Top Ten Christmas Films to Stream This Festive Season, Chosen by Robin Wiggs

As the countdown to Christmas begins, entertainment observers have a fresh reason to settle in with a film binge. Veteran media analyst Robin Wiggs has named his top ten Christmas films that are currently streaming, pairing timeless classics with modern favorites to help viewers get into the festive mood in 2025.

The lineup reflects a broad range of tones and genres, from lavish musical spectacles to light-hearted comedies and bittersweet romances. The titles are spread across major platforms, including Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, Sky/Now, Apple TV, and BBC iPlayer in some markets, making them accessible to a wide audience.

The Sound of Music — Disney+. The 1965 musical starring Julie Andrews remains a perennial family favorite, following a governess who steps into the lives of the von Trapp children as the threat of war grows around them. Wiggs highlights its enduring appeal for households seeking a grand, sing-along experience that transcends generations.

The Bishop's Wife — Prime Video. A 1947 festive romance about an angel who helps a bishop and his wife navigate personal and clerical pressures. Cary Grant leads the angelic intervention in a wholesome, lightly magical story that remains a holiday staple for many viewers seeking warmth and charm.

The Holly and the Ivy — Studiocanal Presents, with buy/rent options on Apple TV and Amazon. This 1952 British drama-drama explores family tensions and reconciliation as a widowed reverend confronts his children and his own beliefs during a Christmas season filled with quiet, emotionally charged moments.

The Holdovers — Netflix. Paul Giamatti stars in a sharply observed 1970s-set drama about a stern teacher at a New England boarding school and a few students who rediscover the festive spirit amid snowbound isolation. The film has earned Oscar buzz for its character-driven wit and depth.

Elf — Sky/Now. Will Ferrell's holiday classic follows Buddy, a human raised at the North Pole, as he travels to New York City to reconnect with his lineage and bring Christmas cheer to a skeptical world. Its signature whimsy has helped it become a staple of many seasonal lineups.

The Muppet Christmas Carol — Disney+. A beloved adaptation that pairs Michael Caine as Scrooge with Kermit the Frog and the Muppets, reimagining Dickens with warmth, humor, and catchy tunes. A longtime favorite for families seeking a playful, musical celebration of the season.

Scrooged — Sky/Now. A late-1980s, modern take on A Christmas Carol, starring Bill Murray as a burnished TV executive who is haunted by three ghosts. The film blends satire with holiday sentiment and remains a comic alternative for adult viewers.

The Holiday — Amazon, Disney+, Netflix, Sky/Now. A 2006 romantic comedy about two women who swap homes across continents and discover love and friendship in unfamiliar places. Its warm tone and scenic settings have kept it in rotation for many households seeking a feel-good evening.

Last Christmas — BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Netflix. A 2019 festive rom-com co-written by Emma Thompson, featuring Emilia Clarke as a London singer with a career and personal life in flux. The film blends humor, heartbreak, and a hopeful Christmas message.

The Family Stone — Disney+, Netflix. A 2005 ensemble comedy about a bustling New England family gathering for the holidays, with Diane Keaton and Sarah Jessica Parker among the starry cast. Its sharp, affectionate humor and warmth make it a crowd-pleaser for diverse audiences.

The collective picks demonstrate how holiday cinema has evolved while keeping a central mission intact: to offer comfort, laughter, and a sense of togetherness as the year ends. Wiggs notes that availability can vary by region, so viewers should check their local catalogs to confirm which titles are streaming in their area. The diversity of the lineup also reflects a broad audience, spanning families, couples, and individuals looking for nostalgia or a fresh, contemporary take on the festive season.

For those planning a cozy weekend or a midweek unwind, the list provides options from big-screen musicals to witty modern comedies, all anchored by Christmas themes and the promise of a little escape from daily life. Whether viewers want a grand sing-along, a tender family drama, or a sharp-edged comedy, these ten titles offer a spectrum that can fit varied moods and schedules during December and beyond.