From merry comedies to heartstring-tugging dramas, get ready to cozy up by the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa and some holiday cheer, as the season for festive movie marathons has arrived and we’ve rounded up the best Christmas movies available for streaming on Stan this holiday season.
Related: Cozy Up This Christmas with Our Top 7 Festive Films on Disney+
Best Christmas Movies to Stream on Stan in Australia 2023
Four Christmases (2008)
Four Christmases is a delightful romantic comedy that follows the rollercoaster journey of Brad (played by Vince Vaughn) and Kate (played by Reese Witherspoon), a couple determined to dodge their families’ holiday gatherings by embarking on a tropical vacation. However, when their plans go awry and they’re caught on camera by news reporters, they find themselves unable to escape. Forced to attend four separate Christmas celebrations with their divorced parents, they confront the humorous chaos of dysfunctional family dynamics, leading them to rediscover the true meaning of love, commitment, and the importance of family bonds amidst the holiday season’s hilarious and heartwarming moments.
Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is a beloved romantic comedy that intricately weaves together the stories of various characters navigating love in the weeks leading up to Christmas in London. From a recently elected Prime Minister (played by Hugh Grant) discovering unexpected feelings, to a writer (played by Colin Firth) finding love in the most unexpected place, and a widower (played by Liam Neeson) helping his young son navigate his first crush—each storyline beautifully unfolds, capturing the complexities and joys of love in its many forms. With a stellar ensemble cast, poignant moments, and a heartwarming soundtrack, Love Actually paints a vibrant tapestry of love, loss, hope, and the magical connections that make the holiday season a time for romance and heartfelt emotions.
The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday is a charming romantic comedy that follows the lives of two women, Iris (played by Kate Winslet) and Amanda (played by Cameron Diaz), who, frustrated with their love lives, decide to swap homes for the Christmas holidays. Iris heads to Amanda’s luxurious Los Angeles mansion while Amanda finds herself in Iris’s cozy English countryside cottage. As they immerse themselves in their new surroundings, both women unexpectedly find love in unlikely places. Iris strikes up a friendship with a charming composer (played by Jack Black), while Amanda connects with Iris’s brother (played by Jude Law).
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a beloved comedy that follows the Griswold family’s attempts to create the perfect traditional Christmas, led by the enthusiastic but hapless Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase). As Clark plans an extravagant celebration with his extended family, chaos ensues at every turn, from malfunctioning Christmas lights to unexpected visitors. Despite his best intentions, Clark’s efforts to create a memorable holiday are continuously derailed by a series of comedic disasters. With its slapstick humour, memorable quotes, and iconic moments, “Christmas Vacation” captures the hilarious and relatable trials and tribulations of family gatherings during the festive season.
Serendipity (2001)
Serendipity is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Jonathan (played by John Cusack) and Sara (played by Kate Beckinsale), two strangers who have a chance encounter in New York City during the holiday season. Despite feeling an instant connection, they decide to leave their future to fate, relying on destiny to bring them together. Jonathan and Sara part ways, but not without leaving a series of clues to find each other again. Over the years and through various obstacles, both continue to search for their lost connection, guided by the belief in destiny and the possibility of true love.
Elf (2003)
Elf is a heartwarming and comedic tale that follows Buddy (played by Will Ferrell), a human raised as an elf at the North Pole. Upon discovering he’s not actually an elf, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his biological father, Walter Hobbs (played by James Caan). In the bustling city, Buddy’s childlike innocence and unwavering holiday spirit clash comically with the cynical nature of New Yorkers. As he tries to connect with his newfound family and win over his initially sceptical father, Buddy spreads infectious Christmas cheer everywhere he goes.
Surviving Christmas
Surviving Christmas is a comedic film that follows Drew Latham (played by Ben Affleck), a wealthy and lonely businessman who finds himself alone for the holidays. Seeking to relive his childhood memories of Christmas, Drew decides to rent a family and their home to spend the holiday with. He offers the Valco family, including Tom (played by James Gandolfini) and Christine (played by Catherine O’Hara), a substantial sum to pose as his family for the festive season. However, as Drew attempts to recreate the perfect holiday, hilarity ensues as he clashes with the Valcos and realizes that money can’t buy the true meaning of Christmas or genuine connections.