The festive season is here, and 2024 brings an incredible lineup of Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit. From heartwarming tales of love and family to animated adventures and laugh-out-loud comedies, there’s something for everyone. Streaming services have stepped up their game with exclusive content, making it easier than ever to enjoy these holiday films from the comfort of your home.
In this article, we’ll explore the must-watch Christmas movies for 2024 and guide you through the streaming platforms offering them. Plus, we’ll detail their pricing, plans, and the best deals so you can maximize your holiday viewing experience.
The Best New Christmas Movies of 2024
This year, streaming platforms have unveiled a diverse slate of Christmas movies. Here’s a closer look at the most anticipated films and why you should add them to your watchlist:
Netflix Christmas Originals
Netflix has become the go-to platform for holiday movies, and 2024 is no exception:
- Hot Frosty
- Synopsis: A widow grieving the loss of her husband accidentally brings a snowman to life, leading to an unexpected journey of healing and romance.
- Cast: Lacey Chabert, Dustin Milligan.
- Why Watch: It’s a magical, feel-good movie with a dash of humor and heartfelt moments.
- Meet Me Next Christmas
- Synopsis: A young woman searches for a man she met at a Pentatonix concert, all while navigating the chaos of the holidays.
- Cast: Christina Milian, Pentatonix.
- Why Watch: With its unique musical twist and charming lead performances, this rom-com promises a fun and festive escape.
- The Merry Gentlemen
- Synopsis: A professional dancer returns to her hometown to save her family’s struggling tavern by organizing a holiday revue.
- Cast: Britt Robertson, Chad Michael Murray.
- Why Watch: This nostalgic story blends small-town charm with big-city talent, creating the perfect holiday vibe.
Disney+ Holiday Releases
Disney+ continues to delight families with magical tales and nostalgic favorites:
- An Almost Christmas Story
- Synopsis: Follow a young girl and her owl companion as they navigate a whimsical journey to find their way home during the holidays.
- Cast: Voice talents of Jim Gaffigan and Natasha Lyonne.
- Why Watch: The stunning animation and heartfelt story make it a perfect family movie night choice.
- Returning Classics:
- Disney+ is also home to iconic films like Home Alone, The Santa Clause trilogy, and Frozen. These beloved classics are must-watch holiday staples.
Hulu’s Festive Films
Hulu offers a mix of comedy, drama, and feel-good stories in its holiday lineup:
- Nutcrackers
- Synopsis: A workaholic uncle finds himself caring for his orphaned nephews during the holidays, leading to hilarious and heartfelt moments.
- Cast: Ben Stiller, Mckenna Grace.
- Why Watch: It’s a perfect blend of humor and emotion, making it ideal for family viewing.
- Curated Collections:
- Hulu’s holiday collection includes popular movies like Elf, Love Actually, and The Polar Express.
Apple TV+ Holiday Specials
Apple TV+ keeps it simple yet impactful with premium holiday content:
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Synopsis: Join Charlie Brown and his friends as they rediscover the true meaning of Christmas in this timeless classic.
- Why Watch: Perfect for all ages, this special brings nostalgic joy with its heartfelt message.
- Other Offerings:
- Apple TV+ also features exclusive family content and animated shorts to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Great American Family Channel
For fans of traditional holiday romance, Great American Family offers a cozy viewing experience:
- A Christmas Castle Proposal
- Synopsis: A couple discovers the magic of Christmas and the beauty of love while staying in a historic castle.
- Cast: Candace Cameron Bure, Mario Lopez.
- Why Watch: The picturesque setting and romantic storyline make it a quintessential Christmas movie.
Free Streaming Options
- Pluto TV:
- Offers free streaming of holiday movies, including classics and lesser-known gems.
- The Roku Channel:
- Features a “Season’s Streaming Collection” with an extensive selection of holiday-themed content.
Where to Watch: Streaming Services, Plans, and Deals
Choosing the right streaming platform can enhance your holiday viewing experience. Here’s an in-depth look at the plans, prices, and deals offered by popular services:
Netflix
- Plans:
- Basic (with ads): $6.99/month
- Standard: $15.49/month
- Premium: $19.99/month
- Features:
- Premium plans offer Ultra HD streaming and allow downloads on up to four devices.
- Deals:
- Netflix no longer offers free trials, but keep an eye out for promotions, especially around the holidays.
Disney+
- Plans:
- Basic (with ads): $7.99/month
- Premium (ad-free): $10.99/month
- Bundles:
- Disney+ bundles with Hulu and ESPN+ starting at $13.99/month.
- Features:
- Unlimited downloads for offline viewing.
- Deals:
- Disney frequently offers seasonal discounts, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday promotions.
Hulu
- Plans:
- Basic (with ads): $7.99/month
- Ad-Free: $14.99/month
- Features:
- Hulu offers access to live TV with additional subscription plans.
- Deals:
- Take advantage of Hulu’s Black Friday deal offering a year of the Basic plan for just $0.99/month.
- Free Trial:
- Hulu provides a 30-day free trial for new users.
👉 Get Hulu
Apple TV+
- Plans:
- $9.99/month
- Features:
- High-quality original content, family sharing, and offline downloads.
- Deals:
- New subscribers can enjoy a 7-day free trial.
- Purchase an Apple device to receive three months of Apple TV+ for free.
Great American Family (via Pure Flix)
- Plans:
- Monthly: $7.99
- Annual: $69.99
- Features:
- Pure Flix includes access to Great American Family holiday movies and family-friendly content.
- Deals:
- Pure Flix offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers.
Free Streaming Platforms
- Pluto TV:
- Cost: Free (ad-supported).
- Features: A variety of live and on-demand holiday movies.
- The Roku Channel:
- Cost: Free (ad-supported).
- Features: An extensive library of holiday films, including exclusives.
Tips for the Ultimate Holiday Viewing Experience
- Plan Your Subscriptions:
- Sign up for free trials strategically to watch exclusive content without committing to multiple subscriptions.
- Bundle Deals:
- Opt for bundled plans like Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN+ to get more content for less.
- Enhance Your Setup:
- Use a smart TV or streaming device like Amazon Fire Stick to access hidden picture settings for better quality.
- Explore Free Options:
- Platforms like Pluto TV and The Roku Channel offer a wide range of holiday movies for free.
Conclusion
The 2024 Christmas movie lineup is a treat for holiday lovers, with something for everyone across major streaming platforms. From Netflix’s enchanting originals to Disney+’s animated gems and Hulu’s comedic offerings, there’s no shortage of festive entertainment this season.
By taking advantage of free trials, bundle deals, and seasonal discounts, you can enjoy the best holiday movies without straining your budget. So, grab a warm blanket, sip some hot cocoa, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas movies.