The holiday season isn’t complete without binge-watching Christmas movies, and the 2024 streaming charts are proof that the old favorites never go out of style. December is the perfect time to curl up on the couch, grab some hot cocoa, and lose yourself in these iconic films that bring laughter, nostalgia, and festive spirit. From Jim Carrey’s unforgettable performance in How the Grinch Stole Christmas to the Griswolds’ chaotic holiday antics, these beloved movies are not only topping the charts but also becoming essential holiday viewing for families everywhere. Here are six Christmas movies that are trending this year.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This live-action masterpiece starring Jim Carrey reimagines the beloved Dr. Seuss tale. The Grinch, a grumpy recluse with a heart two sizes too small, plots to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville. But his plan unravels as he learns that Christmas isn’t about material gifts but about love and togetherness.
Its humor, Carrey’s over-the-top performance, and the fantastical Whoville set design make it an evergreen holiday favorite. Fun fact: Carrey spent over 90 days in makeup, enduring hours of green prosthetic application each time. That dedication shines through in every hilarious scene.
2. Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987)
Not strictly a Christmas movie, this John Hughes comedy is a holiday staple because of its themes of connection and kindness. It follows uptight Neal (Steve Martin) and bumbling Del (John Candy) as they try—and fail spectacularly—to get home in time for Thanksgiving.
Its charm lies in its blend of laugh-out-loud humor and tear-jerking sincerity, reminding us that the holidays are about the people around us. Did you know the iconic car rental scene was entirely improvised? That’s the magic of Martin and Candy’s chemistry.
3. The Grinch (2018)
This animated adaptation gives Dr. Seuss’s story a fresh twist. Benedict Cumberbatch voices the infamous green grouch, bringing a blend of cynicism and warmth as the Grinch learns to embrace the holiday spirit. The movie is packed with modern visuals and a catchy soundtrack that appeals to kids and nostalgic adults alike.
The Grinch’s heartwarming transformation hits home every time, reminding us of the importance of compassion. It’s also a visual delight—Illumination Studios’ vibrant animation brings Whoville to life in ways we’ve never seen before.
4. National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
The story is centered on Clark Griswold, played by the amazing Chevy Chase, who is the ultimate optimistic family man. He doesn’t just want a good Christmas; he wants to deliver “the most fun-filled old-fashioned family Christmas ever.” This quest starts with him driving his long-suffering wife, Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo), and kids Audrey (Juliette Lewis) and Rusty (Johnny Galecki) out to the country to chop down a gigantic tree, which he then has to root up after forgetting a saw.
The chaos really ramps up when the extended family arrives. You have the typical grandparents, but the highlight is the unannounced arrival of the redneck cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family, who show up in their beaten-up RV and essentially camp out on the Griswolds’ front lawn. Cousin Eddie is the source of many of the film’s most famous, outrageous moments, including the iconic line, “Shitter’s full!” while draining his RV’s sewage into a storm drain.Chevy Chase’s comedic timing and those unforgettable family moments make this one a yearly tradition. And yes, the house’s 25,000 twinkling lights were real—talk about dedication!
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)
This original animated special remains a cornerstone of holiday cheer. Narrated by Boris Karloff, it tells the tale of the Grinch’s attempt to ruin Christmas and his eventual redemption in just under 30 minutes.
Its simple yet profound message—Christmas doesn’t come from a store—never gets old. The animation has a nostalgic charm, and that unforgettable “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” song is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. It’s proof that good storytelling doesn’t need fancy effects to stand the test of time.
6. Champagne Problems (2025)
This Netflix holiday rom-com stars Minka Kelly as Sydney Price, an ambitious American executive sent to France right before Christmas. Her mission is to acquire a historic, family-owned champagne house, Château Cassell.
The plot centers on a classic forbidden romance: Sydney takes one night off in Paris and has a magical, unexpected meeting with Tom Wozniczka’s character, Henri Cassell. The complication? Henri is the charming heir to the very champagne company she’s trying to buy. The film is set across the beautiful, Christmas-vibed streets of Paris and the snow-dusted Champagne region.
It is a perfect choice to stream on Netflix during the holiday month because it delivers pure, festive escapism with high-stakes romance, a cozy European setting, and a heartwarming ending—everything you want in a seasonal feel-good movie.
Also, Read – 15 Best Christmas Movies on Netflix For The Holiday Season
