The Best Holiday Movies (for the Hallmark cheesy movie lover)
It’s that time of the year when all I want to do is get in pjs, pop some popcorn and binge watch holiday movies. Luckily I also have a daughter that LOVES watching the cheesiest movies with me. Today I’m sharing my picks for our favorite holiday movies AND all the things you need for a great movie night.
Fred Claus | Santa Claus 2 | Elf | Tray | Popcorn containers | Barefoot Dreams Blanket
For a few years I was trying to find the best popcorn containers, ones that won’t break, hold a serving for 1 AND are dishwasher safe. Last year for Christmas my husband got me these from Crate & Barrel and we use them nearly every week! One microwave popcorn can fill up 3 of these, they also sell a “big” bowl if you want to share.
Burts Bees Holiday Pajamas | Red Slippers
The other must have for a great movie night are:
- Smart TV that has streaming capabilities we have this one
- Snuggly Blankets we love these & these
- Popcorn, drinks & maybe a few sweet treats
- PJs or comfy clothes (the kids love HA pjs for the holidays)
- Tray with handles to carry all your goodies to the movie watching area
- People you love
Now that you have all the essentials let’s talk about types of movie’s I’ll be sharing. I love the super cheesy, love at the end feel good kind of movie. For the ease of movie nights we typically stream movies but there some classics I have on Blue-Ray.
- Elf– I have to put Elf at the top of my list because in my house the holiday season does not start until I watch Elf. It is by far my favorite Christmas movie and I love that my kids love it too! (HBO Max // Blu-Ray 2003)
- The Princess Switch 1, 2 & 3 – Love the original that has baking competition, love, parent trap style plot all with a royal castle and prince! The 2nd one adds an identical relative into the switching fun and this year’s version added a missing priceless Christmas relic. My daughter and I have watched all 3 Many, many times! (Netflix 2018, 2020, 2021)
- A Christmas Prince; The Royal Wedding & The Royal Baby– I feel like these are the OG Netflix Holiday movies and my daughter and I watch them over and over again. It’s all about a commoner falling in love with the prince, then getting married, then having a baby ya know typical fairytale stuff all with great holiday decor. (Netflix 2017, 2018, 2019)
- Noelle– This cute movie is all about Santa’s kids and who takes on the family business. Anna Kendrick is adorable and love the Elf style humor (Disney+ 2019)
- Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch– We don’t like the Jim Carrey version but love this animated version. This one has great humor, heart and just an easy family watch. (Blu-Ray 2018)
- Fred Claus– The good vs the bad Claus brothers makes for a hilarious movie very Old School feeling but with less adult humor making it good for maybe 7 and up. (HBO Max // Blu-ray 2007)
- The Polar Express– This classic story of riding the train to see Santa is loved in our house and we always have some hot chocolate during that song. (HBO Max // Blu-ray 2004)
- The Santa Clause (1, 2 & 3) We have debates every year if we should start with #1 or just watch our favorite #2, everyone in the house though agrees that #3 is our least favorite but we still watch it! Tim Allen in these classic 90s movies is so much fun to watch. (Disney+ 1994, 2002, 2006 // Blu-ray 3 pack)
- Jingle Jangle We love the dancing and music along with the victorian era costumes and Christmas feeling. (Netflix 2020)
- Love Hard– This one was a HIT in my book with the post of getting catfished to an updated PC take on Baby It’s Cold outside I’ve already rewatched.. twice! (Netflix 2021)
- Holiday In the Wild– While this didn’t feel super Christmas-y but I love the African safari views and Kristin Davis so I was hooked. (Netflix 2019)
- Christmas With a View– Very Hallmark feeling plot with a culinary twist, plus mountain views makes it a fun and romantic watch. (Netflix)
- The 12 Dates of Christmas – It’s like Christmas meets Groundhog Day and I loved it! With Zack from Saved by the Bell it’s a fun watch. (Disney+ 2011)
- Christmas Inheritance– The Paris Hilton style debutante has to learn why a small town made the heart and tradition of her family’s business. While I liked this one it’s not at the top of my list. (Netflix 2017)
- A Castle for Christmas– Brooke Shields is back in action but in a Scottish countryside at Christmas. Watch this at least for the beautiful castles and scenery (oh and the accents!) (Netflix 2021)
- Four Christmases– While I don’t love any of the Lampoon movies I do love the award family dynamics in this movie from 2008 with Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon. (HBO Max // Blu-ray 2015)
- Let It Snow– It’s like Breakfast Club meets Christmas and while I like a little bit more sappy holiday movie this one was fun. (Netflix 2019)
- Christmas with a Prince– When a prince gets into a skiing accident he has to stay in the childrens hospital with a friend from school but the annoyance and romance flies. Not my favorite but cheesy love and the holidays I loved it. (Netflix 2019)
- Operation Christmas Drop– I watched this last year and loved the tropical setting and plot of an AirForce base having a big operation drop for the holidays. Misunderstandings and romance plus a huge toy drive tugs at the heart. (Netflix 2020)
- Snowbound for Christmas– Ok I’m sorry this movie is like my dream come true, snowed in at a 5 star hotel with everyone “practicing” their hospitality skills on me and the handsome business owner who is falling in love with me. Yeah I was a sucker for this one. (Netflix 2019)
Since I’m planning on taking some time offline this holiday season and enjoy some downtime I’ll continue to add to this list as I watch the cheesy holiday movies while I sip my Christmas wine and eat the EXTRA butter popcorn!
Love Actually is my go to!