Most people who love movies and celebrate Christmas likely have a list of movies they rewatch every year. From classics like It's a Wonderful Life (1946) to Home Alone (1990), the amount of great stories is endless for this time of year. But there are a few lovely movies that either flew under the radar or were never given the chance to go viral and attract more viewers. We've compiled a list of underrated Christmas romance movies to watch, but now's the time to scream about the hidden gems that can be fun for the whole family.
From new releases like The Holdovers (2023) to older gems like Eloise at Christmastime (2003), here are the best underrated Christmas movies to add to your yearly rotation, as well as where to stream them on platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, and more.
The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus (2000)
For the longest time, I was convinced I made up this movie in my head. I had a single scene in my memory, and Google searches weren't bringing it up until one day, I saw it in a Reddit thread and legitimately cried after realizing it was real. A rewatch also proved that it was as good as I remembered, which is extra delightful when it comes to movies from the decade.
From beginning to end, it's so utterly lovely that it may be one of the few movies about Santa Claus that holds up. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus isn't just a good movie, but an excellent one—vibrant, warm, and so comforting; it has everything about the holidays all wrapped up with gorgeous animation. How it takes us through the life of Santa from the moment he's born to how he becomes the face of Christmas makes me a little weepy. It's perfect for anyone who has a nostalgia for cell animation and classic Christmas cartoons.
Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
Most people know Eloise at the Plaza (2003), but few people recognize the greatness in Eloise at Christmastime. And dare I say, it's even better than the original story? It has twice the magic, twice the joy, and sparkles with incredible performances from the whole cast. If you love Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), this gem is a must-watch.
Eloise at Christmastime also does an excellent job of centering a good portion of the story around the titular character's best friend, Bill. With a brilliant and achingly memorable performance from the late Broadway legend Gavin Creel, the story fires on all cylinders, with the type of wholesome Christmas magic that feels timeless. In truth, I don't know how to put the joy of this one into words. It's full of so much heart and an endearing plotline that makes everything feel a little lovely, even if just for a moment.
Klaus (2019)
With gorgeously stylized 3D computer animation, Klaus became a holiday staple the minute it first premiered. As yet another familiar story about Santa Claus and all that he stands for, it might not be revolutionary, but it delivers something unforgettable from start to finish. A large part of any holiday movie's magic comes from how much heart it delivers and how it does so organically, which Klaus nails.
The craftsmanship of Klaus is also just otherworldly. It's so stunning that it's a perfect reminder of what the human mind is capable of when it's allowed to deliver something masterful. Perfect for kids and families, this one's a must on all fronts, but especially for those who want something that'll legitimately feel awe-inspiring.
The Holdovers (2023)
Everything about The Holdovers feels like a classic, and since its release in 2023, I've rewatched it at least once around the holidays because it feels like it's been around for ages. Dominic Sessa's performance is so raw, so breathtaking that alongside a great like Paul Giamatti, he remarkably holds his own. If you love the comforting heart of the Dead Poets Society (1989), The Holdovers is a must-watch for you.
This one's especially perfect for the people who might be feeling a little sad this Christmas. The ones who are feeling Grinchy and frustrated with all things Christmas, because though it's not exactly festive, it's a gorgeous movie about making the best of an unfortunate situation. Also, Da'Vine Joy Randolph. That's it. She's an inimitable reason alone, and the entire thing feels like something that people can always rewatch.
This Is Christmas (2022)
This Is Christmas has it all: a wholesome story about how interconnected people are, romance, and a lovely holiday movie all wrapped up in a feel-good gem. What starts as a simple want to throw a party for the people who commute on the train together every day turns into something bigger. It becomes an experience they all needed to heal in some way, resulting in the type of found family treasure that only a truly well-written movie can evoke.
So much of This Is Christmas, like The Holdovers, feels like an instant classic right off the bat. The type of movie you turn on once, and by the time the credits roll, you realize you've just watched something deeply special. It's all heart, and features one of the best descriptions of humanity I've ever heard, which resulted in instant weeping. With an incredible cast of characters, it's perfect for anyone who loves movies about unexpected human connections.
