One of the best ways to kick off the holiday season is by turning on holiday movies. Whether watching solo or with loved ones, some holiday movies, both classics and newer hits, are below:
“Frosty the Snowman”
Where to watch: Hulu, Prime Video and Disney+ Premium
“Frosty the Snowman,” released in 1969, follows a class of elementary children who build a snowman. With the help of a magic hat, their snowman comes to life. Over the next few days, Frosty and the children encounter problems with rising temperatures and a magician who wants his hat back. The movie stars Jackie Vernon as Frosty, Jimmy Durante as the narrator, June Foray as Karen, Billy De Wolf as Professor Hinkle and Paul Frees as Santa Clause and the traffic cop.
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town”
Where to watch: Prime Video and Hulu Premium
“Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” released in 1970, follows the story of Kris Kringle (Santa Claus), explaining how he got to the North Pole, why he delivers presents and much more about the coming up of Santa Claus. The movie stars Fred Astair as the narrator, Mickey Rooney as Kris, Paul Frees as the Burgermeister Meisterburger and Robie Lester as Jesssica.
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”
Where to watch: Sling TV Premium
“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” released in 1964, follows Rudolph, a reindeer born with a unique feature: a glowing red nose. He was bullied throughout his childhood for this, but, when Santa can’t see through the fog on Christmas Eve, his nose, which was once considered unsightly, saves the day. The movie stars Billie Mae Richards as Rudolph, Janis Orenstein as Clarice, Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman, Paul Soles as Hermey the elf and Stan Francis as Santa Claus.
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas”
Where to watch (1966): Not available on streaming, available to rent on Prime Video
Where to watch (2000): fuboTV, Hulu Premium and Sling TV Premium
Where to watch (2018): Peacock (free), Sling TV Premium
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” was first released as an animated movie in 1966, but was also released as a live action film in 2000, and as a Universal Pictures animated movie in 2018. Each of the movies is a retelling of Dr. Seuss’ 1957 short story by the same name, each of which puts its own twist on the story. The 1966 movie stars Boris Karloff as the Grinch and the Narrator, June Foray as Cindy Lou Who and Dal McKennon as Max. The 2000 movie stars Jim Carrey as the Grinch, Josh Ryan Evans as the young Grinch, Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou Who, Christine Baranski as Martha May Whovier, Jeffrey Tambor as Mayor Augustus May Who, Molly Shannon as Betty Lou Who and Anthony Hopkins as the narrator. The 2018 movie stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the Grinch, Cameron Steely as Cindy Lou Who and Pharrell Williams as the narrator.
“The Polar Express”
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max, Philo, Disney+ Premium and YouTube Premium
“The Polar Express,” released in 2004, follows a boy’s journey to the North Pole by train. The movie stars Tom Hanks as the “hero boy,” conductor, Santa Claus, the hobo, father and Ebeneezer Scrooge puppet, Nony Gaye as the “hero girl” and Eddie Deezen as the “know-it-all boy.”
“A Charlie Brown Christmas”
Where to watch: Apple TV
“A Charlie Brown Christmas,” released in 1965, is an animated Christmas special based on Charles M. Shultz’s “Peanuts” comic strips. The movie follows Charlie Brown and his friends through the holiday season, as Charlie Brown attempts to restore his faith in humanity. He directs the school’s play, decorates his own Christmas tree, decorates for the holidays with his dog, Snoopy, and much more. The movie stars Peter Robbins as Charlie Brown, Christopher Shea as Linus, Tracy Stratford as Lucy, Kathy Steinberg as Sally and Bill Melendez as Snoopy.
“Elf”
Where to watch: Hulu, HBO Max, Philo, YouTube Premium, YouTube TV Premium, Disney+ Premium, Prime Video Premium, Sling TV Premium and The Roku Channel Premium
“Elf,” released in 2003, follows the story of Buddy, an orphaned human who was raised by elves. When he discovers that he is not like the rest of the elves, who he was raised by and works alongside, he journeys to New York City to reunite with his father. However, when he arrives, things don’t go exactly as planned. The movie stars Will Ferrell as Buddy, Zooey Deschanel as Jovie, James Caan as Buddy’s father, Walter, Bob Newhart as Papa Elf, Mary Steenburgen as Walter’s wife Emily and Daniel Tay as Buddy’s brother Michael.
