Carol, Number 9 Films / Film4 Productions / Killer Films,
@nitsanraiter
There's something special about Christmas-themed movies. Something that makes our hearts beat a little bit faster. They fill us with joy, laughter, hope, and anticipation. So if you haven't yet gotten into the festive spirit, don't worry. Watching a great holiday movie will definitely fix everything! Order some pizza, make a hot chocolate, sit back and press the play button. Not sure what to watch? Christmas classics are the best option. We've picked 13 amazing movies to binge-watch now.
It's a Wonderful Life
Directed by Frank Capra, It’s a Wonderful Life has become synonymous with Christmas. After over 70 years since its release, the film remains as powerful and moving as the day it was made. The main character of the story is George Bailey (James Stewart), a small-town banker. He is an honest man, a loving husband, and a caring father. Everything seems fine, right? In reality, George has so many problems that he is thinking of ending it all on Christmas Eve. However, a guardian angel is sent from Heaven to save the frustrated man. To change George’s mind, an angel shows the desperate banker what life would’ve been if he had never existed. So, was the mission a success? Watch to find out.
It's a Wonderful Life, Liberty Films
While You Were Sleeping
While You Were Sleeping is a 1995 romantic comedy that will make you believe nothing is impossible. Lucy Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) is a lonely subway worker obsessed with the city of Florence and a gorgeous man named Peter (Peter Gallagher), who she’s only seen from afar. One day Lucy saves her longtime crush from an ongoing train. That’s when her life makes a turn. While Peter lies unconscious in the hospital, his family mistakes Lucy for his fiancee and takes her into their home. The situation gets even more complicated when she finds herself falling for Peter’s charming brother Jack (Bill Pullman).
While You Were Sleeping, Hollywood Pictures / Caravan Pictures
Serendipity
Serendipity is a 2001 romantic comedy, starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. So, what’s the plot? Set in New York, the movie follows the story of a man named Johnathan Trager and a woman named Sara Thomas. The two met unexpectedly at a department store when both reached for the same pair of gloves. Despite them already being in a relationship, Jonathan and Sara felt an instant connection. Jonathan thinks it's love at first sight. However, Sara believes in destiny. That’s why she decides to let fate determine whether they are meant to be together. Unfortunately, the two parted ways soon after the meeting. Years later, they hope that destiny reunites them once again. Serendipity will make you believe in the magic of Christmas!
Serendipity, Tapestry Films
Love Actually
Released in 2003, Love Actually is yet another iconic Christmas-themed movie. It’s the ultimate rom-com from the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. Funny and heartwarming, Love Actually is a kaleidoscope of nine stories about the complexity of love. Among the characters are the newly elected British Prime Minister who falls for a junior staffer, a married man tempted by his attractive secretary, and a graphic designer in love with a creative director. Solid script, memorable characters, and an all-star cast — Love Actually is all that! Watch Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, and other talented actors and actresses explore the most beautiful feeling in the world.
Love Actually, StudioCanal / Working Title Films / DNA Films
The Holiday
The 2006 hit movie Holiday follows the stories of Amanda Woodz (Cameron Diaz) and Iris Simpkins (Kate Winslet), two women who recently broke up with their boyfriends. Amanda lives in sunny California, while Iris is from England. They met via the internet and came up with a unique plan. Two women decided to swap their houses and spend Christmas away from home in order to heal their broken hearts. While abroad, Amanda and Iris find romance with local men. However, things get complicated as both realize that sooner or later, they will have to return home.
The Holiday, Columbia Pictures / Universal Pictures/
Relativity Media / Waverly Films
Carol
Period drama Carol perfectly captures the melancholy and joy of the Christmas season. The movie, set in the 1950s, tells the story of a forbidden love affair between an aspiring young photographer Therese Belivet and Carol Aird, an older woman going through a difficult divorce. The two first met at the department store where Therese worked as a salesgirl and Carol was searching for a doll for her daughter. Soon after, the women developed a strong bond that eventually became a love with complicated consequences. The movie, starring Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett, is frequently listed as one of the best Christmas-themed movies, and we couldn’t agree more!
Carol, Number 9 Films / Film4 Productions / Killer Films
The Happiest Season
There is a number of great queer Christmas movies, and The Happiest Season is one of them. Abby (Kristen Stewart) planned to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) while at her family’s annual party but had to change her mind last minute. Why? You see, it turns out that Harper kept their relationship with Abby a secret. Afraid of not being accepted, the two young women have to pretend that they are nothing more than two best friends. The Happiest Season is a lovely rom-com about staying true to yourself yet trying not to ruin Christmas by revealing a big secret.
The Happiest Season, TriStar Pictures / Entertainment One /
Temple Hill Entertainment / TriStar Productions
The Shop Around the Corner
The Shop Around the Corner is a 1940 romantic comedy movie produced and directed by Ernst Lubitsch. At the center of the story are two employees of an upscale shop in Budapest: Alfred Kralik (James Stewart) and Klara Novak (Margaret Sullavan). They can barely stand each other, always bickering and disagreeing on almost everything. However, what Alfred and Klara have yet to discover is that, in fact, they are pen pals who are slowly falling in love through a series of anonymous letters.
The Shop Around the Corner, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
The Family Man
Don't forget to add The Family Man to your holiday “to watch” list in case it's not already there! The story follows Jack Campbell (Nicolas Cage), a successful businessman who has it all. But does he really? Jack's life takes an unexpected turn one fateful Christmas night when he disarms a gunman at a grocery store. What comes next is something he could have never imagined! Jack wakes up in bed with his college sweetheart, Kate (Tea Leoni), the very one he left behind years ago to chase his career. To Jack's surprise, his former life no longer exists! Now he will have to make a life-changing decision: career or true love?
The Family Man, Beacon Pictures / Saturn Films
The Apartment
Starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, The Apartment is the perfect movie to get you in the festive Christmas spirit. The main character of the story, C. C. Baxter, is an insurance clerk who tries to get promotion in his company by letting its executives use his apartment for trysts. Things get complicated when he falls for Fran Kubelik, who happens to be involved with one of the bosses. The Apartment is a story about love, morality, and the complexities of human relationships, all with a dose of humor.
The Apartment, The Mirisch Company
Something from Tiffany's
Life is full of surprises, and Something from Tiffany's is a charming reminder of that. The story revolves around two couples: Ethan & Vanessa who are about to take their relationship to the next level, and Rachel & Gary who aren’t ready for a big commitment just yet. When a simple gift mix-up of gifts occurs, their paths unexpectedly cross, forever changing their lives. The main characters are portrayed by Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Smith Sampson, Ray Nicholson and Shay Mitchell.
Something from Tiffany's, Hello Sunshine
Let It Snow
Let It Snow is for those who enjoy cheesy yet sweet and heartwarming rom-coms about love, friendship and family. The movie, based on the young adult novel, follows a group of high school friends who find themselves facing unexpected romantic dilemmas on Christmas Eve. As a snowstorm blankets the town, the characters' lives become more intertwined, leading to humorous moments of love and self-discovery. The cast includes Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Kiernan Shipka, and more.
Let It Snow, Dylan Clark Productions
Little Women
Little Women has been brought to the big screen multiple times over the years. The most recent version is Greta Gerwig's 2019 take on this timeless classic. The coming-of-age story introduces us to the March sisters — four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms. Set during the Civil War era, Little Women tells about sisterhood, love, and the pursuit of independence. The movie's biggest scenes take place during the Christmas season, so it's a perfect holiday watch. And the cast is absolutely incredible! The characters are brought to life by talented Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, legendary Meryl Streep and the heartthrob Timothée Chalamet.
Little Women, Columbia Pictures / Regency Enterprises / Pascal Pictures
