As the most wonderful time of the year draws ever nearer, we're offering our picks of the best Christmas movies on Netflix right now.
Previously, we told you what new Christmas content - movies and TV series - are dropping on Netflix this year. Now we've dug through the streaming service's library to pick out the best festive flicks.
In previous editions of our "Best of ... movies on Netflix", we looked at a whole range of genres. These include romantic comedies, sci fi movies, musicals, war movies, biographies, and mystery movies and series. So check out those lists too for more to check out in the lead up to the holidays.
Without further ado, here's what we think are the 13 best Christmas movies on Netflix right now.
Arthur Christmas
This gem has a whopper cast which includes James McAvoy, Hugh Laurie, Jim Broadbent, Bill Nighy and Imelda Staunton. It follows four generations of the Claus family from Grandsanta (Nighy) to brothers Arthur (McAvoy) and Stephen (Laurie). Arthur learns that his dad, Santa (Broadbent), forgot to deliver a gift. He goes on a quest to bring it to the missed child.
Klaus
A spoiled and lazy student of a postal academy, Jesper (Jason Schwartzman), is sent to work at a frozen island above the Arctic Circle called Smeerensburg. Jesper has to deliver 6000 letters there before he can return home. A recluse on the island named Klaus (J.K. Simmons) who sends toys to children who write letters to him, may be Jesper's ticket out. This sweet, funny and tender movie is perfect for the whole family to watch together. It contains the simple message that a small act of kindness always sparks another.
The Holiday
The modern Christmas classic that is 'The Holiday' stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two women unlucky in love who swap homes and lifestyles for the Christmas season. Jude Law and Jack Black are the film's leading men. Also in the cast are Rufus Sewell, Edward Burns and legendary western star Eli Wallach. If you like your Christmas movies cheesy, funny and packed with feel-good factor, 'The Holiday' is essential viewing.
The Grinch (2018)
The hairy green creature that is The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) has despised Christmas for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately, his home is atop a mountain that looks over Whoville, a town which absolutely adores the season. This year, with his trusty canine companion Max in tow, The Grinch is going to steal Christmas. The latest iteration of 'The Grinch' will once again leave you with a warm, fuzzy feeling that you just can’t shake.
Just Friends
'Just Friends' might be dismissed as just another rom-com in Ryan Reynolds' filmography. But there's just a teetering darkness underneath that makes the comedy all the more potent. Ryan Reynolds' character, from the very get-go, is shown as this pathetic creature who has to drop weight and become a hunk into order to feel good about himself and is so expectant of women's attention that it becomes toxic for him. Not only that, you've got Anna Faris in one of her finest comedic roles as the spoiled singer who's out to cause chaos.
Bad Moms: A Bad Mom Christmas
We know we're meant to be nice at Christmas, but sometimes it's just more fun to be naughty. Such is the case with the 'Bad Moms' sequel (for which no, you don't have to have seen the original to get what's going on). It follows best mates and fellow moms Amy (Mila Kunis), Kiki (Kristen Bell) and Carla (Kathryn Hahn) as they indulge in some festive cheer and ho-ho-hoeing. But the moms' moms (Christine Baranski, Cheryl Hines and Susan Sarandon), who are round for the holidays, have other plans.
Krampus
Apparently, Christmas horror movies have proven very popular over the years as alternatives over the holidays. 'Gremlins' has of course been a long-time classic. Meanwhile, more recent films like 'Krampus' and 'Rare Exports', totally turn the traditional portrayal of Santa Claus on its head. So if you’re in the mood for something creepy, check out the former on Netflix now. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Rise of the Guardians
This underrated animated feature stars not only Santa but the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman, the Easter Bunny and Jack Frost too. Together, they form the Guardians, who must stop Pitch Black from engulfing the world in darkness. Its impressive cast includes Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Isla Fisher and Jude Law. You'll want tissues for this one, as it gets quite emotional.
American Psycho
Alternative Christmas classics include 'Lethal Weapon', 'Batman Returns' and 'Trading Places'; or, for the truly cynical, there's 'In Bruges', 'Eyes Wide Shut' and 'American Psycho'. The latter, if we're being honest, reflects how the holiday season can be so crazy and stressful that we just want to lose our s*it. Enter Christian Bale’s iconic Patrick Bateman. Aside from Bale, the cast includes Reese Witherspoon, Chloë Sevigny, Justin Theroux, Jared Leto and Willem Dafoe.
Let It Snow
The various story lines of 'Let It Snow' follow high school students who are interconnected by love, are friends, or are co-workers. A snowstorm ends up impacting all their lives when it hits their small mid-western town. In a nutshell, it's a bit like 'Love Actually' for a young adult audience. But thanks to proficient direction and a talented young cast - including Kiernan Shipka, Odeya Rush, Shameik Moore, Isabela Moner and Jacob Batalon - 'Let It Snow' ends up being quite enjoyable.
The Princess Switch
Ahead of this year's sequel, check out 2018's 'The Princess Switch', which has ended up being one of Netflix's most popular original Christmas movies. One week before Christmas, Margaret, The Duchess of Montenaro and fiancée of Crown Prince Edward of Belgravia, switches places with Stacy, a “commoner” and talented chef from Chicago. But they end up falling for the wrong people...
Nativity!
2018's 'Nativity Rocks!' marked the fourth Nativity film, such has the love for the franchise been. In the original, Martin Freeman plays a teacher who once wanted to be an actor, producer or director. He gets the chance to (somewhat) follow his dream when the primary school he works at puts on an nativity play with a difference. The sequel starring David Tennant 'Nativity 2: Danger in the Manger', and 'Nativity 3: Dude, Where's My Donkey?' with Catherine Tate, are also on Netflix if you feel like some binging.
Angela’s Christmas
Always good to have an Irish representative. Moreover the great thing about 'Angela's Christmas' is it's only 30 minutes long and just lovely for both kids and grown-ups. Based on a story by Frank McCourt ('Angela's Ashes'), it relates how our young heroine is struck by an astounding idea following a trip to the church on Christmas Eve. A sequel titled 'Angela's Christmas Wish' will arrive on Netflix on December 1st.
