The Best Holiday Movies to Watch on Hulu This Season, From ‘Elf’ to ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

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Now that the holidays have arrived, there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than cozying up with a mug of something hot and a Christmas movie marathon. But instead of digging out your dusty DVD collection, Hulu has a sleigh full of holiday gems ready to stream as you party prep, wrap presents, or online shop your list and check it twice. 

To make streaming smooth, merry, and bright, we’ve compiled your guide to the best flicks on the platform to fit every mood, from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to Elf, The Polar Express to Just Friends.

The Best Holiday Movies to Watch on Hulu

Whether you’re decking the halls or simply decking out your streaming queue, our list has all you’ll need to set the perfect holiday vibe.

Deck the Halls (2006)



If over-the-top holiday decor and neighborly rivalry sound like your cup of eggnog, Deck the Halls (2006) is a must-watch. Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito star as suburban dads locked in a ridiculously escalating battle of Christmas spirit. What ensues is a competition of overblown antics — and loads of laughs. Stream on Hulu

I’ll Be Home for Christmas (1998)



Starring a young Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Jake, a college kid with a knack for scheming, and Jessica Biel as his fed-up girlfriend Allie, this family-friendly comedy will take your crew on a wild cross-country journey. Jake must make it home by Christmas Eve to score his dad’s coveted vintage car. But a series of comically unfortunate events threaten to derail his plans. Packed with Nineties nostalgia and just enough holiday spirit to melt even the Grinch’s heart, this flick is perfect for a cozy family movie night. Stream on Hulu




Jingle All The Way (1996)


Any unhinged Nineties movie with Arnold and Sinbad is a gift that keeps on giving and Jingle All The Way is no exception. The comedy stars Schwarzenegger as Howard Langston, a frazzled dad on a Christmas Eve quest to secure the year’s hottest toy for his son — because what says holiday spirit like retail chaos? Packed with nostalgia, it’s a perfect pick for anyone who loves to see Nineties-era Arnold.
Stream on Hulu



Just Friends (2005)



Before Ryan Reynolds became everyone’s favorite wisecracking anti-hero in Deadpool, he served laughs in the 2005 romantic comedy Just Friends — a wintertime must-watch. Reynolds plays Chris Brander, a former high school nerd turned suave music exec who returns to his hometown for Christmas — only to find himself face-to-face with his unrequited crush, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). Throw in Anna Faris as Samantha, a pop star with a thing for Chris, and you’ve got the perfect rom-com. Stream on Hulu

The Nutcracker (1993)



A timeless classic, The Nutcracker (1993) pirouettes its way into Hulu’s holiday lineup. Featuring Macaulay Culkin as the Nutcracker Prince, this adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet whisks viewers away to a magical realm of toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and a Mouse King you wouldn’t want under your tree. There aren’t any booby-trapping bad guys for Culkin in this film, however. Instead, he and the New York City Ballet tell the tale of the young Marie (Jessica Lynne Cohen), who awakens to a real-life nutcracker (Culkin) and their exciting battle of toys versus the evil Mouse King.
Stream on Hulu

Elf (2003)



No holiday movie list would be complete without Elf, a modern classic that’s as sweet as maple syrup on spaghetti. Directed by filmmaker, actor, and Christmas movie enthusiast Jon Favreau, this family favorite stars the hilarious Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves who ventures to New York City in search of his real dad, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Along the way, Buddy spreads Christmas cheer (and chaos) with his childlike wonder, serenades love interest Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) in a department store and gets guidance from his adoptive elf father, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart) to get his biological dad off Santa’s naughty list. Stream on Hulu

Fred Claus (2007)



Fred Claus (2007) is the holiday comedy you didn’t know you needed. A tale of “polar” opposites (get it?), Vaughn is Fred, Santa’s estranged, troublemaker older brother, who’s spent a lifetime living in the shadow of holly-jolly Nicholas Claus (Paul Giamatti). When Fred is bailed out of jail, he’s forced to crash at the North Pole to work off his debt by making toys and sibling rivalry ensues. Rated PG, it’s a holiday flick the whole family can enjoy, with silliness, a dash of holiday chaos, and — of course — life lessons about family and forgiveness. Stream on Hulu

Jack Frost (1998)



Jack Frost is a heartwarming (and snow-forming) tale of Jack Frost (Michael Keaton), a touring musician and well-meaning dad who’s given a second chance to bond with his son, Charlie (Joseph Cross). When a wintry twist of fate and holiday magic transforms Jack into an actual snowman, things get wonderfully weird. Keaton leads a great cast that also stars the late Kelly Preston (Frost’s wife, Gabby), in this sweet and tear-jerking tale of redemption and family connection. Stream on Hulu

Christmas Vacation (1989)


It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Griswold’s Christmas Vacation. Whether you’ve seen it a million times or you’re introducing it to a newcomer to the family, the 1989 comedy classic feels just as unpredictable every year as Clark Griswold’s (Chevy Chase) blinding, short-fused Christmas lights display. As Clark’s quest for the perfect Griswold Family Christmas goes hilariously and painfully — sometimes literally — off the rails, his supportive (and frankly over it) frazzled wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and kids Rusty and Audrey (Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis) are supportively along for the ride. Stream on Hulu

The Polar Express (2004)



All aboard The Polar Express — the magical, heartwarming ride that’s been a holiday staple since 2004. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles (including the enigmatic train conductor and the wise, jolly Santa Claus), this animated family flick takes viewers on an exciting Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole. Whether you’re riding the rails for the first time or revisiting this seasonal gem, The Polar Express is your ticket to holiday magic.
Stream on Hulu

Christmas With the Kranks (2004)



Christmas with the Kranks is a holiday comedy with laughs fit for the whole family. In a twist on seasonal traditions, the Kranks, Luther Krank (Tim Allen) and his wife, Nora (Jamie Lee Curtis), decide to skip Christmas for a sun-soaked cruise. But their unconventional plan sends their holiday-obsessed suburban neighborhood — and their own family — into a snowstorm of calamity. Stream on Hulu

Die Hard (1988)



Ah, Die Hard — the endlessly debated action classic that’s either the best Christmas movie ever or not a Christmas movie at all, depending on who you ask. Bruce Willis crushes it as John McClane, a New York cop visiting his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) in L.A. during the holidays, only to find himself battling terrorists in a high-rise led by the suave but sinister Hans Gruber (the Alan Rickman in a career-defining role). Simply put: This movie’s a hell of a lot of fun. Between explosive action, sharp one-liners, and that iconic “Yippee-ki-yay” moment, Die Hard manages to weave in just enough tinsel, a festive soundtrack, and even some snow (okay, it’s debris — but still) to keep its holiday credentials alive. 
Stream on Hulu

Frosty the Snowman (1969)



Burl Ives’ Frosty the Snowman is a timeless classic that proves magic really can bring a snowman to life — and warm the hearts of generations to come along the way. Narrated by the velvety-voiced Ives, this animated story introduces us to Frosty, the jolly snowman with a corn cob pipe, a button nose, and a knack for adventure. Who could forget the iconic “Happy Birthday!” every time Frosty comes to life, or the sweet message about the power of kindness and belief? Stream on Hulu

A Christmas Carol (1984)



George C. Scott stars as Ebenezer Scrooge, the grouchy miser with an icy heart and loathing for Christmas charity. But don’t write him off just yet — three ghostly visitors are about to give him a crash course in holiday redemption. With a stellar supporting cast that includes Frank Finlay as the eerie Jacob Marley and Angela Pleasence (Ghost of Christmas Past), this adaptation has heart and humor alike. Stream on Hulu

Holiday Movie Collection

If you’re in the mood for bingeing all the holiday magic, romance, and wholesome feel-good vibes, Hulu’s got your merry escape with their collection of Lifetime original-style rom-coms. Movies like The Jingle Bell Jubilee bring the cheer. Or cozy up with A Cowboy Christmas Romance, Christmas on the Farm, and more holiday-themed titles now on Hulu.