Best Christmas Movies to Watch on Netflix This Week

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With so many choices on Netflix, you’re sure to find something to enjoy this holiday season, whether you’re in the mood for a funny comedy or a cozy family film. Between all the holiday preparations – decorating, baking, and shopping – relaxing with a Christmas movie on Netflix is a great way to unwind.

I’ve always been a huge Netflix fan – for years, they were the place to go for streaming! While they’re still a leader, there are so many more options now, which means juggling multiple subscriptions just to find what you want. I love that Netflix has a great selection of Christmas movies for everyone, from heartwarming family films to grown-up favorites, and even some originals. But with so much choice, it can be overwhelming! That’s why I put together this list – to help you find the perfect Christmas movie to cozy up with, a warm drink, and some treats.

5. Fatman (2020)

Okay, so this movie is definitely not a family film! It’s a wild ride where Mel Gibson plays a seriously stressed-out Santa Claus running a failing workshop in Alaska with his wife (Marianne Jean-Baptiste). Things go south when a particularly nasty kid decides he wants revenge, and Santa, in a truly bizarre move, hires a hitman – Jonathan Miller – to take out the real Santa! If you loved Walton Goggins’ over-the-top, violent style as The Ghoul in Fallout, you’ll see a lot of that same energy here. This guy’s character has his own reasons for wanting to mess with Santa, and it’s pretty twisted.

Critics had differing opinions on this R-rated movie, but audiences loved it, as shown by its positive reviews on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. It’s leaving Netflix soon, so if you enjoy dark Christmas comedies, it’s worth watching while you still can. Just be prepared – it’s a pretty violent film!

4. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

A Boy Called Christmas is a magical adventure that tells the story of how Santa Claus came to be. Thirteen-year-old Nikolas ventures into a harsh, icy world to find his father, a woodcutter who disappeared while searching for the legendary Elfhelm. But when Nikolas arrives, he discovers Elfhelm isn’t the joyful place he imagined. A divide between humans and elves has created a strict and unfair society, and Nikolas must join a group fighting to restore the spirit of Christmas.

Similar to how the movie The Princess Bride is framed, this story unfolds as a great aunt reads it to her mischievous grandchildren, who are struggling to feel festive after the loss of their mother. Shifting between the exciting adventure and the children’s bedroom could disrupt the flow, but Maggie Smith delivers a beautiful performance, bringing a touch of warmth and authority to these moments, making them just as captivating as the fantastical story itself.

3. The Christmas Chronicles (2018)

We’ve seen plenty of unusual Santas in movies lately – think Tim Allen in The Santa Clause or Paul Giamatti in Fred Claus – but Kurt Russell’s portrayal might be the most unexpected yet. His Santa isn’t the typical jolly figure; he’s a bit of a rebel. The movie shows him leading police on a car chase, getting arrested, and even performing a rock-and-roll song with his fellow inmates – all to spread some holiday spirit!

While Santa is a big part of this movie, the heart of the story lies in the complicated relationship between a teenage car thief named Teddy and his younger sister, Kate. Their struggles are what cause Santa to pause his Christmas Eve deliveries. The movie beautifully portrays how their bond grows, managing to be heartwarming without becoming overly sentimental. Kurt Russell’s performance as Santa is truly the highlight, and the main reason to watch. There’s a sequel on Netflix with Goldie Hawn as Mrs. Claus, but the original film is definitely the better of the two.

2. Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)

Everyone enjoys a great Christmas musical! While Wicked: For Good continues to draw audiences in theaters, Netflix offers a festive option with Jingle Jangle. This heartwarming story follows a once-brilliant toymaker who’s fallen on hard times. Just as the bank is about to close his shop, his granddaughter, Journey, comes to spend Christmas with him. Although the setup is a little sad, the movie is full of upbeat, soulful musical numbers that keep the spirit bright.

While the story gets a bit confusing now and then, especially after the robot Buddy appears, the musical numbers are the best part of this movie. Forest Whitaker’s performance as Jeronicus Jangle provides a solid center, and Madalen Mills’s character Journey shines with her catchy title song. Lisa Davina Phillip as Ms. Johnston is wonderfully energetic whenever she’s on screen. Keegan-Michael Key is also a standout as Gustafson, particularly during his song “Magic Man G” – it makes you wish he’d done more musical work! And Ricky Martin’s appearance as a living toy matador is definitely a memorable moment.

1. Klaus (2019)

I recently watched this amazing animated movie on Netflix, and it seriously felt like something Disney would make – though it’s actually from SPA Studios! It’s called Klaus, and it first came out in 2019. The story centers around Jesper, a really spoiled kid who’s sent to this super bleak, frozen town called Smeerensburg as punishment. The town is basically torn apart by this ridiculous, long-standing feud between two families. Jesper has to get the townspeople to send 6,000 letters in a year to earn his way back to a comfortable life, and he ends up teaming up with Klaus, this big, quiet woodsman who secretly loves making toys. It’s a really heartwarming and clever story!

While there are many takes on Santa’s beginnings, Klaus stands out with its hilarious humor and touching moments. Fans of Disney’s The Emperor’s New Groove will appreciate the comedic chemistry between Jesper and Klaus, which is similar to Kuzco and Pacha. The supporting cast, featuring comedic talents like Norm Macdonald and Joan Cusack, adds even more laughs. Released six years ago, it remains Netflix’s best Christmas movie – it’s both heartwarming and genuinely funny.

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2025-12-22 14:05