Although 2024 is almost over, there are still several exciting Christmas movies to be released before the new year begins. Christmas movies provide maximum comfort during the holiday season. Some beloved Christmas classics will be seen every year, and there’s a good chance one of this year’s new releases will make it into the rotation. These films feature classic and unexpected characters, such as a jolly Santa Claus and an eccentric Satan.
The latter appears in the comedy film Dear Santa Clauswhich is just one of the many ways the 2024 Christmas movies put a twist on the holiday genre. Anticipated animated and live-action films span a variety of genresincluding suspense, comedy and romance. The next list of holiday movies offers a variety of stories, so there’s something for everyone.
10
Red (in theaters)
Released on November 15th
Set up like a rescue mission, Red sees Dwayne Johnson, Chris Evans and others team up to save the kidnapped Santa Claus (JK Simmons). Red features a variety of monsters and myths that audiences are sure to recognize, including Krampus and the Headless Horseman. Since its recent release, critical reviews of Red were negative. However, an audience score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes shows that there is enough humor, adventure, and interesting characters in Red that makes it worth watching – even if it’s a little extravagant.
9
The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland (Hulu)
Premiered on November 15th
Based on the book of the same name by Carys Bexington The Night Before Christmas in Wonderland is a fun mashup of two classic stories. The animated film sees St. Nick (Gerard Butler) team up with Alice in WonderlandThe eponymous character (Simone Ashley) to show the Queen of Hearts (Emilia Clarke) the magic of Christmas after she banned the holiday in Wonderland. The film is a moving adventure tale filled with delightful humor, music and a delightful animation style that brings Bexington’s book to life.
8
An Almost Christmas Story (Disney+)
Premiered on November 15th
Directed by David Lowery and produced by Alfonso Cuarón, An almost Christmas story is a captivating short film inspired by real-life events – the 2020 news story about an owl being rescued from the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. In the animated short, a young owl named Moon escapes from the Rockefeller tree and crosses paths with a lost girl named Luna. Together they navigate the big city that looks like it was handcrafted with love and attention to detail.
7
The Merry Gentlemen (Netflix)
Premieres on November 20th
Christmas love stories sometimes develop in the most unusual ways. This year, The merry gentlemen has a truly unique start to a sweet holiday romance. In the film, Britt Robertson’s character Ashley puts on a Christmas-themed show with all-male performers to save her parents’ place. One of the performers is played by Chad Michael Murray, and it doesn’t take long for sparks to fly between the two. The merry gentlemen has an edgier premise compared to most holiday films, but still follows a beloved formula.
6
Dear Santa (Paramount+)
Premieres on November 25th
After several years of Tenacious D’s references to the Devil, Jack Black is finally playing the infamous figure in Dear Santa Claus. The comedy follows a boy, Liam (Robert Timothy Smith), who, thanks to a spelling mistake, accidentally writes a wish list for Satan instead of Santa Claus. Black is wild and undeniably suited to the role. After their first meeting, hilarious emotions ensue when Liam will make his wildest dreams come true – only if Satan is able to steal his soul.
5
Our Little Secret (Netflix)
Premieres on November 27th
After Falling for Christmas in 2022, referenced on Netflix Hot cold Starring Lacey Chabert, Lindsay Lohan returns to the streaming service for another Christmas film. This time, Our little secret sees Lohan’s character reuniting with her ex-boyfriend (Ian Harding) after they discover their current partners are related. The strange realization is represented with humor, and It’s fun to see the two do everything they can to keep their past hidden from others.. Tim Meadows, Judy Reyes, Chris Parnell and Kristin Chenoweth appear in supporting roles.
4
Nutcracker (Hulu)
Premieres on November 29th
Nutcracker is the classic story of a businessman (Ben Stiller) whose hardened, work-obsessed exterior begins to melt after spending time with his family. In the film, Stiller’s Mike is responsible for taking care of his nephews after their mother’s death (your sister). Due to this, Nutcracker isn’t exactly the feel-good, heartwarming Christmas movie most audiences are looking for this time of year. However, the real-life brothers who play Mike’s nephews are rambunctious and add just enough light to the sentimental holiday film.
3
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story (Hallmark Channel)
Premieres on November 30th
No holiday season is complete without a feel-good Hallmark movie, and one of the most interesting films on this year’s schedule comes from a partnership with the NFL. Holiday Touchdown: A Bosses Love Story and a romantic comedy that revolves around the unexpected love story between a Kansas City Chiefs superfan (Hunter King) and the team’s director of fan engagement. (Tyler Hynes). Donna Kelce, the mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, makes a brief appearance in the film and is also a restaurant manager.
2
That Christmas (Netflix)
Premieres on December 4th
From famous True love writer and director Richard Curtis comes That Christmas. The animated fantasy film is based on a series of children’s books written by Curtis. That Christmas follows the adventures of several families during the titular holidaywith Saint Nick himself (Brian Cox) making an appearance. Jodie Whittaker, Bill Nighy and Fiona Shaw are some other actors who complete the cast. That Christmas it has a sweet animation style and is a lot of fun with heartfelt messages that apply all year round.
1
Carry On (Netflix)
Premieres on December 13th
Continue is an unusual Christmas film, set during the holiday season, but the typical celebratory festivities are not the focus. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who directed Liam Neeson’s thrillers Unknown and Non-stop, Continue follows Taron Egerton as a TSA agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) into putting a dangerous package on a flight. Collet-Serra is also behind the horror film Orphanand while Continue does not fit into the horror genre, its accumulated suspense will still make hearts race.