After the turkey has been devoured, gifts have been exchanged, and conversation has waned, watching movies is a fantastic way to unwind during the holiday season. With streaming providing endless options, we’ve compiled a list of some top choices for your viewing pleasure, whether you’re in the mood for a Christmas classic or something that will keep you entertained for a few hours.
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F1: The Movie (available now on Apple TV+)
For those who are passionate about Formula One or for dads who only watch Bond films and Liam Neeson thrillers, Apple's major seasonal release offers an entertaining dose of masculine fun. Essentially a blend of Top Gun and racing, Brad Pitt stars as a once-renowned F1 driver summoned to help restore an struggling team’s fortunes. Pitt’s charisma shines throughout the film, complemented by the insightful race commentary that clarifies the technical aspects of racing. A lighthearted thrill to enjoy after the holiday feast.
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Die Hard/Home Alone (both on Disney+ now)
We’ve combined these two classics for a couple of reasons. First, they are both holiday-themed films involving criminals invading homes and heroes utilizing makeshift weapons. Secondly, the challenge of modern movie watchers often lies in figuring out on which of their many streaming platforms their favorite older films are available. Disney+ is the destination for these two holiday favorites, both of which have proven timeless and are likely to entertain a wide audience.
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Stranger Things 5, Volume Two (debuting on Netflix Christmas Day)
While technically a TV series, we’re including it here since two of the three episodes are feature-length. We last saw the now not-so-young kids of Hawkins confronting the villainous Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower), while Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) discovers a familiar face from the past in The Upside Down. Although it has had its ups and downs, particularly as the episodes extended in length, the Netflix series has consistently provided memorable moments that elicit gasps, so expect plenty of surprises leading up to the two-hour finale on New Year’s Eve.
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Carol (available on demand or through StudioCanal Presents now)
In the decade since its release, this deeply poignant romantic drama directed by Todd Haynes has become a significant film for the LGBTQ+ community during Christmas. Set in the 1950s, Rooney Mara portrays a young aspiring photographer who falls passionately in love with Carol (Cate Blanchett), a wealthy older woman enduring a divorce. The nuanced performances and the tragic love story, all set against a festive background, make this an eternally captivating choice for those who don’t mind a touch of holiday heartbreak.
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Elvis (broadcasting on BBC One/BBC iPlayer Christmas Day)
Is ‘camp as Christmas’ a valid category? Brimming with more sequins than a Drag Race dressing room, Baz Luhrmann chronicles the life of The King of Rock ’n’ Roll in a flamboyant, yet somewhat forgiving biopic. Featuring a highly committed performance from Austin Butler (who still seems to hold onto the accent), it’s a film for the fans that honors the icon beyond just the individual.
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Goodbye June (streaming on Netflix starting Christmas Eve)
For those who appreciate a tear-jerker, Kate Winslet both directs and stars in this drama about a family uniting for Christmas just as the matriarch (Helen Mirren) falls gravely ill. The overly sentimental plot is uplifted by a fantastic cast that includes Timothy Spall, Toni Collette, and Andrea Riseborough. Comparable to the numerous holiday commercials designed to bring tears to our eyes, have a box of tissues handy for this predictable yet impactful family drama.
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Sinners (available on Sky Movies and NOW starting Boxing Day)
One of the standout films of 2025 releases just in time for the lull between Christmas and New Year’s. Black Panther’s Michael B. Jordan reunites with director Ryan Coogler for a gripping drama-horror featuring two brothers (both portrayed by Jordan) who return to 1930s Mississippi with ill-gotten gains to establish a juke joint. Confronting trauma, racism, and personal issues, they cannot predict the surprises that await them on opening night. A delightful film with two musical performances that are sure to leave you speechless.
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Tangerine (available now on Prime Video)
We conclude with a wildly unconventional modern classic. Before his four Oscar wins for Anora, director Sean Baker captured LA on modified iPhones for this 2015 comedy-drama, which, in my opinion, surpasses his later works. Kitana Kiki Rodriguez shines as a trans sex worker who discovers her boyfriend/pimp has been unfaithful, leading her to wreak havoc in her Hollywood neighborhood on Christmas Eve in search of him. Incredibly well-written and sharp, it’s not exactly It’s a Wonderful Life, but if you’re looking for a Christmas film with a twist, this is the one.
After the turkey has been consumed, gifts have been swapped, and the chatter has fizzled out, watching movies is an excellent way to unwind during the holiday season. With