Somewhere between juggling year-end work, planning trips to see friends and family, and pretending not to panic about gift lists, December sneaks up with a reminder, saying it is okay to slow down. And for many, that pause comes in the shape of a Christmas movie, the kind that resets the mood in minutes.

This year, Hulu makes the job of picking a perfect watch easy with a lineup that blends heart, humor, and just the right amount of holiday sparkle.

Whether one plans on watching alone, with kin, or simply pressing play for background comfort, here are the 10 best Christmas movies on Hulu to help 2025 end on the right note.

Elf

Released in 2003, Elf is a Christmas comedy that follows Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole, who travels to New York City to find his biological father. The film mixes holiday fantasy with a heartfelt story about identity and belonging. 

The film stars Will Ferrell as Buddy alongside James Caan, Zooey Deschanel, Mary Steenburgen, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart.

Home Alone

Released in 1990, Home Alone tells the story of Kevin McCallister, an eight-year-old accidentally left behind when his family flies to Paris for Christmas. Kevin must defend his home from two burglars using a series of inventive traps.

The movie stars Ryan Gosling’s favourite, Macaulay Culkin, as the lonely kid, with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern portraying burglars Harry and Marv.

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Few movies capture the season better than this next title, a Christmas staple that transforms a treasured children’s book into a magical film experience.

The Polar Express

Released in 2004, The Polar Express is an animated fantasy film based on the 1985 children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. The plot follows a young boy who embarks on a magical train journey to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The film stars Tom Hanks in multiple roles, including the Conductor, the Hero Boy and his father as well as Santa Claus.

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Released in 1989, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation follows Clark Griswold’s disastrous attempt to create the perfect family Christmas. The film delivers a series of comedic mishaps, from an electrocuted cat to a burnt-down Christmas tree, capturing the chaos that often accompanies holidays.

The film stars Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold, along with Beverly D’Angelo, Randy Quaid, and Juliette Lewis.

The Santa Clause

Released in 1994, The Santa Clause tells the story of Scott Calvin, a divorced father who accidentally causes Santa Claus to fall to his death from his roof and must assume the role himself. As Scott transforms into Santa, he navigates both family tensions and the magical responsibilities tied to the North Pole.

The film stars Tim Allen as Scott Calvin, joined by Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, and David Krumholtz.

A Christmas Story

Released in 1983, A Christmas Story is set in the 1940s and follows young Ralphie Parker, who desperately wants a Red Ryder gun for Christmas. The film explores childhood fantasies, family quirks, and holiday fun through a series of humorous vignettes narrated by adult Ralphie.

The film stars Peter Billingsley as Ralphie, with Darren McGavin and Melinda Dillon as his parents.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Released in 2000, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book. The story follows the Grinch, a reclusive creature who plots to ruin Christmas for the residents of Whoville but ultimately discovers the holiday’s true meaning.

The film stars Jim Carrey in the titular role, supported by Taylor Momsen and Jeffrey Tambor.

Love Actually

Released in 2003, Love Actually interweaves multiple storylines set during the Christmas season, exploring love through romance, friendship, loss, and family connections. The film unfolds in London, capturing a wide range of emotional experiences tied to the holiday period.

The ensemble cast includes Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Bill Nighy, and Alan Rickman.

Klaus

Released in 2019, Klaus is an animated Christmas film that presents an alternative origin story for Santa Claus. Set in a remote, feuding town, the story follows Jesper, a reluctant postman who befriends a reclusive toymaker named Klaus, leading to acts of kindness that transform the community.

The film features the voices of Jason Schwartzman, J. K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, and Joan Cusack.

Arthur Christmas

Released in 2011, Arthur Christmas reveals the high-tech operations behind the modern Santa Claus enterprise and follows Arthur, Santa’s youngest son, as he embarks on a mission to deliver a misplaced gift. 

The voice cast includes James McAvoy as Arthur, with Hugh Laurie, Bill Nighy, Jim Broadbent, and Imelda Staunton.

Christmas movies on Hulu in 2025 can be accessed through any active plan, including Hulu (With Ads), Hulu Premium (No Ads), or the Hulu + Live TV bundle. The platform’s holiday catalog features classics, family titles, and originals updated throughout December. Streaming is supported on smart TVs, mobile devices, laptops, and major streaming sticks through the Hulu app.

So, as December settles in, the season brings the perfect excuse to trade the year’s hurried pace for a little slowed-down joy. And with Hulu’s snow-dusted slate at disposal, only pressing play and warming chocolate milk is the effort that needs to be made. Whether the goal is warmth, nostalgia, or a familiar burst of cheer, the streamer’s collection has everything that would help wrap the year on a jolly accent.

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Which Christmas movie on the list will you watch first? Let us know in the comments below.