10 Totally Overlooked Holiday Movies You Need To Watch This Season

We all love "Home Alone” and “Elf”but the holiday movie lineup could use some fresh snow. So before you hit “play” on the same old classics, check out these underrated holiday gems that deserve a spot on your cozy couch marathon list.

1. Arthur Christmas (2011)

Where to Watch: Netflix or Amazon Prime Video

This animated adventure answers one big question: How does Santa deliver billions of presents in one night? With British wit, clever tech and a whole lot of heart, Arthur Christmas is the perfect combo of funny and feel-good.

2. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV

Christmas lights, crime and chaos — what more do you need? Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer are hilarious in this dark, twisty mystery set during the holidays. Think Die Hard, but with way more sass.

3. The Family Stone (2005)

Where to Watch: Disney+ or Hulu

Messy family drama + Christmas dinner = cinematic perfection. This emotional dramedy about love, grief and awkward holiday reunions will make you laugh, cry and call your mom immediately after.

4. Tokyo Godfathers (2003)

Where to Watch: Crunchyroll or Amazon Prime Video

A homeless trio in Tokyo finds an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve and sets out on a life-changing journey. It’s funny, gritty and heart-melting — an anime masterpiece about redemption and found family.

5. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Where to Watch: Disney+ or Apple TV

Sandra Bullock accidentally pretends to be her crush’s fiancée while he’s in a coma. Oops. It’s a warm and delightfully old-school romantic comedy that’s perfect for holiday hopeless romantics.

6. The Ref (1994)

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime Video

A burglar takes an unhappy couple hostage on Christmas Eve and ends up becoming their marriage counselor. Sharp, sarcastic and refreshingly unsentimental, The Ref is perfect for anyone over Christmas cheer.

7. The Night Before (2015)

Where to Watch: Netflix or Amazon Prime Video

Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Anthony Mackie team up for a chaotic Christmas Eve filled with nostalgia, mayhem and some very questionable sweaters. Wildly funny and surprisingly sweet.

8. A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

Where to Watch: Netflix

The origin story of Santa Claus? Yes, please. This fantasy adventure mixes snowy magic, talking mice and a whole lot of heart, making it a modern holiday movie that deserves more love.

9. Better Watch Out (2016)

Where to Watch: Tubi or Amazon Prime Video

It starts like Home Alone… and then takes a jaw-dropping turn. This darkly funny horror flick is equal parts shocking and smart — perfect for those who prefer Silent Night, Deadly Night vibes.

10. Last Holiday (2006)

Where to Watch: Paramount+ or Amazon Prime Video

Queen Latifah finds out she might not have much time left, so she jets off to Europe to live her best, most luxurious life. It’s joyful, empowering and just the warm boost of positivity your holiday season needs.

So, this year, skip the same-old reruns and give these underrated holiday movies a

chance to sleigh. Which one are you adding to your watchlist first?