Finally, after spending almost entirely at home, 2020 is giving us some exquisite positivity during the festive season, especially Christmas. We have been praying for this year to end soon. But time passes at its own pace. So, instead, let us make the most of it by spending the last week of 2020 with our families watch a soul-satisfying Christmas movie online and be happy.
Here we have a list of the best Christmas movies and where you can watch each one of them on different OTT in India as well as the USA.
- Holidate
- The Holiday
- A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
- Last Christmas
- The Holiday Calendar
- Ice Age 3
- Ghosts of the Girlfriends Past
- Home Alone
- Serendipity
- It’s a Wonderful Life
- Four Christmases
- Holiday Affair
- Love Actually
- Meet Me in St. Louis
- While You Were Sleeping
1. Holidate
Date of Release: 28 October 2020
Star Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Jake Manley, Jessica Capshaw and Andrew Bachelor among other big names.
Director: John Whitesell
Holidate is a Christmas movie about two strangers who accidentally meet in a queue to return and exchange their “so-called horrible” Christmas presents. The movie follows their journey throughout the year when they are in a platonic relationship and each other’s date for all the Holidays. But we all know that Christmas Movies are not this simple, watch it to experience the twist. Besides, this movie makes us realize that there are several festivals in the USA; and you are expected being with someone, even if the intention is to sit on adults table for dinner.
Stream Holidate online on Netflix here: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81034553
2. The Holiday
Date of Release: 9 February 2007
Star Cast: Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law
Director: Nancy Meyers
The Holiday is a Christmas movie that makes you feel good. This weird story of two independent females tells us a tale that you can find true love, even if it on different continents. This Christmas movie starts with heartbreak, post two females (Cameron Diaz & Kate Winslet) exchanging their homes for a vacation. The kicker of the story is that they find each other online, where Kate Winslet works as a writer in Sussex, England; and Cameron Diaz is a trailer maker in Los Angeles, USA.
This romantic comedy is one of my favourites of all-time, and Nancy Meyers brilliant direction gives me chills every time I watch it.
The Holiday is recently added to Netflix India’s online streaming platform: https://www.netflix.com/title/70045854
3. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
Date of Release: 4 November 2011
Star Cast: John Cho, Kal Penn and Neil Patrick Harris
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
This stoner-comedy about Christmas is a classic holiday feel-good movie. The film talks about how Harold & Kumar, two best friends of yesteryears reunite for a Christmas by Santa Clause. The film plot revolves around finding the perfect; rather a replica of the perfect Christmas tree which gets burned. A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas features some of the best comic actors in Hollywood. Christmas of 2020 is the perfect time to watch this movie with your buddies and reconnect.
You can watch this Christmas movie here: https://www.netflix.com/title/70178622
4. Last Christmas
Date of Release: 8 November 2019
Star Cast: Emilia Clarke, Henry Golding, Emma Thompson and Michelle Yeoh
Director: Paul Feig
This Christmas movie is written by Emma Thompson, and based on the song of the same name, composed by George Michael. The song is an iconic Christmas song for the Millennials. Perhaps, the concept of “festive song” was recognized by Millennials with Last Christmas.
Last Christmas is a movie about Emilia Clarke, a dreamy Christmas store worker, who develops a relationship with a mysterious man, Henry Golding. It is a feel-good movie and makes a good watch with your partner. The film portrays a beautiful message – anyone in our life can be Santa Clause, even a female.
Rent or buy Last Christmas on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8Lydqi2yrw
5. The Holiday Calendar
Date of Release: 2 November 2018
Star Cast: Kat Graham, Quincy Brown, Ethan Peck, and Ron Cephas Jones
Director: Bradley Walsh
The Holiday Calendar is the classical Christmas movie with all the required spices for an interesting film. The movie covers each and every aspect of a traditional rom-com from jealousy to falling for your best friend. So, what is so significant about this movie? Well, here the catalyst to the next scene is a magical holiday calendar.
Yes, it is a fantasy, but, then again, Christmas is all about hoping that your purest fantasy shall come true.
You can watch this Christmas movie on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/watch/80242446
6. Ice Age 3
Date of Release: 1 July 2009
Star Cast: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary and Chris Wedge
Director: Carlos Saldanha
This animated classic winter film is a fun movie for Christmas. The story follows around a giant mammoth who has taken the custody of three Tyrannosaurus eggs. Although Ice Age 3 is an animated film for kids, it surely holds up suspense, drama, and humour. A turn of events take place when the herd leaves their ice-cold habitat; to discover the underlying tropical region which is already occupied by dinosaurs.
Ice Age 3 on Disney + Hotstar with a Premium Subscription: https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/ice-age-dawn-of-the-dinosaurs/1770000673/
7. Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Date of Release: 1 May 2009
Star Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Jennifer Garner, Lacey Chabert, Emma Stone, and Michael Douglas
Director: Mark Waters
The film itself is based on Charles Dickens’ 1843 literature – A Christmas Carol. Hence, making it one of the most prominent Christmas movies of all time. The storyline follows around a playboy, Conner Mead who is adamant to stop his younger brother from getting married on the Christmas weekend. However, he experiences something powerful and miraculous on the night of the rehearsal dinner. And, yes, he changes his mind about love and marriage.
Plus, one of my favourite lines from the cinema is the showstopper of this Christmas movie:
For a guy who has felt pain and regret,
Pain beats regret every day of the week, and twice on Sundays.
You can watch Ghosts of Girlfriends Past on Amazon Prime Video: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PDMMYZ0C912MLWTA22C87FMRA/
8. Home Alone
Date of Release: November 10, 1990
Star Cast: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, John Heard, and Catherine O’Hara
Director: Chris Columbus
Home Alone is a traditional Christmas movie. Probably, the only one which any millennial can easily say, “Oh My! What a movie.” And, yes, this is still true. For those who are unaware of the plot, it simply tells the tale of a kid stranded at home after their family has forgotten him for their Christmas holiday. Hilarious events take place as a kid protects his house against two thieves who intend to rob rich families around Christmas.
Watch Home Alone on Disney+Hotstar: https://www.hotstar.com/in/movies/home-alone/1770000922/
9. Serendipity
Date of Release: 5 October 2001
Star Cast: John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale
Director: Peter Chelsom
Serendipity, as it says – A happy accident.
This Christmas movie revolves around a short-lived romance of two strangers who randomly find each other and just, connect. Serendipity is an excellent piece of storytelling with exquisite music and John Cusack’s evergreen style of being a hopeless romantic on the screen.
Personally, I have watched this Christmas movie countless times, and every time, I start believing in true love, longing and the fact, if you really want it; it shall happen when you least expect it.
Currently, Serendipity is not available on any of the OTT platforms, however, you can rent it or buy from Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/Serendipity-John-Cusack/dp/B00CAKCS9O
10. It’s a Wonderful Life
Date of Release: 20 December 1946
Star Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed and Clarence Odbody
Director: Frank Capra
Christmas is about celebrating joy, family, emotions and overall, feeling blessed. But, when you watch this Christmas movie, it gives you a very odd vibe in the beginning.
It’s a Wonderful Life is a Christmas fantasy movie about a young man, who is frustrated and tired of always being on the receiving end. In doing so, he has given up his dreams, suffered and feels lost. The feeling seems familiar, doesn’t it?
Well, here is what we all fail to realize – it does not matter if we have given up our dreams and got busy in the “real world”; every day we touch countless lives, and it matters. So, whenever you feel useless or zero-valued, remember today someone is going to be very happy because you did your job right.
There is always a guardian angel above us, sometimes, it is a friend, other times it can be our parents. But, once in a lifetime, it is that one person who changes us forever.
Vimeo lets you stream this Christmas movie for free: https://vimeo.com/280022699
11. Four Christmases
Date of Release: 26 November 2008
Star Cast: Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon
Director: Seth Gordon
Four Christmases is a movie about a couple who decide to visit their parents (all divorced) on the same day. This results in learning some indigestible truths. Thus, resulting in a retrospective of their lives. The journey mirrors the differences between Vince Vaughan and Reese Witherspoon. So, what happens at each Christmas? Well, watch it for yourself.
Four Christmas is available of online streaming on Netflix at https://www.netflix.com/watch/70099614
12. Holiday Affair
Date of Release: 23 November 1949
Star Cast: Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh
Director: Don Hartman
The story of this evergreen Christmas movie revolves around a young widow and her two completely opposite suitors. This brilliant black and white romantic comedy features a love triangle amongst a young widow, a successful businessman and a hopeless romantic, but professionally unsuccessful salesclerk.
Holiday Affair is a screen adaptation of the John D. Weaver’s story – Christmas Gift. Surely, Holiday Affair is a Christmas movie you must enjoy with your partner.
Holiday Affair is available for rent at https://www.amazon.com/Holiday-Affair-Robert-Mitchum/dp/B0042R4OOK
13. Love Actually
Date of Release: 7 September 2003
Star Cast: Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Alan Rickman, Rowan Atkinson, Keira Knightley, and other big names
Director: Richard Curtis
This Christmas movie revolves around 10 different intertwining stories from London, England. Love Actually features A-Grade actors and some of the biggest names of Hollywood, as well as British Cinema. The film calmly depicts several emotions altogether.
Personally, there are very few films that I never want to end; and Love Actually is one of them. From the rocking dance by Hugh Grant to Colin Firth’s innocence and kind-heart; this Christmas Special has everything.
Besides, the love cards are symbolic and hold relevance even in 2020. This Christmas movie is a must-watch even if you must pay for it. Do not miss out on this one.
You can rent Love Actually here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Actually-Bill-Nighy/dp/B001JIES4Q
14. Meet Me in St. Louis
Date of Release: 22 November 1944
Star Cast: Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Leon Ames, Marjorie Main, June Lockhart, and Joan Carroll
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Meet Me in St. Louis is a Christmas movie in a musical form. This 1944 classic is a story about a family narrating the lives of every member for one year, 1903-1904. The main plot revolves around the Louisiana Exchange Exposition also known as World Fair.
The film is an on-screen adaptation of a series of short stories published in The New Yorker by Sally Benson. If you are planning to watch a movie with your family on Christmas, then, this is the perfect drama.
Rent Meet Me in St. Louis here: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-St-Louis-Judy-Garland/dp/B002M84BN0
15. While You Were Sleeping
Date of Release: 21 April 1995
Star Cast: Sandra Bullock, Bill Pullman and Peter Gallagher
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Although While You Were Sleeping is not classified as a Christmas Movie, but, it is no less than a miracle. This motion picture is a fantastic romantic drama depicting all the positive emotions one might experience during Christmas.
The story revolves around a man who is in a coma, and how a simple misinterpretation may end up giving you a family. It is quite simple to understand, sometimes even accidents happen for a good reason. Watch this Christmas movie to understand how a guy falls in love with his brother’s fake-fiancée.
You can rent this movie here: https://www.amazon.com/While-Were-Sleeping-Bill-Pullman/dp/B003QS64XU
Concluding the list of Best Christmas Movies
There are several other Christmas themed movies which take your mind off and makes you believe in magic once again. Travel during this holiday season, but, if you are not able to, then remember, your family is always with you. Take a chance, fall, and rise because you Christmas comes only once a year.
Do let us know your favourite Christmas movie in the comments below.
*The list is solely representative of the author’s opinion and holds no resembles any person, place, company or entity.
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