Ho ho ho, ’tis the Holiday season, and Christmas is nigh upon us. Also, high time that people stop talking like this. Christmas is most fondly defined with the usage of words like “tis” and “twas”, and talking about things like Santa and eggnog. Surely the world has moved past that? There are plenty of other ways to keep the old Christmas traditions alive. One of them is through cinema.
The magic of moviemaking has always enthralled, and ever since It’s a Wonderful Life was released, people have religiously watched movies about Christmas with their families. Anything around the subject catches your fancy; we have got you covered. Let us define your Christmas with this list of 15 Modern Christmas movies you can stream on everyone’s favorite OTT platform Disney Netflix. Happy reading!
1. Klaus (2019)
The Christmas spirit is most gleefully captured in Klaus’ plot, which is the textbook turn against the odds we all love. This animated feature brings a fresh perspective on the most important element of Christmas for children – Santa Klaus. Many young ones identify the holiday with the image of a bearded, old, and fat white man in a red suit. With an incredibly vibrant palette of colors defining its distinguished visual style, Klaus also features a voice cast that inspires warmth and trust. Some of the names on there are thoroughbreds when it comes to lending voices to animated characters and bringing smiles to children’s faces.
Klaus is funny, charming, and unabashedly handsome when it comes to visualizing its cinematic universe. It becomes an instant seasonal favorite owing to the ditching of commonplace storylines of morals and whatnot, and instead opting to adopt a tender approach for Christmas’ most relished protagonist’s origin story.
2. Operation Christmas Drop (2020)
Operation Christmas Drop’s plot and context of celebrating Christmas is its USP. The recontextualization of the holiday is merged with an unknown White House tradition that is surprisingly generous. How can romance in uniform in a foreign land not be endearing to you? Kat Graham and Alexander Ludwig make for an impressive duo at the center of the focus. The plot itself is inspired by a real humanitarian mission, although that does not get a lot of minutes in the screenplay. The emotional appeal comes from the preservation of tradition.
Ericas’ (Graham) investigation into the functionality of the base she inspects goes beyond a regulatory check as Andrew (Ludwig) discovers her softer side. The buildup in tension between the two is similar to what happens in what became one of Netflix’s most-watched originals, Purple Hearts. Ludwig carries himself really well in the uniform, bringing the typical mix of arrogance and soppiness to his character. Kat Graham is probably the better performer of the two and does more of the heavy lifting. Her chemistry is the shining moment in the film that has very few in its long runtime.
3. The Noel Diary (2022)
The recently released film on Netflix is an out-and-out romcom set alive in a festive mood. Jake’s homecoming coincides with a shocking truth about his past life that leads her to a woman who will change his life forever. The Christmasy vibes are almost felt throughout the runtime, giving you enough to enjoy the lights and traditions in full. The Noel Diary knows its limitations well and tries to stay within them. We have seen this story format being repeated many times, but it is the lead pair of Justin Hartley and Barrett Doss that brings an emotional attachment to the story.
You might not be readily invested in the things Jake feels coming back home if it weren’t for Hartley’s genuine performance. Even though the film ditches the goody-good arch that ends up spoiling any distinguishment, overall, The Noel Diary is elevated due to its efficient marriage of familiarity and nostalgia. A warmth defines how you end up feeling after watching it, and that is the real win for you as a viewer.
4. Falling for Christmas (2022)
Filmmakers today run ragged, perfectly sweet stories with modernist twists to gain the respect of their peers. It is okay for movies to have a mind of their own and reflect values that might be different than the social norms. Not everyone must be liked. Not everyone can. But Falling for Christmas “falls” for that illusion with its idealistic and conforming story.
Lindsay Lohan tries her best, but maybe her character could have been written with a little more practical impact. Do not get me wrong: it is still a good time pass, but that is where perhaps the adjectives end. As bad a film as it is, the spirit of Christmas shines through, and that is why Falling for Christmas is on the list.
5. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Beyond its Christmas theme and fantastical story, A Boy Called Christmas is a worthy watch for its 3D characters. It is not often you get to say for films in this blended genre. But Ol Parker and Gil Kenan have certainly hit the right marks. For an analogy, compare it with a film like Primal Fear (1996). The characterizations of Aaron, Marty, and Janet are what make it a timeless classic to revisit, not the story.
A Boy Called Christmas predominantly features a young cast, but the child actors are no less than their adult peers. Henry Lawfull delivers a breakthrough performance as Nikolas, around whom the plot revolves. His innocent disposition is a ruse for the big plans he sets on to complete that require strength of character and decisiveness.
Other crowd favorites in the ensemble include Michiel Huisman, Kristen Wiig, and Maggie Smith. Despite being whimsical and borrowing conviction of the tried and tested methods, A Boy Called Christmas can surprise with jolts of originality pleasantly. But its true importance and likability flow from its immaculate preservation of the Christmasy spirit you can enjoy with your family.
6. Love Hard (2022)
With a talented cast and diverse characters, Love Hard rises above your standard Christmas special with a punchy story twist. For a change, we have an Asian touch in how the festivities unfold and the setting of the plot. Daren Barnet, who exploded with Never Have I Ever, brings his charm to the role of Tag and very much nails his comic timing. The lighthearted vein of laughter feels a bit jaded. Coupled with more sincere themes of catfishing and the dating culture, Love Hard settles with lofty ambitions.
A lack of courage prevents it from fully optimizing its resources. But maybe the intention here was to make the experience of watching the story a mindless one. It is not necessarily a bad thing (tell that to the other entrants on the list), but there was potential to be something different. Nina Dobrev and Jimmy Yang, too, chip in with decent performances that just about do the job.
7. Let it Snow (2019)
We always seek young, attractive-looking actors in a romcom setting during holidays to get away from the boxed-in realities of our lives. Let It Snow is a film that promises and delivers on those elements. Everything about it screams a call for young viewers to come and live out the fantasy that cinema often leaves you excited with. Let It Snow takes its bearings from a novel of the same name. The toughest part when adapting something already in existence into a film is the decision to leave out things. It is not about including stuff. And the manner in which you should selectively choose should have a narrative rhythm and preserve the overall appeal of the literary work.
Let It Snow is a bit hit-and-miss on that part – honestly, more of the latter. There are no conclusive fillers into the gaps the makers leave while taking the plot from the novel, giving you ample space as a viewer to experience it on your own terms. Let It Snow certainly has a differentiated storyline and is not your typical “businesswoman from the city goes back to her small hometown and meets the farmer.” Sweet, simple, and effective is how ‘Let it Snow’ should be best described.
8. That Christmas (2024)
The latest holiday movie masterpiece to grace the season is Netflix’s original That Christmas, an animated gem brought to life by the genius of Richard Curtis. Known for his knack for weaving heartwarming tales, Curtis collaborates with Peter Souter to adapt his cherished children’s book trilogy into a visually enchanting narrative. Directed by Simon Otto, the film captures the charm of a small English seaside town facing a snowstorm that upends Christmas plans.
With a stellar voice cast featuring Brian Cox as a bumbling Santa Claus, alongside Fiona Shaw, Bill Nighy, and Jodie Whittaker, the film dives into interlinked stories of love, family, and the chaos of human connections. The backdrop of a relentless blizzard isn’t just a plot device—it transforms the town into a canvas for Curtis’s signature blend of humor and poignant storytelling.
Unlike throwaway holiday fluff, That Christmas offers depth, with its layered characters navigating real emotions and festive dilemmas. Simon Otto’s directorial debut is a visual treat, blending whimsical animation with Curtis’s heartfelt writing. Stream this Netflix production to experience holiday magic with substance—a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern cheer.
– Written by Naveed Zahir
9. Single All the Way (2021)
Single All the Way definitely has some of the same vibes as Holidate. The basic feeling that the protagonist Peter (Michael Urie) fights and resists in the film is very similar. The nagging from his family has forced him to get a fake partner to show off, but the family has different plans for him. Unlike Holidate, we get a different perspective on the dating world here through the eyes of a homosexual lead.
The essence remains the same – love and respect – but how the actual business is approached and handled is certainly different. Peter and Nick’s chemistry is something that must invite your attention as well. It is perhaps the only refreshing change in the conventional Christmas setup we are so used to seeing. There is no beating the formulaic approach here when the story ends, but it is certainly an enjoyable ride until that point.
10. Christmas with You (2022)
Christmas with You is a familiar holiday family film that leans heavily on well-worn tropes but still manages to find moments of genuine warmth. The story follows a pop star retreating from her glamorous life and reconnecting with a simpler, more grounded world—rediscovering the value of togetherness, compassion, and emotional honesty along the way. It’s a narrative we’ve seen many times before, echoing the comforting moral clarity of classic Christmas cinema, even if it doesn’t reach the same depth or wisdom.
What ultimately helps the film rise above pure formula is its sincerity. The chemistry between Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr. is occasionally convincing, and both actors bring an earnestness that carries the emotional weight of the story. While the romance unfolds predictably and the sentiment can feel overtly manipulative at times, the performances ensure the film still strikes a chord or two. Christmas with You works best as a gentle, feel-good watch—perfect for viewers seeking familiar comfort rather than reinvention during the holidays.
– Excerpt by Akash Deshpande
11. Our Little Secret (2024)
Our Little Secret is one of Netflix’s quieter Christmas rom-com offerings, built around a familiar but effective setup. Directed by Stephen Herek and led by Lindsay Lohan, the film opens with an animated prologue that establishes a once-inseparable couple who unexpectedly reunite a decade later—this time as guests in the same house, dating siblings. It’s a classic holiday contrivance, but one that provides steady comedic momentum.
Lohan brings an easy charm to Avery, and the film finds its most enjoyable moments when it leans into awkward encounters, shared secrets, and festive chaos. Kristin Chenoweth is a particular highlight, injecting bite and energy into scenes that might otherwise drift. While the romance plays more like a sitcom pairing than a sweeping love story, the film remains light, watchable, and gently amusing.
Though it doesn’t rely heavily on overt Christmas sentiment, Our Little Secret works as a low-stakes, cozy watch—perfect for viewers looking for an easy, familiar holiday comfort film to slip into their festive rotation.
– Excerpt by Suvo Pyne
12. Champagne Problems (2025)
If you’re looking for a fresh holiday escape on Netflix, this new rom-com is the perfect pick. Minka Kelly plays Sydney Price, a driven American executive sent to France just before Christmas. Her job is to buy out a famous family-owned champagne house called Château Cassell.
The story kicks off with a classic twist. Sydney spends one night enjoying Paris and meets a man named Henri, played by Tom Wozniczka. They have an instant connection, but she soon discovers a major problem. Henri is actually the heir to the champagne company she is supposed to take over.
The movie moves between the glowing streets of Paris and the snowy vineyards of the Champagne region. It is a great choice for a December movie night because it gives you exactly what a holiday film should. You get a cozy European setting, a high-stakes romance, and the kind of happy ending that makes the season feel a bit brighter.
– Written by Naveed Zahir
13. A Very Murray Christmas (2015)
If one were to make a self-indulgent holiday special about a Hollywood star unable to host a holiday special due to a snowstorm, take note, it should be Bill Murray. He is one artist who can never do a bad film and is universally loved in whatever role he takes on. Sofia Coppola, known for another iconic film with a star (Lost in Translation), takes a reprieve from serious filmmaking to do something fun with the holiday theme. There is music; there is dancing, and a host of stars who adorn Coppola’s hour of dazzle. These ingredients go very well with the festive mood and vibes, promising anything but a dull night for the viewers.
Composition and choreography on the screen headline the film, and you will not find more hummable Christmas songs anywhere else. A Very Murray Christmas recreates old classics into newer versions with just enough respect and vibrancy to stand out. Forget all your worries and stream this snowball of laughs and fun with your family!
14. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Kurt Russel might have just redefined how young kids now view Santa. His magical figure is a visual treat and a really refreshing iteration of the big man. If there is one pick on the list that defines the “Christmas spirit,” it is this one. Director Clay Kaytis spins a gleeful web of morals, values, and social messaging in The Christmas Chronicles, all the while providing requisite ammunition for the charismatic stars to weave their magic.
There is definitely a conscious attempt on the part of the makers to debunk Christmas stereotypes and bring new energy to the execution. But it is not done just for the sake of doing it. Instead, the execution is such that the story benefits from the differentiated creative choices.
It is certainly a good candidate to become one of the new favorite Christmas classic movies for families looking to enjoy a film together during the holidays. You will definitely be on the naughty list if you do not end up liking this one! Well done, Netflix.
15. Holidate (2020)
The “will they, won’t they” trope is charmingly utilized as the core conceit in Holidate. The film features talented writers bringing the story of Sloane and Jackson to the screen. In a certain way, it encapsulates one of the most yearned-for fantasies of the modern single man and woman – a dating partner. If someone could put the service in the form of an app, it could be a unicorn in no time. Elon, are you reading this? For those who have pestering parents who cannot resist the urge to interfere with their single lives, Holidate is the ultimate dream.
Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey conjure up decent to-and-fro between their characters, although a more grounded treatment of the story perhaps could have yielded better results. The general quality of jokes is quite good, albeit with some inconsistencies. Christmas is once again an occasion for designers and producers to showcase eye-catching decorations and traditional tunes. Perhaps not your typical family film, but a very streamable weekend flick with your partner.
