10 of the best festive flicks to fuel your holiday spirit this Christmas

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than with a cozy movie night featuring some of the greatest festive movies of all time! 

Whether you’re craving some romance, hearty laughs, or a little holiday magic, we’ve got you covered with a list of the top 10 must-watch Christmas movies. 

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Where to Watch: TVNZ & Prime Video 

Genre: Comedy

When their daughter announces she won’t be home for the holidays, Luther and Nora Krank decide to skip the Christmas festivities in exchange for a stress-free, sunny holiday. They soon realise that it is impossible to avoid the festive season with nagging neighbours and endless holiday chaos. 

Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Tim Allen, Christmas with the Kranks is the perfect movie to kickstart the holiday season if you love a good dose of holiday chaos and heartfelt family moments.

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Where to Watch: TVNZ & Sky Go NZ

Genre: Family/Comedy/Animation

In this animated adventure, Arthur, Santa’s clumsy yet well-meaning son, must save Christmas and deliver a forgotten gift to a young girl before time runs out. 

This is the perfect family film filled with witty humour, charm, and a touch of true Christmas magic. Arthur Christmas is a heartfelt reminder that Christmas is more than the gifts you receive but the thought and love that goes into them.

White Christmas (1954)

Where to Watch: Apple TV Store & YouTube Movies 

Genre: Musical/Romance 

Two talented performances team up with a sister act to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general. Through music, thrilling dance numbers, and a little Christmas magic, they restore the holiday spirit back to the struggling inn. 

If you love old-school Christmas magic, then this one is for you. With a blend of beautifully choreographed musical numbers and romance, this film is the ultimate feel-good film to bring cheer to the whole family this holiday season. 

The Santa Clause (1994)

Where to Watch: Disney+

Genre: Family/Comedy

Scott Calvin, an ordinary man, has his life flipped upside down when he accidentally causes Santa to fall off the roof. He finds himself contractually obligated to take on the role of Santa Claus. As he takes on this important role, he must learn to balance the responsibilities of his new job and the challenges of family life. 

In this fun family classic, Tim Allen's hilarious transformation from regular dad to Santa Claus makes it an unforgettable holiday experience. This movie is a magical reminder that the Christmas spirit is everywhere.

Scrooged (1988)

Where to Watch: Disney+ & Amazon Prime

Genre: Comedy

This modern-day retelling of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" starring Bill Murray follows Frank, a selfish TV executive who must confront his past, present, and future when he is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve.

If you love a good dose of dark humour with holiday cheer, Scrooged is the movie for you! Bill Murray's sharp performance makes this twist on a Christmas classic perfect for those who love a bit of wit.

The Holiday (2006) 

Where to Watch: TVNZ, Prime & Netflix 

Genre: Romance/Drama

In this charming romantic comedy, two women—one from LA and one from the UK—agree to swap homes for the holiday season to escape their troubled love lives and cure their holiday blues.

This is the perfect romantic holiday flick! It’s heartwarming and fun with a star-studded cast including Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law. 

Elf (2003)

Where to Watch: TVNZ & Sky Go NZ

Genre: Family/Comedy

Buddy, a human raised by elves in the North Pole, takes a trip to New York to find his real father, who probably doesn’t even know he exists. 

Will Ferrel brings the loveable, enthusiastic Buddy to life in this incredibly heartwarming and hilarious film—perfect for the whole family! 

Home Alone (1990)

Where to Watch: Disney+ & Amazon

Genre: Family/comedy

Eight-year-old Kevin is accidentally left home alone at Christmas when his family goes on vacation. What follows is a series of hilarious moments and homemade traps while Kevin defends his home from burglars.

Home Alone is a timeless classic perfect for the whole family! It’s clever, witty, and never gets old, and if you can’t get enough of this one, there are five more to follow! 

The Grinch Who Stole Christmas (2000)

Where to Watch: Neon & Sky Go NZ

Genre: Family/Comedy

The Grinch, a grumpy, green, revenge-seeking recluse, is on a mission to steal Christmas from the joyful residents of Whoville. However, when this grouchy grinch meets little Cindy Lou, his cold heart warms.

Jim Carrey gives an iconic performance in this beloved tale, delivering a timeless message of kindness, generosity, and the spirit of Christmas. 

Love Actually (2003)

Where to Watch: Prime, TVNZ & Netflix 

Genre: Romance/Comedy

This romantic comedy intertwines the lives of eight couples navigating love during the holiday season. From meet-cutes to heartaches, this film proves that love actually is all around.

Love Actually is a charming romance composed of humour, heartache, and love. The emotionally memorable moments make it a must-watch for all. 

From hilarious mishaps to tear-jerking moments, these films are the perfect picks to kickstart your Christmas season.

Whether you’re in the mood for some laughs, love, or both, let the movie marathon begin!