It is officially December and there is no better way to get you in the Christmas spirit than with holiday films.
READ: 48 New Holiday Movies Released in 2022
And while most Christmas movies get a pass for being extremely cheesy, these are not one of them — although some do teeter the line. But these movies either tug at your heartstrings or make you laugh or both. And overall they inspire love and family moments.
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From the romantic comedies to the lewd comedies, these are the best holiday movies to get our spirits pumping. (In no particular order)
Friday After Next
The last installment of the Friday franchise (thus far) still has us doubling over in laughter as Craig (Ice Cube) and his cousin Day Day (Mike Epps) try to come up with a way to pay their rent in 24 hours after getting robbed by Santa.
Jingle Jangle
Jingle Jangle is an instant holiday classic. There’s music, dancing, fantastic styling, a heartwarming story, and iconic nemsis. It’s the Christmas musical all ages can enjoy and a storyline that is refreshingly original. Oh and did we mention the whole cast is black…yup, refreshingly original.
Where to Stream: Netflix
The Preacher’s Wife
Between Christmas spirit and Christmas miracles, this holiday is all about the magic that surrounds it, which is why ‘The Preacher’s Wife’ is the perfect film for you and your family to watch.
Trading Places
While Trading Places is not really a Christmas movie, it takes place around Christmas and seeing Eddie Murphy go from being a conman to conning rich conmen is never not funny.
Home Alone
After nearly 30 years we still can’t get over seeing 8-year-old Kevin McCallister plot and scheme his way out of a home burglary.
Boxing Day
Aml Ameen’s directorial debut follows Melvin (Ameen), a British author who takes his new fiancee to meet his eccentric Caribbean family back in the UK during London’s annual Boxing Day celebration.
Where to Stream: Prime
Merry Liddle Christmas Series
One major plus about this movie is the tech agenda. It pushes a storyline of black women in tech so hello to an under-used storyline, we love it, welcome it, and hope we get more of it. The film was so good, they made a sequel.
Where to Stream: Lifetime
This Christmas
You have eye candy, a great storyline, and the creation of one of the best Christmas remakes in recent years. That’s just three reasons as to why This Christmas is one of the best holiday films to get you in the mood for Christmas.
Holiday Heart
This my not seem like a holiday-spirited film but it is.
Best Man Holiday
We can’t promise you won’t cry nor can we promise that you will laugh hysterically but we can promise you will fall in love with the ‘Best Man’ cast all over again. Despite the sequel being over 10 years later it was created perfectly and puts you in a nostalgic holiday spirit.
Where to Stream: Peacock
An En Vogue Christmas
We’re never gonna get tired of watching the lifetime Christmas musical that involves the legendary En Vogue as well as David Alan Grier. The film centers all around music and getting over old grudges just in time for the holiday.
The Kid Who Loved Christmas
The holidays are all about family and ‘The Kid Who Loved Christmas’ teaches us that those who you call family doesn’t have to necessarily be blood-related. Family is what you make it and who you fight for in this feel-good holiday film.
Bad Santa
There is nothing really spirited about this film besides the season it takes place in and the spirits the characters indulge. However while this Santa is not one you’d hope swoops down your chimney, he still finds a way to show off his kinder side.
Jingle All The Way
This hilarious family film will give all parents flashbacks of their Black Friday shopping experience. Especially those who dived for toys and almost caught a case trying to get the season’s hottest kid item in the store.
Where to Stream: Starz, Youtube, Prime, Hulu
Spirited
Spirited is a new holiday film and it does not disappoint the holiday season with a new spin on the old Scrooge storyline. Plus putting the versatile Octavia Spencer opposite Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds is a recipe for perfection
Where to Stream: Apple TV
Love Actually
This film gives all the romantic feels. With 10 different storylines intertwining with one another there is never a dull moment in the film. You will want to watch this film over and over this winter season.
Almost Christmas
What’s so great about Almost Christmas is that it is one of the most relatable holiday films within this list. This film brings together family, politics, cooking, adultery, old flames, and friends who are like family. All things that make for a good holiday story and storyline.
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Elf
Will Farrell is a human man raised as an elf who then makes his way to New York City in search of his dad. It’s a classic Will Farrell comedy and is quickly becoming a holiday classic.
The Santa Clause franchise
Making a movie about the “clause” in how someone becomes Santa Claus and then all the things Santa has to do behind the scenes can keep you invested in this entire franchise.
Where to Stream: Disney+
The Last Holiday
We’re always told to never take our family for granted but what about our own lives. Get a friendly reminder to live your life to the fullest and follow your dreams with the help of LL Cool J and Queen Latifah.
Perfect Holiday
The holidays are all about love and family and in this cute romantic comedy that’s exactly what Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union blend together.
Single All The Way
Me: I’m tired of seeing Christmas Movies
Netflix: Check out our newest holiday movie that isn’t too cheesy
Me: Hold my wine
Where to Stream: Netflix
The Muppet Christmas Carol
The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing Bob Cratchit, the put-upon clerk of stingy Ebenezer Scrooge (Michael Caine).
Where to Stream: Disney+
The Night Before
A hilarious R-rated holiday comedy. Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie are three best friends who have their last annual holiday Christmas Eve Party together since one of them will be starting a family in the next year. The night itself is full of insane and dangerous adventure through New York City.
Where to Stream: fuboTV, Philo, Youtube, Amazon, SlingTV