One of the cozier aspects of the hectic holiday season is enjoying the return of classic Christmas and holiday movies. The classics are a great way to unwind, rekindle memories of holidays past, and create new memories with your family. And with high-speed fiber internet from S&T, your favorite holiday movies are just a click away!
Below are some of our favorite holiday movies, as well as where you can stream them. We’ve broken our list down into three categories: Timeless Classics from the 1930s and 40s; Animated and Children’s Classics; and Contemporary Favorites from the 1980s to the 2000s.
From heartwarming tales of redemption to hijinks-laden comedies, you’ll have plenty of choices to suit the season. So gather the family around the Smart TV, spread out the blankets—and enjoy!
Timeless Classics
Miracle On 34th Street (HBO Max)
The original film from 1947 stars Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn, who is hired to play Santa, and subsequently touches the lives of everyone he encounters.
It’s A Wonderful Life (Amazon Prime)
Despite famously flopping at the box office, this 1946 masterpiece is often cited as the quintessential Christmas film. Starring Jimmy Stewart, it is quite simply a holiday tradition unto itself.
A Christmas Carol (1938) (HBO Max)
There are several film versions of the famous Charles Dickens story (including other adaptations below), but the 1938 version starring Reginald Owen is among the most popular.
Animated and Children’s Classics
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Apple TV+)
A combination of good humor, beloved comic strip characters, a touching message, and a timeless score by Vince Guaraldi makes this 1965 film a holiday treat for all ages.
How The Grinch Stole Christmas! (Peacock)
The original animated version from 1965 of the Dr. Seuss Christmas tale is a funny, sometimes dark, and ultimately redemptive delight.
The Muppet Christmas Carol (Disney+)
Michael Caine plays Ebenezer Scrooge, joining an ensemble cast of Muppets in this 1992 adaptation of the Dickens holiday ghost story.
Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (Amazon Prime)
Jim Henson’s puppet-filled feature from 1977 is about a Christmas Eve talent contest, and stars jug-band-jamming otters sure to amuse the whole family.
Contemporary Favorites
A Christmas Story (HBO Max)
Set in the 1940s, this 1983 film is often considered the best Christmas comedy ever made.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (HBO Max)
The Griswold’s do Christmas—and sure enough, the hijinks ensue! Chevy Chase stars in this zany holiday film sure to lighten up the mood and fire up the laughs.
Scrooged (AMC+)
Bill Murray stars in this modernized 1988 adaptation of A Christmas Carol set in New York City.
Elf (HBO Max)
Directed by Jon Favreau and starring Will Ferrell as a man raised by Santa’s elves, this 2003 wacky comedy will have the whole family laughing together.
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