How to Watch ‘Elf’ Without Cable in 2024

Nearly two decades have passed, yet “Elf” featuring the ever-so-lovable elf named “Buddy” hasn’t aged a bit. This heart-warming Christmas movie has fixed its place among holiday season must-sees such as “A Christmas Story” or “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “Elf” is a movie about a grown man who was raised by North Pole elves, believing he too was an elf the whole time. Once he learns the truth, he embarks on a journey to New York City to meet his human family. Watch “Elf” just once, and you’ll fall in love with the adorably innocent and all-so-comical Buddy and his larger-than-life misadventures navigating the Big Apple.

Unless you purchase or rent the movie, viewing “Elf” can be elusive. Luckily, this year, “Elf” is available on several live TV streaming and On-Demand platforms.

There are as many options to watch “Elf” as there are Santa's helpers in the North Pole. If you don’t want to wait for a specific day and time to watch the movie, you can access it immediately through these on-Demand streaming platforms aka “skinny bundles”:

• Hulu
• DIRECTV
• Philo
• Amazon Prime Video
• Max

One of the primary ingredients in the immense success of Elf is the performance by the uber popular, over-the-top comedic actor, Will Farrell, who shines in his role as “Buddy.” Other names who round out this heart-warming happy holiday performance include:

• James Caan as “Walter” (Buddy’s dad)
• Bob Newhard as “Papa Elf”
• Ed Asner as “Santa”
• Mary Steenburgen as “Emily” (Walter’s wife)
• Zooey Deschanel as “Jovie” (Buddy’s love interest)
• Peter Dinklage as “Miles Finch” (the high-maintenance children’s book writer)
• Amy Sedaris as “Deb” (Walter’s assistant)

“Elf” is just one of many Christmas favs you should be hitching your reindeer to this season. If you’re a big fan of this family favorite try these movies on for size:

Animated

• “Klaus” – A clever origin story of the Christmas tradition featuring unique animation accented by ribbons of dark humor.
• “Arthur Christmas” – A joyful, whimsical lesson in the spirit of Christmas featuring a well-intended, clumsy Santa’s helper who ends up saving the day.
• “The Grinch“ – A new, less creepy take on Jim Carrey’s version, this revival of the Grinch delights both adults and children alike.

Family Classics

• “It’s a Wonderful Life” – A true classic, this Winter themed tale is a reminder of the good in humanity and the power of unrealized possibility.
• “Home Alone“ – A hilarious slapstick physical comedy featuring a little boy’s ingenious creativity in thwarting would-be house robbers. A favorite among kids.
• “A Christmas Story“ – This is a period piece that’s absolutely timeless, as all young and old alike can relate to the experiences of a little boy and his plight to achieve his Christmas wish.

Grown-Up Comedies

• “Four Christmases” – Live vicariously through one couple as they deal with their not so normal families – four of them in fact – all in one day.
• “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation“ – Clark Griswald, Cousin Eddy, jello molds, Christmas trees ablaze, rabid squirrels, and jelly of the month club… need we say more?
• “Christmas with the Kranks“ – With their daughter gone off to the peace corps, one couple decides to cancel Christmas. The problem? They just happen to live on the most festive street in the most festive town in America.