It’s the time of year when the weather gets colder and the blankets get warmer. It’s the time to spend with loved ones, bake cookies, decorate trees, listen to holiday jingles, and, of course, watch movies. 

Wondering what to watch while roasting chestnuts on an open fire? Here are some fantastic seasonal classics to get in the mood for the holidays, and, more importantly, where to find them:

5. “Home Alone” (1990)

65% Rotten Tomatoes

After feeling isolated from his family and amid the chaotic preparation for a Paris vacation, Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin, wishes that he never had a family. He wakes the next morning to find out that his wish was granted. His parents had forgotten him and were already crossing the Atlantic before realizing they left their youngest home… alone. At first, Kevin relishes in his freedom, until he catches the attention of a bandit duo who plan to go on a robbing spree in his lucrative neighborhood while the families are away. At the spark of his career, the young Culkin carries the movie with some of the best one-liners in cinema history. This both comedic and heartwarming film represents the importance of family and forgiveness, especially during the holiday season. “Home Alone” is available with a subscription to streaming services like Disney+, Starz, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube with a Primetime subscription.

4. Scrooged (1988)

71% Rotten Tomatoes 

This modern take on the classic, “A Christmas Carol,” leaves a tasteful comedic twist to Dickins’ ageless message of goodwill and generosity all Christmas season. Starring the famed Bill Murray, representing the cynical Frank Cross, the film starts with the miserly television executive putting on a production of A Christmas Carol. While doing so he fires a staff member on Christmas Eve. Then, his life is upended by the visit of his dead business partner, Lew Hayward, played by John Forsythe, who warns him of continued supernatural visitations by three ghosts of the past, present, and future. As Cross faces the collection of humorous paranormal guides, he learns the true meaning of the Dickins’ tale and the Christmas holiday. This Christmas classic is available with a subscription to Prime Video, Paramount +, and for free on Pluto TV, and Sling TV.

3. “Elf” (2003)

86% Rotten Tomatoes

This famed film, starring Will Ferrell, begins with the backstory of the protagonist, Buddy. Ferrell’s character is revealed to be a human who was raised by elves and as an elf in Santa’s workshop. His life is forever changed when he finds out about his human descent and ventures into New York City to find his father. “Elf” perfectly balances the whimsical fantasy of a Christmas movie and the risible comedy of a Ferrell film. This movie’s humor is palatable for the entire family to enjoy, with jokes that will both entertain and go over the heads of children. Above all, the movie promotes messages of kindness, family, and Christmas spirit in a way that audiences, especially kids, are willing to absorb. This film is available on Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and Philo with a subscription and on YouTube and Apple TV for $3.99. 

2. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)

95% Rotten Tomatoes

Though wildly debated whether it’s a Halloween or Christmas movie, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is the perfect film to get in the mood for both holiday seasons. For Halloween, it adds the perfect balance of Christmas spirit to uplift the spookiness of the holiday. For Christmas, it contributes just the right amount of autumnal serenity to the, at times, overly sweet jingle bell season. Jack Skelington, voiced by Chris Sarandon, is faced with the dilemma of boredom over the same yearly ritual of Halloween and the responsibility of being the Pumpkin King in Halloween Town. Skellington expresses his frustration through the melancholy and melodic song “Jack’s Lament,” sung by Danny Elfman. The skeleton then takes a walk through the woods to clear his mind and finds a portal to Christmas Town. He stumbles into the portal and is amazed by the sweet uniqueness of the holiday as opposed to the ghoulishness of what he is used to. Skelington realizes that he must bring this great and new thing, Christmas, back to Halloween Town. The holiday classic is a direct product of Elfman’s musical genius, composing the entirety of the film’s soundtrack, containing euphoniously iconic hits like “What’s This?,” and “Oogie Boogie’s Song.”  The Nightmare Before Christmas is available on Disney+ with a subscription and for $3.99 on YouTube, Vudu, Apple TV, and Prime Video.

1.“How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966)

100% Rotten Tomatoes

Based on the Dr. Suess classic of the same title, the 1966 version of this ageless story brings Suess’s artistic style live in front of viewers of all ages to enjoy. The film showcases the main character, the Grinch, who is annually forced to watch and listen to the Whos down in Whoville celebrate his least favorite holiday, Christmas. The Grinch decides that he’s had enough and this year he’s going to stop Christmas from happening by stealing all the Whos’ presents and decorations. The iconic expressive animations of the Grinch character left an unbeatable standard that all other adaptations can only hope to imitate. Beyond being the most highly rated of all the Grinch movies, this animated adaptation paved the way for all versions of the Grinch that would follow. The 1966 version of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas” was the first to feature the hit song “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” This top holiday film is available with a Pluto TV subscription or for purchase on Prime Video and Vudu.