If you find yourself poking through our list of 2025's new Christmas movies, you'll notice a common theme: holiday romances rule. Rom-coms are a big part of Netflix's December output. I'm no grinch when it comes to the genre, but it did lead me to wonder what the streaming service has for those who aren't feeling that flavor of Christmas movie.
Outside of rom-coms, Netflix has some really good yuletide films you won't want to miss, like Klaus and Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. If you want a respite from all the romance, here's a lineup of films that can light up your festive gathering.
I watched Klaus for the first time in 2022 and couldn't believe I'd missed out on the hilarious and heartwarming tale. It introduces Jesper, a guy forced to trade his cushy life for one on a frozen island where no one gets along. The situation seems hopeless, but that changes after he meets a big-bearded recluse named Klaus. Grab your family and enjoy one of the best holiday options on Netflix.
Who Killed Santa? A Murderville Murder Mystery (2022)
Maya Rudolph and Jason Bateman improvise their way through a chilling case in this special episode of the Will Arnett-led crime comedy series Murderville (not a movie, but it is 50 minutes long). As the title suggests, it begins with the untimely death of a big-bellied merrymaker (skewered by a candy cane, a tragic way to go). Arnett, Bateman and Rudolph ensure the holiday laughs keep coming.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
In The Christmas Chronicles, two kids try to catch the man with the bag on camera, leading to a full-on adventure with the legend. It's a perfectly fine holiday flick starring Kurt Russell. A sequel, The Christmas Chronicles 2, is also streaming on Netflix.
In an era where new animated kids' Christmas movies seem sparse (at least compared to fresh rom-coms), That Christmas is a welcome yuletide addition. Based on children's books by Love Actually writer-director Richard Curtis, the film stars Succession's Brian Cox as Santa and includes an original song by Ed Sheeran.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey (2020)
The holidays are the perfect time to watch a musical. This one counts John Legend as a songwriter and stars Keegan-Michael Key in a villain-y role. A talented toymaker is painfully betrayed by an apprentice and loses sight of the magic. But his extremely bright granddaughter eventually enters his life, offering a chance at restoring that vision.
A Boy Called Christmas (2021)
With realistic animal friends, a story involving a secret village, and some big names, this movie delivers an enjoyable fantasy. It follows red-haired boy Nikolas on a big adventure. Maggie Smith narrates, Kristen Wiig stars as his selfish aunt, and Michiel Huisman and Sally Hawkins add more star power to the cast.
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