Harsh Vardhan
‘Tis the season to cozy up with loved ones, sip on hot cocoa, and indulge in heartwarming tales of holiday cheer. With the advent of streaming services, finding the perfect Christmas and holiday movies has never been easier, and HBO Max stands out as a treasure trove of festive cinematic delights. This article will take you on a joyful cinematic journey through some of the best holiday and Christmas movies available on HBO Max. From timeless classics to modern favorites, these films will bring merriment and warmth to your holiday season. So grab your blanket, pour another cup of eggnog, and get ready to discover the festive magic waiting for you on HBO Max.
16. Krampus (2015)
In Michael Dougherty’s ‘Krampus,’ a dysfunctional family comes together for Christmas, and amid the tension, the youngest member, Max (Emjay Anthony), inadvertently calls upon a Krampus. Krampus is a demon from ancient folklore who punishes naughty children. Max once believed in Santa Claus but he loses his Christmas Spirit and calls upon the most unwelcomed Christmas guest. Now, the family needs to fight their inner demons and bring back the Christmas spirit to get rid of Krampus. The film is a perfect blend of horror, comedy, and family drama and is perfect for a Holiday/Christmas viewing. You can watch it here.
15. Last Christmas (2019)
Inspired by George Michael and Wham!, from which the title is also borrowed, ‘Last Christmas’ is directed by Paul Feig. It follows Kate (Emilia Clarke), who works at a year-round Christmas shop in Central London as an elf and aspires to be a singer. Struggling both in her professional and personal life, the latter of which includes her strained relationship with her sister Marta and mother Petra, who suffers from depression, she wonders whether her life will amount to anything. This is when she meets a guy named Tom (Henry Golding), who volunteers at a homeless shelter and drives a cab for a living. Being with him makes Kate look at life better, and she volunteers at the shelter. But what’s curious is that the staff at the shelter have never met Tom. What’s even stranger is that Tom disappears for days without notifying Kate. Unbeknownst to Kate, a secret binds them, one that can either take her by surprise or shock. To find out what that is, you can watch ‘Last Christmas’ here.
14. Prancer: A Christmas Tale (2022)
A must-watch Christmas flick, ‘Prancer: A Christmas Tale’ follows a grandfather-granddaughter duo (Bud and Gloria) who come across a mysterious magical reindeer on Christmas. Bud (James Cromwell) is widowed and is about to close his hardware store after having an accident. But Gloria (Darcey Ewart) realizes that Prancer might just be able to help them save the store, and thus starts planning for a Christmas that shall be genuinely magical not just for their family but for the entire town. Directed by Phil Hawkins, you can watch ‘Prancer: A Christmas Tale’ right here.
13. Shazam! (2019)
‘Shazam!’ is a delightful holiday movie that surpasses typical superhero fare. Directed by David F. Sandberg, the film centers on Billy Batson, a young boy who magically transforms into an adult superhero (Zachary Levi) whenever he says “Shazam.” Set in Philadelphia, the movie’s heartwarming charm emerges as it explores themes of family, friendship, and the power of belief. The endearing cast, including Asher Angel and Jack Dylan Grazer, infuses the story with humor and heart, making it a superb choice for holiday viewing. Feel free to check out the movie here.
12. A Christmas Story Christmas (2022)
In the realm of Christmas comedies, ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ takes center stage with the talented Clay Kaytis at the helm. This heartwarming tale follows the now-adult Ralphie as he embarks on a mission to recreate the magical Christmases of his childhood, weaving nostalgic enchantment into every detail. Returning to the cherished house on Cleveland Street, Ralphie seeks to bestow upon his children a holiday experience as wondrous as the one he once cherished while also rekindling connections with childhood friends. Amid the festivities, he endeavors to reconcile the memories of his Old Man. The film stars the talented Peter Billingsley and the charismatic Erinn Hayes. You can stream ‘A Christmas Story Christmas’ here.
11. 8-Bit Christmas (2021)
‘8-Bit Christmas,’ directed by Michael Dowse, is a nostalgic journey that effortlessly captures the essence of a memorable Christmas. Set in the ’80s, the film stars Neil Patrick Harris as an adult version of the protagonist, sharing the tale of his quest to obtain the ultimate holiday gift: a Nintendo Entertainment System. This heartwarming and humorous family film takes audiences back to the magic of a simpler time, blending childhood wonder with humor. It’s a delightful holiday movie because it skillfully taps into the universal yearning for cherished childhood memories and the enduring appeal of classic video games, making it a perfect addition to your festive movie lineup. You can stream the movie here.
10. Carol for Another Christmas (1964)
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, ‘Carol for Another Christmas’ is a compelling addition to the holiday film canon. This thought-provoking TV movie features an ensemble cast that includes Sterling Hayden, Ben Gazzara, Eva Marie Saint, and Peter Sellers. It departs from the typical feel-good Christmas movie, delving into themes of social responsibility, global conflict, and the spirit of giving.
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, the story follows the transformation of a wealthy industrialist who, after a haunting encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Future, becomes an advocate for peace and understanding. Its powerful message of compassion and unity in times of turmoil makes it a noteworthy, if unconventional, choice for the holiday season. You may watch ‘Carol for Another Christmas’ here.
9. Holiday Harmony (2022)
In the heartwarming film ‘Holiday Harmony,’ helmed by director Shaun Paul Piccinino, a charming underdog with immense talent faces a temporary detour from her musical aspirations when her van unexpectedly breaks down in a friendly small town right before Christmas. The plot unfolds around the endearing journey of resilience and newfound connections. Starring Annelise Cepero alongside the talented Brooke Shields and Ryder Franco, the movie captures the essence of hope, community, and the magic of the holiday season. You may watch it here.
8. A Hollywood Christmas (2022)
In the festive film ‘A Hollywood Christmas,’ under the direction of Alex Ranarivelo, a stellar cast including Jessika Van, Josh Swickard, and Anissa Borrego takes the spotlight. The plot unfolds when a successful Christmas movie director unexpectedly finds herself living out her very own Christmas tale as a charismatic network executive arrives, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the production of her latest film. This story delves into the charming fusion of reality and the enchantment of the silver screen, offering viewers an endearing and captivating look into the world of holiday filmmaking. You can check out the film here.
7. A Christmas Mystery (2022)
In the heart of Pleasant Bay, Oregon, a tight-knit community cherishes Santa’s jingle bells as a unique holiday tradition. However, the joyous atmosphere takes an unexpected turn when the beloved bells vanish, leading to false accusations against an unsuspecting father. Driven by unwavering faith in their dad’s innocence, his children embark on a mission to uncover the truth behind the disappearance. Directed by the talented Alex Ranarivelo and featuring the youthful talents of Violet McGraw and Santino Barnard, ‘A Christmas Mystery’ weaves a captivating tale of family bonds and holiday intrigue, making it a must-watch for the festive season. Feel free to check out the movie here.
6. A Christmas Dream (1946)
‘A Christmas Dream’ (Czech: Vánoční sen) is a charming Czechoslovakian short film co-directed by Karel Zeman and Bořivoj Zeman. The story unfolds with a young girl’s joyous discovery of an array of new dolls under the Christmas tree, a source of pure delight, save for one that she carelessly sets aside. As night falls, a sense of enchantment takes over, blurring the lines between dream and reality as the very doll she dismissed comes to life, moving and behaving as if it possesses a life of its own. The film weaves a magical narrative that beckons viewers into a world where the extraordinary meets the ordinary, making it an enchanting addition to any holiday watchlist. You may watch the film here.
5. Wonka (2023)
Based on Roald Dahl’s immortal character from his 1964 children’s novel ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,’ ‘Wonka’ is the origin story of Willy Wonka and shows how the aspiring chocolatier gives shape to his dream of owning a chocolate store and, subsequently, a chocolate factory. However, materializing his dream doesn’t come easy as he faces opposition and odds from the rival chocolatiers and the Chocolate Cartel. Heartwarming, magical, and, of course, sweet, ‘Wonka’ is directed by Paul King and stars Timothée Chalamet as Wonka. His co-stars include Calah Lane, Keegan-Michael Key, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Mathew Baynton, and Rowan Atkinson. You can watch the comedy musical here.
4. Beetlejuice (1988)
Tim Burton’s cult classic horror comedy follows the souls of Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis), a dead couple who, intending to rid their house of its new occupants, hire a freelance “bio-exorcist” named Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton). As easy as it seems, the couple soon realizes their mistake, as all that Betelgeuse loves and wants is causing chaos in the mortal world.
Winner of the Best Horror Film award at the 1988 Saturn Awards and the Academy Award for Best Makeup, ‘Beetlejuice’ is manic, creepy, delightful, and filled with fantastical improvisations, thanks to Burton’s metaphysical brain. It remains one of the best Holiday and Christmas movies, perfect for viewing with family and friends. You can watch it here.
3. Batman Returns (1992)
Directed by Tim Burton, ‘Batman Returns’ is a sequel to ‘Batman’ (1989). Starring Michael Keaton as Bruce Wayne/Batman, the film follows the Dark Knight as he takes on crime boss Oswald Cobblepot/ The Penguin (Danny DeVito), who wants power even if it means sending Gotham City into a state of chaos. What complicates matters for Batman is Selina Kyle/The Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer), who has her own motives and seems to have taken a liking to him. While Keaton and DeVito bring charm to the story, Pfeiffer garnishes it with her cunning sensuality. However, Burton smartly manages to keep things PG-13, giving us a wonderful Holiday movie to enjoy. You can watch ‘Batman Returns’ here.
2. Superman (1978)
A must-have on any Christmas movie list, ‘Superman’ is directed by Richard Donner. The film shows the origin story of DC superhero Superman/Kal-El, who is adopted as a baby by a couple on Earth after his ship (arriving from his home planet of Krypton) crash lands near their home in Smallville, Kansas. He is given the name Clark and gets his parents’ surname Kent. Kal-El’s journey of becoming Superman, his subsequent conflict with the baddie Lex Luthor, and his (Clark Kent’s) romance with his co-worker Lois Lane are what we see in this timeless classic.
Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of the titular character immortalized him and the character on screen. The cast includes Margot Kidder as Lois Lane and Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. We also have Marlon Brando and Susannah York as Kal-El’s biological/Kryptonian parents, Jor-El and Lara, respectively. Glenn Ford and Phyllis Thaxter play Clark’s parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent. You can watch ‘Superman’ here.
1. Elf (2003)
Jon Favreau’s Christmas comedy drama ‘Elf’ stars Will Ferrell as the titular human, Buddy, who was raised by Santa’s elves. Having discovered his origins, his search for his biological father lands him in New York City. His experiences in the City that Never Sleeps, accompanied by his peculiar behavior, underscored by Ferrell’s comedic timing, make ‘Elf’ a beautiful drama custom-made for Holiday viewing. Counted among the best Christmas movies ever, you can watch the film right here.
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