas (2020)

• Runtime: 106 min
• Starring: Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard
• Director: Shaun Paul Piccinino
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

A wealthy heir goes undercover on a family farm to land a deal and instead finds purpose—and love—amid twinkle lights and grapevines. The chemistry is real-life (the leads are married), the scenery is golden-hour pretty, and the tone is mellow. It’s a Hallmark-adjacent comfort watch with vineyard vibes instead of blizzards. Expect festive touches without heavy plotting. If your December needs warmth more than snow, slot this into your list of holiday movies on Netflix. The sequel’s there when you want another pour.

16. Christmas with You (2022)

• Runtime: 89 min
• Starring: Freddie Prinze Jr., Aimee Garcia
• Director: Gabriela Tagliavini
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

A burned-out pop star grants a fan’s wish and discovers new inspiration with a small-town music teacher, plus a cozy community that actually listens. The melodies are gentle, the dad jokes sincere, and the snow-globe setting soothing. Aimee Garcia brings spark; Freddie Prinze Jr. supplies easy nostalgia. The story champions creativity over clout and family over fame. A soft, sing-able entry for nights you want low-stakes cheer. Another snug fit among holiday movies on Netflix romances.

17. Holiday in the Wild (2019)

• Runtime: 85 min
• Starring: Rob Lowe, Kristin Davis
• Director: Ernie Barbarash
• Genre: Romance, Drama
• IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Post-divorce, Kate jets to Africa and finds unexpected purpose rescuing elephants with a bush-pilot played by Rob Lowe. The Christmas spirit shows up as stewardship and compassion rather than sleighbells. Sweeping landscapes and gentle romance make this a relaxing watch. It’s a refreshingly different flavor in a season of snow. Parents can chat with kids about conservation after the credits. A sunny detour in your map of holiday movies on Netflix.

18. Love Hard (2021)

• Runtime: 105 min
• Starring: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet
• Director: Hernán Jiménez
• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• IMDb Rating: 6.3/10

A LA writer flies cross-country to surprise her online crush and discovers she’s been catfished—then decides to fake a relationship to survive the holidays. The script mixes modern dating angst with old-school rom-com rhythms. Dobrev and Yang build an unexpectedly sweet rapport, and the karaoke scene is a hoot. The small-town festivities feel lived-in rather than generic. It’s witty, warm, and rewatchable. A contemporary standout among holiday movies on Netflix.

19. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)

• Runtime: 56 min
• Starring: Bill Murray, George Clooney, Miley Cyrus
• Director: Sofia Coppola
• Genre: Comedy, Musical
• IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Part variety show, part snow-day hang, Sofia Coppola’s special finds Bill Murray salvaging a TV holiday broadcast amid a Manhattan blizzard. Cameos drift in like snowflakes, musical numbers glow like candlelight, and the mood is wry, melancholy, then merry. It’s a vibe piece more than a plot machine, perfect for wrapping gifts or sipping something warm. Fans of Murray’s dry charm will grin throughout. An artful curio in the cupboard of holiday movies on Netflix.

20. Christmas Crossfire (2020)

• Runtime: 105 min
• Starring: Kostja Ullmann, Alli Neumann
• Director: Detlev Buck
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Thriller
• IMDb Rating: 5.1/10

This German dark comedy follows a man who stumbles into stopping a murder and becomes the quarry of quirky criminals over Christmas. It’s brisk, eccentric, and skewers small-town weirdness with candy-cane cynicism. Not for little kids, but older teens may enjoy the tonal mash-up. Consider it holiday seasoning with a peppery kick. If your queue needs variety beyond romance, this scratches the itch. A left-field entry in the catalog of holiday movies on Netflix.

21. Falling for Christmas (2022)

• Runtime: 93 min
• Starring: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet
• Director: Janeen Damian
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Lindsay Lohan returns in a snow-kissed rom-com about a pampered heiress with amnesia who learns the value of kindness at a rustic ski lodge. The throwback tone is intentional and cozy, right down to the flannel and hot cocoa. Overstreet’s widower dad is tender without saccharine, and the town festival sparkles. You’ll predict every beat—and you won’t mind. For many families, that’s the point of seasonal viewing. One of the most talked-about holiday movies on Netflix in recent years.

22. Father Christmas Is Back (2021)

• Runtime: 105 min
• Starring: Elizabeth Hurley, John Cleese, Kelsey Grammer
• Director: Philippe Martinez, Mick Davis
• Genre: Comedy, Family
• IMDb Rating: 4.5/10

Four feuding sisters reunite for an English country-house Christmas when their long-absent father arrives with chaos in tow. It’s a farce of miscommunications, barbed quips, and grudges thawed by sherry and sentiment. The cast leans into the silliness, and the manor décor is peak festive excess. Not every joke lands, but the pace rarely sags. If your clan enjoys messy family comedies, it’s a cheeky option. A squabbling-siblings spin in the orbit of holiday movies on Netflix.

23. Midnight at the Magnolia (2020)

• Runtime: 87 min
• Starring: Natalie Hall, Evan Williams
• Director: Max McGuire
• Genre: Romance, Comedy
• IMDb Rating: 5.8/10

Best-friend radio hosts pretend to date over the holidays to score a syndication deal, then catch real feelings as New Year’s Eve approaches. The faux-mance trope is deployed with charm, and the snowy Chicago locales feel inviting. It’s gentle, PG, and pleasantly old-fashioned. Younger viewers get the countdown excitement; adults enjoy the will-they-won’t-they rhythm. End credits arrive with fireworks and smiles. A reliable pick in the “friends to lovers” wing of holiday movies on Netflix.

24. Christmas Flow (2021)

• Runtime: 3 Episodes (Mini-Series)
• Starring: Tayc, Shirine Boutella
• Director: Nadège Loiseau
• Genre: Romance, Comedy, Music
• IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

In this French mini-series, a rapper and a journalist collide during Christmas and discover sparks amid clashing values and viral scrutiny. Paris glows with lights, markets, and street performances; the soundtrack adds bounce. It’s modern, stylish, and told over three breezy episodes—easy to binge between baking and wrapping. Cultural commentary sits lightly beside the romance. For families that enjoy international picks, it’s fresh and fun. A melodic outlier among holiday movies on Netflix.

25. The Holiday Calendar (2018)

• Runtime: 95 min
• Starring: Kat Graham, Quincy Brown
• Director: Bradley Walsh
• Genre: Romance, Fantasy
• IMDb Rating: 5.7/10

A vintage advent calendar seems to predict a young photographer’s December—and nudges her toward love and courage. The premise is charmingly magical without heavy rules; the execution is gently paced and twinkle-lit. Kat Graham carries the film with warmth, and Quincy Brown is a winning counterpart. It’s tailor-made for a cocoa-and-cookies night. Expect serendipity, seasonal crafts, and a tidy bow. A quintessential entry in cozy holiday movies on Netflix.

🎄 Wrapping Up: Holiday Movies on Netflix for the Whole Family

The joy of the holidays isn’t complete without the right movie to bring everyone together, and Netflix delivers a sleighful of options. From animated gems like Klaus and tender shorts like Angela’s Christmas to musical spectaculars such as Jingle Jangle and cozy romances like The Princess Switch, these holiday movies on Netflix capture love, generosity, and the glow of community. If you’d like to dig deeper into how seasonal stories shape our traditions, explore this overview of holiday customs from Smithsonian Magazine and this cultural reflection on Christmas films from The New York Times. Whether you crave laughter, catharsis, or pure wonder, make space for at least a few of these titles this season. Start a new tradition, revisit a favorite, and let your living room glow with stories that make winter nights feel warmer.

🎅 Frequently Asked Questions about Holiday Movies on Netflix