Holiday films embody sheer delight, sweetness, and happy conclusions. We don’t always crave challenges or insights into the human experience. At times, we simply wish to feel joyful, and this collection of festive movies, ranging from timeless classics to unique selections, will undoubtedly evoke that warm sensation of twinkling lights and sugarplum fantasies.
The greatest aspect? They are all available for streaming on Hulu, allowing you to enjoy them immediately from your cozy spot on the couch.
20. Elf (2003)
Will Ferrell’s Buddy won’t tolerate anyone impersonating Santa, and he’ll fight in front of children to demonstrate it. Ferrell portrays a man convinced he’s an elf in Jon Favreau’s Elf, a quintessential holiday comedy. Buddy discovers he’s a human orphan and embarks on a quest to locate his biological father in New York City, a busy executive played by James Caan. There are snowball skirmishes, a budding romance with Zooey Deschanel, and a breakfast of spaghetti and candy. With anyone else, Elf might have been forgettable, but Ferrell’s comedic antics keep it hilarious even two decades later. — Oliver Whitney
How to watch: Elf is streaming on Hulu.
19. Die Hard (1988)
Skip the cookies and tree decorations. The true holiday spirit is witnessing Bruce Willis ascend elevator shafts and run barefoot over shattered glass. On December 24, 1988, NYPD officer John McClane arrives at the Nakatomi Corporation Christmas celebration to reconcile with his estranged wife. Sadly, Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber interrupts the festivities to steal bearer bonds. McClane won’t let them escape easily. — O.W.
How to watch: Die Hard is streaming on Hulu.
18. A Christmas Story (1983)
Every child recalls the toy they desired most for Christmas. For 9-year-old Ralphie, it’s a BB gun. Regrettably, everyone denies his request for safety reasons. A Christmas Story is ideal for Christmas Day, showcasing a child’s perspective of the holiday with warmth, nostalgia, and hilarity. It’s unique, presenting a leg lamp, tongues stuck to a frozen pole, and elves sending kids down a slide. — O.W.
How to watch: A Christmas Story is streaming on Hulu.
17. The Preacher’s Wife (1996)
In The Preacher’s Wife, Reverend Henry Biggs feels overwhelmed, grappling with his church and home life. He prays for assistance, and God sends an angel, portrayed by Denzel Washington. Dudley attempts to guide the reverend but develops an affection for Julia, played by Whitney Houston. The movie celebrates family and features memorable moments of Houston singing and Washington savoring New York pizza. — O.W.
How to watch: The Preacher’s Wife is streaming on Hulu Live TV.
16. Jingle All the Way (1996)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Howard is a father aiming to secure his son the year’s must-have toy, a Turbo Man action figure. On Christmas Eve, Howard embarks on a quest to acquire one, leading to escapades including evading police and a staged bomb scare. It’s whimsical in the best way. — O.W.
How to watch: Jingle All the Way is streaming on Hulu.
15. Tangerine (2015)
On Christmas Eve, Sin-Dee Rella, a trans sex worker, discovers her boyfriend has been unfaithful. She sets out to track him down in Sean Baker’s Tangerine, filmed on iPhones. The movie captures a raw reality, emphasizing chosen family while bursting with humor and emotion. — O.W.
How to watch: Tangerine is streaming on Hulu.