It is officially December and there is no better way to get you in the Christmas spirit than with holiday films.
While we love watching the new projects that come out every year, like these 31 new releases, there’s nothing better than the old but true good holiday movies.
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.
From the romantic comedies to the lewd comedies, these are the best holiday movies to get our spirits pumping every Christmas season.
(This list has been updated since last year’s list)
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.
Where to Stream: Tubi, Hulu, Philo as of Dec 1, 2023
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
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.
Where to Stream: Tubi, Sling TV as of Dec 1, 2023
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.
Where to Stream: Tubi, Sling TV as of Dec 1, 2023
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
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
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, Hulu, Philo TV as of Dec 1, 2023
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.
Where to Stream: Prime Video as of Dec 1, 2023
Something From Tiffany’s
There’s something to love about this movie that surprises you in avoiding a heavy predictable storyline. And getting to the expected ending is fun and heart-warming to watch.
Where to Stream: Prime Video
A Diva’s Christmas Carol
Even Scrooge needs love too, especially during the holidays. Take a musical journey with Vanessa Williams as Ebony Scrooge, a wicked singer who gets a wake-up call ahead of her performance at a Christmas charity in ‘A Diva’s Christmas’
Where to Stream: N/A
Holiday Rush
After his sudden firing, a popular radio DJ moves in with his aunt, bringing along his four spoiled children, and a plan to return to the airwaves.
Where to Stream: Netflix
Collateral Beauty
We always think of the good when its the holiday season but never think about those who, this time of year may be the hardest on.
Where to Stream: VOD
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 as of Dec 1, 2023
A Holiday Chance
This film starts with tragedy but is an underrated feel good on how sometimes the worst circumstances bring out the best in family.
Where to Stream: Fubo, Philo, Tubi, The Roku Channel as of Dec 1, 2023
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.
Where to Stream: Peacock, FuboTV, Hulu as of Dec 1, 2023
Christmas Belles
Two best friends falling for the same man, so what could go wrong? A lot. Time is ticking for thirtysomething-year-old single besties Delia Ross (Raven Goodwin) and Porsha Baker (DomiNque Perry). As Christmas approaches, the two find themselves falling for the new pastor (Mark Taylor) in town, which tests their friendship along the way. While most holiday movies revolve around family, Christmas Belles focuses on friendship and the importance of chosen family and lifelong bonds.
Where to Stream: Philo
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. Plus it has Sinbad, what more can you ask for.
Where to Stream: Disney+, Sling TV (premium) as of Dec 1, 2023
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READ: 21 Wildest (And Funniest) TV and Movie Dinner Scenes
Violent Night
Most holiday movies are joyful, but with the word violent in the title, we aren’t even going to convince you its a typo. There’s a robbery in which the only savior is a little girl and a Santa who’s gathering more bodies than cookies.
Where to Stream: Prime Video as of Dec 1, 2023
Trading Places
While Candy Cane Lane is Eddie Murphy’s first holiday family film, many say Trading Places is his first holiday movie.
Where to Stream: VOD
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 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.
Where to Stream: Paramount+, Pluto TV, Youtube, The Roku Channel as of Dec 1, 2023
A Wesley Christmas Series
A series of very relatable family drama every Christmas season…sound familiar.
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.
Where to Stream: Prime Video, Sling TV as of Dec 1, 2023
Black Nativity
While this is not one of the greatest holiday films, being that it was directed by Kasi Lemmons and based on Langston Hughes’ play, we have to keep it in rotation. Plus, every time you watch it, Black Nativity grows on you just a bit more.
Where to Stream: VOD
Holiday Heart
This my not seem like a holiday-spirited film but it is.
Where to Stream: Tubi as of Dec 1, 2023
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: Tubi
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.
Where to Stream: Hulu, Peacock, Tubi, Pluto TV as of Dec 1, 2023