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Santa sits in a dimly lit interrogation room in this image from Walt Disney Pictures.
“The Santa Clause” is about the power of believing. (Image: Walt Disney Pictures)

The weather outside is getting colder and darker, which means two things – winter is here, and the holidays are around the corner. It’s the season of getting cozy on the couch under a plush blanket, curled up with your partner for a movie night. Your partner is in the mood for all the holly and jolly, but you don’t like Christmas movies. So how do you decide on what to watch? Take a look at the holiday movies we’ve collected here from different streaming services — we’re sure you’ll find your ideal movie night match.

‘Catering Christmas’ (2022)

A man and woman dressed for the cold weather stand together outside in this image from Hideaway Pictures.
Christmas and romance go hand in hand. (Image: Hideaway Pictures)

If you love Hallmark romantic comedies, then you can’t skip this movie. The Great American Christmas (GAF) Family has finally topped Hallmark with the premiere of “Catering Christmas.” Meet Molly Frost (Merritt Patterson), a new business owner who is struggling to get her catering business off the ground. Then she lands New Hampshire’s biggest event of the year and meets Carson (Daniel Lissing). Together they learn about his family's charity and how to incorporate the holiday-giving spirit into everyday life.

Enjoy “Catering Christmas” with your loved one, streaming on Hulu.

‘The Grinch’ (2018)

The Grinch plays with a red string on a homemade map of Whoville in this image from Universal Pictures.
You can’t get more anit-Christmas than the Grinch. (Image: Universal Pictures)

You have a lot in common with the Grinch if you don’t like Christmas movies. Steal some tricks from the most recent adaptation of Dr. Seuss’ popular holiday tale, “The Grinch.” The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a lonely and grumpy creature who lives at the top of Mt. Crumpit. His plans to steal Christmas from the Whos go awry when he meets Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seely), a young Who girl with enough generosity to counteract the Grinch’s cynicism.

This version of “The Grinch” is available on Peacock.

‘Krampus’ (2015)

 A young person looks at a horned creature in this image from Legendary Entertainment.
Christmas horror movies are a thing and if you need somewhere to start, go with “Krampus.” (Image: Legendary Entertainment)

For those who enjoy slasher films and horror flicks, “Krampus” is a great holiday season option. Although it’s not overly gory, it’s based on the old European folklore of a horned beast who punishes naughty children. It features an odd cast that somehow makes it even better: Toni Collette, David Koechner, and Adam Scott. Turns out, Christmas isn’t all fun and games.

“Krampus” is streaming on Peacock and will leave you looking over your shoulder.

‘Four Christmases’ (2008)

 A news anchor holds a microphone to a traveling couple in this image from New Line Cinema.
Some view the holidays as a dreaded obligation to spend time with family. (Image: New Line Cinema)

If you’re looking for a rom-com with more com, then look no further. “Four Christmases” follows Kate (Reese Witherspoon) and Brad (Vince Vaughn) as they go from excited about going on vacation to Fiji to irritable when they have no choice but to stay in town and visit the four sets of parents. As they go to each of the four distinctive households, they learn more about each other and themselves.

Enjoy slapstick jokes and plenty of relatably awkward moments when you watch “Four Christmases,” available on Max.

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ (2005)

Two men argue as they carry a body wrapped in fabric towards a car in this image from Warner Bros.
It couldn’t get more exciting than a murder mystery. (Image: Warner Bros)

Known as Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback film, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” is entertaining. It’s not a traditional holiday film, making it perfect for this list! Crook Harry (Downey Jr.) stumbles into a movie audition. After landing the job, he’s paired with real-life cop, Gay Perry (Val Kilmer). They find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery with Harry’s high school crush now a struggling actress and tagging along.

It’s funny, full of action, and great acting. Watch “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” available for digital purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video.

‘The Santa Clause’ (1994)

A man in red pajamas relaxes in his chambers at the North Pole with a female elf in this image from Walt Disney Pictures.
“The Santa Clause” leaves audiences feeling nostalgic. (Image: Walt Disney Pictures)

For something more sentimental that reminds you of childhood, “The Santa Clause” is a fantastic choice. Back in the day, this movie made you believe in magic, so enjoy it again this year. After Scott (Tim Allen) accidentally scares Santa into falling off the roof, he finds that he’s bound by magic to become the next Santa Claus. His relationship with his ex-wife, Laura (Wendy Crewson), becomes strained when she shares her disbelief of Santa Claus with their son Charlie (Eric Lloyd).

All three “The Santa Clause” movies are available to stream on Disney Plus. Plus, check out the new miniseries “The Santa Clauses.”

‘Die Hard’ (1988)

 A bloodied man stands on the rooftop of the Nakatomi building with a gun in this image from Twentieth Century Fox.
While it comes off as an action movie, “Die Hard” spends a lot of its time reuniting a family, just in time for Christmas. (Image: Twentieth Century Fox)

There’s a big debate about whether or not “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie, but we firmly believe “Die Hard” is a Christmas movie that must be watched yearly. Holly McClane (Bonnie Bedelia) and a group of co-workers are taken hostage at the Nakatomi building in L.A. during the company Christmas party. To ensure his wife’s safety, NYPD officer John (Bruce Willis) takes matters into his own hands.

Make it a double feature as both “Die Hard” one and two are on Hulu Premium.

‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)

A daughter snuggles in her mother's lap in this image from Twentieth Century Fox.
Belief in magic and the existence of Santa Claus is questioned. (Image: Twentieth Century Fox)

For the classic lovers, we recommend “Miracle on 34th Street,” and not the 1994 remake. We mean the original from 1947. Doris (Maureen O’Hara) is a single mother who hires a man to play Santa at Macy’s. However, his sanity is questioned when he claims to be the real Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn). People’s beliefs are challenged, and luckily for Kris, miracles do happen.

The ‘47 version of “Miracle on 34th Street” is available on Disney+, and the ‘94 remake is streaming on Sling TV. We won’t judge which one you choose.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ (1946)

 A holiday party with adults dancing together in this image from Liberty Films (II).
Many classic films have a heavy-handed meaning, like exploring the ripple effects of invasive thoughts. (Image: Liberty Films (II))

The last Christmas movie on this list is another well-loved classic film. While the overall ending is joyous, there’s a sense of melancholy underlying the entire plotline. George (James Stewart) owns a struggling business, and after a particularly bad day, he contemplates whether or not his wife and four children would’ve been better off had he never been born. However, his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers), takes George on a journey, showing him what it truly would have been like without him.

Find joy in all the small things (and big!) this holiday season by watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” This film is available on Amazon Prime Video.

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