The holiday season is upon us, and we couldn’t be more excited. There is a lot to love about this time of year, the decorations, the food, and most certainly the gifts. But arguably the best part is the movies and tv specials we get to see, old or new. You have your classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Home Alone”, or “How The Grinch Stole Christmas”.
While classic movies are a staple of the holidays, here is a list of underrated holiday specials to stream. Whether they are an underground classic, a new release, or even just our personal favorites, we want to give you many options on what to stream this holiday season.
So snuggle up in your blanket, drink some hot cocoa, and get ready to write all of these great recommendations down!
Spirited (2022)
First on our list is the new Apple+ movie, “Spirited”. In this modern retelling of Charles Dickens’s famous novel “A Christmas Carol”, Ryan Reynolds and Will Ferrel star in the brand new musical comedy that will have you singing and dancing along. The music was written by the team behind “Dear Evan Hansen” and “The Greatest Showman”, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. So whether you love musicals, love Christmas, or just really love Ryan Reynolds, give this movie a watch this season. Watch on Apple+
Spongebob Squarepants: “Christmas Who?” (Season 2, Episode 8)
Next is a classic Christmas special that every 2000s kid has seen. In this iconic episode, Spongebob discovers what Christmas is, and immediately becomes enchanted with the holiday, including becoming captivated by Santa Claus. Spongebob sets out on a mission to spread the holiday cheer around Bikini Bottom, meanwhile, Squidward is not falling for it. This special is funny, musical, and a classic cartoon special to watch around this time of year. Watch on Paramount+ or Amazon Prime
Violent Night (2022)
If you love raunchy or violent holiday movies, then we have the movie for you! “Violent Night” stars David Harbour as Santa Claus, who is going through a bit of a rough patch with this job. Meanwhile, a family Christmas party turns into a violent hostage situation, and it is up to Santa to save them. This movie has it all, action, comedy, and fantastically decorated sets! What’s better than action scenes set to classic Christmas music? See “Violent Night” this holiday season. Watch in Theatres
This one’s for you gleeks! In this fun-filled episode, the New Directions are celebrating the holidays only they know how by singing! Experience every genre in just one episode, drama, romance, and best of all holiday cheer. Featuring songs like “Last Christmas” and “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”. If you want even more glee this season, we encourage you to watch the season 3 Christmas episode “Extraordinary Merry Christmas”. Watch on Disney+
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
80s nostalgia + Christmas = The best movie ever! Watch Jake Doyle try to get the brand new NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) for Christmas. This movie oozes 80s nostalgia and will make you want to watch more 80s holiday movies after. Full of whacky hijinks and laughs, this movie makes for a great watch with the family. Watch on HBO Max
Noelle (2019)
Celebrate the season with Anna Kendrick and Bill Hader, and watch the new Christmas classic, “Noelle”. As the daughter of Santa Claus, Noelle wishes to be able to do more important work like her brother Nick who will soon be taking over the family business. Under pressure, Nick runs away from home, and it is up to Noelle to save Christmas. Watch on Disney+
Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas! (2011)
A truly underrated Christmas special. In this Disney Channel Original Movie, The Duncan family is split up en route to stay with their grandparents, and Teddy and Amy try to make their way back to the grandparents in time for the holidays. Bridgit Mendler and Leigh-Allyn Baker shine in this hilarious and adventurous special. Watch on Disney+
Phineas and Ferb: “Christmas Vacation” (Season 2, Episode 37)
Phineas and Ferb sleighed with this Christmas special. In this holiday episode, Phineas, Ferb, and the gang set out to turn Danville into a huge thank you card for Santa, who is Phineas’s hero. Meanwhile, Dr. Doofenshmirtz is figuring out a reason to hate Christmas, because he has built Naughty Inator so that he can turn Danville naughty. This special is full of fun Christmas songs, hilarious moments, and of course our favorite semi-aquatic secret agent. Watch on Disney+
Die Hard (1988)
Every year around the holidays, “Die Hard” is always questioned on whether or not it is a Christmas movie. It is. In our opinion, a very underrated holiday classic. Watch John McClane attend a holiday party gone wrong, and fight for his and his family’s survival. “Die Hard” is a great movie to watch around this time of year. What better way to celebrate the season, than seeing Bruce Willis climb through an air vent? Watch on Amazon Prime
A Muppets Christmas Carol (1992)
The Muppets put their spin on this classic Christmas novel with unique humor and heart that only The Muppets could do. In this iconic retelling, Scrooge (played by Michael Caine) is shown his Christmas of past, present, and future. Though “A Christmas Carol” is a very common staple of Christmas, “A Muppets Christmas Carol” is one of the best adaptations of the story. Plus, what is the holiday season without Kermit the Frog? Watch on Disney+
Community: “Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” (Season 2, Episode 11)
“Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas” is a love letter to the classic claymation Christmas specials that make the season so special. In this episode, Abed is seeing the world in claymation, and with the help of his friends (The Greendale Seven) and Professor Duncan, he finds the true meaning of Christmas. This episode is non-stop jokes, and is an all-around good time, the attention to detail in the animation is excellent, and the cast is stellar as always! Definitely worth the watch this season. Watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime
Gremlins (1984)
Another movie that is always debated on whether or not it is truly about Christmas or not, but once again, in our opinion it counts. Billy gets a new pet named Gizmo but is warned by his father not to break three very important rules. He breaks them and accidentally unleashes little monsters upon his hometown. It is up to Billy, Gizmo, and their friend Kate to save the day. Watch on HBO Max
Bobs Burgers: “The Bleakening” (Season 8, Episodes 6 & 7)
It’s Christmas time with the Belchers, and they are trying to make it the merriest and most joyful. Linda throws a Christmas party at the restaurant and cuts off the top of her tree to put in the restaurant. After the top of the tree, along with some sentimental ornaments is stolen, everyone is on a mission to find the tree and ornaments. These back-to-back episodes are a lot of fun and will have you laughing the entire time. Watch on Hulu
Arthur Christmas (2011)
“Arthur Christmas” is one of the most underrated Christmas movies ever made, and is genuinely a fantastic watch. It follows the younger son of Santa Claus, Arthur, who spends his days responding to letters written to his father. After a gift is left behind, it is up to Arthur to save the day. This movie will warm your hearts and is sure to get you into the spirit of the holidays. Watch on HBO Max
Kacey Musgraves Christmas Special
What is Christmas without a fun music-filled special? The “Kacey Musgraves Christmas Special” features many celebrity guests including Troye Sivan, Lana Del Ray, and Fred Armisen, and is hosted by Dan Levy. Featuring classic songs like “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”, “Let it Snow”, and features some original songs written by Musgraves herself. This special is everything you’re looking for in a Christmas musical special, and Musgraves shines with her musical talents. Watch on Amazon Prime
Happiest Season (2020)
Last on our list is a new holiday classic, “Happiest Season”. In this movie, Abby (played by Kristen Stewart) plans to propose to her partner Harper (Mackenzie Davis) while at her annual family holiday party, but there’s just one problem, Harper is not out to her conservative family. So Abby must pretend to be a friend of Harper’s, while not letting on that they are together. This movie will tug on your heartstrings and is a great watch. Watch on Hulu
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