“Elf,” “Polar Express” and more

“Elf,” “Polar Express” and more

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Now that the holidays are here, what better way to get into the festive spirit than curling up with a cup of hot beverage and a Christmas movie marathon. But instead of digging out your dusty DVD collection, Hulu has a sleigh full of holiday gems ready to stream while you prepare a party, wrap presents, or shop and double-check your list online.

To make streaming smooth, joyful and entertaining, we’ve put together your guide to the best movies on the platform for every mood National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation To Eleven, The Polar Express To Just friends.

The best holiday movies to watch on Hulu

Whether you’re decking the halls or just outfitting your streaming queue, our list has everything you need to create the perfect holiday vibe.

Deck the halls (2006)

If over-the-top Christmas decorations and neighborly rivalries sound like eggnog, Deck the halls (2006) is a must. Matthew Broderick and Danny DeVito star as suburban dads who engage in a ridiculously escalating battle for the Christmas spirit. What follows is a competition of over-the-top antics – and lots of laughs. Stream on Hulu

I will be home for Christmas (1998)

Starring young Jonathan Taylor Thomas as Jake, a college student with a knack for intrigue, and Jessica Biel as his fed-up girlfriend Allie, this family-friendly comedy takes your crew on a wild cross-country journey. Jake has to get home by Christmas Eve to get his father’s coveted classic car. But a series of strange, unfortunate events threaten to thwart his plans. Packed with ’90s nostalgia and just enough holiday cheer to melt even the Grinch’s heart, this flick is perfect for a cozy family movie night. Stream on Hulu




Ring all the way (1996)

Every unhinged film from the ’90s starring Arnold and Sinbad is a gift that keeps on giving Ring all the way is no exception. In the comedy, Schwarzenegger plays Howard Langston, an exhausted father looking for the hottest toy of the year for his son on Christmas Eve – because what says Christmas spirit better than retail chaos? Full of nostalgia, it is the perfect choice for anyone who enjoys watching Arnold from the nineties. Stream on Hulu



Just friends (2005)

Before Ryan Reynolds became the most popular funnyman anti-hero of all time Dead Poolhe got laughs in the 2005 romantic comedy Just friends – a must for winter. Reynolds plays Chris Brander, a former high school nerd turned suave music manager who returns to his hometown for Christmas – only to find himself face-to-face with his unrequited crush, Jamie Palamino (Amy Smart). Add Anna Faris as Samantha, a pop star with a crush on Chris, and you have the perfect romantic comedy. Stream on Hulu

The Nutcracker (1993)

A timeless classic, The Nutcracker (1993) pirouettes on Hulu’s Christmas program. Starring Macaulay Culkin as the Nutcracker Prince, this adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet transports viewers to a magical realm filled with toy soldiers, sugar plum fairies, and a Mouse King you wouldn’t want under your tree. However, there are no booby traps for Culkin in this film. Instead, he and the New York City Ballet tell the story of young Marie (Jessica Lynne Cohen), who awakens with a real nutcracker (Culkin) and her exciting toy battle against the evil Mouse King. Stream on Hulu

Eleven (2003)

No holiday movie list would be complete without these Elevena modern classic as sweet as maple syrup on spaghetti. Directed by filmmaker, actor and Christmas movie enthusiast Jon Favreau, this family favorite stars the hilarious Will Ferrell as Buddy, a human raised by Santa’s elves who sets out to find his real father Walter Hobbs (James Caan). goes to New York City. Along the way, Buddy spreads Christmas cheer (and chaos) with his childlike wonder, serenades love interest Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) in a department store, and lets his adoptive elf father, Papa Elf (Bob Newhart), help him get rid of his biological father Santa Claus. Stream on Hulu

Fred Claus (2007)

Fred Claus (2007) is the Christmas comedy you didn’t know you needed. A tale of “polar” opposites (get it?), Vaughn plays Fred, Santa’s estranged, troubled older brother who has spent a lifetime living in the shadow of jolly Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti). When Fred is released from prison on bail, he has to crash land at the North Pole to pay off his debts by making toys, and sibling rivalry ensues. Rated PG, it’s a holiday film the whole family can enjoy, with silliness, a dash of holiday chaos and – of course – life lessons about family and forgiveness. Stream on Hulu

Jack Frost (1998)

Jack Frost is a heartwarming (and snowy) story of Jack Frost (Michael Keaton), a touring musician and well-meaning father who is given a second chance to bond with his son Charlie (Joseph Cross). When a wintry twist of fate and holiday magic transform Jack into a real snowman, things get wonderfully strange. Keaton leads a great cast, including the late Kelly Preston (Frost’s wife Gabby), in this sweet and tearful tale of redemption and family togetherness. Stream on Hulu

Christmas holidays (1989)

It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the Griswolds Christmas holidays. Whether you’ve seen it a million times or are introducing it to a newcomer to the family, the 1989 comedy classic feels every year as unpredictable as Clark Griswold’s (Chevy Chase) dazzling, short-lived Christmas lights. As Clark’s search for the Griswold family’s perfect Christmas unravels in comical and painful ways – sometimes literally – his supportive (and, frankly, overcoming) exhausted wife Ellen (Beverly D’Angelo) and the Children Rusty and Audrey (Johnny Galecki and Juliette Lewis) falter. are there to support you during the journey. Stream on Hulu

The Polar Express (2004)

All aboard The Polar Express – the magical, heartwarming ride that has been a holiday staple since 2004. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks in multiple roles (including the enigmatic train conductor and the wise, jolly Santa Claus), this animated family film takes viewers on an exciting Christmas Eve journey to the North Pole. Whether you’re riding the rails for the first time or revisiting this seasonal gem, The Polar Express is your ticket to holiday magic. Stream on Hulu

Christmas with the Kranks (2004)

Christmas with the Kranks is a holiday comedy with laughs for the whole family. In a twist on seasonal traditions, the Kranks, Luther Krank (Tim Allen) and his wife Nora (Jamie Lee Curtis), decide to skip Christmas for a sun-drenched cruise. But her unconventional plan plunges her vacation-obsessed suburban neighborhood—and her own family—into a blizzard of misfortune.Stream on Hulu

Die Hard (1988)

Uh, Die Hard – the endlessly debated action classic that is either the best Christmas movie of all time or not a Christmas movie at all, depending on who you ask. Bruce Willis crushes it when John McClane, a New York cop, visits his estranged wife Holly (Bonnie Bedelia) on vacation in LA, only to find himself in a high-rise building led by the suave but sinister Hans Gruber (as Alan Rickman). to find himself in a career-defining role in the fight against terrorists). In short: This film is a lot of fun. Between explosive action, sharp one-liners and that iconic “Yippie-ki-yay” moment, Die Hard manages to weave in just enough tinsel, a festive soundtrack and even some snow (okay, it’s debris – but still) to maintain its holiday feel.Stream on Hulu

Frosty the snowman (1969)

Burl Ives’ Frosty the snowman is a timeless classic that proves that magic can indeed bring a snowman to life – and warm the hearts of future generations. Narrated in a velvety voice by Ives, this animated story introduces us to Frosty, the jolly snowman with a corncob pipe, a button nose, and a knack for adventure. Who could forget the iconic “Happy Birthday!” every time Frosty comes to life, or the sweet message about the power of kindness and faith?Stream on Hulu

A Christmas story (1984)

George C. Scott plays Ebenezer Scrooge, the grumpy miser with an icy heart and an aversion to Christmas charity. But don’t write him off just yet – three ghostly visitors are about to give him a crash course in vacation pay. With a stellar supporting cast that includes Frank Finlay as the sinister Jacob Marley and Angela Pleasence (Ghost of Christmas Past), this adaptation has equal parts heart and humor.Stream on Hulu

Holiday film collection

If you’re in the mood for all the holiday magic, romance, and feel-good vibes, Hulu has you covered with its collection of Lifetime original-style rom-coms. Films like The Jingle Bell anniversary bring the cheers. Or cozy with A cowboy Christmas romance, Christmas on the farmand more holiday-themed titles now on Hulu.

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