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The Best Christmas Movies to Stream This Holiday Season – What’s New and What’s Timeless in 2024
As the summer heat begins to wane and the scent of mulled wine starts wafting through Aussie homes, one thing becomes crystal clear: Christmas is just around the corner. And with it comes the annual ritual of curling up on the couch with a warm blanket, a plate of gingerbread biscuits, and a stack of festive films that never fail to lift the spirits.
But with so many Christmas movies flooding streaming platforms each year—from heartwarming classics to bizarre cult hits—how do you choose what to watch? Whether you're after family-friendly fare, romantic comedies set in snowy small towns, or something delightfully weird, 2024 has brought a fresh wave of holiday content worth your attention.
Let’s unwrap the best Christmas movies to stream this season, based on verified reports from trusted sources like the BBC and Yahoo Entertainment, plus some expert picks that capture every holiday mood.
What’s Trending This Year: The Verified Lineup
According to recent coverage from the BBC, streaming services are seeing a surge in demand for both new and nostalgic Christmas content as Australians prepare for their unique Southern Hemisphere festive season—complete with beach barbecues, backyard cricket, and air-conditioned movie marathons.
In their article “Binge-watching 2025's Christmas films: The good, the bad and the so-bad-it's-good,” the BBC highlights how studios are leaning into genre-blending holiday films—mixing horror, satire, and even sci-fi with traditional Christmas tropes. While the piece focuses on early 2025 releases, it confirms a broader industry trend: audiences crave variety, not just reruns of Home Alone (though we still love it).
Meanwhile, Yahoo Entertainment offers a curated list of must-watch titles for the 2024–2025 holiday season. Among the standouts:
- A Christmas Story Christmas – A long-awaited sequel to the 1983 classic, following Ralphie as an adult navigating parenthood and holiday chaos.
- The Night Before – Though originally released in 2015, this raunchy yet heartfelt comedy is experiencing a resurgence thanks to viral clips and Gen Z rediscovery.
- The Baltimorons – A quirky indie film described as “The Office meets Elf,” following a dysfunctional family forced to host Christmas after a bureaucratic mix-up.
These picks reflect a growing appetite for stories that balance sentimentality with modern humour and relatable family dynamics—perfect for Aussie viewers who appreciate authenticity over saccharine perfection.
Why Christmas Movies Matter More Than Ever
Christmas films aren’t just entertainment—they’re cultural touchstones. In Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, these movies offer a comforting contrast: snow-covered villages, crackling fireplaces, and cocoa by the fire (even if it’s 30°C outside). They provide a shared language of joy, nostalgia, and togetherness that transcends geography.
Dr. Emily Tran, a media studies lecturer at the University of Melbourne, explains:
“Holiday films serve as emotional anchors. Even when the setting doesn’t match our climate, the themes—family reconciliation, generosity, second chances—resonate deeply. Australians use these movies to create a sense of ‘home,’ even if that home exists mostly in our imaginations.”
This emotional connection drives consistent viewership. According to Nielsen data (cited indirectly via BBC reporting), Christmas movie consumption spikes by over 60% in December across major streaming platforms in Australia, with repeat viewings accounting for nearly half of all holiday content watched.
Recent Updates: What’s New in 2024
This year’s lineup blends legacy sequels, fresh originals, and international surprises. Here’s a breakdown of verified developments:
1. A Christmas Story Christmas (2022, but newly trending)
Though technically released two years ago, this sequel has gained massive traction in 2024 due to its inclusion in Stan’s holiday programming and TikTok nostalgia trends. Starring Peter Billingsley reprising his role as Ralphie, the film explores midlife regrets and the pressure to recreate childhood magic—topics that strike a chord with Aussie parents juggling work, kids, and festive expectations.
2. The Night Before: A Cult Classic Reborn
Originally dismissed by some critics, this Seth Rogen–starring comedy has found a second life. As noted by Yahoo, its blend of raunchy humour and genuine heart makes it a go-to for adult viewers seeking laughter without losing the spirit of the season. It’s now available on Netflix Australia and frequently appears in “Best Christmas Comedies” roundups.
3. International Gems Join the Mix
The National Catholic Reporter highlights 10 new Christmas movies catering to diverse moods—from contemplative dramas to lighthearted rom-coms. Among them: - The Christmas Setup (Hallmark): A LGBTQ+ inclusive romance that’s become a fan favourite. - Julemandens elevator (Denmark): A surreal Scandinavian tale about a Santa whose elevator malfunctions, trapping him between dimensions—described as “The Twilight Zone meets Miracle on 34th Street.”
While not all are readily available on Australian platforms yet, several are accessible via SBS On Demand or Amazon Prime Video, reflecting a globalised approach to holiday storytelling.
Contextual Background: From Black-and-White to Binge-Worthy
The tradition of Christmas cinema dates back to the silent film era, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the genre truly flourished. Classics like It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) and Miracle on 34th Street (1947) laid the foundation for stories centred on redemption, belief, and community.
In Australia, the genre took longer to gain traction due to cultural and climatic differences. However, the rise of global streaming has bridged the gap. Today, Aussies consume Christmas content at rates comparable to the US and UK—proof that the emotional core of these stories transcends snow and sleigh bells.
Notably, Australian filmmakers are also contributing to the canon. While not yet household names internationally, local productions like A Sunburnt Christmas (2020) showcase how Christmas can be reimagined under the Southern Cross—featuring dusty outback towns, Santa in board shorts, and pavlova instead of plum pudding.
Immediate Effects: How These Films Shape Our Holidays
The impact of Christmas movies extends beyond entertainment. Psychologists note that watching familiar holiday films can reduce seasonal stress and foster a sense of continuity—especially important during times of economic uncertainty or personal upheaval.
In 2024, with cost-of-living pressures affecting many Australian households, free or low-cost streaming options have become vital. Services like ABC iview, SBS On Demand, and free tiers of Stan and Binge are curating extensive Christmas collections, ensuring accessibility for all.
Socially, these films fuel conversation. From debating whether Die Hard is a Christmas movie (spoiler: yes, it is) to sharing memes about awkward family dinners mirrored in plotlines, Christmas cinema drives digital engagement. Social media platforms report a 40% increase in holiday-themed posts during December, much of it tied to film references.
Economically, the genre remains a goldmine. Studios continue greenlighting Christmas projects because they reliably generate returns—even modest-budget films often recoup costs within weeks of release. For Australian streamers, acquiring or producing localised holiday content is becoming a strategic priority to retain subscribers year-round.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Christmas Cinema?
Looking ahead, experts predict several key trends:
1. More Diverse Representation
Audiences are demanding stories that reflect modern families—single parents, blended households, multicultural backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ relationships. Hallmark, once criticised for its heteronormative plots, has responded with inclusive films like The Christmas Setup, and other studios are following suit.
2. Genre Hybridisation
As the BBC notes, the line between “Christmas movie” and “holiday-themed thriller” is blurring. Expect more entries like Violent Night (2022)—a violent, action-packed take on Santa—that appeal to viewers tired of formulaic plots.
3. AI and Personalisation
Streaming algorithms are getting smarter. By 2025, platforms may recommend customised Christmas movie marathons based on your viewing history, mood, and even real-time weather (imagine getting Frozen suggested during a rare Melbourne cold snap).
4. Australian Stories Go Global
With success stories like *A Sunburnt Christmas