While others around you are busy making holiday plans, we understand that some of us will prefer staying indoors this winter. Are you already thinking about what to watch during the holidays? We’ve compiled a list of Best Christmas Movies on Peacock in 2024 to keep you entertained throughout the festive season.
Peacock may be a new streaming service for you, but it boasts an extensive library of movies, including a special category dedicated to seasonal delights. While you may not get everything on your wish list this year, if you’re yearning for fresh storylines and beloved Hollywood Christmas classics, Peacock has everything you need to make this season special.
Best Christmas Movies on Peacock
Below is a brief preview of the top Christmas movies on Peacock, arranged according to their IMDb ratings:
- How Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) – 8.3/10
- Love, Actually (2003) – 7.6/10
- November Christmas (2010) – 7.5/10
- Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – 6.6/10
- Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010) – 6.6/10
- Better Watch Out (2016) – 6.5/10
- Krampus (2015) – 6.2/10
- Just Friends (2005) – 6.2/10
- Saving Santa (2013) – 5.3/10
- The Waltons’ Homecoming (2021) – 5.1/10
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)
This classic film presents an animated rendition of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, with a runtime of only 26 minutes. Originally aired as a television special on CBS, its captivating storyline has earned it a prominent position at the top of our list. Released nine years after Dr. Seuss’ book was published, the heartwarming tale follows the Grinch’s attempts to ruin Christmas for the community of Whoville, only to be touched by the holiday spirit and transformed. The audience loved it so much that it became a regular part of CBS’s annual Christmas programming, continuing to air each year until 1988.
Narrated by Boris Karloff, who also voiced the malevolent Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas has become a timeless piece of Christmas content, joining the ranks of other beloved animated specials like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas.
- IMDb rating: 8.3/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 26m
- Release Year: 1966
- Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family
- Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
- Starring cast: Boris Karloff (Narrator), Thurl Ravenscorft (Singer), June Foray (Cindy Lou Who)
- Director: Chuck Jones, Ben Washam
- Writer: Dr. Suess, Irv Spector, Bob Ogle
Love, Actually (2003)
Love, Actually might confuse you first but once you understand it, it can turn out to be the most amazing Christmas movie for you. The subtleties of the one emotion that unites all people—love—are examined in nine interconnected stories. Hugh Grant plays David, the dashing newly elected British prime minister who develops feelings for a young junior staff member (Martine McCutcheon), Laura Linney plays Sarah, a graphic designer whose commitment to her mentally ill brother complicates her love life, and Alan Rickman plays Harry, a married man who is seduced by his alluring new secretary.
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 2h 15m
- Release Year: 2003
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Rotten Tomatoes: 63%
- Starring cast: Hugh Grant (The Prime Minister), Martine McCutcheon (Natalie), Liam Neeson (Daniel)
- Director: Richard Curtis
- Writer: Richard Curtis
November Christmas (2010)
November Christmas, a beloved emotional film from Hallmark would definitely amplify your emotion because it did ours. The movie tells the touching story of a small town coming together to support Vanessa, a young woman battling cancer, knowing she might not live to see the holiday season. The movie stars Sarah Paulson and John Corbett as Vanessa’s parents, while Sam Elliot shines as the chief conspirator and neighbor, orchestrating the early celebration of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas, so Vanessa can experience the joy and festivities with her loved ones.
- IMDb rating: 7.5/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Release Year: 2021
- Genre: Drama
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Starring cast: Sam Elliott (Jess Sanford), John Corbett (Tom Marks), Sarah Paulson (Beth Marks)
- Director: Robert Harmon
- Writer: Pnenah Golstein, Greg Coppa
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Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street, a timeless Hollywood classic, will challenge your belief in the Christmas spirit because it made us re-reflect on ours. The story revolves around Doris, who hires Kris Kringle to play Santa at Macy’s store and the Parade. However, when Kris adamantly claims to be the real Santa Claus, doubts are cast on his mental state. This leads to him being confined to a psychiatric institution, and the only hope for his rescue lies in the hands of his lawyer, Fred Gailey (John Payne), and Susan, Doris’s endearing 8-year-old daughter (Natalie Wood).
The film skillfully incorporates scenes from the 1946 Macy’s Day Parade, capturing the perfect seasonal ambiance. Miracle on 34th Street tugs at the heartstrings, evoking both moments of melancholy and heartwarming sentiments. With its exceptional cinematography, stellar performances, and well-crafted script, this movie is a valuable addition to your collection of holiday favorites.
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Release Year: 1947
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family
- Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
- Starring cast: Edmund Gwenn (Kris Kringle), Maureen O’Hara (Doris Walker), John Payne (Fred Gailey)
- Director: George Seaton
- Writer: George Seaton
Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale (2010)
The trailer of Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale declares that Santa Claus knows when you’re awake, he sees you when you’re sleeping – and when he simply doesn’t care. This Finnish horror/fantasy/action comedy revolves around a group of locals in Lapland who accidentally unearth Santa Claus during an archaeological dig on Christmas Eve and decide to kidnap him. Their initial plan is to sell Santa to Americans, but things take a dark turn when their children start disappearing and malevolent elves begin attacking.
As the situation escalates, the locals realize that capturing Father Christmas will require more creativity and force than they anticipated. The film stars two actors who are actually father and son in real life, which adds a surprising level of naturalism, despite the presence of ghostly reindeer and other peculiar elements. Rare Exports stands out as a distinctive holiday movie that takes an unconventional and bizarre approach to the festive season.
- IMDb rating: 6.6/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Release Year: 2010
- Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Starring cast: Jalamri Tommila (Rauno Kontio), Onni Tommila (Pietari Kontio), Peeter Jakobi (Pietari’s Elf)
- Director: Jalmari Helander
- Writer: Jalmari Helander, Juuso Helander, Petri Jokiranta
Better Watch Out (2016)
Don’t be misled by the song title referenced in the movie – Better Watch Out is far from a Christmas carol. Like Krampus, this film combines fear and cheer, revolving around a babysitter and a 12-year-old boy who seeks to turn a home invasion into a thrilling experience during the holidays.
With more twists and turns than a pole wrapped in Christmas lights, Better Watch Out playfully incorporates holiday genre tropes and misdirection. Although it lacks big-name actors, the film compensates with an abundance of gore and mind games. Critically acclaimed and featuring impressive performances from its youthful cast, Better Watch Out won’t give you warm fuzzy feelings during this holiday season, but it will undoubtedly send shivers down your spine.
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 29m
- Release Year: 2016
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Thriller
- Rotten Tomatoes: 89%
- Starring cast: Olivia DeJonge (Ashley), Levi Miller (Luke), Ed Oxenbould (Garrett)
- Director: Chris Peckover
- Writer: Zack Kahn, Chris Peckover
Just Friends (2005)
Just Friends explores the complexities of the friend zone and the theme of love and missed opportunities in a holiday setting. The film follows Chris Brander, a successful executive and record producer living the high life in Los Angeles, who unexpectedly returns to his childhood home in New Jersey with a pop star in tow, just before Christmas. Back in his hometown, he reconnects with his high school crush and best friend.
Released in 2005 and starring Ryan Reynolds and Anna Faris, Just Friends is a Christmas comedy that cleverly portrays the awkwardness of revisiting one’s past and reconnecting with people who knew you before you truly knew yourself. While some aspects may not resonate well with contemporary culture or stand the test of time, if you’re in the mood for holiday hijinks, pratfalls, or exploring the strength of young love, then Just Friends is a film that will entertain you.
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 36m
- Release Year: 2005
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Rotten Tomatoes: 42%
- Starring cast: Ryan Reynolds (Chris Brander), Amy Smart (Jamie Palamino), Anna Faris (Samantha James)
- Director: Roger Kumble
- Writer: Adam ‘Tex’ Davis
Krampus (2015)
Krampus puts a folkloric twist on the horror-comedy concept of Home Alone. Thats what we found out by watching the movie. In this film, a dysfunctional family becomes the target of an ancient spirit, more interested in ruining Christmas than in harming the family itself. The trouble begins when one child, in a fit of rage caused by family tension, tears up his letter to Santa. This act summons Krampus, a shadow of Saint Nicholas, known for capturing misbehaving children and dragging them to the underworld. On Christmas Eve, Krampus appears to terrorize the Engel Family, carrying out his sinister plan.
Krampus is a perfect choice for those who understand that spending family time during vacations or holidays can be fraught with tension. The film cleverly unites the family through a common enemy, showcasing how facing challenges together can bring a fractured family closer. It’s an entertaining option for those seeking a unique and thrilling holiday-themed movie experience.
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 38m
- Release Year: 2015
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
- Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
- Starring cast: Adam Scott (Tom), Toni Collette (Sarah), David Koechner (Howard)
- Director: Michael Dougherty
- Writer: Todd Casey, Michael Dougherty, Zach Shields
Saving Santa (2013)
Everyone is curious about how Santa manages to deliver presents to every person in the world in just one night, but Neville Paddington and his mother are particularly eager to uncover the secret. They decide to abduct Santa in an attempt to learn the truth. However, when Bernard, an imaginative stable elf, learns of the abduction, he embarks on a mission to utilize Santa’s secret time-traveling device to prevent the kidnapping and save Christmas for everyone.
- IMDb rating: 5.3/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 23m
- Release Year: 2013
- Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy
- Rotten Tomatoes: 17%
- Starring cast: Newell Alexander (Butterscotch), Noel Clarke (Snowy), Joan Collins (Vera Baddington)
- Director: Leon Joosen, Aaron Seelman
- Writer: Tony Nottage, Ricky Roxburgh
The Waltons’ Homecoming (2021)
If you’re not desiring to spend your Christmas holidays with the family then cuddle up with waltons instead. CBS aired The Homecoming: A Christmas Story in 1971 introducing the world to the Walton family. A series that looks forward to their antics started broadcasting in 1972 and after Family Time’s nine seasons, The Waltons was aired in 1981.
After 40-plus years, they came back in a renewed movie which aired in 2021 on CW. Richard Thomas has reprised his role this time returning as an adult John Boy and the story narrator. In only 79 minutes, the viewing experience is seen on the speedier side but it has still managed to maintain the original movie essence & the characters while they update the storylines to include the cultural and socially relevant issues. There is no other plan like home for spending holidays, but if you don’t desire to go home, there’s always a room in your house in Walton.
- IMDb rating: 5.1/10
- Where to watch: Peacock
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Release Year: 2021
- Genre: Drama
- Rotten Tomatoes: NA
- Starring cast: Logan Shroyer (John-Boy Walton), Marcelle LeBlanc (Mary Ellen Walton), Christian Finlayson (Jason Walton)
- Director: Lev L. Spiro
- Writer: Earl Hammer Jr., Jim Strain
Conclusion
In summary, Peacock offers a captivating variety of the finest Christmas movies that can whisk viewers away to a realm of holiday enchantment and heartwarming delight. Spanning from enduring classics that have withstood the test of time to modern gems that reignite the Christmas spirit, this streaming platform provides an unparalleled cinematic journey during the festive season.
The thoughtfully curated selection features a range of heartwarming tales, side-splitting comedies, and touching narratives of love and redemption. Whether enjoying a cozy evening with loved ones or savoring a peaceful moment alone, Peacock’s assortment of Christmas movies caters to diverse preferences and age groups, spreading festive joy and merriment to all.
