The best Christmas movies missing from Netflix – and where to find them
Netflix may be brimming with originals, but holiday classics are mostly elsewhere.
Everyone has their holiday traditions. Some spend time with their loved ones, others revel in solitude. But whether you're a Grinch or the complete opposite (a yulephile?), there's a good chance you'll seek out at least one Christmas movie to devour during the final days of the year.
Still one of the most favoured streaming services out there, Netflix has been building an impressive collection of original holiday treats, from animations to romantic comedies. However, the platform also lost a lot of licensed content over the last years, including cheerful classics.
Thankfully, the festive purge missed The Holiday. Sadly, it hit a lot of popular Christmas titles viewers have to seek out elsewhere. We have the rundown on how to track them down.
1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Year: 2000
Cast: Jim Carrey, Taylor Momsen, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski
Starring Jim Carrey as the eponymous character, this movie remains a holiday staple more than 2 decades after its initial release. It's easy to see why, especially since this season doesn't tend to bring out the good in *everyone.*
When the reclusive green Grinch decides to ruin Christmas for the people of Whoville, he meets a charming young girl set on making him experience the magic of the holidays.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas is streaming on Prime Video which has a 30-day free trial and Stan.
2. Home Alone
Year: 1990
Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, Catherine O'Hara
Can you even feel like it's Christmas if you don't see hapless burglars get their comeuppance after under-estimating a child? If the original doesn't hit the sweet spot, one of the sequels surely will.
When the McCallisters accidentally leave one of their boys alone in their big house over the holidays, the kid has to defend himself from a pair of unlucky robbers.
All the Home Alone movies are available on Disney Plus.
3. Love Actually
Year: 2003
Cast: Bill Nighy, Gregor Fisher, Rory MacGregor, Colin Firth
There's nothing more comforting than a romantic comedy during this time of the year. To a lot of viewers, Love Actually is still perfect.
The movie tells several stories set around Christmastime, all revolving around love. With a top-notch cast, it has something for everyone.
You can watch Love Actually with BINGE (14-day free trial), Foxtel Now (10-day free trial) and Stan.
4. The Grinch
Year: 2018
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Cameron Seely, Rashida Jones, Kenan Thompson
Another adaptation of the classic story by Dr. Seuss, this animated movie sees Benedict Cumberbatch voice the cranky antihero.
It's a splendid option if you want to double-up on Grinch content. Plus, this version will envelop young kids with a sense of magic and wonder.
The Grinch is streaming on BINGE and Foxtel.
5. Elf
Year: 2003
Cast: Will Ferrell, James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen
Can you think of a better film to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside?
Will Ferrell plays Buddy, human raised by Santa's elves. When he learns the truth about his origins, he travels to New York looking for his biological father.
Elf is available on BINGE, Foxtel Now, Stan and Paramount Plus (7-day free trial).
6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
Year: 1989
Cast: Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, Miriam Flynn
After travelling across America and Europe, the Griswolds are adamant to enjoy themselves during the festive season. As expected, things go awry and shenanigans ensue.
If laughs are what you're after, this movie remains a solid pick.
Stream National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation on BINGE, Foxtel and Stan.
7. Bad Santa
Year: 2003
Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Tony Cox, Lauren Graham, Brett Kelly, Lauren Tom
A sought-after holiday movie for those sick of all the cheerfulness around them, Bad Santa just gets better with age.
The plot follows a thief who works as a department store Santa Claus to pull off a heist. His life is falling apart, but befriending a kid might be just what the doctor ordered.
You can watch Bad Santa on Paramount Plus and Stan.
8. Die Hard
Year: 1988
Cast: Bruce Willis, Alan Rickman, Alexander Godunov, Bonnie Bedelia
Like in Bad Santa's case, Die Hard appeals to viewers who prefer their holiday films on the edgy side.
Bruce Willis plays John McClane, a New York cop who visits his estranged wife in Los Angeles only to get caught up in a terrorist takeover. Luckily, he knows a thing or 2 about dealing with bad guys.
Die Hard is available to stream on Disney Plus.
9. Spirited
Year: 2022
Cast: Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer, Sunita Mani
A new addition to the Christmas movie canon, Spirited is making waves online thanks to its catchy songs and appealing cast.
A modern update of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, it revolves around the Ghost of Christmas Present, who wants to redeem an un-redeemable soul before retiring. His choice turns out to be more resistant to change than anticipated.
You can stream Spirited on Apple TV Plus.
10. The Nightmare Before Christmas
Year: 1993
Cast: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O'Hara, William Hickey
A gorgeous movie from start to finish, this Tim Burton extravaganza is the ideal watch for Christmas Eve.
The action revolves around Jack Skellington, a being from Halloween Town who decides to expand his horizons and take over Christmas. Things don't go quite as planned.
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