Let me guess.
You opened Netflix.
You scrolled for 15 minutes.
Now you’re weirdly tired and still haven’t picked a movie.
Yeah. Same.
There are too many holiday movies at Netflix to the extent that the decision to pick one seems like a job. Some are genuinely good.Some are chaotic comfort watches. Some… exist. But when you’re in a blanket, phone half-charged, brain off — you don’t need “the best film ever made.” You need something that feels like Christmas.
So here it is.
A very honest, very human list of the Best Christmas movies on Netflix, modern ones, recent years, including the newer 2024 and 2025 releases people are already talking about.
No ranking pressure. No film-snob energy. Just vibes
Klaus (2019)
Animated / Family
This one surprises people. A lot.
It looks like a kids’ movie. It starts like a kids’ movie. And half way into it you know that you have been emotionally invested. Its animation is beautiful, the plot is gentle yet not empty, and it does not work with loud jokes after every 5 minutes.
Honestly? It is one of the best Christmas releases Netflix has ever had. One time, and then find yourself always watching again.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Family / Adventure
Kurt Russell as Santa should not work.
And yet… it really does.
This movie has energy. Stuff goes wrong immediately, the kids mess everything up, and Santa is just trying to keep Christmas alive. It’s fun, fast, and doesn’t feel boring for adults, which matters.
Great for family nights. Also great if you just want something lively in the background.
The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two (2020)
Family / Fantasy
This one leans harder into fantasy and North Pole drama.
Is it better than the first? No.
Is it still cozy and watchable? Yes.
If you liked the original, this feels like a natural follow-up — bigger story, more magic, slightly less charm.
Love Hard (2021)
Romantic Comedy
Online dating. Christmas edition.
This movie is awkward in a very intentional way. There’s catfishing, uncomfortable family moments, and that very modern “why did I agree to this?” feeling. Nevertheless, it is also humorous and unexpectedly sweet.
One of the Netflix rom-coms that people do watch again. Which says a lot.
Holidate (2020)
Romantic Comedy
Two strangers agree to be each other’s dates for every holiday. Including Christmas. Obviously, feelings happen.
It’s sarcastic, self-aware, and leans into the chaos of family expectations. If you’re single during the holidays, this one hits a little too close, in a good way.
Operation Christmas Drop (2020)
Romantic Comedy
This one’s a little different — and that’s why it works.
Set on a tropical military base (yes, Christmas without snow), the story follows a government aide sent to shut the place down right before the holidays. Instead, she discovers the base’s annual Christmas drop tradition — and maybe catches feelings along the way.
It’s light, breezy, and surprisingly comforting. No heavy drama. No intense emotions. Just easy holiday watching when you want something festive but not too cheesy.
Perfect for late-night viewing when you’re half-watching and half-scrolling
A Castle for Christmas (2021)
Romantic / Cozy Drama
This movie is slow. Let’s just say that upfront.
However, when you enjoy fireplaces, snowy sceneries, and silent conversations it does. Scotland looks beautiful. The romance feels mature. No tumultuous misapprehensions each half hour.
Good to watch when you are completely devoted to nothing.
Let It Snow (2019)
Teen / Romance
Snowstorm unites a group of teenage love stories. Some are cute. Some are awkward. They are all very “young love” at Christmas time.
It is light, festive, and highly entertaining, particularly to those who are fond of ensemble-related tales
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
Musical / Family
This movie is loud. Bright. Musical. Full of color.
This is a fun film in the event you enjoy and watch Christmas films with huge tunes and vivid scenes. It is a happy and dramatic one and you can guess that much love has been poured into its creation.
Never demure–but that is sort of the thing.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
Fantasy / Family
It is a more gentle Santa creation story. Slower, emotional, and most storybook like. It is more hopeful and believing than humorous. Kids enjoy it. Adults quietly feel things.
It is a good option in case you are not tired of something wholesome.
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Romantic Comedy
Yes, it’s predictable.
Yes, it’s cheesy.
And yes — it works.
The forgetting, the capitalist Christmas, the country lodge. It is a comfortable watch at its best. No effort required.
Christmas With You (2022)
Romantic / Music
A pop star runs out of her hectic lifestyle and is stuck in a small town just before Christmas.
It is tender, somewhat musical, and very tender. There is no dramatic action involved, which makes it, actually, a bit calming.
Dash & Lily (2020 – Series)
Romantic Comedy / Teen
It is not a film, but it is worth mentioning.
It is staged during the Christmas season in New York, which makes this show creative and charming without being annoying. This is a lovely idea of a notebook, the city is magical and the holiday spirit is so powerful.
Superb in case you desire something celebratory but of more than one evening
The Princess Switch (2018)
Romantic Comedy
It is Netflix Christmas cheese at its finest.
There are two different women who exchange their lives. One is royal. One isn’t. Chaos follows. You don’t question it. You just accept it.
The Princess Switch: Switched Again (2020)
Romantic Comedy
More confusion. More drama. More Vanessa Hudgens.
Is it necessary? Probably not.
Is it entertaining? Yes, somehow.
The Princess Switch 3: Romancing the Star (2021)
Romantic Comedy / Heist
A Christmas heist. Royals. Accents. This film is completely uncontrolled – and it does not hide.
At this point you have already travelled so far it will be good
A California Christmas (2020)
Romantic Drama
This one is slower and quieter.
A wealthy man poses as another, meets a woman who is industrious and gets to know some valuable life lessons. It is reserved, yet it is cozy and heartfelt.
A California Christmas: City Lights (2021)
Romantic Drama
The sequel is a real life stress following the fairytale romance.
Less cozy. More emotional. It is still quite entertaining, even when compared to the first one.
The Knight Before Christmas (2019)
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy
A knight of the middle ages comes to the holiday of Christmas.
Does it make sense? No.
Is it charming anyway? Somehow, yes.
Scrooge: A Christmas Carol (2022)
Animated / Musical
An animated adaptation of the traditional narrative in the modern era.
The music is powerful, the animation is gorgeous, and it, in fact, contributes to the emotional level rather than simply stating the same old story
Our Little Secret (2024)
Romantic Comedy
A former couple finds themselves using Christmas at the family house of their partners.
It is authentic and embarrassing at the same time. Lindsay Lohan is at home and the film does not push the uncomfortable holiday relationships too far
Hot Frosty (2024)
Romantic Comedy / Fantasy
A snowman becomes an alive character and a love interest.
Yes. That’s the plot.
And honestly? Sweet, queer, and very comfortable. Oh, you find it best when you are not taking anything seriously.
Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)
Romantic Comedy
This one feels very New York.
A woman is on a run in the city attempting to relink with a man she met on a previous occasion before Christmas Eve. Holiday lights, big city romance, and busy streets.
The Merry Gentlemen (2024)
Romantic / Musical Comedy
A dancer on the Broadway comes home to salvage a failing theater with a Christmas show.
Music, small town appeal and a little romance. It is a light-hearted celebration but not excessive.
That Christmas (2024)
Animated / Family
Interconnected holiday stories written by Richard Curtis — which explains why it feels warm and human.
Funny moments, emotional beats, and a very modern take on Christmas.
A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter (2024)
Holiday Music Special
It is not a conventional film, but entertaining.
Music, acts, mischievousness. Ideal when you feel like being festive and you do not have to be devoted to a complete plot.
A Merry Little Ex-Mas (2025)
Romantic Comedy
A divorced couple attempts to take away one last family Christmas.
It is humorous, clumsy and emotional in some sections – particularly when you have ever encountered complex relations over holidays
My Secret Santa (2025)
Romantic / Musical Comedy
One mother who is a single mom pretends to be Santa in a seasonal position and falls in love.
It is ridiculous, tender, and very Netflix- it is in the best sense..
Jingle Bell Heist (2025)
Romantic / Comedy Heist
A heist movie during Christmas.
London backdrop, holiday mayhem, romance in between. Uncharacteristic of the typical holiday formula, and refreshing after a while
The Claus Family (2020)
Family / Fantasy
A boy learns that his grandfather is the Santa Claus.
This is simple, and heart warming and ideal to have at the end of the list to make it sound homey.
Final Thoughts
When you need to find the Best Christmas movies on Netflix, this list provides you with a choice and does not make you confused.Some are great.Some are ridiculous.Each of them is like December.
Pick based on your mood. Or at least,–play it and watch it for a few minutes.
