December is here, so it’s time to start enjoying your favorite holiday movies – if you haven’t already!
Many film lovers feel certain movies are essential viewing every year, like classics such as It’s A Wonderful Life, The Snowman, Miracle on 34th Street, Love Actually, and Elf, which have all become traditional holiday favorites.
Looking for something a little different? How about a hidden classic that doesn’t get much attention, or a Christmas movie that breaks away from typical holiday themes?
These films vary – some are directly about Christmas, while others simply take place during the holidays. You’ll find both hidden classics and newer releases, some bursting with festive spirit and others that skip it altogether. But they all share one thing: they’re perfect for cozying up on a cold December night.
Read on for our full list.
Eileen (2023)
This dark and captivating film noir isn’t exactly filled with holiday spirit, but its Christmas setting actually makes it a great choice if you’re tired of overly sweet holiday movies. It’s based on Ottessa Moshfegh’s 2015 novel, which she and her husband, Luke Goebel, adapted for the screen, and the movie perfectly captures the book’s unique atmosphere.
In 1960s Massachusetts, Eileen, a quiet and reserved secretary at a boys’ prison, leads a monotonous life until the arrival of the captivating new psychologist, Rebecca (played brilliantly by Anne Hathaway). Eileen is instantly drawn to her.
Director William Oldroyd, known for ‘Lady Macbeth,’ creates a captivating and unsettling atmosphere through beautiful period details and a fantastic score by Richard Reed Parry. The film starts as a twisted pleasure, and a clever surprise in the final act pushes it into even darker and more compelling areas. While this late twist might not appeal to everyone, viewers who stick with the story will find it incredibly satisfying.
Where to watch: Netflix
Spencer (2021)
Among the numerous films and shows depicting the Royal Family, this one stands out as both remarkably different and exceptionally well-made. Directed by Pablo Larraín, who previously made the film Jackie about Jackie Kennedy, it focuses on Princess Diana (played with incredible skill by Kristen Stewart) during a Christmas visit to Sandringham House in 1991, covering just three days of her life.
The movie is described as a fictional story inspired by real events, not a completely accurate retelling. It aims to capture Diana’s emotional state and inner struggles as she navigated a challenging period in her life, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy while privately dealing with personal difficulties.
Larraín cleverly blends fairytale and ghost story elements into the film, and its beautiful visuals create a rich experience. Set during Christmastime, it’s a unique and interesting choice if you’re seeking a film that breaks from tradition.
Where to watch:Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £2.49.
Small Things Like These (2024)
While “Small Things Like These” isn’t a traditional Christmas movie, it certainly feels like one, and it’s more than just the holiday setting that makes it so. The film, adapted from Claire Keegan’s story, features a fantastic performance by Cillian Murphy, and Emily Watson also delivers a strong supporting role.
In the film, Liam Murphy stars as Bill Furlong, a quiet and compassionate coal deliveryman in County Wexford. His life is disrupted when he finds a distressed young girl hidden in a convent’s coal shed, forcing him to make a difficult decision. The story, unfolding in 1985 with glimpses into Bill’s past, confronts Ireland’s dark history with the Magdalene Laundries – institutions where women were confined for years due to societal judgment.
Where to watch: Prime Video
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Everyone knows James Stewart is famous for It’s a Wonderful Life, which remains a holiday favorite nearly 75 years later. However, six years before he played George Bailey, Stewart starred in another charming Christmas film: the romantic comedy The Shop Around the Corner, alongside Margaret Sullavan.
While this movie was a big hit when it came out in 1940 and is considered one of the greatest films of all time – appearing on lists from Time and the BBC – it doesn’t show up on many Christmas movie lists today, even though it’s highly regarded. It’s often overshadowed by films like It’s a Wonderful Life.
The story follows two people in Budapest who begin a Christmas-time pen pal relationship and fall in love, unaware that they are actually coworkers who constantly argue at the same shop.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £3.49.
Comfort and Joy (1984)
Bill Forsyth, the director known for classic Scottish films like Local Hero and Gregory’s Girl, created this charming 1984 comedy starring Bill Patterson. The story centers around Alan Bird, a radio DJ who gets unexpectedly dumped by his girlfriend just before Christmas.
Alan, known as ‘Dicky’ on air, tries to cheer himself up after a heartbreak with a walk. But when he sees something strange, he unexpectedly gets caught up in the real-life ‘Ice Cream Wars’ of Glasgow, becoming a messenger between two competing ice cream van businesses, Mr. Bunny’s and Mr. McCool’s.
Set during Christmastime and filled with holiday decorations, the movie perfectly captures the festive spirit, making it a great choice to watch during the holidays.
You can watch this with the StudioCanal Presents add-on on Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube for as little as £3.49.
8 Women (2002)
Murder mysteries and musicals are consistently popular in film, but it’s rare to find a movie that successfully combines both. François Ozon’s 2002 film, 8 Women (originally titled 8 Femmes), is one of those rare exceptions—and it’s also a Christmas movie!
This movie takes place in the 1950s and centers on a rich, unusual family celebrating Christmas at their grand home. The festivities take a dark turn when the family’s only male member is found murdered. With eight female relatives and staff members all under suspicion, everyone tries to figure out who did it, and they unexpectedly break into song throughout the investigation.
This movie isn’t for everyone, and the musical parts sometimes feel a bit out of place. However, it’s a hugely enjoyable and delightfully over-the-top blend of different styles, making it a great watch during the holidays. Plus, it boasts an incredible cast of famous French actresses, including Isabelle Huppert, Catherine Deneuve, and Fanny Ardant.
You can watch this with the StudioCanal Presents add-on on Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Apple TV starting at £3.49.
Tangerine (2015)
Okay, so this movie doesn’t have the typical Christmas stuff like snow or Santa, but it takes place on Christmas Eve, and honestly, that’s enough for me to call it a Christmas movie – and a really great one at that! It’s from the director of films like Anora and The Florida Project, so you know it’s going to be good.
When the film first came out, many people talked about the fact that it was filmed entirely on an iPhone, which is quite remarkable. However, that’s just one of the things that makes the movie good. The story follows Sin-Dee Rella (played by Kitana Kiki Rodriguez), a transgender sex worker, who gets out of jail right before Christmas only to discover her boyfriend has been unfaithful.
On Christmas Eve, Sin-Dee sets out to find her boyfriend and get some answers, culminating in a dramatic showdown at a donut shop. The movie is a funny and visually appealing experience, anchored by a powerful and authentic performance from Rodriguez.
Where to watch: Prime Video
Carol (2015)
While not a typical Christmas movie, Carol is a beautifully made film from the last ten years that deserves a place on this list because a significant part of the story takes place during the Christmas season.
Todd Haynes beautifully directs this film, adapted from Patricia Highsmith’s novel The Price of Salt. It tells the story of Therese (Rooney Mara), a young shop assistant, and Carol (Cate Blanchett), a sophisticated woman going through a divorce. They meet while Carol is Christmas shopping at a department store and begin a relationship.
As a film buff, I absolutely loved this movie! It’s a beautifully made, deeply romantic story that really transports you to 1950s New York. When it first came out, everyone was raving about it, and for good reason – the acting by Mara and Blanchett was just phenomenal.
You can watch this with the StudioCanal Presents add-on on Prime Video, or rent or buy it on Apple TV starting at £3.49.
Holiday Affair (1949)
This delightful film from Hollywood’s Golden Age, though often overshadowed by classics like It’s a Wonderful Life, is a real treat and is currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
This Christmas-time story unfolds in New York City and features legendary actors Janet Leigh and Robert Mitchum. Mitchum plays a surprisingly gentle toy train salesman who hopes to win the heart of a widowed mother (Leigh).
This movie is genuinely heartwarming and cheerful, and it’s sure to get you feeling the Christmas spirit.
Where to watch: BBC iPlayer
Black Christmas (1974)
You probably think of Halloween when you hear ‘slasher film,’ but surprisingly, Christmas-themed slashers exist – and this 1974 movie directed by Bob Clark, which was recently remade, is considered the best of them.
The movie didn’t do very well when it first came out, but over time it’s gained a dedicated following and is now considered a cult classic. People especially appreciate its unique mood and the impact it had on the slasher film genre – interestingly, it was released four years before the influential horror film, Halloween.
This horror film uses the familiar slasher formula: college students are terrorized by disturbing phone calls during their winter break, and then start disappearing – and turning up dead. If you don’t enjoy cheerful Christmas movies, this one might be perfect for you.
Where to watch: Available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video from £2.49.
Eyes Wide Shut (1999)
While not a traditional Christmas movie, Stanley Kubrick’s last film is set entirely during the holiday season, making it worth including on this list.
Kubrick intentionally chose to set the film during Christmas, rather than the novel’s Mardi Gras setting, because he believed the hopeful and renewing imagery of Christmas was central to the movie’s overall message.
This film stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman – who were married at the time – as a couple facing trouble in their marriage when Cruise’s character gets involved with a strange and secretive sex cult. It’s a mysterious, disturbing, and thought-provoking movie, but definitely not suitable for all audiences.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play and YouTube from £1.99.
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2025-12-01 18:37