Top Christmas Movies Ever Made: A Holiday Watchlist [2026]

Thursday, January 1, 2026
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TOP-CHRISTMAS-MOVIES-EVER-MADE-A-HOLIDAY-WATCHLIST

The holiday season is here, and there’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than by watching some of the best Christmas movies in Ireland. From timeless classics to modern hits, these films offer every genre, from laughter to heartwarming moments.

Movies like Home Alone, Love Actually, and Elf are iconic, with characters and scenes that continue to bring joy year after year. These films have become a staple in households across Ireland and around the world during the holiday season.

For those who enjoy a mix of tradition and whimsy, films like The Grinch and Miracle on 34th Street add extra charm and holiday cheer. These classics never fail to remind us of the true spirit of Christmas.

You can stream Christmas movies on popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and RTÉ Player, making it easier than ever to enjoy your favourite holiday films in Ireland. To unlock the more extensive US catalogue of these platforms, use a VPN.

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Timeless Christmas Classics You Can’t Miss

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Whether you prefer timeless black-and-white classics or modern holiday blockbusters, these must-watch Christmas movies have stood the test of time and are perfect additions to your festive watchlist.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

A heartwarming Christmas classic, It’s a Wonderful Life follows George Bailey, a man who contemplates ending his life on Christmas Eve, believing he has failed.

With the help of his guardian angel, Clarence, George is shown how much his life has impacted those around him and how different the world would be without him.

The film, directed by Frank Capra, has become a holiday staple due to its powerful message of hope, love, and the importance of community.

Where to Watch: Plex (Free), Pluto TV (Free), and Prime Video


2. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1966)

A beloved animated Christmas special, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, is based on Dr. Seuss’s classic book. Directed by Chuck Jones, this charming special is known for its whimsical animation and iconic narration by Boris Karloff.

The Grinch, a bitter, green creature who despises Christmas, attempts to ruin the holiday for the residents of Whoville by stealing all their presents, decorations, and food.

However, his heart grows three sizes when he witnesses the Whos’ joyous celebration, despite losing everything. With its powerful message of love, generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas, it has become a holiday tradition for families to enjoy year after year.

Where to Watch: Apple TV+ and Prime Video


3. Love Actually (2003)

A heartwarming romantic comedy, Love Actually intertwines the lives of several characters in the lead-up to Christmas in London. The film explores love in its many forms, showcasing the joy and heartbreak that often come with relationships.

Directed by Richard Curtis, this ensemble film features a star-studded cast, including Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Liam Neeson. Known for its unforgettable moments and catchy soundtrack, Love Actually has become a modern Christmas classic.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video


4. Elf (2003)

A hilarious holiday comedy, Elf follows Buddy (Will Ferrell), a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who embarks on a journey to New York City to find his real father.

With his childlike innocence and elf-like antics, Buddy brings holiday cheer and chaos to the Big Apple, all while trying to convince his cynical father and the city that Christmas magic is real.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Apple TV+ and Prime Video


5. The Polar Express (2004)

The Polar Express is a magical animated adventure that follows a young boy who embarks on a journey to the North Pole aboard a mysterious train on Christmas Eve.

As he travels with other children, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas, friendship, and belief, all while meeting a series of unforgettable characters along the way.

Directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, The Polar Express is known for its stunning visual effects and emotional storytelling.

Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV+ and Prime Video


Binge-Worthy Christmas Movies for Holiday Marathon

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Image Credits: newsn9ne

Kick off the ultimate Christmas Holiday Marathon with a curated lineup of the best festive films that bring nostalgia, laughter, and heartwarming moments to your holiday watchlist.

1. The Santa Clause Franchise

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The Santa Clause franchise includes three beloved holiday films: The Santa Clause (1994), The Santa Clause 2 (2002), and The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause (2006).

All parts starring Tim Allen as Scott Calvin,  a man who accidentally becomes Santa Claus after the original Santa falls off his roof.

As he embraces his new role, Scott navigates the challenges of spreading holiday cheer while balancing his family life and magical responsibilities.

Where to Watch: Disney+


2. Home Alone Movies

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All-time favourite, Home Alone Series is a classic holiday franchise that follows the misadventures of young Kevin McCallister, who is accidentally left home alone during Christmas and must protect his house from burglars.

The series continues with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), where Kevin gets separated from his family again, this time in the Big Apple, and faces off against the same duo.

Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video


3. A Christmas Prince Trilogy

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The trilogy follows Amber, a journalist who falls in love with Prince Richard of Aldovia. In the first film, A Christmas Prince (2017), she uncovers a royal secret while falling for the prince.

The trilogy continues with A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding (2018)and A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby (2019), where Amber and Richard face royal life challenges, including marriage and expecting their first child.

Where to Watch: Netflix


4. The Christmas Chronicles

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The Christmas Chronicles follows siblings Kate and Teddy, who accidentally crash Santa’s sleigh and must help him save Christmas. In the first film (2018), they embark on a wild adventure with Santa, played by Kurt Russell, to deliver gifts before sunrise.

The sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2 (2020), brings new challenges as the kids team up with Santa to stop a villain from ruining Christmas. With its mix of humour, adventure, and heart, The Christmas Chronicles has quickly become a beloved holiday favourite.

Where to Watch: Netflix


5. Harry Potter

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The Harry Potter Movies, while not solely focused on Christmas, have become a holiday tradition for many. The films follow the life of Harry Potter, a young wizard, and his friends as they battle dark forces at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

With eight films spanning a decade, starting with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the series has captivated audiences worldwide. The magical world, filled with adventure, mystery, and festive charm, the Harry Potter films are perfect during the holiday season.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Peacock, and Max


FAQs

1. What are the must-watch Christmas movies in 2025?

You can watch the latest binge-worthy 2025 Christmas movies in Ireland, including A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, A Merry Little Ex-Mas, Jingle Bell Heist, and Goodbye June.

2. What is the best Christmas movie for families?

For families, Home Alone and Elf are top picks. They offer humor, adventure, and heartfelt moments that both kids and adults can enjoy together.

3. Are there any Christmas movies on Netflix?

Yes! Netflix offers a variety of Christmas movies, including A Christmas Prince, The Christmas Chronicles, and Klaus, making it easy to enjoy festive films from the comfort of your home.

4. What is the most romantic Christmas movie?

Love Actually is often considered one of the most romantic Christmas movies, featuring several intertwined love stories that capture the magic of the holiday season.


Conclusion

All in all, Christmas movies bring a unique magic to the holiday season, whether it’s the timeless charm of It’s a Wonderful Life, the laughter from Home Alone, or the festive adventures of Elf and The Polar Express.

You can watch best Christmas movies on various platforms, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and Hulu. For geo-restricted content, use a VPN like Surfshark to enjoy seamless streaming.

Paul Adair
Paul Adair
Passionate writer and avid streamer, I try and test streaming services and cord cutting options. By combining my love for writing with the thrill of discovering new media platforms, I like to guide and enlighten Irish audiences on the best ways to enjoy content without the cords.
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