Holiday movie season is one of the best reasons to have a great streaming setup. In 2026, American viewers no longer have to flip through cable hoping something good is on — on-demand services carry most Christmas classics and modern holiday hits. Here are the films worth watching, and how to find where each one is streaming.
The Unbeatable Christmas Classics
Home Alone (1990) & Home Alone 2 (1992)
Two films that define what a Christmas movie can be. Macaulay Culkin's Kevin McCallister outwitting a pair of clueless crooks is as funny today as it was decades ago. Both are on Disney+ in the US and deserve a rewatch every single year.
Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell in a yellow tights suit, spreading Christmas cheer through New York City — this is one of the most rewatchable comedies of the past 25 years. Every scene delivers, and the chemistry with James Caan is genuinely special.
Die Hard (1988)
The debate is officially settled. Bruce Willis running barefoot through Nakatomi Plaza on Christmas Eve qualifies. It also happens to be one of the best action movies ever made.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Frank Capra's masterpiece holds up completely. Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey confronting what the world would look like without him is emotionally devastating in the best way. If you watch one black-and-white film this holiday, make it this one.
Modern Christmas Favorites Worth Your Time
Love Actually (2003)
Richard Curtis's interconnected London love stories have become essential holiday viewing across the Atlantic. Imperfect, yes — but the Bill Nighy storyline alone makes it worth it every time. A genuine Christmas institution.
Klaus (2019)
Netflix's animated take on the Santa Claus origin story is a genuine surprise — hand-drawn animation of extraordinary quality, with a warmhearted story that earns every emotional beat. One of the best animated films of the decade, holiday or otherwise.
Last Christmas (2019)
Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding in a London Christmas romance built around the music of George Michael. Go in without spoilers for the full experience — the twist reframes everything you've watched.
Overlooked Holiday Films Worth Discovering
- Arthur Christmas (2011) — Aardman's most underrated film. Clever, genuinely funny, and heartfelt all at once.
- The Holiday (2006) — Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet swap homes over Christmas. Perfect comfort viewing.
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994) — The Richard Attenborough remake is a warm, family-friendly treat.
- The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992) — Michael Caine playing it completely straight opposite Kermit. This is the definitive Christmas Carol adaptation.
How to Find Where Each Holiday Film Is Streaming
Christmas titles are spread across Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Peacock and the digital rental stores, and they move around each season. The quickest check is a streaming search tool such as JustWatch, or the search bar inside the services you already subscribe to. Klaus is a Netflix original and stays on Netflix; most of the others rotate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch Love Actually in the US?
Love Actually moves between US streaming platforms depending on the season, because holiday licences are short. Check a streaming search tool such as JustWatch, or the services you already pay for, to see which one carries it this December.
Is Home Alone available to stream in the US?
Home Alone is available on Disney+ in the US. Digital stores such as Amazon and Apple TV usually offer it to rent or buy as well.
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