The 5 Best Christmas Movies To Watch With Friends!

Some Christmas movies are best watched alone while wrapping presents or half-asleep under a blanket. But then there are the ones that just work better with a group of people, where every plot turn, bizarre CGI choice, or unexpectedly emotional moment lands a little harder because you get to look around and confirm that everyone else just saw that too. We're convinced these 5 movies hit especially well when you’re watching with friends, whether you want something genuinely great, something funny, or something that just feels undeniably Christmas-y.

1. Jingle All The Way (1996)
This movie is ridiculous from minute one, and I say that lovingly. The plot keeps lurching forward through malls, parades, warehouses, whatever location the filmmakers thought would look festive enough to justify the scene. Also, having Arnold Schwarzenegger anchor this movie is its own kind of Christmas gift; there’s something so earnest and committed about the way he barrels through every scene. Phil Hartman plays the neighbor with possibly the funniest running gag in the movie. The way he keeps trying to swoop in and charm Arnold’s wife (Rita Wilson) is such an absurd subplot, and he delivers every line like he knows exactly how ridiculous the situation is, and honestly, that’s what makes it fun with a group. There’s always something happening, something over-the-top, and the Christmas-ness is strong enough to feel like you did your seasonal duty. (Stream on Disney+/Hulu, Peacock, Pluto TV, and Tubi)

2. The Polar Express (2004)
Every year, someone remembers how strange the early motion-capture animation looks, and every year we watch it anyway. There’s something weirdly mesmerizing about the smooth, slightly eerie faces, and the earnest attempt to overwhelm viewers with Christmas wonder. Watching it with friends turns the uncanny moments into shared delight rather than quiet discomfort. And if you want to extend the experience, pair it with Beowulf afterward -- same director, similar animation style, and tonally it fits surprisingly well as a wintry double feature. (Stream on HBO Max and Disney+/Hulu)

3. Gremlins (1984)
If you want something that nudges toward horror without making anyone regret eating sugar cookies beforehand, Gremlins is a reliable choice. It’s set at Christmas but doesn’t lean too heavily on sentiment. It feels playful but still suspenseful in a way that people who don’t love horror can handle. And if your group does want to escalate things later into true holiday horror, you can graduate to Silent Night, Deadly Night or Black Christmas. Even Gremlins 2 is worth mentioning for how strangely forward-thinking it is about media and sequels, and it makes for a fun discussion after the first film. (Stream on HBO Max and Disney+/Hulu)

4. In Bruges (2008)
This isn’t sold as a Christmas movie, but the winter setting and holiday atmosphere add a layer of mood that makes it surprisingly suited for December watches. The writing is sharp, the performances land, and there’s enough humor to keep the room engaged even though it’s more grounded than the other picks here. Sometimes a movie night with friends benefits from watching something that’s actually fantastic, and this one delivers that while still fitting the seasonal vibe. (Available on VOD/Digital)

5. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005)
If you want something stylish and witty with Christmas lights in the background, this is the one. It blends mystery, action, comedy, and the holidays into something that feels mischievous without being mean-spirited. Robert Downey Jr. feels like he was born to do this kind of off-kilter, stylish detective comedy; every line has that effortless delivery that makes the whole thing feel loose and entertaining, especially with friends around. We think it’s a great group movie because it’s always moving, and there’s an infectious sense of playfulness in the storytelling that keeps everyone entertained even if they’ve seen it before. (Available on VOD/Digital)

Honorable Mention: Scrooged (1988)
I go back and forth on recommending this one because some of the humor and pacing feel very tied to the era it was made in. But the designs, effects, and surreal moments throughout are fascinating, and if you’re someone who enjoys looking at movies as constructed objects, sets, makeup, practical effects, it becomes a fun watch. There are creatures and visual ideas that were genuinely ahead of their time, making it worth adding to a longer movie night. (Stream on Paramount+, AMC+, and MGM+)

However you structure your holiday watchlist, these are great choices if you want something a little different from the standard sentimental fare. You can keep things light, weird, heartfelt, or somewhere in-between -- just make sure to watch with people who are ready to enjoy the ride!