The holiday season is a time for family, relaxation, and feeling a sense of wonder—the special kind you felt as a kid. But it can also get a bit hectic. Whatever the reason, sometimes you just need a simple way to reset. And what better way than with a feel-good holiday movie to lift your spirit?
Holiday films go beyond entertainment. They’re a little escape, a dose of nostalgia, and a guaranteed mood boost. And it can be a joyful communal experience with your friends and family.
We’ve rounded up some of the most heartwarming holiday movies to give you a break from all the shopping and planning.
And we included exactly where you can stream or purchase/rent them! So, all you have to do is grab a blanket and your favorite snack, and press play.
How Feel Good Movies Help Your Well Being
According to The Journal of Positive Psychology, movies can be used to regulate emotions, process stress, and gain perspective. It’s not just for entertainment, it’s also nourishment for the mind and soul. Also, watching movies is considered a form of therapeutic exercise. Here are a few benefits you can get from watching feel good movies:
- Relaxation
- Boost your mood
- Improve your relationships
- Gain inspiration
- Reduce stress
- Inspire social reflection
Ready to gain perspective? Let’s get to the feel-good holiday movie recommendations!
A Bad Moms Christmas (2017)
Three overworked moms vs. the chaos of the holidays. Nothing they can’t handle. But throw in their own mothers showing up? 10 times more complicated (and hilarious). And along with the laughs, it shows you how to embrace the messy parts of family to find your own version of holiday joy. Looking for a holiday comedy to unwind with your friends or family? This is a great pick!
Rated R
Streaming: Hulu, Sling TV, YouTube TV
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.79), YouTube ($3.99), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Elf (2003)
Buddy is a human raised as one of Santa’s elves. As an adult, he discovers that he’s actually human—his 6’3” height is a telltale sign. So, he travels to New York City to find his biological father. Will Ferrell is hilarious as Buddy the Elf and he plays off the gruff James Caan very well. It’s a silly family film with tons of heart that encourages you to be yourself, even if you stick out, just like Buddy.
Rated PG
Streaming: HBO Max, Hulu, YouTube TV, Roku
Rent: Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99)
The Family Stone (2005)
Following a tightly knit, free-spirited family, this film tells the story of a holiday gathering that’s shaken up when the eldest son brings home his edgy girlfriend. Its mix of humor, heartache, and genuine warmth makes it a perfect feel-good holiday watch. As people clash and emotions rise, the film explores the beautifully messy reality of family. And it shows us that love shows up in imperfect ways sometimes but is still deeply meaningful.
Rated PG-13
Streaming: Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV
Rent: YouTube ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99), Apple TV ($4.99)
The Holiday (2006)
A film about two women—Amanda from LA and Iris from London—who swap homes over Christmas to escape heartbreak and unexpectedly find new love and clarity. With a cozy winter setting and themes of renewal, connection, and choosing yourself, this film will warm your heart. If you’re a rom-com fan, this is the perfect feel-good film to unwind during the season. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best gifts are unexpected.
Rated PG-13
Streaming: Philo, Sling TV
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.59), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99)
The Holdovers (2023)
A modern holiday classic, The Holdovers is about a curmudgeonly prep schoolteacher who’s tasked to babysit a group of students with nowhere to go during Christmas break. It follows the grumpy teacher as he bonds with a grieving cook and troubled student. The dramedy explores how family isn’t always blood related. Sometimes you gain family members through shared experiences and connections.
Rated R
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.79), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99)
Holiday Inn (1942)
Following a singer who opens a charming holiday country inn, this film has plenty of show-stopping performances and seasonal cheer. And its music is iconic, including the debut of “White Christmas.” You may find yourself singing along, as you follow the characters finding joy in life’s in-between moments. With its cozy, nostalgic vibe, this old Hollywood holiday film is easy to love.
Rated NR
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.79), Google Play ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Home Alone (1990)
A classic about eight-year-old Kevin McCallister who is accidentally left at home when his entire family flies off to Paris for the holidays. But you already knew that. It’s Home Alone! It’s an adventurous holiday film that explores both forgiveness and the joy of being with your family. Whether you’re watching it for the first time or the 50th time, it’s bound to put a smile on your face.
Rated PG
Streaming: Hulu, Disney+
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.79), Fandango ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
A live-action adaptation of a Dr. Seuss classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a go-to feel good holiday movie for everyone. It’s an entertaining and heartfelt reminder that the Christmas spirit comes from love and being with your loved ones—not materials things. And with Jim Carrey playing the title character, it’s a wild ride.
Rated PG
Streaming: Peacock, Amazon Prime, Hulu, fuboTV, Sling TV
Rent: Fandango ($3.99), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Love Actually (2003)
Weaving together interconnected stories, Love Actually shows the messy, funny, and incredible ways people experience love during the holidays. It has a simple but powerful message–love can show up anywhere. Often in small, truthful moments. It’s one of those rare ensemble movies that feels authentic. This one is for lovers.
Rated R
Streaming: Peacock, Amazon Prime
Rent: Fandango ($3.99), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Meet Me in St. Louis follows the everyday adventures of the Smith family as they navigate love, change, and the anticipation of the 1904 World’s Fair. Its iconic musical moments and heartfelt scenes capture the magic of family and nostalgia perfectly. The film is a beloved feel-good holiday movie because it reminds us that even in uncertain times, love and togetherness can light the way.
Rated G
Streaming: Tubi
Rent: Google Play ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99), Amazon Prime ($3.99)
The Santa Clause (1994)
An ordinary dad (Tim Allen) becomes the new Santa Clause after a Christmas Eve accident. This ‘90s classic film takes you to the North Pole and gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how Santa operates. It’s a clever twist on the Santa Clause lore that started a series of The Santa Clause movies—but this one is the best. Underneath all the comedy, it’s a film about reconnecting with family and believing in magic again. If you’re struggling to find the magic this holiday season, this film can be your spark.
Rated PG
Streaming: Hulu, Disney+
Rent: Amazon Prime ($3.79), YouTube ($3.99), Google Play ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99)
White Christmas (1954)
Two entertainers team up with a pair of talented sisters to save a former general’s Vermont inn from closing. It has everything from big musical numbers to a lovely winter setting, and a whole lot of charm. At its core, the movie captures the importance of gratitude and showing up for people who matter to you. If you want a feel-good holiday film with old-school Hollywood magic, this one’s for you!
Rated G
Streaming: Amazon Prime, AMC+, Philo, Sling TV
Rent: Google Play ($3.99), Fandango ($3.99), Apple TV ($3.99)