12 Best Christmas Movies on HBO Max to Watch All Holiday Long
Gather your family 'round to stream these funny, romantic and classic flicks.
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There is nothing quite like snuggling up on the couch with a large cup of hot cocoa, an assortment of holiday cookies and the perfect Christmas movie. That’s why we have rounded up the very best Christmas movies on HBO Max that you’ll want to watch again and again leading up to Christmas Day.
This year, HBO Max is featuring a range of holiday movies that can appeal to the entire family. There are funny and festive comedies, films that bring a little romance and, of course, a wide selection of movies for kids. If you’re someone who prefers to stick with classics, like A Christmas Story, you are sure to find that and more on HBO Max.
So, after you’ve successfully binged every Christmas movie that the platform has to offer, be sure to head over to other streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Peacock to check out all the other great movies that celebrate everything merry and bright.
Elf (2003)
It's impossible to resist Buddy the Elf come Christmastime. Equally hilarious and heartfelt, this movie about a human raised by elves in the North Pole captures everything we love most about the holiday season: singing Christmas carols (loud for all to hear), quality family time and sugary sweet treats (think: breakfast spaghetti).
RELATED: Christmas Movies That Kids Will Love
A Christmas Story (1983)
No list is complete without A Christmas Story! TBS plays this holiday classic for 24 hours straight on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but here, you can watch it whenever, wherever. At this point, you probably know how the story goes, so let's just say this movie gave us the infamous leg lamp and Red Ryder BB guns.
A Christmas Story 2 (2022)
Did you know there was a sequel? The cast is totally different this time around, but the antics feel all too familiar. In this one, a teenage Ralphie wrecks his car before he even gets off the lot, so he rounds up all of his friends to earn money to fix it. Fans of the original will be happy to know that Peter Billingsley does make a cameo.
Four Christmases (2008)
Like the name implies, Brad (Vince Vaughn) and Kate (Reese Witherspoon) are forced to put their vacation plans on hold and spend the holidays with their families. That means, four houses in one day.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
We think Cousin Eddie would agree: The Griswolds are the gift that keeps on giving. We first met them on their journey to Wally World, but this time, Clark Griswold is trying to make his family's Christmas the best one yet — but of course, things don't go as planned.
The Polar Express (2004)
All aboard! Step inside the beloved children's book by Chris Van Allsburg by watching this animated feature, starring Tom Hanks as the conductor. Even if you've seen it a zillion times (we're estimating here), you'll still find something to learn about the power of believing, especially when Santa Claus is involved.
Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
This film adaptation of the classic Dr. Seuss story is the perfect pick for the entire family. Jim Carey stars as the Grinch and takes viewers on a wild ride, including Christmas mischief, as he ultimately learns the true reason for the season. By the end of the movie your heart will surely grow 10 sizes bigger.
Black Nativity (2013)
A teen is sent to spend Christmas in New York City with his estranged relatives. After discovering their strict rules, he makes a journey out on his own to return home to his mother. Along the way, he uncovers the true meanings of faith and family. The film adaptation is based on the Langston Hughe’s musical, Nativity.
Jack Frost (1998)
This one's sure to tug at your heart strings. Jack Frost (Michael Keaton) has always put his rock n' roll career ahead of his wife and son, Charlie (Joseph Cross) — until it's too late. A year after his dad's sudden death, Charlie plays a song on his old harmonica and his dad is magically brought back to life as a snowman.
Fred Claus (2007)
Get to know the Claus family in a whole new way: In this movie, jolly old Saint Nicholas (Paul Giamatti) goes head-to-head with his naughty brother, Fred (Vince Vaughn). After landing himself in a bout of trouble, Nicholas sends Fred to the North Pole to pay off his debts.
Scooby Doo: Haunted Holidays (2012)
Join Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and friends as they try to escape from a snowman, who is wrecking havoc in the town. While in hiding, they learn that the snowman placed a curse on the toy store's haunted clock tower way back when — and now, the snowman is trying to reclaim what's his.
Holiday Affair (1949)
There's nothing more romantic than holiday love — and Connie (Janet Leigh) has more than enough to go around since both Steve (Robert Mitchum) and Carl (Wendell Corey) are vying for her heart. The million-dollar question: Will she lead with her head or her heart?
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.
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