Where to watch your favorite holiday movies and shows

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — I have always loved the pure spectacle of December. I’ve been fortunate to experience the lavish decorations of Regent Street in London, the lights of Salt Lake City, the outdoor markets in Germany, and the Christmas pageant of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. I’ve even indulged in some holiday cheer on in the middle of the ocean with Mickey Mouse.

And yet, most of my holiday memories are about sitting with family or friends and watching movies. Maybe you’re the same.

To kick off the season, I’ve compiled a list of 50 films and where you can stream them. There’s one film, “The Holdovers,” you’ll have to venture into a theater to see, but everything else here is available on a streaming service, available to own or rent digitally.

The list was culled from my co-worker’s favorite films, my personal picks, and a deep dive into the internet to see what films frequently made their way into other lists. It is a mix of traditional and unconventional where horror films mingle with romantic dramas and robust adventures. A bit of everything for a part of everyone.

Undoubtedly, I’ve missed the most obvious. I often do.

Anna and the Apocalypse (2017)

Studio Synopsis:In this gleeful mashup, Anna and her friends must fight – and sing – their way through a zombie invasion to reach the supposed safety of their school, not knowing if their parents and friends will still be alive when they get there.
Where to watch: AMC+, Shudder

Arthur Christmas (2011)

Studio Synopsis:Santa and his elite elf team use spy-like stunts to deliver billions of presents to all the world's children in one incredible night. So what does it mean if only one child gets left without a present? Everything! Now it is up to Santa's youngest son Arthur to fix this slip up and make good on the promise of Christmas. With the help of retired Grand Santa and a rebellious young elf, Arthur's on a last-second ride to give the final gift and bring wonder back to the holiday season.Where to watch: Max

Bad Santa (2003)

Studio Synopsis:Bad Santa follows criminals Willie and Marcus as they disguise themselves as Santa Claus and his elf and travel across the country to major malls, using the good will people have toward Santa to rob the mall stores blind. The problem is, Willie can’t stand kids and it’s all he can do to keep himself from getting fired while on the job. Their plan still progresses beautifully until the two reprobates meet an introverted 8-year-old boy who thinks Willie is the real Santa Claus.
Where to watch: Paramount+

Batman Returns (1992)

Studio Synopsis:In the second of the blockbuster Batman films, the physically deformed criminal genius The Penguin threatens Gotham City--and, helpless, the entire city can only pray that Batman Returns. Only Batman (MichaelKeaton) can defend the city from total chaos as The Penguin (DannyDeVito) lays twisted waste to a great metropolis. Meanwhile, the Dark Knight may have met his equal in the lethally lithe Catwoman (MichellePfeiffer)--only he doesn't know if she is feline friend ... or foe.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Max

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

Studio Synopsis:Share the laughter, love, and surprises as Harper (Taye Diggs), Lance (Morris Chestnut), Quentin (Terrence Howard), Jordan (Nia Long), Robyn (Sanaa Lathan), Mia (Monica Calhoun), Murch (Harold Perrineau), Candy (Regina Hall) and Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) all reunite for the first time in years. When the college friends get together, they soon discover how easy it is to reignite long-forgotten rivalries and romances, all while new discoveries are made and secrets are revealed.
Where to watch: Peacock

Better Watch Out (2016)

Studio Synopsis:When you think the suburbs, you think safety, but this holiday night the suburbs are anything but safe. Ashley (Olivia DeJonge) thought this babysitting job was going to be an easy night, but the night takes a turn when dangerous intruders break in and terrorize her and the twelve-year-old boy, Luke (Levi Miller), she's caring for. Ashley defends her charge to the best of her ability only to discover this is no normal home invasion.
Where to watch: Peacock

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Studio Synopsis: A debonair angel comes to Earth to help an Episcopalian bishop and his wife in their quest to raise money for the new church.Where to watch: YouTube (with ads)

Black Christmas (1974)

Studio Synopsis:A series of obscene phone calls start to plague the residents of the sorority and it becomes clear that a psychopath is homing in on the sisters with dubious intentions. And though the police try to trace the calls, they discover that nothing is as it seems during this Black Christmas.
Where to watch: Peacock

Carol

Studio Synopsis:Starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara & set against the glamourous backdrop of 1950s New York, Carol is an achingly beautiful depiction of love against the odds. From the author of The Talented Mr. Ripley and acclaimed director Todd Haynes (Far From Heaven, I’m Not There, Mildred Pierce) comes a powerful drama about a married woman who risks everything when she embarks on a romance with a younger department store worker.
Where to watch: Netflix

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)

Studio Synopsis:Christmastime is here. Happiness and cheer. And for Peanuts fans everywhere, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without this classic holiday delight. Christmas lights may be twinkling red and green, but Charlie Brown has the Yuletide blues. To get in the holiday spirit, he takes Lucy’s advice and directs the Christmas play. And what’s a Christmas play without a Christmas tree? But everyone makes fun of the short, spindly nevergreen Charlie Brown brings back – until the real meaning of Christmas works its magic once again
Where to watch: Apple TV+

The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

Studio Synopsis:The Christmas Chronicles, a holiday adventure from producer Chris Columbus (“Home Alone”, "Harry Potter") and director Clay Kaytis ("The Angry Birds Movie"), tells the story of sister and brother, Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy Pierce (Judah Lewis), whose Christmas Eve plan to catch Santa Claus (Kurt Russell) on camera turns into an unexpected journey that most kids could only dream about. After staking out Santa’s arrival, they sneak into his sleigh, cause it to crash and nearly derail Christmas. As their wild night unfolds, Kate and Teddy work together with Santa - as you've never seen him before - and his loyal Elves to save Christmas before it's too late.
Where to watch: Netflix

Christmas Eve on Sesame Street (1978)

Studio Synopsis:It's Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, and everyone is joining in the excitement - until a question from Oscar throws Big Bird into a tailspin. "How does a guy like Santa Claus, who's built like a dump truck, come down all those skinny little chimneys?" Oscar asks. Suddenly Big Bird is worried that if he can't answer the question, there won't be any presents on Christmas!

Where to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

Christmas in Connecticut (1945)

Studio Synopsis:A food writer who has lied about being the perfect housewife must try to cover her deception when her boss and a returning war hero invite themselves to her home for a traditional family Christmas.
Where to watch: Max

A Christmas Story (1983)

Studio Synopsis:It's the final days before Christmas in early 1940s Cleveland, and 9-year-old Ralphie wants one thing from Santa Clause more than anything else: a Red Ryder Carbine Action Air Rifle. As he trudges through the snow to school, faces the neighborhood bully and visits a malevolent department store Santa Clause, Ralphie connives, conspires and campaigns for the most fabulous Christmas present ever in this heartwarming, hysterical and sweetly nostalgic holiday film.
Where to watch: Max

Die Hard (1988)

Studio Synopsis:Facing Christmas 3,000 miles from his estranged wife and two children, New York policeman John McClane (Bruce Willis) flies to Los Angeles bearing presents and hoping to patch up his marriage. Stylish and cool Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) is in Los Angeles as well for the holiday season, but he's not there to give out presents. He's there to take: more than $600 million in negotiable bearer bonds from the multinational Nakatomi Corporation, where McClane's wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) is an executive. When the takeover becomes hostile, it's up to John McClane to take on the terrorists with all the grit and determination he can muster--but not without a sense of humor.
Where to watch:Hulu

Dr. Seuss' The Grinch (2018)

Studio Synopsis:Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss' beloved classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous spirit. Funny, heartwarming and visually stunning, The Grinch is fun for the whole family!
Where to watch: Peacock

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Studio Synopsis:From Tim Burton comes an unforgettable fairy tale starring Johnny Depp, Wynona Ryder, Dianne Wiest and Vincent Price as the Inventor. Once upon a time in a castle high on a hill lived an inventor whose greatest creation was named Edward. Although Edward had an irresistible charm, he wasn't quite perfect. The inventor's sudden death left him unfinished, with sharp shears of metal for hands. Edward lived alone in the darkness until one day a kind Avon lady took him home to live with her family. And so began Edward's fantastical adventures in a pastel paradise known as Suburbia.
Where to watch: Max

Elf (2003)

Studio Synopsis:This hilarious Christmas film tells the tale of a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts on Christmas Eve and is transported back to the North Pole and raised as an elf. Years later Buddy learns he is not really an elf and goes on a journey to New York City to find his true identity.
Where to watch: Max

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

Studio Synopsis:High-flying reindeer! Mischievous elves! Warp-speed sleigh rides! Get set for a magical dose of holiday cheer, zany season's greetings and spellbinding special effects in this fast-paced, heartwarming comedy hit! When Santa Claus decides to retire and pass on his magic bag of Christmas surprises to a new St. Nick, he enlists the aid of a hilarious assortment of characters, including that lovable know-it-all Ernest P. Worrell (Emmy Award-winning comedian Jim Varney)! Along the way, Santa and Ernest help a cynical teen experience the season's spirit like never before. And that's where the fun-and magic-begins! Ernest Saves Christmas... one delightful, surprising tale you'll never forget!
Where to stream: Disney+, Prime Video

Frosty the Snowman (1969)

Studio Synopsis:Discover how everyone's favorite happy, jolly soul came to life one day in the original holiday special, Frosty the Snowman! After Karen and her friends build a snowman on Christmas Eve, Frosty comes alive with a little help from a discarded magic hat. As temperatures rise, Karen must help Frosty get to the North Pole before he melts. At the same time, they are also being chased by Professor Hinkle who wants his magic hat back
Where to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

Gremlins (1984)

Studio Synopsis:With its Christmas lights and dusting of snow, Kingston Falls is an idyllic small town--until the gremlins take over. A father returns from Chinatown with an unusual pet, a Mogwai--a gift for his son. The rules are simple: Keep your Mogwai away from water, bright lights and, most importantly, never--never--feed him after midnight. But the rules are inadvertently broken, and the consequences multiply at an alarming rate.
Where to watch: Max

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special

Studio Synopsis: On a mission to make Christmas unforgettable for Quill, the Guardians head to Earth in search of the perfect present.
Where to watch: Disney+

Home Alone (1990)

Studio Synopsis: Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister has become the man of the house, overnight! Accidentally left behind when his family rushes off on a Christmas vacation, Kevin gets busy decorating the house for the holidays. But he's not decking the halls with tinsel and holly. Two bumbling burglars are trying to break in, and Kevin';s rigging a bewildering battery of booby traps to welcome them!
Where to watch: Disney+

The Holdovers (2023)

Studio Synopsis: From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, THE HOLDOVERS follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who is forced to remain on campus during Christmas break to babysit the handful of students with nowhere to go. Eventually he forms an unlikely bond with one of them -- a damaged, brainy troublemaker (newcomer Dominic Sessa) -- and with the school’s head cook, who has just lost a son in Vietnam (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
Where to watch: Theaters

Holiday Inn (1942)

Studio Synopsis:Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire sing and dance their way into your heart in the sensational musical comedy Holiday Inn. Crosby plays a song and dance man who leaves showbiz to run an inn that is open only on holidays. Astaire plays his former partner and rival in love. Follow the two talented pals as they find themselves competing for the affections of the same lovely lady (Marjorie Reynolds).
Where to watch: Available to rent/own from digital retailers

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Studio Synopsis:The lonely and heartless Grinch dresses up as Santa and steals the Christmas decorations, gifts and feasts from the people of Whoville.
Where to watch: Peacock

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Studio Synopsis: You Better Watch Out! He's green...he's mean...and he hates Christmas! The Grinch is a bad tempered hairy green creature, who live inside a cave atop Mount Crumpit, overlooking the village of Whoville. As the Whos of Whoville frantically prepare for their yuletide celebrations, The Grinch decides to put a stop to Christmas once and for all, and steals all their presents and decorations on Christmas Eve...only to finally come to learn that the true spirit of Christmas goes much deeper than tinsel and toys.
Where to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

Studio Synopsis: Frank Capra’s heart-warming masterpiece has been embraced as a cherished holiday tradition by families around the world! George Bailey (James Stewart) sets aside his dreams of world travel to run his father’s small community bank, and protect the people of Bedford Falls from greedy businessman Mr. Potter (Lionel Barrymore). When a costly mistake pushes George to the brink of despair, a visit from a kindly angel (Henry Travers) will show George how the life of one good man can change the world forever.
Where to watch: Prime Video

Klaus (2019)

Studio Synopsis: When Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) distinguishes himself as the postal academy’s worst student, he is stationed on a frozen island above the Arctic Circle, where the feuding locals hardly exchange words let alone letters. Jesper is about to give up when he finds an ally in local teacher Alva (Rashida Jones), and discovers Klaus (Oscar winner J.K. Simmons), a mysterious carpenter who lives alone in a cabin full of handmade toys.
Where to watch: Netflix

LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020)

Studio Synopsis:“The LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special” reunites Rey, Finn, Poe, Chewie, Rose and the droids for a joyous feast on Life Day. Rey sets off on a new adventure with BB-8 to gain a deeper knowledge of the Force. At a mysterious Jedi Temple, she is hurled into a cross-timeline adventure through beloved moments in Star Wars cinematic history, coming into contact with Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, Yoda, Obi-Wan and other iconic heroes and villains from all nine Skywalker saga films. But will she make it back in time for the Life Day feast and learn the true meaning of holiday spirit?
Where to watch: Disney+

Little Women (1994)

Studio Synopsis: Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon star in this family favorite. With her husband off at war, Marmee (Sarandon) is left alone to raise their four daughters, her LITTLE WOMEN. There is the spirited Jo (Ryder); conservative Meg (Trini Alvarado) fragile Beth (Claire Danes); and romantic Amy (played at different ages by Kristen Dunst and Samantha Mathis). As the years pass, the sisters share some of the most cherished and painful memories of self-discovery, as Marmee and Aunt March (Mary Wickes) guide them through issues of independence, romance and virtue.
Where to watch: YouTube (with ads)

Little Women (2019)

Studio Synopsis:Writer-director Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) has crafted a Little Women that draws on both the classic novel and the writings of Louisa May Alcott, and unfolds as the author’s alter ego, Jo March, reflects back and forth on her fictional life. In Gerwig’s take, the beloved story of the March sisters – four young women each determined to live life on their own terms – is both timeless and timely.
Where to watch:Starz

Love Actually

Studio Synopsis: "Get ready for fun!" (Leah Rozen, People) with the "feel good movie of the year!" (Clay Smith, Access Hollywood) Love Actually is the ultimate romantic comedy from the makers of Bridget Jones's Diary and Notting Hill. Funny, irresistible and heartwarming, an all-star cast (Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson, to name a few!) will take you on a breathtaking tour of love's delightful twists and turns. Fall under the spell of Love Actually and share the laughs and charm again and again.
Where to watch: Netflix

The Man Who Invented Christmas (2017)

Studio Synopsis:The Man Who Invented Christmas tells the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and other classic characters from A Christmas Carol. Directed by Bharat Nalluri (Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day), the film shows how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed real life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure up unforgettable characters and a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season into the celebration we know today.
Where to watch: Prime Video

Mickey's Christmas Carol (1983)

Studio Synopsis: Make the season merry with Mickey, Donald, Goofy and all their pals. An all-time Christmas classic gets a fun Disney twist as greedy Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. Ebenezer Scrooge is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity, but with the guidance of some new found friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season.
Where to watch: Disney+

The Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Studio Synopsis: When a nice old man, employed as a department store Santa Claus, is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video.

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Studio Synopsis:Everyone, especially children, knows that the holiday season is a time for miracles. However, six-year-old Susan Walker (Mara Wilson) has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle...Santa Claus. This holiday season, Susan is going to receive the most precious gift of all: something to believe in. And she's about to discover that miracles do occur...The story relates the arrival of one Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough), a department store Santa who believes he's the genuine article, and who subsequently turns a skeptical child's world upside-down. When Kris is put on trial to prove he's Santa, the youngster -- and everyone around her -- learns the true meaning of faith, the importance of family... and that even today, we all need something to believe in.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Studio Synopsis: Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens' classic tale. Academy Award winner Michael Caine (Best Supporting Actor) gives a performance that's anything but "bah, humbug!" as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge's eyes -- and his heart -- to the true meaning of Christmas.
Where to watch: Disney+, Hulu

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Studio Synopsis:Clark Griswold, the well-intentioned, walking disaster who has dragged his family through the horrors of traveling in two previous National Lampoon Vacation films, has decided to stay home for the holidays--and the neighborhood will never be the same.
Where to watch: Max

The Night Before (2015)

Studio Synopsis:Ethan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), Isaac (Seth Rogen) and Chris (Anthony Mackie) have been friends since childhood, and for a decade, their yearly Christmas Eve reunion has been an annual night of debauchery and hilarity. Now that they’re entering adulthood, the tradition is coming to an end, and to make it as memorable as possible, they set out to find the Nutcracka Ball – the Holy Grail of Christmas parties.
Where to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)

Studio Synopsis:Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere!
Where to watch: Disney+

The Princess Switch (2018)

Studio Synopsis:What happens when Chicago baker Stacy meets a soon-to-be princess who looks exactly like her? Well, they trade places, of course. This holiday season join in the mischief as Vanessa Hudgens stars in The Princess Switch.
Where to watch: Netflix

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)

Studio Synopsis:In this darkly comic gem, it's Christmas Eve in northern Finland, and an archeological dig has just unearthed Santa Claus. But this Santa isn't one you want coming to town. When local children begin disappearing, Pietari and his father capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the corporation sponsoring the dig.
Where to watch: Peacock

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Studio Synopsis: Have a holly jolly Christmas with the most famous reindeer of all in the original holiday special, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! After being told he could not play in any Reindeer Games due to his glowing nose, Rudolph sets out on a fantastic journey where he meets Hermey the elf, prospector Yukon Cornelius and a host of Misfit Toys, all while trying to hide from the Abominable Snow Monster. It's a race against time as his family and Clarice try to find him during a big snowstorm that threatens to cancel Christmas.
Where to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)

Studio Synopsis:Celebrate the season with the story of Kris Kringle in the original holiday special, Santa Claus is Comin' To Town! After being discovered by a family of elves, baby Claus is raised by the Kringles and grows up to become a toymaker. Wanting to share his toys with the children of Sombertown, Kris must overcome the Winter Warlock and the Burgermeister Meisterburger along with some help from Miss Jessica and TopperWhere to watch:Available to rent/own from digital retailers

The Santa Clause (1994)

Studio Synopsis:Superstar comedian Tim Allen shines bright in Disney's magical, larger-than-life hit comedy The Santa Clause. On Christmas Eve, divorced dad Scott Calvin and his son discover Santa Claus has fallen off their roof. When Scott takes the reins of the magical sleigh, he finds he is now the new Santa and must convince a world of disbelievers, including himself.
Where to watch: Disney+

Scrooged (1988)

Studio Synopsis:High-spirited high jinks on Christmas Eve put Frank Cross (Bill Murray) in a ghostly time warp in this hilarious take-off of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Cross, who has made the meteoric rise from the depths of the mailroom to TV network president, is mean, nasty, uncaring, unforgiving and has a sadistic sense of humor - perfect qualities for a modern-day Scrooge. Before the night is over, he’ll be visited by a maniacal New York cab driver from the past, a present-day fairy who’s into pratfalls and, finally, a ghoulish, seven-foot headless messenger from the future.
Where to watch: Prime Video, Paramount+

Spirited (2022)

Studio Synopsis:Imagine Charles Dickens’ heartwarming tale of a scrooge visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve—but funnier. And with Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, and Octavia Spencer. Also, huge musical numbers. Okay, we’re asking a lot. Maybe just watch the trailer?
Where to watch: Apple TV+

Violent Night (2022)

Studio Synopsis:From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes a bare-knuckle, coal-dark holiday action-comedy that says you should always bet on red. When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (Stranger Things) stars as St. Nick, delivering some serious season's beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.
Where to watch: Peacock, Prime Video

White Christmas (1954)

Studio Synopsis:"White Christmas" spins the romantic and humorous tale of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis (Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye), two Army buddies who became a top-notch musical comedy team after the war and are now the toast of Broadway. While on the road in Florida, the stars become involved with twe aspiring singers, the sister act of Betty and Judy (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). Despite some romantic complications between the couples, everything ends on a happy note when Christmas Eve brings rave reviews for the show and much-needed snowfall!
Where to watch: Netflix