If you’re anything like us, Christmas is not just about the food or the pressies.
In fact, while we prepare for the good times ahead, sometimes, after a hectic year, sitting down in front of the TV is just what is needed.
And this year, with streaming pretty much the only way to watch movies, OK! have compiled a list of the best Christmas movies to stream.
From your faves like Love Actually, to Netflix newest addition The Princess Switch, these films will get you feeling festive as quick as you can say “to me, you are perfect”…
The Princess Switch
Stars: Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio and Nick Sagar
Rated: G
Where you can watch:Netflix
Vanessa is no stranger to a cheesy flick (her performance in High School Musical gets us every time!) So when it comes to her latest flick – which pays homage to The Parent Trap – Vanessa felt right at home.
But the Disney star admits she still prepped a little.
“I definitely watched the royal wedding when I was in hair and make-up!” she laughs.
Vanessa plays both Chicago baker Stacy De Novo and Lady Margaret, the Duchess of Montenaro, complete with a British accent!
After realising they’re identical, naturally, the girls switch places. This one will warm even the coldest of hearts – trust us.
The Princess Switch starring Vanessa Hudgens and, well, Vanessa Hudgens! (Source: Netflix)
Christmas in the Heartland
Stars: Sierra McCormick, Brighton Sharbino, Shelley Long and Bo Derek
Rated: G
Where you can watch: AMAZON
Jessie Wilkins (Brighton) and Kara Gentry (Sierra) are two teenage girls from very different worlds, who meet on a plane.
Thanks to a little Christmas magic, they switch places to avoid having to spend Christmas with their families. But as with all heartwarming classics, the girls discover they have much more in common than they ever imagined.
Christmas in the Heartland has just the right amount of cheese. (Source: Amazon)
Christmas Inheritance
Stars: Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy and Neil Crone
Rated: G
Where to watch:NETFLIX
The whole point of Christmas is giving, a quality that ambitious Ellen Langford (Eliza) hasn’t quite mastered.
In order to inherit her father’s company and prove her worth, she must deliver a special Christmas card to her dad’s former partner in the classic winter town of Snow Falls.
After a storm leaves her stranded, she learns the meaning of hard work, sacrifice and the true gift of giving. As if your heart hasn’t melted already!
Story continues…
It’s the ultimate modern-day Scrooge story! (Source: Netflix)
Falling for Christmas
Stars: Leah Renee, Niall Matter, Lisa Whelchel and Michael Teigen
Rated: G
Where to watch: AMAZON
When champion figure skater Claire Benson (Leah) is sent off to a snowy mountain retreat to recover from a fall, she finds herself falling even harder for hunky ex-hockey player and single dad Luke (Niall).
A made-for-TV special, this seasonal story is packed with family friendly fun.
But will Claire follow her dream, or her heart?
This is perfect for the whole family. (Source: AMAZON)
THE CLASSICS
Love Actually
Stars: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Keira Knightley
Rated: M
All we want for Christmas is Love, Actually!
When eight different couples’ love lives interrelate, you get the ultimate romantic comedy. And Hugh dancing like no-one’s watching – which he says he “dreaded more than having my teeth extracted” – is still iconic.
Who wouldn’t want this at their door? (Source: StudioCanal)
Home Alone
Stars: Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern
Rated: PG
After he’s (happily) accidentally left behind by his huge family during Christmas vacation, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay) outsmarts a pair of bumbling burglars.
Does watching him apply aftershave for the first time ever get old? Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!
“Aaaaaah”. Best. scene. ever. (Source: Hughes Entertainment)
Elf
Stars: Will Ferrell, James Caan and Zooey Deschanel
Rated: G
Despite his good intentions, Buddy (Will) wreaks havoc on his elf community and is sent by Santa to New York to find his human father.
On his quest to fit in, Buddy’s man-child antics outside the North Pole are a laugh. This one’s a winner the whole family will enjoy.
Everyone’s favourite Elf is a Christmas staple. (Source: New Line Cinema)
Miracle on 34th Street
Stars: Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart and Natalie Wood
Rated: G
A traditional Christmas favourite, who could go past it?!
The story of a Macy’s department store Santa claiming he’s the real deal is enough to put the festive spirit back into the toughest cynics.
The OG Christmas classic.
