If you’re looking for movies to watch this Christmas season, Disney+ is the streaming service with one of the best selections. Its lineup is packed with festive classics and nostalgic Disney films guaranteed to evoke joyful memories of Christmas past. Let’s dive in!
18’Twas the Night (2001)
‘Twas the Nightis a Disney Channel Original Movie starring Bryan Cranston, back when he was best known as Hal fromMalcolm in the Middle(well before hisBreaking Badfame). The movie follows Cranston’s character, Nick Wrigley, who runs into trouble with hackers trying toaccess his boss’ bank account. This lighthearted Christmas comedy is worth watching for Cranston’s brilliant acting alone.
17Noelle (2019)
Anna Kendrick stars in the titular role ofNoelle, the daughter of Santa Claus. She has to find her brother Nick, played by the amazing Bill Hader, who struggles with responsibility and disappears before Christmas. The movie alternates between comedic and heart-warming scenes, often blending both.
16Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Fever (2023)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Christmas: Cabin Feveris a movie adaptation of the 2011 bestselling children’s book by Jeff Kinney, the creator of the media franchise. However, you don’t have to be acquainted with the franchise to enjoy this movie.
In this animated movie, Greg Heffley dreams about getting the latestgame console. As the movie progresses, a snowstorm traps Greg and his family indoors. Like with any other normal family, tensions slowly rise, leading to a series of funny events.
15LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020)
If you struggle to get your whole family to sit down for a movie for more that lasts more than an hour, and you also happen to be a fan ofStar Warsand/orLEGO, then this special is perfect for you. Don’t let the 49-minute runtime ofLEGO Star Wars Holiday Specialfool you; this short film has all the markings of a properStar Warsstory. It’s packed with humor, charm, and action.
14Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas (1999)
No list of Disney+ movies would be complete without at least a couple of Mickey Mouse movies.Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmasis an anthology that consists of three separate stories featuring all the classic Disney characters. It’s a cozy little movie filled with heartwarming Christmas tales. Originally released as a direct-to-video film, I remember watching it on TV as a kid, and I’m looking forward to revisiting it this holiday season.
13Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas (2004)
Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmasis a sequel toMickey’s Once Upon a Christmas. Since it’s also a collection of stories, you don’t have to watch the first movie before this one. Aside from being an excellent festive film, what makes this entry special is that it’s the first Mickey Mouse movie to use CGI animation rather than traditional 2D animation.
12Jingle All the Way (1996)
If you’re a huge fan of theTerminatorfranchise and are distraught that a Christmas special never happened, I’ve got you covered.Jingle All the Wayis a hilarious movie that stars Arnold Schwarzenegger. He plays Howard Langston, a father who tries everything in his power to obtain a Turbo Man action figure, which is sold out everywhere. While the premise and writing are a bit cheesy, it’s still a wholesome story that explores father-son relationships.
11The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018)
If you’re in need of a modern Disney fantasy for Christmas Eve, look no further thanThe Nutcracker and the Four Realms. It’s a modern retelling of the classic fairy taleThe Nutcracker and the Mouse Kingthat features an impressive cast, including Mackenzie Foy as Clara Stahlbaum, Keira Knightley as the Sugar Plum Fairy, and Helen Mirren as Mother Ginger. The story follows Clara, who travels through a magical world in search of a key to unlock a gift from her deceased mother.
10The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppet Christmas Carolis a musical adaptation of the classic novellaA Christmas Carolbrought to life by the beloved Muppet cast. The Muppet rendition of this classic story offers a delightful blend of comedy, music, and heartfelt storytelling, making it the perfect movie to watch on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.
9The Santa Clause (1994)
If you want to know how Santa Clauses are made, check outThe Santa Clause. In this fantasy comedy movie, a dad and his son startle Santa Claus, who falls off their roof and dies (dark, I know). The dad and his son now have to put on Santa’s magical suit to finish the job, essentially turning the dad into the new Santa Claus. With the top-notch writing, this is definitely a movie worth watching.
